It’s fall. That means I’m in the middle of my busy season with photography. I shoot over half of all my sessions for the year between August and November, and I’m always squeezing in as many sessions as I can before the first snow falls. This time of year, my camera batteries can be found plugged into the wall recharging, and most days I’m up before the sun (and the kiddos) drinking a hot mug of tea and editing photos from my recent sessions. I love every minute of it. I love getting to meet new families, and seeing how much the kids have grown and changed in the families that return for photos each year. I enjoy acting like a goofball to get the kids to smile, I even love the early morning editing.

But, because golden hour (prime time for outdoor sessions – more on this in a later post!) happens when the kids go to bed, I’ve missed out on doing their bedtime routine with them more than I’d like the last couple of months. There’s just something so innately good about spending that last half hour of the day snuggled up together in the rocking chair, reading books, and getting those squishy kisses.

I blocked off my schedule the last few days so I could be home for all of it, but tonight in particular. It was the last night I’d rock my baby to bed before he turned one. (Cue alllll the tears!) Cohen let me snuggle him extra long. Instead of reaching for his crib after our routine, he laid in my arms and looked up at me and smiled. He gave me the softest, sweet little giggles as I rubbed our noses together and talked to him. Tomorrow he’ll be my one year old, but tonight he gave me the best gift — more time to fully enjoy snuggling my baby in my arms.

Sweet boy, I love you more than I ever knew I could, and more every day. I thank God for choosing me to be your mama.