ONE!

Okay...so it's not an 'EXTRA, EXTRA, READ ALL ABOUT IT' kind of situation. I admit, I dropped the ball on this one.
Baby Gavinn turned one!

Nearly three months and change ago.

But just because I'm late doesn't make him any less cute! 

These were taken on his birthday: January 21.

Since we were shooting on the actual day, OF COURSE he had to have some cake! I love these little cakes made by Angie at The Ole Café. Not only do they look ridculously adorable, but they are so nummy, too! 

Gavinn wasn't quite sure what to do with it at first...

But it didn't take him long to figure it out.

He was...messy...to say the least!

**********************************

Okay, time for a flashback.

Can someone please explain to me how this...

...turns into this in just a few short months!?!?!

These were taken about three weeks ago...

Unbelievable. He. Rocks. My. Socks. Off.

In theory, ending with this shot would be a perfect segway into Tawna and Charlie's engagement session...but I'm going to sit on that one for a bit.

I'm so mean.

But don't hate.

It will be worth it.

Have a fabulous weekend!!!

St. Patty's and birthday wishes

I don't remember the exact moment you were brought home, but I do recall stories that I was mad because I wanted a brother. After a while, I must have conceded and thought a little sister was alright, too. Someone to play barbies and 'Mommies' with (why the heck was that the name of that game?). Someone to make endless treasure hunts for and a student to sit in my play classroom. A forgiving and patient model for all my photography endeavors. A talk show guest. An enemy in 4-wheeler hide-and-go-seek-tag. Someone to ride bikes with and read stories to. A fellow co-hort to jump in the rain puddles with and to drink hot cocoa with later. A friend to have lunch with (whether it be on top of the little house at the end of the driveway or a more established Hogan Brothers) or to call simply to shoot the breeze. Yes, a sister is alright. Sure, there may be a hole in my door from where you stabbed it with a butcher knife and a cut under your eye from one of the many brother adventures, but that's just a part of normal childhood wear and tear. As you finally come into the 20-something world, I have to say that I'm so proud and happy to have you as my sister. Who would have thunk it?! I'm so happy for the person you are turning out to be and feel so blessed to have a sister who I can also call one of my best friends.

Happy birthday, Cletus. You're alright.

baby blues

How is it possible for him to go from this to this already?? And those eyes! Yep, Beans is going to be a heartbreaker...for sure...

9 months

Yay, family photo!!

Beautiful.

A growing Beans!

Beans, beans, the wonderful tot.

Oh, don't you know I just love you a lot.

Don't worry, I won't be quitting my day job anytime soon. Either of them. ;-)

First and foremost, check out the hawk. Can he rock it, or what?


And this is when we learned that he can sit up by himself for minutes at a time. Who knew?

3 months and counting

Baby beans is getting so big! He's giggling and cooing and is just the most precious thing. I was asked to be a co-godparent to this little guy and I couldn't possibly be more excited!!! These were taken when he was three months and one day old..which was almost three weeks ago. Wow...I am catching up, though, I promise!!! Thanks to my sister for her endless patience with me!

He's such a ham, can't wait to take some 6 month outdoor photos of him this summer! I have a few ideas I would like to try out...Ooooo, I do love the summertime!!!

Happy Birthday, Mommy!!

Ok, it's not my mom's birthday--Bean's mom! My baby sister is joining the forces of the twenty-something world. Wishing her all the joy and a fantastic time in fabulous stage of life. Love you!

These show Beans at 6 days old, now he's pushing 7 weeks. No longer a little bean, but a growing one. Considering he's not one who necessarily likes to be naked (and cold!), he did a marvelous job being cute as a button. Can't wait till April--three month photo time!! 

and the name is...

a new kind of waiting game

No name yet, will post as soon as I know! :-)

And the waiting is over...

Wow, what an emotional day!

It all started when I got a rather hurried call at 4:37 a.m. this morning, picked up pace at 9:30 a.m., climaxed at 11:33 a.m. and is now nearly over as I glance longingly at my bed, rumpled and certainly unmade. I have witnessed, first-hand, the fantastic act of birth for the first time almost three years ago with my cousin and her first baby girl. I cannot believe it has almost been three years, time seems to flow easily through my fingers.

I was no less fascinated today, than I was then. My baby sister had her first baby. To be honest, I believe it will be first of many. She's always been more than blessed with an innate sixth sense when dealing with children, babies especially. Through two grueling hours of pushing, she worked, sweated, and moaned like a true Cole to bring little baby bean into this world; all 8 pounds, 21 inches of him. I'm not sure I've ever felt more proud, or more privileged, to be able to witness B enter our lives and quietly settle within our hearts. Thank you so much Tawna and Charlie for letting me share this experience with you. Love you both. Congratulations.

Talking to Auntie Tasha and Uncle Troy before labor

Nine Months and Counting...

These photos were taken on Saturday, January 17. Hehe, meant to post them earlier! At least now we can see what was in there all this time! :-)

Four months vs. nine months!