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Almost 21 Months!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 00:18:00 +0000

I think we picked the hottest day of the year to photograph Charlie, but we wanted to get some summer pictures in before it was too late. Charlie was even sweating by the time it was done so you know it was hot.

Mark thought I was a little nuts when I told him I wanted to take a chair to the park...especially the far end of the park where the grasses aren't mowed. Nothing like hiking through the woods with your furniture in tow. The photographs turn out great so mommy is happy if nothing else.

The orange sucker was courtesy of grandma, which helped keep Charlie a little more subdued. But, as you can see she still wiggles around a bunch. Hard to believe she is almost two now. I can't stand that she is growing so quickly!

Charlie at 18 Months!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Sun, 14 Jun 2009 18:23:00 +0000

Mark and I braved the Dayton Art Institute for Charlie's 18 month session. As you all know by now, Charlie is a handful to photograph and for some strange reason we thought she would behave on location...

Needless to say she was all over the place. She even managed to eat some leaves and pebbles. Her shins and feet were all scrapped up and bruised from climbing all over the stone steps. At one point she even fell in the rose bushes and got a big scratch across her forehead...thank goodness for Photoshop.

We were there for over an hour, and were completely spent by the time it was all done. However, I think we got a few great shots. The closeup of her in the bright pink and brown outfit will be a large print in the house somewhere...its my favorite.

Charlie at 16 months!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Sat, 09 May 2009 21:01:00 +0000

Hard to believe Charlie is almost a year and a half old. She is growing by leaps and bounds everyday, including saying at least three new words each day. This week's latest are 'duck, grape and poop.' She is still a child on the move and will only sit still if you strap her in to a highchair or carseat. Needless to say this makes photographing her hard. This session took an hour to just get a few usable shots. Hopefully...we grow out of this stage :) We love our little monkey!

Easter Dress

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Sat, 09 May 2009 02:10:00 +0000

Here's Charlie's first Easter Dress! I know its not a typical Easter dress, but I couldn't help it. It reminds me of something my grandmother would have worn in the sixties.

Charlie is obsessed with the shoes too! If she sees them, she has to wear them. Yesterday she played with them for nearly two hours...far longer than she gives attention to anything else! She'll cry if you take them away from her too. She wants to wear them with her pajamas, diaper, anything! I have a feeling her teenage years are going to cost us plenty! My parent's are probably laughing for the payback...

Charlie at 15 Months!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Sat, 14 Feb 2009 04:13:00 +0000

I'll sit, but not for long!

I can run, hop and spin...sometimes all at the same time!

I can climb on things too!

I got a little behind in Charlie's posts, but I promise to catch up. Family and friends are starting to get mad there haven't been updates...so here we go.

This session we did on the 10th and Mark and I were both in a full sweat by the time we were done. Charlie is a girl on the go and most of the time her legs are moving before they ever hit the ground. The outtakes from this session are hilarious. Most of them consist of her running towards the camera.

We love watching her grow and learn new things. She is learning to climb on things...as evident below. She is also mimicking as much as she can both verbally and physically. I didn't think that I would have a 'girly-girl' but so far Charlie has a very bizarre obsession with shoes and has recently taken to jewelry and purses. She has to touch the shoes of most people she meets and plays with them at home just like you would a toy. Her favorite are a pair of yellow mary-janes that I bought her that don't leave her side.

She also enjoys eating paper to the point that it was one of her first words...mama, daddy, doggy, baby, paper...go figure. We love her a ridiculous amount and will miss her horribly during our travels this month. I never thought I could ever love someone this much and it just keeps growing :)

Wecome to Charlie's Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Fri, 21 Nov 2008 23:24:00 +0000

We created this blog for all of our friends and family who want to share in Charlie's life. We are so blessed to have her in our lives. Sometimes we all need to refocus and get centered about what is really important in life.

Seeing the world through the eyes of a child has certainly helped us to get our priorities and perspectives in order. This blog is as much about Charlie's growth as it is about our journey certainly as parents, but also as individuals who are always trying to do better for themselves as well. Not to sound cliche or cheesy here, but Charlie has certainly touched and changed us as individuals and as a couple right down to our souls.

I read a quote about parenthood referring to a baby that said, "It will be the tiniest thing that I will ever put my whole life into." We are glad that she came into our life to remind us that we need to be active participants in our lives and not just get swept along by everyday chores and mundane activities.

Thank you Charlie for granting us hope, joy, love and focus.
Love, Mom and Dad

Mod Squad Baby!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:50:00 +0000

Charlie went along to help us with cousins' Jason and Tiffany's engagement session and we thought we would do a 'urban' session with this great mod inspired little outfit. Charlie did great despite the cold and its solely Aunt Lu who Charlie is smiling at. Charlie loves Aunt Lu to the point that we had to pry her out of her arms when it was time to go.

Charlie is quit the styln' baby at eleven months old...much cooler than mom and dad!

Happy Halloween!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Sat, 25 Oct 2008 00:45:00 +0000

Hard to believe its Charlie's first Halloween. Grandma bought this costume last fall before Charlie had even arrived so its a little surreal to see her in it. Charlie is squirmy and she can take a few steps on her own so we were chasing her the whole session. She kept picking up the pumpkins and sucking on the stems like they were a pacifier...at least she was eating her vegetables :)

Best Witches!

Ten Months and Counting!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Sat, 04 Oct 2008 12:39:00 +0000

Last Sunday and Monday we were at Grandma and Grandpa's place on the lake. We had fun photographing at Marblehead lighthouse, downtown Sandusky and at Hermes Vineyard (Mark and Harvey particularly liked the winery).

A special thank you to brother Josh who helped with the cute green and blue outfit and to Debbie who loaned me the ivory dress her daughters used to wear. Charlie is at that stage where everything goes into her mouth so photographing on location is more like a buffet. You'll see in the photos :)

I'm a little behind on blogging Charlie's sessions, but the good news is that I'm not behind in photographing her! I still need to add two previous sessions that are very cute! Also, look for a new blog design for winter along with her Halloween outfit and other fall photos.

Hmmm...these look good enough to eat.

Shall I try the grass or the pebbles first?

At least these are better than what mom serves.

Flower Child

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 02:35:00 +0000

Can't resist the tip toes!

Getting brave letting go!

Silly Face!

Trying to make a run for it when we're trying to change outfits.

Hard to believe she is almost 9 months old! She has two bottom teeth and some ready to go on the top. She will definitely be an early walker too. She is walking by holding onto things and is starting to test the waters on letting go! We absolutely love every ounce of her!

Eight Months Old!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 02:15:00 +0000

We took Charlie along to a session with some great clients of ours who come up from Nashville to have their portraits done. I knew they would want to see Charlie as much as we wanted to see their boys...who have grown so much too! We photographed Charlie in her little sailor suit, which then also became birthday gifts for grandma and grandpa who have birthdays just a few days apart.

Charlie did so well and giggled the whole time despite the high temperature and being close to dinner time. I can't believe that she is eight months old already...time is going way too quickly!

The Joy of Teething!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Tue, 22 Jul 2008 02:07:00 +0000

I went into Charlie's room today expecting her to be napping, but instead caught her trying to chew her way out of her crib. She has two new teeth coming in on her bottom jaw and she has been chewing on things ever since. She does so many little things that amaze me and crack me up all at the same time!

Happy Father's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 19:46:00 +0000

So Mark didn't want me to make a fuss about Father's Day...but we all know I'm going to do what I want anyway :) I have watched Mark with Josh, Zak and Lindsay for years and always knew he was a great father. He is the most loving person I have ever known. However, I get to now watch him with Charlie and get to know him all over again as a husband and as a father.

Being the biggest kid at heart, he was meant to be a dad. Playing, singing, and loving is what his heart was made for. All his kids are lucky to have him in their lives and one of the best parts about adding Charlie to our family is how much closer it has made us all.

I just wanted to say thank you for being the wonderful dad and the soulmate that you are. We all love you with all our hearts!

PS. For those that don't know, Mark is a big Dallas Cowboys fan, especially for Tony Romo. So here is Charlie in her Romo jersey just for daddy.

Summer's Here!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 18:20:00 +0000

Summer is officially here! We couldn't resist Charlie in her cowgirl's hat!

There is a new look for the blog in honor of summer. I'm going to try to change the blog's theme as the season's progress. The bumblebee outfit is adorable on her and she didn't mind the antenna's although you can tell from her 'Grumpy Bee' pic that she had had enough for one day.

First Environmental Portrait!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 03:43:00 +0000

Mark and I needed a new head shot so the family piled into the car for a portrait adventure....on the hottest and most humid day of the summer thus far :( Thankfully Sister Lindsay came along to help, otherwise Mark and I would have been running back and forth to the camera in between the timer going off...sooo not good in the hot weather. Lindsay, having stuck it out through enough of these as a kid, new exactly what to do. She is quite good behind the camera.

Anyway mission accomplished. We got our updated P.R. shots done and Charlie got a few portraits in her new sundress from Aunt Jeanene. Her first of probably a million environmental portrait sessions. To be politically correct nowadays, can this technically be called an organic session? Just asking...

PS. She just had her last checkup and weighed in at 20.3 lbs and 28.16 inches. Hard to believe she is growing up so quickly!

Charlie's First Wedding!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Sat, 07 Jun 2008 14:07:00 +0000

Charlie got to participate in her first wedding this past weekend and also take her first Garber family photo with all her great aunts, uncles and cousins. Between the Garbers and the Gilmans, both families have been going up to Lake Erie for years and it was fun to be able to continue the tradition with Charlie. She even got to stick her toes in the sand at the water's edge. She didn't fuss any, although she was perplexed at the new texture under her feet.

Thank you to brothers Josh and Zak and sister Lindsay for helping to watch Charlie while Mark and I were photographing the wedding. A special thank you to LaDawn for her help as well. It was a beautiful weekend and we were so happy to be able to share in Amy and Travis' special day!

Six Months Old!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Sun, 25 May 2008 21:53:00 +0000

It absolutely amazes us how she if growing and developing so rapidly. Everyday brings about some new trick. My favorite as of late is how she sucks her thumb through her pacifier. Her pacifier has a hollow center, which she stick her thumb in so that she can suck on her pacifier and thumb at the same time. She is multitasking already!

Charlie is also getting more and more vocal each day. I love to hear her babble away and the absolute best is when she gets a case of the giggles. I don't think there is a better sound in the whole world than a child laughing.

I'm not much of a girlie-girl myself, but somehow I think Charlie is adorable in her girlie outfits. Her tutu and leg warmers crack me up!

Tutu Cute!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Fri, 23 May 2008 01:49:00 +0000

Something just for fun :)

Thank You Aunt Jessie!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Tue, 20 May 2008 00:55:00 +0000

Charlie's Aunt Jessica (Jennifer's sister) just got back from a 38 day field research trip on a boat in the North Atlantic and Artic Ocean for N.O.A.A. She brought Charlie this cute hat back from Iceland so we had to show it off!

The Christening

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Sun, 11 May 2008 03:40:00 +0000

Jennifer's family so graciously held Charlie's Christening at their house and Mark's nephew Jason performed the Blessing there as well. The ceremony could not have been more perfect and poignant. The Blessing was so touching and was all that we hoped for. It meant the world to us to have all of Charlie's family there to share such a beautiful moment in her life. We are truly lucky and blessed to be surrounded by such wonderful people! We can't thank you enough for all the love, support and friendship!

Five Month Session

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 20:05:00 +0000

Here is some favorite pictures from Charlie's 5 month session this April 21st. The brown knit outfit was a gift from brother Josh and the teddy bear is her favorite from grandma. The bracelet she is wearing was also a gift from our clients the Bohme family. Thank you so much for such a sweet gift! She will have that forever in her keepsake box.

Christening Photos!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 01:44:00 +0000

Here is Charlie in her Christening gown. This gown was made by her great aunt in Norway. My sister and I also wore the gown for our Christenings. It is fun to carry on family traditions across generations and continents. It really makes you realize that you are part of a much bigger picture. The close-up of Charlie's face is my favorite. I love that sweet reflective look that she gets.

We are also very happy to have Mark's nephew Jason, who is a minister at Beavercreek Church of the Nazarene, perform the services for us tying in Mark's side of the family as well.

Happy Valentine's Day!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Fri, 15 Feb 2008 02:37:00 +0000

Charlie's first Valentines Day at just three monthes old! She is certainly a very sweet Valentine and we are glad that she is ours!

Charlie and Daddy

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 04:07:00 +0000

Charlie was her usual happy self this morning and I wanted to photograph her in Mark's arms while she was still in her good mood. People probably wonder why we always have a lot of photographs of people's hands whether its at weddings or portrait sessions. So here is my best attempt to tell you why hands are important to me...

I don't have many memories of my grandfather Victor, but as a small child I always remembered his hands which just absolutely seemed gigantic to me. He was six and a half feet tall and was a mason who worked with his hands his whole life. They were always rough from work, but they were also the most gentle hands too. He always held my small hand in his and would even lift me into the air with me sitting in the palm of one of his hands. For some reason his hands are forever etched into my memory. My father's own hands are very much the same in my memory and I'll never forget his either.

Years ago I had photographed the hands of a bridesmaid at a wedding holding her husband's hands. They never purchased the photograph and had only seen the photograph once. About a year after the photograph was taken she came back to the studio to tell me that her husband had died that week of an embolism right in their driveway. As she prepared for his funeral, she couldn't stop thinking about the photograph I had done of her holding her husband's hand. I talked with her at the studio and she told me that at the time she thought it was a odd picture. 'Why would anyone want a picture of just hands?' Now all of a sudden that photograph meant the world to her.

I hope Charlie has this same love of hands and always remembers her father's hands. The hands that are always their to support her, hold her and soothe her. It's one of those silly simple things in life that we tend to overlook, but when noticed can mean the world to you.

Happy Holidays!

noreply@blogger.com (Charlie Maj) — Sat, 22 Dec 2007 00:25:00 +0000

As very tired new parents, we had the presence of mind to do Charlie's holiday photos; however, we didn't get the chance to send them out as the holiday cards that we had intended. Her holiday photos also doubled as her one month photos as well. Better late than never...Happy Holidays!