In technically 1 month and 2 days, I will become an aunt for the first time. And my brother and his wife parents for the first time. And my mother and father grandparents. It’s amazing how one baby can bring about so many firsts for so many people.

As I look back on our family, it’s so funny how things have taken a turn for the American. Yes, the American. There are 5 of us cousins on my dad’s side of the family (Mom’s side of the family is waaay too big and completely Asian). And so far, 4 of us have married (or is engaged) to white people. You really can’t blame us when we all live in the States. And so of course, mixed babies are on their way!!!

Jason & TJ were contemplating what their child would look like, and they came to the conclusion that she would probably look a little bit like me at first. How freaking weird is that?!?!?! But also, a little cool. After rummaging through my baby photos a few weekends ago, I hope they’re still okay with that. Shoot, I was a cute baby!

Anyway, we snapped a few maternity pictures while they were in town during my dad’s annual visit to the States. I don’t know about you, but how amazing does my sister-in-law look! She’s 8 months along!

LOOOOOOOVE that little owl canvas that will go in her room!!!!

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Well, it appears that this post has good timing. Especially given my previous mood.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again. I’m not a baby photographer. I never get the shots where the baby is sleeping peacefully, naked in a basket hanging from a tree with autumn leaves falling gently down. No, I get the ones who are awake, cranky and hungry. I’m sure there’s a method to the madness, but I don’t think I have the patience to find out. And since our resident baby photographer Crystal Delahoz of Love, Me Photography moved away, my friends are getting desperate.

Crystal photographed little Aurora’s birth and when she was a few months old before she moved. And of course, her pictures were SPECTACULAR. Unless a baby is in a wedding dress and can give me some sass and attitude, I don’t really know what to do except make silly noises and snap away. I will, however, settle for a homemade tutu – yes, Lauren MADE that! 

Aurora and her big brother Braeden. Who has awesome eyes and AWESOME hair.

I know. They don’t look old enough to have kids!

LOVE Royce’s tattoo!

I love this look. Listen, tuts, if you ever take my paci away from me again without my consent, it ain’t gonna be pretty.

Weeeeeeeeee!

And. I’m. Spent.

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I suddenly realized how wrong I was. “She means the world to me,” Amber said as her eyes welled up. I turned and looked at her daughter, who was sitting in the front seat of their car. Taylor has an incurable disease that has left her with the mental capacity of someone a few years younger than her 12 years. And Amber had never had any “professional” pictures taken of her. So during the shoot, she patiently coaxed Taylor and coached her on how to act in front of me. And I thought to myself, This woman is a single mother, works full time, ALSO runs a full-time worship ministry AND has a daughter with special needs. I’m surprised she doesn’t crash in bed exhausted every night. Well, maybe she does. But when Amber told me how much Taylor meant to her, I was gently scolded by her tears. Her daughter wasn’t a burden. Far from it. Taylor is bright, cheerful and UBER-friendly. She says what’s on her mind. There are no social boundaries with her, and in so many ways, I wish I was like that more. I wish we were less afraid of what people think of us. They taught me a big lesson that day about a mother’s love.

Nothing like a little tickling to get her to laugh!

I love this one of Taylor. It’s posed, but I think it shows a beautiful young girl.

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