Daniel, doing his morning exercises
February 2011

What kind of photography blogger doesn't post tons of adorable pictures of her own baby? One who is too happily busy to spend any time in front of the computer, that's who. Life has been keeping me on my toes lately. But I've been eager to share pictures of our little sweetheart, so I found time tonight to prepare some.

Motherhood has been a surprising adjustment. Even though I don't know what I'm doing, I feel relaxed and confident that everything is working out fine. Instinct seems to take over to some extent - it's impossible for me not to love this adorable little guy and take care of his every need. I had expected motherhood to be much more difficult than it has been. As I mentioned in my previous post, I had assumed that childbirth would be agonizing, so I was surprised to find that I actually enjoyed it. I was similarly prepared for the following weeks to be exhausting and stressful, so now I'm wondering if we've been lucky with a relatively easy baby. Of course I'm tired and have moments that are harder than others, but I've discovered that I love the enormous learning process that is parenthood.

My days with Daniel are filled with feeding, changing, bouncing, cooing, soothing, singing, dancing around the living room, and walking outside by the lake. Mike has been a wonderful partner in this whole experience, and Danny really loves time with his dad. He is also smitten with his grandparents, who have been a huge help as the three of us settle into our new house. Every day I'm happy about our decision to move to Virginia to be near my family. We also adore our new house and neighborhood in Reston. Life is great right now.

Daniel is six weeks old now, and weighs just over ten pounds. He's a laid-back, quiet little guy. My mission at any given moment is to make him smile, which he is starting to do every day. It's adorable when he smiles at his monkey mobile, which is easily his favorite toy. He also likes to go outside in the cool breezes and look at the trees. He'll sit contentedly in his baby carrier as we go for walks, and sleeps fairly well at night.

Here are a few pictures of our last several weeks. I've prepared more that I will post over the next couple days. And now that my first six weeks of maternity leave are over, I plan to get back into blogging about weddings and photography this week. Stay tuned!



Two weeks old









With my dad



Three weeks old






He is very fair-skinned, with light blond hair and dark blue eyes.















Showing off his best Michael Jackson dance moves.






Four weeks old: Meeting his cousins Robby, Kenna, and Timmy. The kids were so sweet and gentle with him!


















With his beloved monkeys



In his daddy's lap


More to come!