I can’t help but smile from ear to ear whenever I see baby Ryan. Is it his saggy cheeks? His perky ears? Or just his entire fabulous face? I love allll of it!! I remember the day Serena told me she and Ray were expecting their first child…cuz I had tears–yes I’m an emotional woman:P Serena and I have been teacher colleagues for quite some time. We’ve seen each other through the tough times and the super glorious days. I’ve always had great respect for her as a person, colleague and now a super mom:) She has an unlimited amount of patience and love for people. Ryan is going to be spoiled with her goodness. Ray is an awesome dad. He’s great at lending a listening ear and giving the very best advice. Plus he’s also multi-talented with his video/photography/drumming gigs. Ryan has inherited some serious gear. I know without a doubt baby Ryan is now part of an amazing family.
From the monthly archives:
June 2011
How cute are they?!? Once I arrived at my friend Serena’s house to take photos of baby Ryan, his two older cousins Zinnia & Xavier were over visiting him. We decided to do a little mini-session with the brother and sister. Umm…how could I pass up on those faces?! Zinnia and Xavier were both super awesome at taking directions, plus it was almost impossible not to laugh the whole time. The entire 10 minutes was full of crazy fun!
Angela, their mom, is no doubt one lucky momma. Just the by the way Zinnia and Xavier interacted with each other in such a short amount of time tells me just how immense their love is for each other…sooo sweet. My cheeks got sore from all the constant smiling I was doing while working on photos. Do these kids have an agent yet? 
Emmalina is a dream sleeper. She’s also quite the beauty:) Jenny and Eric are going to have to keep watch for future boys lining up at the door…and on fb, twitter, + who knows what else!?! Hopefully, big brother Ethan will help keep an eye out with a protective arm around her.
Jenny has been blessed yet again with an amazing sleeping baby. However, she’s hoping that her girl genes will kick in and be more mellow than Ethan. He’s an amazing big brother, sneaking in kisses for Emmalina here and there–so sweet. But he’s an active boy and is keeping mom pretty busy. Baby Emma has daddy already wrapped around her teeny tiny finger. I’m assuming it doesn’t take much to make daddy melt…just one look. Emmalina is lucky to have two great parents. Jenny’s the one who is prepared for everything and anything that comes her way. Eric is her rock and will do anything for her. Both parents adore her to no end. Beautiful family.
Waverley is one of those girls who is always on. the. go. She’s full of life, energy, loves to dance, sing and perform: watch out broadway–here she comes!!! Did I mention she’s super cute? She charms people with her eyes and her undeniably infectious smile:) Bonnie and Felix, though are tired of physically keeping up with her, both know they are blessed with having a daughter who just can’t contain her spirit for living life large.
Bonnie hasn’t stopped running after Waverley from the word go. I’m in awe of how much she loves, cares and keeps up with her every move of every second. She’s a devoted wife and working mom that I admire and look up to. Felix finds joy in setting free Waverley’s need for speed and adventure. Yet he also has the instinct to protect her from all harm. Both parents love to travel and expose Waverley’s need to see and experience all amazing things the world has to offer. I’m very curious to see how Waverley conquers the world, and how much it will change because of her.
For most of Stellar’s young life, she wasn’t into dresses. Then one day, she decided it was the better wardrobe choice and that was it. I blame it on the following ladies: Cinderella, Belle, Snow White, and Sleeping Beauty. Disney wins, yet again. Recently, she’s been advising me that gloves would make her outfit even more beautiful. Gloves?!?? Obviously, she and I have lots to talk about:P This yellow number is by far her fave.
Well, the dress wasn’t bought by me. It was given by my dad’s new partner. I can’t even say the ‘w’ word even though they are now legally married. She literally came and overloaded my daughters with gifts along with a big 2lb bag of candy. I would say it’s been over a year since my parents separation, but the awkwardness and healing is far from over. Some days I try to see things from her point of view, but it’s nearly impossible. It’s okay if the awkwardness continues with me. Though as a mom, I instinctively want my daughters to be sheltered from all forms of brokenness. I know however, this can’t be done. The journey to discover beauty in brokenness continues…
Jayden has grown so much since the last time I took photos of him…he was only weeks old. Now he’s running, talking, laughing and eating big bowls of food (evidence found in size of belly and cheeks). This particular day he was a little more cautious of the mulchy ground and suspicious looking animals:P Luckily, Jack-Jack, his best monkey friend made a surprise appearance during the trip to keep him company. Those two are literally inseparable.
Judy and Jon are amazing parents. Jayden is loved all around the clock. The way Judy flawlessly plans for Jayden’s every need shows her super mommy dedication to her little monkey. Jon has great patience and is definitely passing down his jokester genes. Jayden has become quite the little tease:) I’ve seen his coy expressions in full effect around my 1yr old daughter Gem. There’s an unspoken bond between them that my husband Lon refuses to acknowledge. Who can blame Gem? Jayden’s got mommy’s beauty genes and daddy’s charm.