As I photographed the baptism of Hanna Ryan Cramer, I thought of that song. Karen and Ryan created a beautiful ceremony in their home designed to bring their close friends and family together for Hanna’s baptism.  Ryan’s Uncle David spoke of the love that brought this life into the world and asked all present to pledge to support this new family as he baptized Hanna. Each word spoken was with the thought of raising a child in a community and with intent. For Karen and Ryan the amazing journey of parenthood has begun – and they have given Hanna a great start on growing wings to fly!

She was asleep when I came to watch her for the morning –  woke up with a small cry – just enough to be heard and, when she sees me – not her mom, looks as if to say – “Oh you’re here today – whatever”

We walk downstairs … Would you like a bottle Iris?  “Yeah- that’s cool”

What about getting dressed for the day?   “Sure – sounds good”

Want to play with your toys?  -“ok”

And so the morning went with “whatever”  …  toys  … exersaucer… cereal… teething ring … her sweet smile rewarding me whenever  she looked over as if to say – isn’t life fun??

I am writing this because tomorrow is Mother’s Day.  Because, even though I am a mom and now a grandmom, I still need my mom as much as ever.  Because my mom is always there – steady, encouraging, loving.    Who was she – you know – before she was my mom?  A graduate from Douglas College with a degree in Bacteriology no less – when most women did not go to college …  first generation born in America …  one of only 2 surviving siblings in her family…  a beautiful young woman who found the love of her life at a friend of her mother’s house.  

Then she became a mom – and that became her life.  Babies came quickly  – six in all.  With each baby my mom’s heart just grew.  She loved us all and then loved all of our spouses – and then all of our children – and now all of our grandchildren.   Proverbs 31 describes my mom so well:  “Strength and dignity are her clothing, and she smiles at the future.  The teaching of kindness is on her tongue.  She fears the Lord, and she shall be praised.”

Thank you, Mom for the love you have given – for the joy you showered on all of us – and for the example of a great woman!

Little Meadow is doing just that. Her latest session was blessed with warm breezes and the beauty of spring green. A few pictures from the outside …

and back inside for more …

Ian just is. He greets each new experience with wonder. Now two – I have known him since he was six months old and he has not changed yet. Always happy he runs to see what is ahead when he is at my studio. The new places we find outdoors bring BIG SMILES.

 Playful, he loves to laugh- especially when tickled! 

Ian – thank you for making the day bright when you stopped by!

When Jennifer and Eddie came in last year with their newborn twins, there were ear to ear grins.  The joy they felt for those two beautiful babies was evident.  Jessie – Molly – and Chester, their puppies, had held first place for quite a while.   They shared the photo shoot and it was fun capturing each personality that day. 

This year it was just the girls. Well over a year they have distinct personalities. As you view their pictures you will easily see which baby is which. Katie – first born by a teeny bit, is definitely the leader. Carrie is quieter and more studious. Katie makes sure Carrie stays in line… Carrie just smiles as she joins up with whatever is happening.  

It is a wonder to see how they fit together as twins and share their world so well. So happy to have seen them at this age. So happy for Jennifer and Eddie to have this joy in their lives. 

What goes through the mind of a baby? I wonder that all of the time now that I am a grandmother. I don’t think I had much time as a young mom to ponder that subject – or maybe I was just closer to the picture and didn’t question as much.

But now that I have 3 grandbabies (and one on the way!) I do wonder. I marvel at my grandbabies ability to learn so much in the time they have been here.

With my mom and dad in town recently I had time to imagine what it will be like being a great grandmother – how it must feel to see not only your daughter – but her daughter – with children.

Iris is the third and the astonishment isn’t diminishing. She is so different from her brother. Quiet, while Thomas is busy. Studious where Thomas rushes in without much thought. I think she will be more cautious where Thomas has no fear.

She is a joy to hug and love and watch her grow and change. She is the 4th generation to have the name Marlene as part of her moniker. I love that she is named for both her great-grandmothers. I love that there as so many years ahead to wonder as she takes each new step in life – learns each new thing – grows into her own wonderful self. I love the thought that someday I will have the opportunity to see her children. Isn’t life good?