Drew B Photograhy

When I had Brayden I really wanted to find a way to make friends with other moms that had kids the same age.  I looked into Mom’s groups and a couple of classes.  I finally settled on Gymboree.  Brayden was almost six months old when we went to his first class, which involved baby massages.  I almost didn’t go back.  That kid should have been giving me a massage!  The only reason I did go back was because we happened to make friends that day with two kids that were the same age as Brayden.  One of those friends was Dakota and her mom, Heather.  Dakota is just a day younger than Brayden!  And at 6 months old they could have almost been twins, with their blonde peach fuzz and big blue eyes!

It’s been such a blessing to have my “Mommy friends”.  Our kids are so close in age that they are going through the same things.  I know I can call them when I have any problems and they will have great advice or can totally relate to what I’m going through.  We’ve shared countless play dates and good times together.  And while we no longer go to Gymboree together anymore, we are lucky enough to get together once and sometimes twice a week to let the kids run wild.  Brayden called Dakota “Cod”, which I just think is so cute!

Dakota has also recently become my new best friend.  In the kids pre preschool class she will come and make room on my lap and leave Heather sitting by herself.  I don’t think Heather likes it, but I do!  She loves to give me hugs and hold my hand and it just melts my heart.  I know if I never have a daughter I will forever have Dakota to take dress and makeup shopping and to spoil!

Heather, thank you for your friendship!  Honestly, I don’t know what I would do without you and Kathy.  You both have given me so much support and I really, really appreciate that.  I’m so glad Gymboree brought us together!  Here’s your slideshow!

Little Kirra is 18 months!  I shot her newborn pictures and she gave me a run for my money  Most toddlers are difficult to shoot, but I will say Kirra was a much easier subject this time around!  She’s definitely got a little bit of her Mommy’s personality!  And I say that in the nicest way possible because Erin and I are a lot alike!  We’re both very open and honest with our feelings and, dare I say, a bit stubborn  Nothing wrong with a girl who knows what she wants!

We tried to schedule a family shoot last year, but unfortunately we couldn’t get a date that worked for both of us.  I’m glad we waited because I love seeing Kirra’s personality unfold.  She’s such a beautiful little girl with an infectious smile.  Erin and Jenner are doing a great job raising one happy little girl!  And maybe they will be adding to their family soon to make Kirra a big sister!  Exciting!

Thanks Erin and Jenner!  It was great getting to see you both!  Here’s your slideshow!

When I first heard about the earthquake in Haiti my heart ached for the people there.  Maybe it was because I knew they were already a poor and impoverished country that did not have the resources to help themselves after such a major disaster.  Maybe it was because of my huge earthquake phobia.  Maybe it was because of the poor people there who expect hurricanes on a regular basis, but could never see this coming.  Maybe it was all of those reasons combined.  I just couldn’t stop thinking about the people of Haiti.

Then, I read Julie’s blog about her friend Kristen.  Kristen was in Haiti visiting their son, Kembe, who they had been trying to adopt for nearly 3 years when the earthquake hit.  Not only that, but she was there with her 9 month old baby girl.  I was so scared for her and her kids.  Totally scared for this perfect stranger.  I checked her blog and twitter for regular updates until I saw that she and her daughter made it safely home later that week.  But, they had to leave Kembe there.  Can you imagine?  I’m sure it was hard enough to leave him there every time they visited.  But, to leave him in a country that was in ruins?  I’m sure that was the hardest thing Kristen has ever had to do.

But, this story has a very happy ending.  Because of the earthquake Kembe’s adoption was rushed and he was able to join their family in the US on January 23.  Amazing that it had to take such a huge disaster to get this kid home to his family where he belongs.

I don’t think I will be able to articulate how amazing I think Kristen and Mark are.  I only spent a little over an hour with them, but I feel like I know Kristen after reading so much of her blog (Which is amazing by the way.  Get ready to spend several hours going back through all of the archives).  What I admire so much about them is that they didn’t choose to take the easy road.  They have fought hard for all of their children, whether they were “homegrown” or adopted.  But, they don’t see what they are doing as anything out of the ordinary.  They merely believe that what every child deserves is a parent who loves them.  They don’t see black and they don’t see white.  They see their children.  Don’t you wish the rest of the world could be like that?

Thank you Howerton family for spending your afternoon with me and letting me capture this very special time in your lives!  Here’s your slideshow!

PS  A HUGE thank you to Julie who made these signs for the shoot.  She saved me from making horrible and ugly signs and came up with these in less than 24 hours.  Julie, you are amazing!

Jafta is 5 and he loves The Beatles!  I think he is very happy to have his brother home so he has someone to play with!

India is 3 and is a total girly girl.  What’s crazy is that India and Kembe have the same exact birthday.  They are both 3.  How cool is that?

Kembe loves to run and be a boy!  He has a ton of energy!  And he is so very, very HAPPY!

Karis is 10 months old.  Kristen told me she likes to put things in her mouth.  Yep.  She was right.  Grass.  Sticks.  Leaves.  All in Karis’ mouth