I hope that everyone is having a happy holiday!

I'm sending out my warmest wishes to everyone but especially to those who are missing loved ones today. Whether they have passed away, are fighting in the military, or are just living across the country, you are connected to those that you love and carry a part of them with you wherever you go. May we all find some peace and comfort this holiday season.

He was more of a birthday present than a Christmas present, but this is my favorite gift that I received this year.



If that was the "before" photo then the next photograph must be the "after". This is how I feel after cooking, eating, and opening presents.

Tis the season to stick a funny red hat on your baby! It helps to keep his bald head warm, and it's just so darn cute.





Guess who is already four months old this week! Technically, he is at the "supported sitter" stage, but he has been able to support his weight on his legs for months. Does that make him a "supported stander"?



Next week he gets to meet his Swedish grandparents and uncle for the first time, but this week he had fun with one of his cousins.

My neighbor gave birth to her second son just days after I gave birth to my first. Hayden and I enjoy going over to visit with them during the week, and I was excited for Hayden to have little playmates so nearby.

Unfortunately, we just found out that they will be moving their family to New York soon, but they found time for a few photographs even in the midst of the holidays and the move. I love working with friends, but it's even better when they live just steps away and offer to hold your baby while you photograph their children.

Here are a few of my favorite photos of the boys. If you've ever tried to convince an active 2-year-old to slow down long enough for a photograph then you know how rewarding it is to capture shots like these.

I wanted to get a photograph of Hayden smiling because it's something that he does all the time now. Of course he stops and gets very serious if I point a camera in his direction, but I managed to catch a few happy expressions by shooting without looking. He's becoming much more aware of his environment and really enjoys being propped up so that he can look around.  I was trying to get his attention, but he just wanted to stare at his feet. He hasn't really figured out that they belong to him yet, but once in a while he'll notice them and seems very surprised and interested.

After spending several Christmases away, this year I finally get to decorate and spend the holidays at home. Over Thanksgiving weekend, we put the tree up. I couldn't hang all of the stockings yet because most of my stocking holders won't sit on the beveled edge of our mantle. It's really sad since I've been using the same santa holder since I was little, but I'm going to have to shop for some new ones. I also haven't made a stocking for Hayden yet so we just hung up the one that I made for Marcus.

Hayden likes to stare at the lights, and last night he cooperated for a few photographs in front of the fireplace. He's getting the little, red wagon for Christmas.

Also, he rolled over for the first time today! He went from his stomach to his back twice in a row for me and then once again for Marcus in the evening. Now he's going to be able to avoid tummy time by just rolling over when he gets tired of it.