Almost Walking

It is hard to believe that in another Month our Layla will be 1 year old.

Where did the time go. Just after taking many of my magazines off

the Coffee Table and dropping them to the floor, she took great

pleasure in attempting to walk all over them! Her delight in this

activity was written all over her face - but we soon had to steer her

clear of this 'fun' as it was a bit 'slippery' for early steps. Just after

taking this shot she managed to walk 8 steps. She is such a Petite

little thing that it almost appears comical that she is actually walking.

She may be short in stature (same as me) but she is healthy and

happy. I guess we could not wish for more :)

Gail,

Wow!  what a great shot and great story.  You will have lots of photo ops with this youngster.  

Thanks so much.   She is a funny one and has so many different expressions - and of course she is a 'ham'. Thanks so much for that encouraging comment. I have not done a lot of 'people photography' and am learning as I go.

Hi Gail,

  She is so adorable.  Beautiful capture with priceless expression.  Take care, Patsy

Hello my friend, I have not been on a lot lately but hope to change that a bit!  Thanks so much for those lovely words - they are encouraging as I do not do a lot of Portrait Type Photography. I usually use my 24-105mm but I grabbed my camera with my 100mm on it and it acts as a great Portrait lens. She is growing fast and getting quite the personality. She walked 8 steps just after her play with the magazines. Soon she will be off an running - Jesse and Jen think they are busy now :)

Gotta love those grandchildren....right!! She's got her two front teeth. At this age...what more do they need!! Marvelous shot!

Yes, they sure teach us a lot.  Actually her top 2 just broke through finally-poor things she  really suffered with those ones. Thanks so much for stopping by Warren!

Wow, what a cutie!  Precious moments for this precious baby.  LOL, but keep her away from ME and Hollywood, it'll rot her brain... Mike

Another great shot ! You did well to get such a good composition and perfect skin tones as well . Bill

She looks very delicate and sweet.  I love how the letters spell out "ME" and she seems proud -- that with your story of her walking.. (also she has lovely blue eyes!)

Gail,

this image made me stop for a moment, and my cuteness adoring, familial brain took a philosophical turn. I don't seem to notice what she is holding is a movie magazine. also I ignore the fact that she may not be knowing the meaning of 'me'. Art is not about reality, but the interpretation it underscores.

I have seen my daughter grow up. I have seen how starting from birth, consciousness slowly takes over biological behavior. I also remember when she first saw herself in the mirror. So when I see this image, I see a little person stand up for the first time and proclaim before the world that, what makes all of us human, 'ME'. This tiny word, so important to this little person, and what so many of us forget so easily. I think this is a powerful image that should remain with her for all her life. Any time, she faulters in her path, or doubts herself, you can show her this image and remind her what she stands for, what she asserted as a child. It is to remain the guiding principle for her for the rest of her life.

You noticed !  When I took the photograph, I saw 'ME' and thought how appropriate.  For a moment, I thought about taking out the 'Movie Entertainment'. I decided I shouldn't for posting but may for a photo that just she will have to treasure.  Most of all I was so moved with what you shared about watching your daughter grow up, life in all it's changes and how all of her - throughout her life - which will always come back to 'ME' - and how important that word/realization and her sense of herself will always really come down to two letters.  She will journey through life and hopefully it will be a joyous experience - she will have her moments - but in order to mature they have to learn to decipher between right and wrong, decide whether to keep within the safety of boundaries that we as parents put in place mainly to keep her safe.  But at the end of the day - perhaps when we as parents/grandparents are 'gone' - she will look back and recall what a good experience her family was when you dust off the little battles that occur during those growing years.  I am going to write down in my Journal what you have written - It is one of the most beautiful comments I have ever seen in my Portfolio. You are so wise and I am so grateful you shared that wisdom and experience with your daughter with me. I cannot help but imagine that you and your daughter are very close and she looks upon you as a good and fair and loving father and teacher. My sincere and humble appreciation for taking the time to look at this image and 'speak from your heart'.

This I will remember, Gail

Cheers

PDE

Gail,

Thank you for your very insightful and heartfelt response. On a second thought, I think the 'movie entertainment' phrase can be left as is, since it imparts a pop art character to the image, and signifies how mundane day to day objects can be great source of inspiration under proper context. And, good luck to her. I know growing up is a challenge, and it looks like she is confident and ready to take it on :-)

Once again I think you are right.  The title of the Mag does make it current. I love these days when the little ones are so innocent - just engrossed in learning and discovering all the remarkable things they are beginning to do. I used to love hearing my own children as they woke up in their cribs in the morning. Chattering to themselves, their little chuckles, bits of laughter, just amusing themselves with what they see around them.  I did so enjoy going into their rooms and saying good morning and seeing their beautiful smiles. Arms outstretched longing for a 'hug' from 'me' - yes 'me'. I loved bath time. Often I would do it in the early evening. Then massage them with baby lotion to relax them and then give them their evening feeding. Cuddle them close to me, feel their warmth against my body and enjoy that wonderful feeling of 'completeness'.  I sometimes let my mind wander and think about what wonderful lives I hoped they would have; wondered what they would look like when they were older.  But now in retrospect, I would cherish that moment longer and not wonder about Saturday. They become Adults all too soon.  I would just cherish the wonderful moments as they made their little sounds, reached out to touch my face, and enjoy all the Love they were sharing with me.  These are the times that I try to engrain into my head as I fall asleep - so hopefully I will not forget those cherished moments.  For they are the adults now. Jesse is Layla's Dad and so engrossed in her - loving every moment as I somehow knew he would. And my daughter Shauna has her Daughter turning 15 tomorrow, and son will be 13 in July. Where have the years gone?  So this little sweetheart is such a joy to watch - with that lovely smile and happy personality. She brings back memories of her Dad at this age. I am so blessed and thankful. I wish Mothers and Fathers the world over had the blessings and opportunities I have had with my children. We were not affluent when they were babies, but we got by. A roof over our heads and a meal in our tummies at Supper......and 'Family'. 

Thank you so much for those lovely words expressed. They are appreciated!!

Thank you both so much for your thoughts shared. Always appreciate the encouragement.

thanks for those lovely words expressed - you are the experienced Grandad here :)  No Hollywood for her - she can just play with the magazine and destroy it!

I'm an old pediatrician and I really love children. Layla seems to grow well and in good health with a very expressive face, do not worry about her stature, she will grow definitely more than us with a much better brain . Now that I'm older I'm a grandfather with four grandchildren, two from my doughter and two from my son who married a Japanese girl. I often see more and more often the birth of the children of my patients now in childbearing age.It is a pleasure to see the younger generation who give a lot of satisfaction.

Enjoy your Layla at this stage of rapid growth, She will give you a lot of emotions. Ciao Giangiorgio

I really enjoyed your reflections about your life now, seeing the young patients that have grown from babies and are now of childbearing age. It really must be satisfying.  It is wonderful to see them at this age and already have many wonderful memories of this little one - many are so funny !!  We have 14 grandchildren so far. Layla is the youngest and the oldest I think is 26.  We learned a few months ago we are going to be 'Great Grandparents'.....that sure is was makes you sit back and recall the years. Some we do not see very much but we Love them just the same. Thank you for stopping by, your lovely words were delightful!