I have been photographing Sam since she was a teeny little newborn, and look at her now! A big girl, just celebrating her first birthday!

I’m always a little sad when babies graduate from the Building Blocks plan (our baby’s first year package), but this one is especially bittersweet.

Sam and her family recently moved out of state…so when they came back this past weekend for Sam’s final session, I knew it really was my final session with her.

I know! I felt the same way! Boo! Ah well, such is life. In the meantime, we got some fantastic photographs of Sam so she can always remember her first year in NC.

So to Sam’s mom and dad: thank you so much for allowing me the opportunity to watch Sam grow up before my lens! I have enjoyed her so much!

One last one for good luck! I love her expression and the tippy toes!

Fond farewell!

Sunday’s Mommy & Me mini-sessions were *this close* to being a complete wash - literally! The rain that wasn’t supposed to come until later that afternoon showed up a bit early.

Luckily, we had pockets of time that weren’t such a wash-out, and two of the three clients I was shooting that morning were still able to make it out. (And wouldn’t you know it…at the the time the 3rd client was scheduled, that darn sun was just a-shinin’! Just Mother Nature having some fun with me, I suppose!)

First up is Jacob, who I haven’t photographed since he was a teeny newborn! He’s got that little boy look now that makes me all smiley and teary at the same time.

As an added bonus, Sunday was his mommy’s birthday! Her 29th and final, she says!

Second up is Stella…I first photographed Stella last summer, when she was just a wee babe. Now she is a BUSY BUSY toddler!

No time for photos when there are important calls to make!

Happily, she did stand still for a few microseconds so that we could capture some of Stella with her beautiful mommy…who is expecting a baby brother or sister for Stella in August! (I so admire parents who can wait to be surprised about gender at the birth. I just do not have that kind of self-control!)

And just one more fave from the day!

Thank you to everyone who came out on Sunday! It’s such a privilege to me to capture these special relationships for you.

I first met Addie last year when she was all of 10 days old. And look at her now!

I love when clients return for another session…it’s such an honor!

Addie is on the verge on walking, and has a little independent streak in her that’ll keep her mommy and daddy on their toes, I think! Kind of reminds me of someone I know at home. I’m not naming any names…ha!

Happy birthday Addie! Thanks Andrea and BJ, and good luck with the big move!

Connor is also graduating from the Building Blocks baby plan! I just cannot believe all of these teeny tiny babies that I photographed a year ago have just bloomed into these little toddlers, full of personality and spunk!

He just looks so grown up, such a little boy now!

He’s “so big!”

Kelly and Chris, thank you so much for the opportunity to capture Connor’s first year!

My nephew JJ recently turned a year old, and we snapped a few pics when we were in Richmond last weekend. Here’s a quick sneak peek!

My attorney has banned me from telling you what happened next. But IF he happened to topple over into the grass right after that shot was taken, well…it’s my mom’s fault. HA!

So after this morning’s session, I tweeted about how gorgeous these children were. And now I’m blogging them and saying “told you so!”

See what I mean?

And if anyone can figure out how to get a photo just like this of my two girls, I will pay big, big money for it!

Sweet, beautiful Riley made my job so easy.

And Sheamus is your typical almost two-year old - very busy and very curious.

Sarah and Scott, thank you so much for having me over this morning! It was a blast, and I have many favorites to show you very soon!

Don’t forget to reserve your spot for the Mommy & Me mini-sessions scheduled in May! Dads, this would be a fantastic and original idea for Mother’s Day! Photographs can last a lifetime, and they never go out of style. And one size fits all!

I have changed things up a bit, and added a digital collection to the offering. Questions? Email me! christy@christyjohnson.com.

I’m so sad that Harper is a year old. I mean, I’m happy for her, but I’m sad that our baby’s first year plan has come to an end. And I’m sad that babies don’t stay babies forever. Somebody should make a law about that.

I’ve been photographing Harper since she was in her mama’s belly, and it has been pure joy to watch her grow. It crossed my mind during today’s session to sneak her into my camera bag and take her home with me. But I guess her mama and daddy probably wouldn’t like that too much. I think they like her.

A whole lot. It’s too bad, really.

Of course, big brother Jack might have something to say about it too. As he so seriously informed me today, he is BIG. He might beat me up if I stole Harper!

Good thing he thinks I’m funny.

I think I’m safe.

THANK YOU to one of my favorite families in the universe! I love and adore you guys, and I’m so thankful we’re friends!

Maddie is turning one year old - today! We celebrated with a photo session on Sunday at one of my favorite parks in Raleigh. We did her mommy’s maternity portraits at this very same location a little over a year ago, and it was so fun to see it come full circle.

It was terribly hard to narrow down the cuteness for a sneak peek, but here are a few faves so far…

Maddie’s uncle serves in the US Navy, and is just returning from a long deployment this week. Mom and Dad thought he’d love this little sailor dress…how could he not? She’s stinkin’ adorable!

Of course we saved a little time at the end of our shoot for some birthday cake! Maddie was content to just peel off little bits of icing at first.

Then she really got into it and showed us how it’s done!

Maddie, happy first birthday! I’ve loved knowing you since before you were born, and to see you turning a year old is just amazing. Your parents are over-the-moon in love with you, and who can blame them? Stay little as long as you can, for their sakes, ‘kay? Smooches!

I thought I’d share a few new pics of my girls. Macy is turning into a strong-willed little independent lady who does NOT like being told No. (well, who does, actually?!) And Claire, my baby, is walking. Say it ain’t so! Just a couple of recent snaps:

These two can just look at each other and start giggling. I love that. *sigh*

*new prop alert!* (ask me about bringing this antique high chair for your session!)

Out of the full memory cards of tongues sticking out, rolled eyes, silly faces…came this gem. I’m gonna have to print this one BIG.

Don’t let that big smile fool you…this is a girl who knows what she wants, and will stop at nothing to get it!

**Reminder about the Mommy & Me Mini Sessions! Email me at christy@christyjohnson.com to reserve your spot before they are gone!**