sweet babies, sugar mama, and the professor.

The year was 1999.

It was 3:00 in the afternoon.

I was in a meeting at Eastview Christian Church where I worked at the time.

My children were eleven and eight years old and needed their mama to pick them up from school.

I glanced at my watch, realized I was late, and announced, "I gotta run and get my sweet babies!"

Eyebrow arched and voice dripping with sarcasm, my then-co-worker Isaac Gaff needled,

"Your SWEET BABIES?"

"Yes, my sweet babies. Someday you will have some of your own,

and you will understand. But right now, I'm late."

It is now 2010, and Dr.Gaff understands.

He became a dad.

Although I've never heard him say it out loud, I'm pretty sure

five year old Hannah and not quite two year old Laurel

will always be his sweet babies.

Bet he even whispers it in their ears when he tucks them in at night.

The arched eybrow?

Parenthood hasn't changed that (see below).

It is also somewhat ironic to me that their mama has recently begun a cake decorating business

under the name "Sugar Mama."

Such a sweet family (pun intended).

Professor.Papa.Gaff

Check out Sugar Mama on Facebook or at  http://www.cakesbysugarmama.com/

eyes wide open.

When I photographed Fallon as a newborn this summer, she never opened her eyes.  Not once.  Now she's four months old and has her eyes wide open....and they are bright and beautiful!  We had an absolutely gorgeous day to visit Radar's Pumpkin Farm...one of those perfect autumn days where it seems nothing can go wrong.  Nothing did.  Sights and smells of fall surrounded us.  Fallon smiled and looked cute.  Her parents did too.
I'm glad Fallon's eyes were wide open.  I wouldn't want her to miss a day like this!

Family Fun:  http://www.raderfamilyfarms.com/

shelakea.

My friend Sharon introduced me to Shelakea and joined us for her senior session at Miller Park. 

It was an absolutely beautiful day. 

The fall colors were on full display for a perfect backdrop

to Shalakea's gentle spirit and beautiful smile.    

final year of fifth grade together.

This is the last year I will have a Mosley kid in my fifth grade class.  Two have survived the craziness that is my classroom, and one is currently sitting in the front row smiling at me every day.  I have been blessed by this dear family.  Give me a Mosley kid any year.

Hopefully, this isn't the last year I will take their pictures because they are a photographer's dream to work with!  I love their smiles, their interactions with each other, and their boots.  Enjoy the peek...I can't wait to work on their Christmas card!

katie, part two.

 I'll let the pictures talk.  Katie is beautiful.  The end.

 I simply had to take a picture of Katie's belt.  I love it!  And it believe it cost more than the sweater.