My temp gauge in the car read 18, yes 18, as my sis/assistant and I set out for Baby Coco bright and early yesterday morning. All of these adorable expectant moms sure made it worth it and they braved the cold beautifully. We’ll be seeing everyone again soon when these babies start "hatching," as my middle child would say ;-). Just a few quick peeks for the mommies and of course, the newest Baby Coco model is featured above. I think we could have stayed all day and played with her…she giggled and cooed and smiled pretty much the whole time.

[Voting ends THIS Friday for Pinkle's Pic of the Year!]

It was a beautiful (albeit chilly) evening in Austin, Texas when we got these families together for their photo session. The girls were amazing and I just loved their exuberance and how their love for one another shows. Most importantly, their patience totally made the session as their little cousin had entered a bout of severe separation anxiety the minute he arrived. But bless him and bless his parents, after hours of coaxing, we finally got him to warm up…a little bit. Doesn’t matter. He’s still cute as heck.

Loved the drama here!

[Quick link to choose YOUR fav for Pinkle's Pic of the Year 2009]

Still catching up from 2009, I was so excited to be asked back by this family to photograph their newest addition! He was such a good baby…especially with all that was going on having his two older siblings bounding around in the house. I guess that’s just how 3rd babies are. Laid back, content, and cute as can be. And I was totally impressed with older bro.  He has matured so much and grown into the sweetest big brother ever!

Baby T’s older sister was a model for Baby Coco back in the days before she had hair. Just look at her now!

[Quick link to choose YOUR fav for Pinkle's Pic of the Year 2009]

So the Horns didn’t win. I’ll just post pics of this little cutie pie so it doesn’t seem quite so bad. I’m going to be catching up on old posts I started before the holidays here, so get ready!

[There's still time to vote for Pic of the Year 2009]

I wrote a book. Kinda. Actually, my first book was a few years ago, when my eldest was 3. I did an entire construction-themed session just for him and then (with the help of his daddy) turned those images into a storybook just for him. I really, really, really wanted to do the same for my Logi Bear, but I could never summon the inspiration or energy. But at last, he’s got his own book based on his favorite word, "Awethome!"  [Hmmmmm...I wonder if I should have spelled it in the book like it's pronounced ;-)]  Okay, so I maybe writing children’s books aren’t my forte, but I LOVE these images of him…probably my favorite ones I’ve taken of him ever because they’re SO *him*. And the graphic art by Elizabeth is amazing, no? Or should I say, "Awethome?" She and I are working on a very special project for PT4P to be released later this month.

M’kay…here’s the book: 

 [P.S. 800 votes and counting...choose your fav for Pinkle's Pic of the Year 2009!]

I took some risks and tried something new. Couldn’t have been a cooler family to try this with and I am VERY excited about the cool stuff we got tonight. So great to meet you!

P.S. I’m so behind on blogging here, it’s not even funny.  I did manage, however, to eek out a homeschool post (with the gentle, yet persistent urging of the hubs).

P.P.S. Only three openings ONE opening left for the Austin Baby Coco Mini Maternity Sessions next week.

P.P.P.S. Don’t forget to vote for your favorite image if you haven’t already – voting ends the 15th!

From tonight…last session of the year ;-). So long 2009. You were good to us.

Finally, I was able to perform the holy grail of baby girl hair-do’s: pigtails (or "toots" as my mommy used to call them). Okay, so maybe they’re a little crooked, but you try fixing hair on a baby who just wants to eat the comb and yank the rubber bands right out. Truly it’s a wonder I was able to do anything to the poor child’s hair…just look at it in its natural state.  I have no idea where her crazy hair came from.  Neither of the boys had a nest like that.

Speaking of the boys, this little gem in my freezer today is reason #1,163 why I’m relieved to have baby girl to provide a little balance in this house:

You’re welcome. ;-)

You are all beautiful. You are all patient. And you are all wonderful for braving the cold that day. [Sigh...this was the only Xpressions session in VA that didn't get completely snowed out :-(.]

There’s so much to tell, so many pictures I want to post, but time at the computer is so rare amidst all of the visits with family and friends.  So, here is our holiday card from this year and here’s the latest from VA:

1. Hearing, tasting, seeing, and smelling *real* snow again has been heavenly.

2. Watching my boys have a knock down, drag out snowball fight with their daddy and the three of them loving every minute of it was even better.

3. Rosy-red cheeks and sweaty hat hair is just about the cutest thing ever on kids.

4. I am feeling blessed beyond words to introduce this place that was such a huge part of my childhood to my own children.

5. The hospitality shown by my Great Aunt and Uncle and the rest of our family here just warms my heart.

6. Tomorrow, we hit Colonial Williamsburg to have our session with my good online friend and rockin’ photog, Patti. Can’t wait to finally meet her and her family!

7. So far, this has been one of the best Christmas holidays ever.

8. I hope my kids feel the same way.

9. And, I hope this holiday season is just as wonderful for you!

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I started this post before we left and had already included a preview of our annual calendar (our gifts to family). If you wanna flip through here you go, but Mee Maw and Nee Nee…NO peeking!  (Also,before anyone asks, this is a template I put together using several other design elements for my personal use, but it is not for sale/distribution): 

Hope you all have a WONDERFUL holiday and enjoy your time with family and friends!