My Baby

My baby turned eight last week….

Eight.

Maybe it doesn’t seem like a big deal, but for me, it is. He’s halfway on his way to being 16. He’s twice as old as 4. He’s getting big.

I can’t really explain the feelings I have for him. Sometimes I find that I am just staring at him and smiling with this expectant look on my face, like, “what awesome thing is he gonna do next?”

There was a time that he was incredibly agreeable to having his picture taken. I could go anywhere with him, pull out my camera, and the angels sang while he cooperatively played where I asked him to play and looked at me when I asked him to do so. That has changed. He’s not a fan of my camera lately, so I feel like all of these pictures are sort of extra-magical. Somehow the planets aligned perfectly for this shoot.

The night before, I had him try on some clothes that I had bought him. He put on this entire outfit, and I ooooohed and ahhhhed and then had him put them away, quietly thinking that I had to figure out a way to convince him to do an eight year old photo shoot with me. The next day, he put this whole outfit on without me even asking him to. I knew I had to strike when the iron was hot and take pictures of him THAT DAY. I didn’t think it would go well. I really didn’t. But for some reason, the stars aligned and these pictures happened.

I am smitten. I really am.

We’ll start with a picture shot the week before he turned 8. He cracks me up, and I love this because he still looks like a little boy to me.

Laura Morita Photography | Editing Mentor

But then a week later, I swear he just grew up.

The trees are confused here in California. We’ve had such sunny weather for January, they decided to just go ahead and bloom. Oh my.Laura Morita Photography | Editing MentorI may or may not have given him a piece of chocolate to keep him interested in taking pictures. Here he is licking the last bits off his finger.

Laura Morita Photography | Editing MentorIf there’s one thing I can say about my son, he is expressive. As I was taking his picture, he saw a bee. And this is how he let me know about it. Good gracious, I love him.Laura Morita Photography | Editing MentorLaura Morita Photography | Editing MentorLaura Morita Photography | Editing MentorMick Jagger meets Austin Powers. Lol. Love it. Did I ask him to do this? No. He just did because, well, because he’s awesome.Laura Morita Photography | Editing MentorLaura Morita Photography | Editing MentorLaura Morita Photography | Editing MentorLooking for something in his pocket.Laura Morita Photography | Editing MentorI seriously love this one. Just something about it.

Laura Morita Photography | Editing Mentor

I love this one…. There he is marching up to his future as….Laura Morita Photography | Editing Mentor

…King of the World.

Laura Morita Photography | Editing MentorI swear, he’s such a beautiful boy. Full of adventure. Full of love. I adore this child. And if anyone was wondering, the sky was added in Photoshop. I like it better this way. Laura Morita Photography | Editing MentorHe was yelling at some friends way down the hill. I hope his jugular doesn’t pop from doing that. Sheesh.Laura Morita Photography | Editing MentorAnd because the stars had totally aligned, I got my blue skies with clouds. Perfect.Laura Morita Photography | Editing MentorWhenever he gets hot, he starts to strip down. Luckily, I was able to convince him to just air out for a little bit. Lol.Laura Morita Photography | Editing MentorMr. Personality.Laura Morita Photography | Editing MentorLaura Morita Photography | Editing MentorJUMP, dude. JUMP!Laura Morita Photography | Editing MentorLaura Morita Photography | Editing MentorLaura Morita Photography | Editing MentorHe was getting to the end of his rope by this time. Fake smile, anyone?Laura Morita Photography | Editing MentorAnd, just like that, he’s DONE.Laura Morita Photography | Editing MentorPoor guy being forced to stand in the pretty light.Laura Morita Photography | Editing MentorLaura Morita Photography | Editing MentorStill can’t believe we have trees blooming in California right now. I’m sure the rain we just started having will knock these blooms away. Glad I was able to get a picture of them before that happened.Laura Morita Photography | Editing Mentor

That’s all for now. Happy Birthday, my sweet baby. I love you.

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9 Comments:

  1. Lissa
    February 03, 2014
    Reply

    Love these Laura! He is so cute and look like he is so much fun. Happy Birthday to your babe!

  2. Reena
    February 03, 2014
    Reply

    This is an awesome birthday photo session….I love all of the different expression (and the location and light are just perfect!) I hope he had a great day — Happy Birthday!

  3. Lynn
    February 03, 2014
    Reply

    These are gorgeous, Laura! He is such a handsome boy and I’m so glad that he cooperated for you on such a beautiful day and in such a great outfit. Happy birthday to him!

  4. Lina
    February 04, 2014
    Reply

    Oh, Laura, those are stunning! He is so grown up though, time just flies….

  5. Kel Ward
    February 04, 2014
    Reply

    I’m blown away by these images, Laura! I haven’t seen your work much lately and OH. MY. GOSH. These are seriously to die for. Happy Birthday to your little guy. They really do grow up way too fast, don’t they?

  6. Kristin
    February 04, 2014
    Reply

    Laura, I can’t believe how grown up he’s looking! Beautiful images! Happy Birthday to BOTH of you….

  7. Stephanie Mballo
    February 04, 2014
    Reply

    Oh, these are so very beautiful. Love how you capture him with all of his big, unique personality. He’s so handsome! Hope he had a wonderful birthday :) Gorgeous work, as always!

  8. Jo Clark
    February 06, 2014
    Reply

    These are FANTASTIC Laura! His facial expressions kill me…such personality. Your editing is just gorgeous and eye popping. Love this post so much!

  9. Fran
    February 06, 2014
    Reply

    What? Halfway to 16???!!!! This is a big deal Laura, just remember that he will always be your baby, :) Love all of these!


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