I want to take a moment to get personal. It is my blog after all, and as such, I want to be able to show a little of me in it, and not just the usual accountings of sessions, and talking about all the awesome people I get to work with. I will preface this to say, that there will be some “church talk” below, so if that offends you, you can go look at other pretty pictures, here. ;-) There are two other really awesome people in my life. My boys. B is turning 12, and is turning into this amazing, mature, kind hearted young man. He changed my life when he was born. Last year, two days after her turned 11, he was water baptized. As protestants we believe in baptism as a conscious choice, a public declaration of your faith, rather than infant baptism. Here is a favourite picture from that day.

Well today was another special day, and I am, as W, my youngest would say, “so very much proud”. Today, at 9 years old, my youngest made the same choice. It was such a profound, and mature moment, that I felt a momentary panic, when I realized that this is it. They are growing up, on their way to teenage hood, and there is nothing I can do about it but do the best I can to raise decent, loving, compassionate, men. I can only try to teach them how to take a stand and do what’s right. Thinking about how challenging and strong willed he can be at times, I had a moment of questioning whether he was ready to make this choice. But it was his choice to make, and I let him go ahead.  Anyway….before I get all emotional and weepy and “oh my baby is growing up”, here are some favourites from today.

As he was leaving to go to his dad’s house tonight, and was buzzing around all excited and chipper, he piped up on his way out the door, “I’m so glad I get to start a new life!” And then I knew he gets it.

I will leave you with this thought. As anyone who has kids, either young, or nearly grown can attest, it all happens so quickly.Those sleep deprived nights where you think you will never sleep again? They pass. Thinking you will never leave the house on time/without spit up on you/wondering if you packed enough in the diaper bag? They pass. Hold onto your little ones. Tell them you love them often. Listen to them when they talk, because soon they may not want to talk to you. Spend time with them, laugh with them, be silly with them.

As a photographer I am blessed and privileged to not only be able to work around my children’s schedules (and believe me I know just how lucky I am), but I am also gifted with the ability and tools to capture and preserve their childhoods in pictures. It’s so important to document those moments, and stages! Investing in great photos, is something I am always vocal about. I want a record of their growth. Here are a few of my favourites from this past summer that I am just now finally getting around to! Also a shout out to Michelle Bondy Photography, for these awesome Lightroom Presets, that I get to try out!