It will be a not-so-minor miracle if Baby Tad survives toddlerhood without breaking a bone, poisoning himself, suffering a concussion, electrocuting himself, dining from the litter box, drowning in the toilet, falling headfirst from the high chair or shopping cart that he REFUSES to sit in, choking to death, poking his eye out, knocking teeth out . . .

You WEAR ME OUT, sweet boy!

Because she is a fantastic photographer, I was a bit nervous and felt waaay under-qualified to take pictures of my dear friend’s family on the morn that she and her firstborn were headed for the Missionary Training Center in Provo, UT.  She’s the reason I even started dabbling in photography (and blogging) in the first place!

But what can you say to she who epitomizes charity and generosity!

To she who was my shoulder to cry on when my firstborn started Kindergarten (and will be my shoulder to cry on when I make my own trip to the MTC)!

To she who made me the most amazing meal I’ve ever eaten after I’d had Vivi … and the most amazing Oreo cupcakes … and donuts … and tomato basil soup … and I could go on and on and on!

Of course I agreed to come snap some pictures for her!

And I was taken back by how much easier it was to photograph her cooperative kids compared to my wee wiggly ones.  But when their ride to the airport pulled up as I was heading out, I was grateful that I could go home and tuck my wiggly baby boy in for a nap instead of saying goodbye to him for two long years. (Can you tell that I have dreaded that day from the moment the doctor pronounced, “It’s a boy!”)

You’re my hero, Mar! Thanks for letting me spend precious time with your beautiful family.

Child # Two went # One and Child # One went # Two.

BUT # Two had flushed TP by the slew—a HUGE BOO BOO!

So # One’s # Two did accrue in the loo.

EEEWW!

Oh, I wish I knew how to get the queued paper and poo to pass through!

DO YOU?

I feel honored when friends ask me to take pictures of their kids.  Here are a few favorites from a recent outing:

With expert telephone support provided by my genius mother and her genius friend and coworker, Ramona, I’ve crocheted darling little pumpkin hats over the last few weeks.  I started out just wanting to make one as a newborn photography prop, but it was just too cute, so I’m also making them for my kids.

SUPER EASY and FAST! (not to mention CHEAP!)