My absolute favorite thing on a baby is chunk. I told his Mom that I dreamed of having a big fat roly poly baby when I was preggers with my first child. Didn't happen — I got a tiny preemie who took years to develop his pudge. Gerber babies like below make me want more babies at this "just sitting up and checking out the world stage" (or at least to love on them in 60 minute sessions).
Mr. R is a big, healthy, boy's boy. He also has a great
hair for a 6 month-er! Take a peek:
Do you know who Billy Mays is, Mr. Infomercial? My 8 year-old son could be President of the Billy Mays Fan Club. He came running and screaming to fetch me one day for this huge "Come here, Mom" moment. I thought there was a major trauma. The moment was to watch a commercial for Big City Slider Station, an As Seen on TV mini-hamburger maker. Big B was so jazzed about it, and thinks it will revolutionize the burger-making process in the Miller household. Billy Mays says so.
This is not the first As Seen on TV item that Big B has drooled over. His Christmas list had the Betty Crocker cake maker on it — the one with that pudding mound in the middle. He is a walking infomercial on any product that intrigues him — want retail or shipping prices on Bendaroos? Want to know how many oranges the latest juice maker can squeeze per minute? Wondering which songs will be on the next Kidz Bop CD? Ask Big B.
I've shared some of B's quirks before (in THIS blog or THIS one), but it never fails to amuse me when he tries to sell his dad or I on some new product. My husband, Bill, played an evil joke on me when I was traveling a few weeks ago. Big B was blown away by these orthopedic soft soled shoes he found, for the low price of only $9.99. Bill agreed they were the perfect gift for me, eagerly paying for the shoes (and shipping & handling). My gifted sandals are white, orthopedic, and have velcro closures (think nursing shoes from about 60 years ago). They are so very hideous. I had to pretend to love them, of course, because it's the thought that counts. I've been searching for months for some other item both affordable and equally hideous to pay Bill back for his participation. I would check QVC or the Home Shopping Network, but there is no way I am willing to introduce that channel to the men in my life — could be dangerous!
Baby G is Spunky with a capital "S" at 12 months of age. She was dancing and giggling and crying and picking out her own chairs and buh-bye-ing me. Loved it. Loved her. Loved the Juicy hoodie outfit.
A sneak peek:
In my spare time, I like to torture babies with fluffy tulle tutus, as evidenced below:
A Sneak Peek for B, who brought two great accessories to the park — her senior class ring and a Harley:
(This is my version of the old Saturday Night Live Segments, Deep Thoughts with Jack Handy. I find commentary from children to be hilarious, truthful, and worthy of documenting for entertainment value.)
"When I asked God for a little sister, I think I should have told him I want a clean one that's NOT crazy."
Big B, age 8
"Mom, you are way older than the Disney and Nick channels now!"
E-Man, age 4, noticing that I have higher numbers than Disney station (Channel 32) and Nickelodeon (Channel 33)
This sneak peek is barely squeaking in before the gallery is finished tomorrow! Little man is definitely one year old: curious, crawling, cruising, and loving on his mommy.
He thought about taking a bite out of my giant "1":
My favorite, although probably not his favorite moment:
This is my plea to all those who are the picture-takers and movie makers in the family: Step in front of the camera once in a while. I am so very guilty of this, and therefore made a personal challenge this year to make it into the family photo album more.
I take photos with my husband and kids all the time to capture that sweet interaction, yet don't capture those moments of myself with the kids. It's way to easy to make excuses… when I have makeup on, or maybe tomorrow, etc…. but I am trying, because there are holidays and vacations where I'm not even pictured once!
I also encourage my clients to get into a few shots with their little people when they come to the studio. Time flies, and it's so important to record the whole family! So, next time you Moms come visit, consider getting in a few portraits. Candids are an easy way to take the pressure off, and still make memories of reading books together, or cuddling. Take a look:
