I hope that everyone is enjoying the snow. Marcus was a little disappointed that we didn't actually get snowed in as predicted, but I rather enjoy getting the benefits of the snow without all the hassle. Hayden still can't sit up on his own, but I found a way to get a photo of him in the snow. He wasn't all that impressed, especially when his hand got wet and cold, and he was ready for a nap once we got back inside.

I love this little red sweater and hat (great for hiding his bald head) that I got from Gymboree's after Thanksgiving sale. I originally got it for his visit with Santa which never happened so we decided to do some family photos instead. I'm not a big fan of everyone matching (all white shirts with jeans for instance), but I do like when there's a color scheme so we went with red and brown. In hindsight, I'm thinking that the blue jeans weren't the best choice. Always remember to wear a complete outfit for photo sessions because your pants (and even socks and shoes) may show.

It's so exciting to work with couples as they begin their marriage and then watch them as they start their families. After photographing weddings for both Sarah and her sister, I feel especially close to this family. It wasn't that long ago that Sarah and I were sharing pregnancy stories at Hayden's baby shower, and now we're both mommies! I'm a little jealous though. Thanks to a special diet while she was pregnant, Sarah ended up SMALLER after giving birth than before she got pregnant. I'm still trying to get rid of half the weight that I gained during my pregnancy, and the holidays haven't helped any. It's a good thing that babies are so cute and are worth all the trouble.

Sarah and Daniel's baby is definitely a cutie. They welcomed Miss Hallie Isbell Burtch into their lives on December 15, and she is such a doll. Congratulations to them and to all the other families who are celebrating this new year with new babies. In exchange for all the happiness that they bring, may we all resolve to shower them with our love, time, and patience so that they will be happy and healthy in 2010.

I hope that everyone is having a happy holiday!

I'm sending out my warmest wishes to everyone but especially to those who are missing loved ones today. Whether they have passed away, are fighting in the military, or are just living across the country, you are connected to those that you love and carry a part of them with you wherever you go. May we all find some peace and comfort this holiday season.

He was more of a birthday present than a Christmas present, but this is my favorite gift that I received this year.



If that was the "before" photo then the next photograph must be the "after". This is how I feel after cooking, eating, and opening presents.

Tis the season to stick a funny red hat on your baby! It helps to keep his bald head warm, and it's just so darn cute.





Guess who is already four months old this week! Technically, he is at the "supported sitter" stage, but he has been able to support his weight on his legs for months. Does that make him a "supported stander"?



Next week he gets to meet his Swedish grandparents and uncle for the first time, but this week he had fun with one of his cousins.

My neighbor gave birth to her second son just days after I gave birth to my first. Hayden and I enjoy going over to visit with them during the week, and I was excited for Hayden to have little playmates so nearby.

Unfortunately, we just found out that they will be moving their family to New York soon, but they found time for a few photographs even in the midst of the holidays and the move. I love working with friends, but it's even better when they live just steps away and offer to hold your baby while you photograph their children.

Here are a few of my favorite photos of the boys. If you've ever tried to convince an active 2-year-old to slow down long enough for a photograph then you know how rewarding it is to capture shots like these.