In my last Tucker update (July through September), he was so close to crawling, and now he's preparing to walk! He recently started standing unassisted for several seconds at a time, and climbing the stairs is his new favorite activity. (He seriously books it up the steps.) I have to remind myself every day that he's only been in this world eight months. Since September, he's also discovered a love of food. His favorites are green vegetables, bananas and pumpkin pie. Not new, though, is how much I continue to adore his funny personality. Currently, my favorite thing is when we tell him, "Shake it!" and he dances his head all around. He also does this when he hears a good song (but who doesn't?). Top: December; Bottom Left: October; Bottom Right: November My monthly mirror shots have started getting difficult to take. He's so wiggly and just ... large. We had to have two costumes this Halloween: Gryffindor Lion and a pumpkin. Love this one with Tyler's parents! 7 months old. Favorite pastime: Pulling Dad's hair. Gameday attire. Always on the move... Christmas morning with his gifts from Santa. His favorite was his first set of golf clubs. And he's eating the bag that has "naughty" printed all over it... Laura Richards is a natural family portrait photographer in Roanoke, Virginia. If I'm the right photographer for your next session, let's talk!
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Dear friends, This year has been good to us. It made us a family. It made us more thankful for the small things. It made us older and way more tired. In April, we finally met our baby boy Tucker. Born four days past his due date, we were starting to think he was never coming out. (Walking laps at the mall didn't work. Eating spicy Indian food didn't work. Eating an entire pineapple didn't work, either.) But after 20-some hours of labor, there he was, handsome, perfect and all ours. Now 8 months old, he is one of the coolest and funniest people we’ve ever met. He smiles constantly and makes friends wherever we go. He loves speed-crawling to mischievous places (like behind the Christmas tree) and inspecting common household objects (like spatulas and remotes). Where April gave life, May took it away; I lost both of my grandmothers in the same week. The lives they lived couldn’t have been more different, but they were both strong, funny, independent women and mothers who saw more than 90 years of life. This summer, we enjoyed two trips to the Outer Banks. On our first trip — when Tucker was just 3 weeks old — we learned a very important lesson in midnight newborn poops: They can and will project onto the wall. On our second trip a month later, we learned that your ears won't totally explode when exposed to eight hours of baby screaming. In August, Tyler started back to school full-time to earn a degree in graphic design. He also began a part-time job in October. With his first semester in the books, we’re excited to slow down a bit and catch up on lots of family time. The photography business has been amazing this year, thanks to so many sweet clients. If you’re one reading this, know I am extremely grateful for you. The time I've spent talking with you and hanging out with your family is the most joyful part of this job. I hope to see you in 2018 as well! But in the meantime, I'm trying to capture every moment of Tucker's first Christmas. I'm trying to bake all cookies and see all the lights. I'm trying to savor every day left of 2017. Because this year has been good to us. With love, Laura Kristie Lea Photography
This Tucker update is way overdue! Day-to-day life still looks the same (busy and tiring), but we are loving every minute of watching Tucker figure out his little world. Pretty soon, I think I'll have a great photo assistant! These days, he's a rolling pro and is well on his way to crawling. He has the best sense of humor (and an equally awesome smile) and gets a kick out of us barking at him and making up songs. Basically, Tyler and I act silly 95 percent of our awake time. My favorite development, though, is the long-awaited open-mouthed kisses he gives. Tyler and I have been talking about these since before he was born! They're a mix between sloppy, wet dog kisses and a leech attaching itself to your face. It's the best. Comparison of July, August and September (3, 4 and 5 months old). I look forward to the fourteenth of every month, so we can take our mirror photo! July was a big month for mouth bubbles. Just before he turned 4 months old, he began rolling from his back to his belly. (Look at all those arm rolls!) 4 months old! I love that his big 'ol toes still curl in. He clasps his hands so often that I started singing, "If you're Tucker and you know it, clasp your hands! ... If you're Tucker and you know it, then your hands will surely show it!" One of his favorite toys, which Tyler and I named Mr. Ellie. He never stays on his blanket more than five minutes. Before I know it, he's almost made it under the ottoman. (Not quite crawling, but he can definitely move!) We gave him his first taste of solid food at the very end of August (not this picture), and we have yet to have any success with him liking anything. So far, we've tried avocados, bananas, sweet potatoes and carrots. My guess is he's not quiet ready. Alternate guess: We're completely doing it wrong. Basically sums up our whole experience with solid food. We took these on my birthday, and of course I made us all wear fall outfits. Our 5-month pictures didn't go as well. This little meltdown came out of nowhere! His first documented tear. It only lasted a minute. This past weekend, we went to the Harry Potter festival in Staunton, and let me tell you – if you ever want to feel like you did a great job making a baby, put them in a costume and take them to a crowded place. I can't tell you how many compliments Tucker got! (For all you Muggles, he was dressed as the Gryffindor Lion). I mean, come on. Then on Sunday, we went with my family to the Peaks of Otter for a picnic. These were some of my favorite shots! Laura Richards is a natural family portrait photographer in Roanoke, Virginia. If I'm the right photographer for your next session, let's talk!
"It's true what they say," a client said to me this week over coffee. "When you're a parent, the days are long, but the years are short." I've been a mom now for 12 weeks. While that's still 40 short of a year, I totally get the saying. Our days certainly feel long. In fact, I'm not really sure when our days begin or end, as middle-of-the-night feedings are still very much a thing for Tucker. But I wouldn't change anything about how I've spent the past three months (which have flown by). I wake up every morning so happy — and so thankful — to see Tucker, his huge smile and his big, sleepy stretches that make him look like he has three chins. I love who he is, who he's becoming and who I am because of him. 3 Random Mom Thoughts1. I can't believe I'm crying over this. A few weeks ago, I watched Tyler give Tucker a bottle. Tucker accepted it, no problem. And I started tearing up. Doesn't he wonder where I am? Is this how it's going to be every time he does something without my help? Goodness. 2. What a chunk! Now at 16 pounds, Tucker has just about doubled his birth weight. That's what you get for eating every two hours, on the hour. 3. I still haven't cleaned the bathroom, and that's okay. I've decided recently that it doesn't matter how many to-do's remain unchecked on my ever-growing list. As long as I spend the day being a good mom, that's enough. Chores will always be there; my time with Tucker won't. (But I really do need to clean the bathroom.) Trying on the outfit my friend bought him in Vietnam. / Being bored at Sweet Donkey last night. Mornings are his happy time! Wearing shoes for the first time. Leather, very fancy. / His first trip to the Roanoke Star. Fourth of July kisses! So lucky to have this view every morning. Laura Richards is a natural family portrait photographer in Roanoke, Virginia. If I'm the right photographer for your next session, let's talk!
Just over a month after our first family vacation to the Outer Banks, we returned, this time with my mom and my sister's family. The first time around, Tucker was just three weeks old and slept most of the six-hour drive. This time, he decided to hate everything about his car seat, including the fabric which he happily pooped all over (somehow it got in his hair, but completely missed his back?). So between that, screaming and stopping to feed him, the six-hour drive took about eight. Our time at the beach house was great, though! Tucker made it down to the beach a few times, and I actually got to spend some time alone by the pool. Having my mom and sister around to help, plus feeling more confident as a mom myself, made for a relaxing and fun vacation. Tucker's new beach overalls deserved a mini photo shoot. It might look like my niece and nephew are just playing in the pool, but they were actually trying to avoid my camera in every photo. The only time my 4-year-old-going-on-14 niece would let me photograph her was when I did her hair and makeup. I love these photos because she's wearing one of my old dresses! I used to be obsessed with my "bear dress." These guys love their Uncle Tyler. Phone pics! Laura Richards is a natural family portrait photographer in Roanoke, Virginia. If I'm the right photographer for your next session, let's talk!
Before Tucker was born, I imagined maternity leave looking something like a very long photo session. I would spend my days documenting Tucker's cute outfits, his dramatic expressions and all of our new, exciting experiences. Some days, we'd even wear coordinating colors and set up the tripod for some mother-son portraits. Turns out, that is not what maternity leave looks like. Shocker, huh? Now just the thought of lugging out the tripod is exhausting. Most days, I'm lucky if I brush my teeth or dress him in matching clothes. When we do venture into a store, I walk around nervously and hurriedly, never knowing how much time I have before he'll cry to eat. Life with a newborn is like living with a really cute, snuggly bomb. Despite our chaos, though, we've had amazing opportunities for great photos — photos filled with people and stories I can't wait for Tucker to know about. Here's what we've been up to lately: First bath and time with Mom & DadOverall, Tucker didn't hate his first bath. He enjoys the sound of the water and likes having his head washed. Occasionally he's content lying in his crib, but only for a few minutes. He's spoiled! Mirror selfies! I love his chunky arms and chubby cheeks. He loves taking naps on his tummy. And look at those squishy lips! He's lost most of his hair on top, but he's still rocking a patch in the back. Tucker's first vacation!Maybe we were crazy for taking a 3-week-old to the beach (everyone said so), but we couldn't pass up the opportunity to go on our first family vacation. Plus, we had LOTS of extra helping hands. Sure, things were different this year, but the fun outweighed the challenging (example: poop explosions at 1 a.m.). My first Mother's DayThis Mother's Day was big for two reasons. Most obvious, it was my first – which felt a little surreal. How am I already someone's mom?? Second, it was my grandma's last. Not many of you know this, but she passed away early yesterday morning. That Sunday was one of her last semi-good days. Though she didn't understand exactly who we were, we were able to talk with her, see her smile and take some photos. Having pictures of her and Tucker means more to me than anything. Meeting his great-grandparentsI never knew any of my great-grandparents, so having Tucker meet three of his is really special. He's a lucky boy to be loved by so many!
As I write this, it's just me and Tucker at home. It's the first time we've really been alone together since he was born nine days ago. I have yet to migrate our things downstairs. I've eaten breakfast and lunch in bed. There are so many chores that need to be done. But all that's okay, because I know that these are the good old days, the days I'll look back on and long for. When he outgrows his newborn clothes. When he starts school. The first time he leaves the house by himself. This week has been nothing short of surreal. Our normal routines have all but disappeared, replaced by sleepless nights, two-person diaper changes and whispered conversations. But with those adjustments have come so many sweet memories. Like hearing Tyler sing made-up songs to our fussy baby. Watching Tucker's funny expressions when he wakes up from a nap (his tiny little smiles are just the best). Taking him on his first stroll around the neighborhood. I wouldn't trade those moments for anything, not even a full night's sleep. 6 Random Mom ThoughtsSome deep, some just about pee.
1. I can breathe through any pain. I used to think I had a very low pain tolerance. And when I say very low, I mean I would pass out just getting my blood pressure taken. So when I decided to have a natural, non-medicated labor, I wasn't sure if I was strong enough. But I was determined to make it work. (Plus, the epidural needle is huge, so I had to make it work). Twenty-right hours later, I had done it and our sweet boy was here. What got me through it? Learning to breath through every second of pain. I'd imagine that inhaling sucked the pain from my body and exhaling released it back into the world. I still practice this at home, as my body continues healing and as Tucker and I figure out this whole, sometimes-painful nursing thing. 2. Love is patient and kind. Never in my adult life have I been more dependent on another human being than I have been on Tyler this week. He's had to help me with everything, from going to the bathroom and making me food to applying lip balm a million times during labor. And he has yet to reply with the slightest sigh or exasperation. He's easily the most patient and loving person I have ever met. 3. You're so handsome. Tyler and I say this to Tucker countless times a day. It's still crazy to look at him and know that we created him, and that despite the billions of things that could have gone wrong during his formation, he is perfect from his toes to his head. 4. Living in the moment means... This one came to me late one night (or maybe it was early one morning). I was exhausted, Tucker was hungry and all I wanted to do was turn over and sleep uninterrupted. In that one delirious moment, I realized that living in the moment isn't about being free or carefree; it means fighting everything that's weighing you down and being there for the person or situation that needs you most. 5. Be great, feel great, act great. I stole this one from my cup of tea last night, but it has inspired me to make our first day alone together a good one. Today, I'll take care of myself, take care of my son and stay positive even when his screams are at their loudest. 6. Being a boy-mom is being okay with pee everywhere. Tucker has peed on me three times so far. And every time, it takes me a just a little too long to realize what's happening. Before I know it, there's pee everywhere, probably in places I can't even get to or see. I am okay with that. I am okay with that. I am okay with that... Happy snow day! (It's our first in our first home together, so I'm a little excited.) Since we're stuck inside, I thought I'd share some of the winter decorations I've been working on. Normally, I'm really sad to take down the Christmas tree and accept that the holidays are over, but this year was different. I had so many fun winter decorations in mind that I was ready come New Year's. And, just like my Christmas decorations, these are really easy and inexpensive to put together. I'm not much of cake baker, so I used this glass dome for a little winter wonderland instead. Now that Christmas is over, you can find these brush trees and glittery houses for next to nothing.
The table by my staircase is my favorite space to decorate. I found this little tree for $7 at Target after Christmas, and the frame was a gift from my mom. For winter, I traded in my vintage glass ornaments for snowflake-dusted pinecones. These simple beaded snowflake ornaments were another after-Christmas Target find.
I wasn't ready to pack away this year's Christmas cards — so I didn't. I just added a snowflake paper chain over it. (It was only 50 cents at Target, and yes, I felt like a kid making it.) I made Tyler make snowflakes with me on the first day of winter. Lots of cozy blankets are a must. Yep, I'll be here all day. Home sweet home.
I'm usually all about fall colors and pumpkins galore, but now that we have a house, I'm loving the chance to fill it with so many fun, cozy and special Christmas decorations. But I don't think you need to spend a whole lot to make things festive — you just need to get creative. Here are some of the budget-friendly things I've come up with (and don't miss the fudge recipe at the very bottom!): I've been a little obsessed with vintage glass ornaments this Christmas. Not only are they so pretty to decorate with, but they're also easy to find at most antique stores (and are just a few dollars a piece/set). The display on the left is the centerpiece for my dining room table, and the one below sits on my fireplace mantel. And more! You can throw them in just about any vase, votive or bowl. I love my little winter wonderland display. This set of trees was only $2 at Jo-Ann Fabrics, and since I didn't have any fake snow, I just used cotton balls. There's definitely a little bit of a vintage camera theme around my house. I found this old holiday-themed Polaroid advertisement at an antique store in Harrisonburg for a few dollars. I made this mitten garland and candy cane candle last weekend at blogger/crafter/espresso caterer Suzie Schmitt's monthly "Crafternoon" in Blacksburg. You can find a tutorial for the garland and so many more cute ideas on her blog, The Green Cupboard. I love displaying all the Christmas cards we get — and this is such an easy way to do it. I used twine and tiny gold clothespins that were hiding in our junk drawer. Home sweet home. Hope you got an idea or two to use at your own house! 5-minute Peppermint Candy Cane Fudge I love recipes that have a very small chance of messing up. My husband and I made this last Saturday morning, and it's amazing! All you need are five ingredients and a microwave. Ingredients:
Directions: Combine milk, chocolate and butter in a bowl and microwave for about a minute. Stir to combine and heat another 15 seconds if needed. Add extract and stir until smooth. Scoop onto a parchment-lined baking dish. Spread with a spatula to about 1-inch thickness. Top with crushed candy canes. Chill until ready to serve. Slice into 1-inch squares and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. |
Hello!Welcome to the blog! I'm Laura, a Charlottesville-area photographer specializing in authentic, natural-light photography and heirloom print art. Hope you'll explore my little online home and reach out if you have any questions! Archives
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