My "Growing" family...

I know, as some of you have mentioned, it has been quite a while since I have posted any pictures of Chris. I guess it is just that so much has been happening on the business side that, while I promise I have been taking some pictures of him, I just haven't been taking the time to actually post them! But I thought I'd take some time to do that today...
Over the past few weeks I have watched my baby turn into a BOY! He is starting to talk more; now he can say "be back" (be right back), and "I missed you" (my favorite!), among other things. While he definitely still has his moments, I've also realized what a good, obedient little boy he is. And whereas two weeks ago I wouldn't have DREAMED of allowing him to walk with me through a store - he was always in his stroller or a shopping cart - one day I was feeling brave and decided to see how he'd do. And to my complete surprise, he did great! He stayed right with me, and if he did start to wander all I had to do was say "come here" and he immediately did. And it was a crowded Wal-mart! He loved the freedom to be able to run down the aisles, and the other shoppers seemed to get a kick out of him. So since then, he's walked everywhere. He especially loves stores with small carts, as he can push them himself. So the other day we went to Kohl's, and he pushed the cart while I loaded it up - it was great! He walked with me, stopped when I stopped, and babbled the whole time - and we were there for an hour! I was so impressed with my little "helper". Fortunately I had my point-and-shoot with me, so I was able to grab a few shots:

This new development happened just in time, as I was getting ready to purchase a sit 'n stand stroller for him and the new baby. But I've now realized that he won't need it, so I've decided to just get a regular single stroller instead.

Even though he is growing up so fast, he is still my baby! Yesterday he woke up early from his nap, and he was crying really hard. Usually I leave him alone, as this means he'll go back to sleep. But he wouldn't stop. So I went in his room, and even when I picked him up he wouldn't stop crying. I went and sat on the couch with him, and even then it took several minutes for him to calm down. Then he just sat in my arms, silently. It was really such a sweet, and rare, moment! And then I got an added bonus - he started to fall asleep. So I laid down on the couch with him curled up next to me, and he slept. All I could think was that this could easily be the last time I would get to hold my sleeping little boy in my arms - I didn't want the moment to end. Unfortunately, after about 10 minutes it started to rain. This would have actually been a good thing if it hadn't been for the fact that I'd left the garage door open! So I carefully got up without waking him... but he was so cute that I couldn't help but take a picture. He did wake up about 2 minutes later, though, but at least he was happier!

And then there's Mark... he really is the best husband ever. He has been SO supportive of my business, and never complains when he has to baby-sit while I shoot a wedding, or when he has to do the housework because I need to work on editing photos. Saturday I had a wedding over in Ocala, so he was once again on "Chris duty". When I got home about 1:30 in the morning, I found these beautiful flowers on the table! He'd gotten them for me for our 6th anniversary, which was on Sunday. He even made sure I knew that he had bought 2 separate bunches of flowers and even arranged them himself. Aren't they beautiful?! I am so blessed!

Last, but not least, there is our little baby girl... I am now at 35 weeks, and the nesting urge is really kicking in now! I am so looking forward to holding her in my arms!