Greater Houston Area Children and Family Photography | Christie Lacy

She has them, the bluest blue eyes I’ve ever seen. They are strikingly beautiful and intense, to match her sweet face. She’s one of the happiest babies I’ve ever met. I think she’s probably only frowned 2 or 3 times since I’ve met her.  She’s turning one.

So mom called me to set up her one year old session. The problem was that our weather was so unpredictable (still is! we’re supposed to get cold again) and every time we’d plan something we’d have to wait and see. But thankfully the good Lord let up a little and provided us with the Springiest Spring weather. The green grass is turning green again and the leaves on my willows are starting to sprout. I love this time of year and it was perfect for Ellie’s one year old birthday outfit. Doesn’t she look like a sweet cuppy-cake? Happy birthday, sweet girl!

I remember when each of my children turned one. With Darius (he’s our first), we went all out. We invited everyone and anyone. We layed out a huge spread and had a fantastic party. With Andre (our middle), his party was half as big. We invited close friends and family members. Still had a great time, but it was a little more intimate. When Juliana (our third and final), turned one, it was just us. I’ve learned that the best parties are not the big huge extravagant ones. They’re the ones that you celebrate with those closest to you; the most important ones.

This sweet girl is about to turn one. Isn’t she a doll? I mean, she has the perfect face of a doll. We ventured out to a park downtown. I’d never been there and neither had she. It was a mid day shoot with lots of bright sun out and I hadn’t shot a one year old in quite some time. I had been praying and wishing that I still had it.

It was so nice spending the warm afternoon outside beneath the trees and the buzzing people. I think that Miss O gave me some great shots that her parents will surely cherish! Take a peek:

I have been reflecting over the last few days since the horrendous devastation began in Haiti. I can’t imagine what they are going through, the hoplessness that many must feel, the pain, the suffering. I can’t imagine what the job of re-creation entails and how they feel after losing so many loved ones. This morning I saw the story of a 13 year old boy who lost his mother and father; he’d suffered a broken leg and a head injury. The videographer showed the medics trying to brace the leg and the boy screamed with pain. My heart breaks.

When you read this, please take a moment to say a prayer for the children in Haiti. As an adult I can’t imagine not having my family and having my entire world fall apart, but even more, I can’t imagine being a child and losing everything you’ve known. Please pray for peace, strength, hope, love and most importantly, faith.

For every single session booked with me this year, I will donate $10 towards disaster relief and rebuilding effort through my church’s ministry.  If you would like to personally donate to this cause, please click here to do so. To read more or get an update on our ministry there in Haiti, please read here.

Back in November, my friend Ashlee had asked me if  I be available to photograph her family for her mother-in-law.  While normally I have all of December off,  I  did make this exception. One reason is because I love Ashlee so much, another reason was because it was a surprise, but the most important reason was because this wasn’t just for Grandma, this was for them:

You’ll find me talking more and more about this throughout this year.  I love photography, and  I love  capturing  memories. But more than all of that, I want my kiddos to have something for themselves when they are my age. Something beautiful and creative, something that shows them how happy they are and how wonderful and beautiful life is.

I’m making this for your children so that they can have these same things. Because, afterall,  isn’t everything we do for them?

As Christmas approaches later this week, I wanted to take a moment to wish you and yours a very merry Christmas. Look later next week for a wrap up of sessions from this year!