Sweet Lyla at Three Months...

It seems like just yesterday I was photographing Lyla's newborn images. She was beautiful as a newborn but it quite stunning now. Many people will say that all babies are cute, but I beg to differ. This child has nothing to worry about in that department. Her Dad on the other hand will have some sleepless nights as she grows into adulthood...The other parents out there can attest to just how quickly the time flies and her folks will learn this too.

I truly love watching how the birth of a child affects new parents and its one of the most remarkable, yet humbling times in our lives. Ten years ago I couldn't have even pictured myself as a Dad, but now it is what drives me and is certainly the most rewarding aspect of my life. I'm fairly confident that both Jim and Beth Ann feel that same now or will very soon.

The bond that forms between a parent and child is pretty amazing and definitely runs the gamut of emotions. I feel so blessed to do what I do for a living. To record these moments and ever growing relationships is a gift that I cherish. Above are a few samples from our session...

Pre-Easter Madness...

Back to blogging after too long of a break. Since my March Madness Bracket got busted, I figured I would post some Pre-Easter Madness from my recent Easter sessions at PLAY. It was a blast and I really want to thank Colleen at PLAY for the wonderful space as well as the folks from the House Rabbit Society of Georgia which supplied the Bunnies. I also of course want to thank all of the folks who came out for the sessions. There were many new faces along with some very familiar ones. I hope you had as much fun as I did!

I will say at one point (when some of the kids were screaming and poking the rabbits in the eye) I was questioning my chosen profession, but I quickly got past that. Here are just a few of my favorites from the weekend...

"History Made in Nordic Combined"

The U.S. Team made history today in the Nordic Combined competition in which the various countries utilize 3 or 4 skiers to do the Ski Jump early in the day and then follow it up with a Cross Country Race later in the day to determine the Medals.

The U. S. has historically struggled in such events with the favorites always being the Northern European Countries of Norway, Sweden and Finland and Austria. Well we broke through today with our first Medal ever (Silver) and had the Gold within our reach until the last few hundred yards which is a pretty awesome accomplishment.

I'll be wrapping up my tribute to the Games over the next couple of days as the access to my images is running thin. Anyway I hope some of you enjoyed my mini tribute to the Games and will continue to watch as the U.S. attempts to have a record setting Winter Games!

"Freestyling"

Just a quick post this evening as I am about spent after a crazy day. I'm still on an emotional high after the U.S. Hockey win over Canada last night and its shaping up for a similar (but more important) showdown with the Women. Should be fun. Anyway, here is a quick freestyle image for fun...

"Ode to Bode"

This post goes out to Bode Miller who captured the Gold Medal in the Alpine Skiing Super Combined Competition which consists of the combined best times of the Downhill and Slalom races in the same day. He has been one the the best hopes for a U.S. Gold since the Salt Lake Games in 2002 but only managed two silvers at those Games. Four years later in Torino, he was shut out as his main focus seemed to be partying as opposed to skiing. Been there, done that.

Since those Games in Italy he has married and fathered a little girl and not surprisingly, has calmed down and has re-committed himself. Children can definitely change your direction in an instant and help you do amazing things. I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the U.S. Hockey Team upsetting the heavily favored Canadian Club. Love it, love it, love it!!!

"Like an Eagle"

Once again the "Crazies" were flying high again. I certainly mean no disrespect as anyone that can go to the top of that tower, squat down on ski's and then push off at the end of the jump as they are looking down upon all of the specs of people. To me that's not the crazy part, the crazy part is when they have the FAITH to lean forward as they are flying through the air and soaring down hill. These guys are nearly parallel to the ground as they fly. If that is not faith, I don't know what is. Now if we can all manage to trust in the Lord and have that same kind of faith, we'll be just fine...

"Super G Along with Some Ski Jumping Action"

These sports are exactly the reason why I love the Winter Olympics far more than the Summer Games. There is absolutely no comparison in my mind. To me, with the exception of a few sports most notably Figure Skating and Curling, the Winter Games are all about action and taking risks. I think back to growing up as a kid watching The Wide World of Sports on ABC. "The Thrill of Victory and the Agony of Defeat."

The competition today consisted of two of these sports, the Men's Super G Skiing event and the Large Hill Ski Jumping. Both of these are wild to watch and even more fun to photograph. A few samples from my experience in Lake Placid are above...