Happy Love

Love in the raw

In a day in age of selfies and staged photographs set to be perfect for social media, this photo is so much more.  This was taken by my husband of my daughter Savannah and I after dinner as we shared both a blanket and an Oreo cookie.

You can't see my face, but you can see my laugh lines.  The unbridled smile on Savannah's is my favorite.  It's so innocent and genuine. 

Today my sweet girl turned sixteen and when I thought about what I wanted to write, I decided to post this picture.  I almost solely use my photography in my blog, but I really love what this image says....
We love each other like crazy.

A love between a mother and her baby is amazing.  It's perfect and beautiful.  No matter the storms I have been through, Savannah has been my sunshine.  The sound of her voice calms my soul and the day she was born, sixteen years ago today, was the day that I found true love for the first time in my life.

I love you sweet girl, to the moon and the stars and back!  Happy 16th Birthday and I will see you in 24 days, 14 hours, 30 minutes and 57 seconds... but who's counting?

Where did the time go baby girl?

Where did the time go baby girl?

You are now just days from being sixteen, but it feels like just moments ago when I photographed this smile.  You were born a sprite and as I watch you grow into a beautiful young woman, I still love that you've kept your impish grin. 

I remember seeing that smile when you were one, having found you precariously perched on the kitchen counter.  You had helped yourself to a spoonful of peanut butter and were very proud.  You knew what you wanted and went for it.  As much as I couldn't admit it that day, it's  a quality I always want you to keep. 

I'm getting very nostalgic as your birthday approaches, remembering the days  before you were born like they were yesterday.  One thing I want you to know, is that while I truly and deeply loved you even before I saw you... I never could have known how that love would grow beyond measure... Beyond the moon, beyond the stars and back.