An engaged Misty + Brandon

Remember when I posted about my dearest friends Misty and Brandon and their sweet marriage proposal back in May? Well the wedding planning has begun and a date has been set – March 26, 2011. Misty asked me to be the Matron of Honor, and yes, I am very honored. With that role comes many fun tasks including engagement portraits. I took these photos (and many more) about a week ago in downtown Durham in 98-degree weather. The happy couple didn't let the heat get to them one bit. They were pleasant and gorgeous the entire photo shoot.

What a beautiful couple!

God made dirt

I've always known that God made dirt, but I never fully believed that "dirt don't hurt," as the saying goes.
After watching my sweet baby boy roam free in the garden this weekend, shoving piles of soil, mulch, and fresh-picked veggies into his mouth, I began to realize that dirt isn't really that bad. In fact, it kind of suits baby Caleb.

Except for in this picture, when Caleb realizes that raw green beans aren't tasty.

My heart on a hog

We had one of hubby's old college friends (named Lance) stay with us last night. He rode into town from Charleston on his Harley and all eyes were on him as he walked into our house with his helmet, pack, and biker boots. He'll be driving on to Ohio today – hopefully avoiding the predicted thunderstorms.
It was a pleasure having him visit. Hubby fed us BBQ chicken, fried okra and green beans for dinner last night, and we saved our last Founders Double Trouble Imperial IPA for Lance to enjoy. He hadn't had a sip of beer in two and a half months, I was informed. While in Charleston, Lance worked at a summer camp for kids/teens. No alcohol allowed obviously, even on the staff's one day off a week. He was more than grateful for an adult-themed meal that included the 9.40% ABV beverage.
Before Lance got back on the bike this morning and drifted off in the hot fog toward Ohio, I desperately wanted a photo of Caleb atop the shiny black machine.

Although Caleb very much wanted this to be his toy, hubby informed our 11-month old baby boy that this was a man's bike. I never knew hubby had so much respect for motorcycles. Understandably so. These things aren't cheap and this particular Harley was a beauty. So Caleb's placement on the bike was delicate and brief and done with love, thanks to a mindful Hubby.
Now when Caleb gets older and wants his own motorcycle I can tell him no, guilt-free. I can say, "Look at these photos, son – you've already had plenty of experience riding big boy bikes."
End of story. He'll never ask again, I'm sure.

Is that a basketball in there?

My sister Melissa has two months to go in her second pregnancy. I was so honored to be the one asked to take some maternity shots of her with baby Maddox on board.
Melissa is an absolutely breathtaking pregnant lady. Pregnant women around the world look at her basketball-sized belly, her flawless, glowing skin, her silky healthy hair, and they get jealous. She just makes pregnancy look good. That being said...enjoy the photos!

Death of a zinnia

I probably should have photographed this beautiful zinnia while it was still fresh with life, but I missed the moment I guess. I still think – even in this flower's demise – there is something captivating about it. The petals look like raffia as they fade from lavender to corn in hue.

Not afraid of water

On this blazing hot afternoon, Caleb, Grammie (Debbie), and I ventured out to the Forest Hills Park where we played on the swings and in the Sprayground – gotta love the name of that little invention. It's a miniature water park for the kids with water shooting in every direction.

Sometimes the water shoots out gently in a trickle and sometimes it gushes out in a blast.

Caleb especially enjoyed when he got pelted in the face with water. He may have even been trying to drink the water.


One thing is for sure – this kid is not scared of water.

Time with Grandpa

The family got to go home and celebrate with my dad for his 75th birthday. Baby Caleb loves lounging watching tv with his Grandpa. What a fantastic weekend!

Photos of the Day

The kitchen cabinets have been breached.

Little Lamb

Thank you to all our friends and family that helped us celebrate the baptism of Caleb this past Sunday. An even bigger thanks to those folks that traveled a great distance to witness the event. And to those who couldn't attend, you were dearly missed as well. The baptism service was led by Nathan Scholl, the youth minister at our church. Hubby and I were so grateful to have him bless our baby boy. We felt so welcomed by him and by the entire church congregation. It is a deep comfort to know that Caleb is surrounded by a vast, supportive Christian family.
Another blessing is that Caleb got to wear my Cuban family's 100-year-old christening gown, which my mother spent hours ensuring was in proper condition. She washed, stitched and ironed the delicate fabric (with the help of my Tia Irene too).
Below are some of the amazing photos from the baptism ceremony, courtesy of Pam. I am so grateful for these memories.

Caleb and I entering the church

Elvis lip intact

Aunt Bridget snuggling with Caleb before the ceremony

Left to right: Mark Hoffman (witness), Nathan Scholl (minister), Hubby, Caleb, me

Look at that precious gown! More than 100 family members have been baptized in it.

Caleb didn't make a peep, even as the holy water was sprinkled on his head.

Tia Lis and Uncle Bryce, Caleb's proud Godparents

Three generations of men – Hubby, Caleb, and Grandaddy (Pat, Jed's dad)

The Busbees

A comforted mommy at the end of a big day!