My friend Aimee, one of my best friends from high school, is two years ahead of me in the parenting game. Her oldest is about to start his first year of college, and her youngest, is the same age as Anne, my oldest. When Anne was born, I took her home from the hospital and set her in her bassinet for the first time. Anne was born in NYC about six months after 9/11/01, and I don't know if it was that experience, or just being a first time parent, but I was terrified she would get hurt. I was terrified that she would suffocate on the bumper in the bassinet. And then I was terrified that if I took off the bumper, she would hurt her head. I called my friend Aimee. She gave me advice that I still remember and repeat to this day. That this particular moment of worry would end shortly and pass. This too shall pass. Anne will be just fine. It was true, although I only just recently stopped checking my kids every night before I go to bed to make sure they're still breathing. 

Debbie has a phenomenally gorgeous family. I can always tell when a grandma is amazingly wonderful and loved, because her kids and grandkids want to make their photo session successful for her. Even if it's really hot and we have a west wind with biting green head flies! Debbie's family was this way. Except for one grandbaby who is too young to accommodate. Who I could not win over. And please let me tell you I am very disarming in my photo sessions and can make friends with just about all of my clients, from babies to parents to grandparents. Not this grandson. He wants his momma, and only his momma, and gave me the most angry look in spite of my best efforts:) But that's okay. I captured him as he is today. I can only imagine just how hard that must be for his mom. To be the only one that can hold and comfort him. I passed on the advice Aimee gave me over 16 years ago - this too shall pass, and you won't even remember that it was hard, but only how cute he was at this age.

Debbie has such cute grandchildren. This is the first time in many years that they have all been able to vacation together. As the oldest grandson is starting his senior year of high school, it may not happen again for awhile. Debbie went out of her way to make this special for them. She made the cutest little tutus for the girls and bought them princess crowns. It was really fun to spend time with this family for a little while on this evening!