1. L.A. is currently in love with Goodnight Moon. No matter how many books we read before bed, it always has to end with Goodnight Moon. The other night I tried to trick him and skip Goodnight Moon by just telling him a story as we rocked, and it took him about 30 seconds to catch on before he bolted up and pointed down at the book and then looked back up at me as if to say “Hello?? Did you forget something?”. He’s learning so much every day and has become so much fun. Sure, there are still those moments of extreme frustration (biting, and tossing his dinner on the floor come to mind), but those little eyes twinkle in such a way it’s hard to be perturbed for more than a second.
2. P2 is in love with cheese - all shapes and sizes, cheese must be a part of every meal. Chocolate milk is a close second, which is a little odd as it hasn’t been on my radar since about 5th grade. Thanks kiddo… you couldn’t be obsessed with fruit, or lettuce perhaps?? I can feel the little one growing in there now though, and though I’ve been through it before, it still completely amazes me.
3. Photography related, I am currently in the process of working on some changes for the blog… stay tuned! 2009 will be an exciting year, and we’re looking at a whole new pricing structure centered around digital files because in this day and age, that seems to be what we all want anyway. If you have any thoughts on that one way or another, feel free to drop me an email at crista@cristaacosta.com .
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Last thing, today is the final day for nominations in the Holiday Cheer contest. I will take some time this weekend to read through all the entries and the winner will be chosen collectively by myself, C, and a group of professional photographers. I will be in contact with all those who have submitted nominations thus far. Thank you!
Because really, no post should be without a picture, here’s one of the boy behaving (for once).
Hello there sweet baby! Will has gotten so big since his newborn session, and his gorgeous eyes were just taking everything in. This is such a smiley, fun age!
I’ve seen a lot of cute holiday outfits over the past few weeks, but this one just might take the cake.
Can’t wait to see you again at 6 months, Will!!
One of my favorite little guys to photograph… he’s just getting sweeter as he gets older. We had a blast in our quick little meeting!
Is he a little Gap model, or what?
Big blue eyes, perfectly creamy skin, gorgeous little smile, teetering balance trying to learn to sit up and hands that constantly make their way into the mouth… I just love this age. Truth be told, I love all ages and this job allows me to enjoy them all.
Without further adieu, here’s Jake.
Ohhh those dimples!!!
and here is where we told Jake about his first Holiday season, he’s excited! ;)
C and I have been a bit lax on the baby proofing in our house. We have a gate at the top of the stairs, the outlets are covered, and the cabinets are locked up for the most part, but we still have a bit more to do.
So to smack us in the face with a wake up call, yesterday L.A. and I were playing in the living room and I got up to go put something on the stove in the kitchen. Everything was all prepared, it was literally a “throw it all in the pot” trip. I was probably in there a grand total of 45 seconds when I hear a strange noise. With my heart in my throat, I ran back to the living room and frantically looked around… he wasn’t there.
I hear a giggle to my right and look over to see L.A. at the TOP of our stairs. I bolted up those stairs and swooped him up so quickly, my heart racing the whole time. He thought it was all a big joke and was dissolving in laughter while I nearly had a heart attack. :sigh: Needless to say, the stairs will be blocked off from this point forward so please refrain from calling DCF on me. I swear I’m a good mom.
Tell me this little face doesn’t just scream mischief??
I’ve had quite the weekend, and kicked it off yesterday meeting up with this beautiful family. I was disappointed to hear the rain pouring down early in the morning, but we were lucky enough that it let up for just long enough to get some great pictures. First up, the sweet kiddos.
And last up, the whole group together. Megan and Kari, I know you thought I was crazy to drag you out here, but this series looks really great in both black and white and color!
I know, I know… Some readers have politely pointed out that I’ve been MIA. In my defense, this week was crazy at work and the little dude has been sick all week. C has been home, so the two of them have been hanging out, and I’ll admit, I wish I could have been here too.
To make it up to you, here’s a glimpse of my almost one year old little boy. For the record, I’m in complete denial that his birthday is just 10 short days from now, so let’s not talk about that.
I’ve been a lucky lady these days getting to shoot some of the most beautiful families… here are a cute little brother and sister that I got to meet this weekend.
Seriously, check out this gene pool!! Gorgeous. :)
If I thought this little guy was a cutie at his newborn session, he blew my socks off when I saw him for his 3 month portraits. This is one of my favorite things about what I do… I just love to watch children grow and capture this time that is so extremely fleeting. Enjoy your sneak peek!
and one of my personal favorites:
Many years from now my grandchildren and great-grandchildren will read about yesterday’s election and outcome in their history books. To know that I participated in an election that is one of the most historic in American history moves me beyond words.
To think that the civil war was just 150 short years ago, and regardless of the outcome of yesterday’s election - there would be someone in office who didn’t have the right to vote in the not so distant past. That is America.
Today as I drove through the streets of our capitol city, I saw people standing proud on the corners solemnly waving the American flag, holding signs up with the name of our President elect, and one man in particular holding the newspaper high above his head as tears streamed down his face.
Yesterday when I went to vote, I had L.A. in my arms, and as we walked out of the polling station I held him tightly and kissed him on the forehead knowing that this election is one that opens innumerous doors for his future. To quote Senator Obama “If there is anyone out there who still doubts that America is a place where all things are possible, who still wonders if the dream of our founders is alive in our time, who still questions the power of our democracy, tonight is your answer.”
Today I am beyond proud to be a part of this country, and incredibly inspired by what our future holds.
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As a complete aside, yesterday alone I recieved over 10 submissions for the Holiday Cheer Contest! I read through all of the touching stories, and admit it’s going to be very difficult to choose. I’m amazed at the generosity and caring spirit of my readers. Thank you to all who have participated thus far, and I look forward to any additional submissions!
On Saturday C and I took L.A. for his first haircut. With a heavy heart, and second guessing our decision, we loaded up in the car bright and early and headed over to Scissor Kids in Glastonbury. C and I both expected a struggle and lots of tears, so imagine our surprise when it went like this…
First, the before:
the little dude checking things out while C watches armed with bubbles and mom clicks away on her big huge camera
The red car was a BIG hit
Stickers helped as a distraction (these people thought of everything!!)
And just like that, we were done!
For the record, I didn’t shed one tear! The salon did a wonderful job, and even gave us a sweet certificate to commemorate the day.
Disclaimer: These pictures are nowhere near anything technical or right… I would have brought our point and shoot camera if the stupid battery was charged. Sometimes memories are far more important than perfect pictures!
If you’re a female reader who has the occasional bout of baby fever, scroll through this post FAST, or you’re doomed!
This little guy was so sweet, and at just two weeks old he slept like an angel. I’ve been anxiously awaiting this little one’s arrival for months, and I was so lucky to meet him today.
I adore newborn shoots, but even more than that, I love Mom and Baby pictures. There’s nothing sweeter than those first few weeks of getting to know each other and just generally being in awe.
It’s a good thing I’m already pregnant, because even I got a touch of the fever today. Congratulations again, Kristina and Dave… he is absolutely perfect, and so lucky to have the two of you as his parents.
Totally annoyed in my house.
We tried on L.A.’s costume a few weeks ago, and it didn’t go over so well. So I decided to prepare him for the big night, he should put it on again.
He’s still not a fan. In fact, I think he was downright pissed at me.
Clearly, he’s had enough, and is searching for an escape route. Look at this little bottom lip… at this point I had to force myself to stop laughing and actually feel a twinge of bad mommy guilt.
Here’s hoping the third time’s a charm and tomorrow night goes a little better.
As promised, more pictures of the gorgeous Miss Paige. Her eyes are incredible. Sorry for making you wait so long, Mom!
It’s just too bad her parents don’t completely adore her, huh?? ;)
