Ali Caudill Photos.

In early October we had a family photo session with local Northern VA photographer, Ali Caudill. Wilson can be so unpredictable some days ( as most babies/kids are) and I am still working to get back in shape. This along with Michael's awesome habit of flaring his nostrils when he knows someone is pointing the camera his way really had me wondering how this shoot might go. 

Ali was so great with our family. She is so relaxed and just goes with the flow. I even remarked to friends later that day that I couldn't recall ever looking directly at the camera. We are so happy with the way these photos turned out. I just know we'll cherish them forever.

Here are a few of our favorites.

I just love this last one. He has such a funny personality! Before he was born I wished for a sweet baby with a little spunk. I think that is just what we were given. He is such a funny guy!

8.

Wilson is now 8 months old! Time is going by so quickly. he has quite the little personality- as you may see below.

"Are we almost done?"

"What is this?"

"Oh Look, it comes off!"

"Check this out!"

"Now I have 2!"

"Ok. Let's get out of here and go see Santa!"

 

 We did actually take him to see Santa on his 8 month birthday. We wanted to be sure to beat the crowds around here. He didn't really know what to think about Santa Clause at first but then he started to smile. We ended up with a pretty cute first Santa photo for the collection. 

31.

On Thursday (Thanksgiving Day) I will turn 31. Last year we didn't have a big celebration for my 30th because we were 1. in KY for Thanksgiving with family and 2. I was about 24 weeks pregnant. Since this year my actual birthday falls on the holiday, this past Saturday my sweet husband arranged for Nana to babysit and told  me we were going out to dinner. He even bought a new dress for me as my birthday gift and gave it to me early so I'd have something fun to wear. What I didn't know, was that he had also arranged for many of our friends to join us at the restaurant for a little surprise party! We had great food, great company and just an all around wonderful time. It is so nice to get away for a little while and enjoy conversations with some of my favorite people.

This is such a nice photo of my dear friend Ashley and her sweet husband Chad (and Baby Campbell #2). I owe all photos from Saturday to Chad because I, once again, didn't take a single one!

My super awesome (and outspoken) brother-in-law, Richard and his fabulous lady, Samme. We just invite him out so he will bring his girlfriend. J/k but we do really like having her around. These two were kind enough to continue celebrating with me later into the evening.

My sweet friend Katie and her husband Justin (and Baby Smith #2). Katie is due on Christmas Eve but baby boy will be here by the 15th. We can't wait for another little man to join the group. Thanks for making it out. I know how hard these last few weeks can get.

My oldest friend, maid of honor, and god mother to Wilson-Sytira (and Ashley again ) :-). She made it in from Richmond and got to spend the night with us and play with Wilson some on Sunday morning. It was such a treat to have her here.

Beautiful Larissa and Handsome Farmer. I love these two.

The newlyweds-The Blakes. I swear they are still tan from their Hawaiian honeymoon. 

 It is hard to believe that I moved hear just 6 years ago. Northern VA feels more and more like home all the time and I have you guys to thank for that! Cheers!

Updates.

We have been so busy since late September. Wilson has visited San Antonio, Kentucky, and Savannah! Also during that time he has gained two teeth, started pulling up and holding furniture to "cruise" and even said "Mama."  He was a Lion for Halloween and his daycare had the cutest parade for all of the kids. We then tagged along with our buddy JW for trick-or-treat. So much fun!

I can't believe it is almost Thanksgiving (and I'll be turning 31!) The last year has really gone by so quickly. Santa arrived at the mall nearest our house this past weekend. I think we're going to take Wilson for his first visit with the jolly guy this weekend. Hope to beat some of the major crowds that way. I am so very excited to decorate for Christmas. GranJan, Grandpa Jeff, Aunt Katie & Uncle Brent, and Grandpa Buz are all spending Christmas at our house. It will be full and cozy and I couldn't be more thrilled about it.  

Here are just a few photos from the last couple of weeks.

After all of the excitement of Halloween, "the lion sleeps tonight."

Wilson with Grandpa Joe, Cheri, Aunt Carter and Uncle Nelson in Savannah after Mommy, Grandpa Joe, and Uncle Richard ran the Half Marathon.

 

 

 

 

 

Wilson and Grandpa Joe petting Uncle Nelson's dog. Wilson LOVES doggies.

Wilson found a bib in his diaper bag. He loves to play with anything cloth. Esp. loves to put it in his mouth and crawl around. So weird.

See. Still playing with the bib.