Seriously where has the time gone?! I can’t believe I have a three month old and I really can’t believe it’s already time to go back to teaching after 14 weeks at home. Cue the tears! I am SO lucky that my mom is going to watch Annie at her house until June. Craig and I have been so blessed (you’ll see in these photos) by the people in our life that have welcomed Annie with open arms. I have been able to keep my photography business open and running literally from day 1 home with Annie because of our parents and siblings watching Annie, friends checking in, an amazing meal train, and so much more love! Lots of people have told me I’m crazy for the amount of shoots I’ve been doing but honestly, it has made me feel human being able to go to shoots and weddings during these past 3 months. We have been so blessed by the support of everyone in our lives.

My whole life I’ve wanted to be a mom. I truly didn’t realize the amount of love I’d have for this little baby. Sure, we are tired, we’ve had some health scares, our house is a mess, but nothing compares to the joy Annie brings Craig and I. We can’t wait to watch her grow but also want her to stay this small forever. My favorite memories these three months have been introducing her to people in her life and her smiles!!! The smiles really showed up month two and they just melt me. As I head back to work, I will hold these photos in my memory to get me through each day.

Things Annie has done in her 3 little months of life:

1. She’s traveled to Delaware to celebrate Thanksgiving and met her two great grandmothers.
2. She watched every single world cup game except 1!!! This was a lifesaver for me in those early weeks. I looked forward to turning on the soccer games everyday and hanging with her.
3. She’s had her first ER scare luckily everything is good now!
4. She’s spent the night with both of her grandparents multiple times.
5. She’s gone to her first wedding!
6. She’s had COVID, her symptoms weren’t bad at all thank goodness.
7. She has celebrated both Craig and I’s birthdays!
8. She’s gone to Bridgewater to visit her cousins.
9. Multiple dog park days (She’s been to Bandy field, Short Pump dog park, and Pole Green dog park).
10. She’s gone out to eat way more than any human should! She’s up to 6 times at Mi Jalisco.
11. She’s had 4 photoshoots with mom and River is proving to be a better model when the camera comes out.
12. She’s met Santa (not a fan) and her baby buddies (Big Fan)- Ann Macon, Kennedy, Chase Dobson, Chase Forbes, Myles, and Emma.
13. She got her first souvenir from her grandparents going to Italy!
14. She attended her uncle Steven and Mikayla’s engagement party and got to see Gloucester Banks for the first time.
15. She celebrated her first Christmas which included the traditional reading of A Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve.

A few things to note about 3 month old Annie:

1. We are still waking up to feed her at least twice every night (usually midnight and 4am) but she eats and goes right back to sleep in her bassinet by our bed.
2. Annie absolutely loves her carseat, whether that means a car ride or a walk through the neighborhood. She does scream whenever we’re at a stop sign or stop light though, girl likes to move!
3. She rolled over and stopped being swaddled at night for the first time literally the day before I go back to work.
4. River is starting to take more notice of Annie. Thus far, he has pretended like she doesn’t exist, probably some jealousy, but recently will give her all the kisses.
5. Annie loves her play mat and can reach for all of her toys.
6. She is Ms. Independent and doesn’t love being in a carrier. I am lucky when she is so tired she’ll give us snuggles.
7. She loves to bounce and face out so she can see people!
8. She was born with a head full of hair but is slowly losing it. Her bald spots make her look even more like her twin, my dad! ha!

When Annie pulled up from the hospital, her cousins were waiting for her with matching T-shirts. It was the absolute best welcome home!

River took awhile to even notice her!  He ran around for a good couple hours and when she made a noise he was very spooked.  

Uncle Steven and Mikayla met her when they got home from their Colorado trip.  For being two nurses, they were scared to death of her size, ha! 

It was so nice to have company in those early days at home with Annie! 

Her first photoshoot was when she was about 6 days old.  I had been gifted gorgeous flowers from my friend that owns Blue House Flower Farm and once I enjoyed them for a few days, I used them for Annie’s newborn shoot.  

My mom gave me a matching bracelet set with Annie when she was born.  

We’ve had more than a few blowouts that turned into bath time.  

Uncle Steven proposed to Mikayla at our favorite spot!!  Annie wore her nicest headband for the occasion.  

Annie’s first backyard shoot with mom, dad, and River.  This time was for our Christmas card photo! 

Notice the change from the green shirt to the purple dress.  Annie thought it would be funny to mess up mom’s outfit on the very first shot.  I’ll spare you the details. 

A Halloween stroll!  A story I don’t want to forget about Halloween:  Annie was sitting on the porch with me passing out candy later in the night and a sweet young girl came to get candy and was enthralled with her.  She said she already knew her name was Julianna because of the dinosaur in our yard.  I was a little confused until it clicked that she meant the stork, ha! 

Annie’s first wedding at 2 weeks old to celebrate Emily & Alex, so much fun! 

Annie is so lucky to have two great grandmothers to visit! 

This girl cousin gang is amazing.  When we were in Delaware for Thanksgiving I honestly told Craig on the way home that I didn’t hold Annie once in 3 days.  Adelein and Charlotte stepped in and if they’d ever move to Richmond, they’d be hired! 

Annie also met three of my longest and best friends- Whitney, Ryndee, and Lindsey. 

Who knew almost 15 years ago when Morgan and I were random roommates at JMU, we’d have our hands full with three little girls?!

One of her first smiles that Omi caught on camera! 

I’m using the same bassinet, month cards, and blanket to photograph her growth every month! 

Homegirl did NOT like Santa. 

Watching the world cup and working with dad. 

Christmas dinner with both sets of grandparents! 

Mom and dad had a date night for New Years Eve! 

I was pregnant along side of these little boy’s mamas.  So special to see them all together! 

Annie’s first trip to Short Pump Mall and Atlee High School. 

We love you sweet girl!!