Shannon Holden Photography

My oldest son, now nine years old. Double digits next year. Sigh.

His birthday was in February, but somehow our lives and our schedules were just nuts in February. Are they ever otherwise with three kids?? And so, I didn’t get around to creating his annual portraits until April. And I didn’t get around to even editing them until this past week! It’s like I tell my clients all the time … Especially when it comes to older kids, what matters is that you DO capture them as they grow year to year. It doesn’t matter if the portraits don’t happen ON their birthday!

I’ve learned so much about my son in the last two years. We’ve had some highs and lows on this journey. I think the lows make you appreciate the highs, and the climb in between makes you so much stronger. I can see the strength developing in my son. As he grows, I am thankful for every step I can take to understanding him better. It is so exciting to see the young man God is creating him to be emerging from the child I’ve known these nine years. Of course, it’s hard, too. He’s growing up. Soon, he won’t run to me for hugs several times each day. He won’t be excited for me to hang around with him and his friends. He won’t ask me to cuddle with him before bed. So I cherish every bit of all those moments now, before they are gone.

My son. Loving and generous. Bright and creative. Sweet. Sensitive. He has a passion for animals, and an even bigger heart for God. He sleeps with dozens of stuffed animals in his bed, when we let him get away with it. Loves science, hates math. He reads for hours every day, and when he puts down a book, he often picks up a pencil to work on his own novel. (He’s on chapter 14!) He knows almost as much about the Bible as I do, and many things I don’t. He would live in our backyard if I let him. He remembers everything he’s ever read or experienced, and never remembers to tie his shoes. He insists that I style his hair with that little curl in front. He crosses and uncrosses all of his fingers when he’s thinking. He loves sushi as much as he loves pizza and chicken nuggets, and he hates PB&J. He still calls me Mommy.

I hope he always calls me Mommy.

Scheduling note: My first available session as of now is late August. The Fall portrait months are booking up quickly. Holiday sessions always go fast! September and October are already about 50% full. Call soon to reserve your session. I am keeping a waiting list for Summer sessions, and I will do my best to accommodate newborn portrait sessions, so please feel free to contact me for either of those.