One of the very best parts of my job is getting to watch couples become parents and babies become toddlers. In the case of these two lovely people I am getting to see both. I met Shenequa and Derek when they were about to have Preston. Their maternity session was so much fun because they are so much fun. They joked around, laughed, cuddled up and gave me lots of amazing smiles. That's just who they are together and it was a great session. Since then I have photographed Preston 4 times. This last session was sweet like all the ones before. Look at him now, he's grown so much!

I love this image because of the way he's looking up at them and how they are holding him up. I love his little toes! When I look at this image I just think of family. It's just one of the very best things we do as people. Our children are our best and brightest hopes all rolled into one little person. It makes me think of this quote: "Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body" (Elizabeth Stone).

There is another quote (one of my favorites too!) but I can't find the exact wording. I have been searching for it online now for way too long so you'll get my (probably incorrect) version. It goes something like this, Family is like the giant redwoods, shading the tiny trees at their feet. I think it's by Maya Angelou. Preston is definitely the little redwood in this family- being carefully shaded by Shenequa and Derek.

So, how about you? Any favorite shots this Friday? As always, please leave links to your favorite images in the comments section below or submit their to my Favorite Shot Friday Flickr pool. Don't be shy!

By the way, for all of you Moms-to-be and new Moms out there, Shenequa has an amazing company called, Premier Baby Planning. If you need help getting organized, planning for your new baby and so much more, she's the one to call!