Little miss Abigail is a month old now and made her first appearance as a sleepy little princess. Her big brother, Blake, would not sleep for us when we did his baby photos so this is a big deal for Mom. What a beautiful little thing! I am so excited to watch her grow and join her big brother as one of my favorite little people!
Anderson is the sweetest, most smiley boy! He loves his Mom and his Dad and the ceiling fan – I guess I haven’t taken enough time to sit and look at a ceiling fan, it is rather interesting, and Anderson really enjoys watching it. He is curious. He is interested in books, and blocks, his stuffed elephant, and the look on his face when he walks with his special cart is positively priceless. He is a happy little boy. He just melts my heart.
Anderson has been diagnosed with Hurler Syndrome. With this syndrome, which has a 1 per 100,000 occurrence, he cannot make a type of enzyme that helps to break down specific sugar molecules throughout his little body; which causes issues with his joints, organs, and a handful of other things. Right now he wears hearing aids, although he really doesn’t like Daddy putting them in. He will begin a treatment process soon, that may consist of enzyme replacement and maybe even a bone marrow transplant. This little guy and his parents have a long road ahead of them. I so hope that they find the right doctor to make Anderson’s life long, happy, and prosperous!
Just look at that grin!
What a fantastic family! Bigs and littles, everybody was at the beach with smiles on!
It is days like this that restore my faith in the youth of today. Of course, the actions of children, does define the greatness of the parents. I made a mistake this evening, though. I had the bright idea to have the two sisters kick/splash water at each other. Inevitably, the older sister got the little sister right in the face! I went and wiped the water and little sand bits off of her face as she gave me the look of not knowing whether to laugh or cry. I told her that the summer beach water and sand will help her grow up to be a beautiful lady some day, in hopes that I could stave off the tears for good. I thought that was the end of it. But I always forget that little people ears can hear EVERYTHING. As we walked back up the beach, the older sister asked me, “is that what worked for you?” “What do you mean?” I asked. “Is beach sand and water what made you beautiful?” she said with a complete and real interest. It took me off guard. Firstly, that she was paying attention. Secondly, that she thought I was serious. And thirdly, that a little girl, no more than 6, saw my crazy disheveled summer work season self, as beautiful. It truly brought a smile to my heart! Good job parents! You made a very sweet little girl!
Despite one bloody nose from a bonk into sister’s head while horsing around, we managed to still have some fun at the beach in Elk Rapids. Papa doing “Papa funny faces” certainly does help the mood. I love how quick little boys bounce back!
I have say that little miss Edith was the calmest, most chill one year old I have ever met! She has the funniest little expressions and they all seem to come from her eyes. She looks at you with a very entertaining intentness. Oh, and Edith, in about 15 years I’ll need to introduce you to a boy named James. . . trust me, you two will hit it off.
Miss Mary is the cutest little bug, but man did she give me a run for my money! Two hours in and we finally got a smile. What we learned is that she prefers to lay on her back and she really likes the feel of the fur blanket. We had big plans for a Harry Potter theme, since her mom really digs those books, but we will have to wait until next time. That should give me a few months to find some really cool props.
The Saunders family joined me for a fun day at the beach in Glen Arbor for some family photos.
Kristy and Vince have made quite a splash with their wedding gift request for their wedding on July 2nd. Instead of regular wedding gifts, they requested that guests bring donations of school supplies. Giving to our youth is such a fabulous way to celebrate! Check out the 9&10 news feature and the post on TCAPS Facebook page!
Thank you Kristy and Vince for being AMAZING humans!
A newly married couple is giving a unique gift to a Traverse City school. Thursday Kristy and Vince Tomczak are dropping off their wedding gifts to . . . read more
You’ve seen my little buddy James as he’s grown over the last few years. He is kind of my spotlight kid. As a very little boy he has always had a “thing” about him. I think it is his eye contact, many children I photograph don’t engage with me the way this kid does. I will stand tall on the mountain tops and tell you loudly that this speaks to the kind of parents he has. Michele and Dave always get my vote for outstanding parenting.
James had a very special gift this past month. He is now a big brother to Grady. Welcome to the world, Grady! I am so excited to see these boys grow together!
Soooo . . . . let’s talk about Michele’s new “big girl chair”. She’s been wanting a new living room set for a while and I was so happy for her when I walked in and saw this fabulous chair and it’s matching accompaniments. It’s so grown up and refined – no more extra-soft dog-couch (like mine, lol). It is the best feeling to have a lovely living room to share with family and guests. But you see, I fear for the life of the new chair, living in the midst of two small boys! I do, however, wish I could hear the stories that chair will tell in 10 years. Stories of growing boys and a happy family!
These guys!! I got to play with these two dolls for a while the other night at one of the park service properties over in Glen Arbor. The brains of children always crack me up! Presley asked who’s house we were at. “Uncle Sam’s house”, I exclaimed. The exchange from there made me chuckle. “Who is Uncle Sam?” “The man who takes our taxes, that’s why we get to use his house.” “Why does he take our money?” I figured to let it be a that point. Funny stuff though!