the wind in her hair...

The beach has been my favorite place for as long as I can remember. Somehow this year it didn't capture me. Not how it used to. I used to sit on the sand and stare at the waves in awe. It would catch me and sweep me away. I felt small, but big. I felt inspired and peaceful. I would feel the wind blow through my hair, and the gritty sand collapsing over my toes and melt in that awesome moment. 

While I sat at watched Sadie play our first night at the beach, I felt as if she was feeling those very things. She held her arms out all on her own, feeling the wind from the crashing waves blow past her. I didn't tell her to do anything, in fact I didn't even talk to her, and nobody else did either. She was in her own world, soaking it all in the same way I used to. I followed her around and sat back and watched. For the first time I wasn't in awe of the ocean, but of my daughter and her beauty. She is so amazing. 

Sadie

My beautiful baby girl is 2. I was reminded a few weeks ago that I didn't take any 2 year pictures of her... and she's already been 2 for a month. To be honest I didn't even plan for these to count. I made the romper she is wearing (which I am pretty proud of) and I was taking pictures of it. I am very pregnant... and I didn't get off of the picnic table bench once for these. She just stood there and let me shoot. I couldn't believe my luck. She never cooperates, but I am sure glad she did!

She is spunky and beautiful. She is full of life and unexpected moments of joy and silliness. She is the most precious little girl I could ever dream of and I can't believe I'm lucky enough to hear her call me Mom. I can't wait to see how she will change and grow over the next year of her life. I know she is going to be 3 before I can blink, so I'm going to soak up that baby face while I can. I know those arm rolls won't be there much longer and neither will that whispy hair or big tooth smile. I love her so much and I plan on making sure she spends her life knowing it. 

A Little Lamb

Sadie had a little lamb... and everywhere that Sadie went the lamb was sure to go. I always dreamed of having a baby who had a special stuffed animal. By the time Griffin was 18 months I knew it was a hopeless dream, he whipped every one of them on the floor the second you handed it to him. Sadie however is another story, she has grown super fond of this little lamb, and I have grown fond of her loving it. 

Letters - July 2012

I have two new photography crushes, The Red Balloon Photography and Kate T Parker Photography. 

I've been wanting to make my photography a little more personal like theirs, with no intention of copying styles... but I am going to borrow an idea. 

The Red Balloon is writing a letter to her daughters every month and I think its the sweetest thing. I only have one daughter, but I also have a son. So I'm going to write letters to my kids, this month is just for Sadie.

Dear Sadie,

You are such a spunky little 15 month old. I never knew how different two kids could be until your wild and crazy personality starting coming out. You are outgoing, independant and silly, and you will baby talk all day long to whoever will listen. You love reading books to your stuffed animals with a big dramatic, "the end" when your done. You love walking, even though you've only mastered it within the past few weeks. You love food, and you eat more of it than Griffin does. You almost always get your way, winning us over with those huge eyes that hide behind your mile long eyelashes. You sing all day long to yourself, and to me. You dance by wiggling around, your arms go up by your side and you shake from side to side. You have lots of energy and run with the push toys all over the house, all day long. Even with all this energy you still nap twice a day, and you get tired quick from all the playing you do. You think Griffin is so funny, and laugh and him being silly always. You aren't a fan of the beach, but I'm working on that. You cuddle into me and fit like a glove, like that spot was made just for you. You are the sweetest, most adorable baby girl in the world and I couldn't have dreamed up a more perfect baby if I tried. I love you so much and am loving every minute of watching you grow, which I think you are doing much to quickly.

Love, Mom