Here is sweet Mr J at 7 months. I photographed him as a newborn, when he was uncommonly lovely, and he is still an amazingly gorgeous boy. He has awesome doggies at home, and he also has awesome parents.

His mommy shares these words:

Your gorgeous little guy has been growing like spit. How much does he weigh now at 7 months?

22 lbs – yes that is a lot, but he is also quite tall at 28.75”. In terms of weight and height, he is in the 93rd and 94th percentile respectively

Your family was able to visit from overseas. How was it for them meeting their grandson for the first time? Tell us about their visit.

They were absolutely delighted to finally meet Mr. J and could not believe that I was able to hand him to them to hold him at the airport and he did not cry but gave them a great big smile. They did not want to let go of him! We totally enjoyed their visit, especially Mr. J who got to spend so much time in his Opa’s arms, listening to him telling him all about the birds, flowers, etc., going for long walks with my parents and getting lots of cuddles from Oma. My parents and us could not believe how much Mr. J had grown in the 7 weeks they were here. They were happy to have been around when he learned to crawl, eat solids, pull himself up to stand and cut his first two teeth. It is amazing how quickly they develop! It was wonderful for us as well, because we got spoiled as well with wonderful cooking, help with chores around the house and great company. It is always great to have helping hands when you have a little one around, and it was difficult to have them leave again. We are looking forward to their next visit already!

Can you tell us a few of Mr J’s favourite things?

Mr. J loves his stuffed Bernese Mountain Dog and his two real Bernese Mountain Dog friends and playing peek-a-boo. He likes to constantly be on the move and enjoys listening to his mom sing to him. Mr. J also likes to cuddle a lot with his mom and dad! He also likes to eat solids, and sometimes also likes to wear the food. Bath time is one of his favourite things as is an important part of his bedtime routine. Skip a bath and it is tough to get him to sleep!!

How has it been for you and your hubby as new parents? Are their any joys or challenges you’d like to share?

It has been absolutely great and enjoyable – better than we ever imagined. Some sleepless nights, when the teeth are cutting through have been a challenge, but thankfully it did not last too long. The nice moments definitely make up for the hard times. Especially when he lies in bed besides me and then turns to me, puts my face in his hands and plants a great big kiss on my cheek! Or when we play peek-a-boo and he giggles so loud and hard that he almost chokes on his own saliva – just priceless moments!

What are your hopes and wishes for Mr J over the next, say, two years?

That he continues to grow and thrive like he is doing right now, as well as that he stays as healthy and happy go lucky as he is.

Do you have any advice for other moms of little boys?

Enjoy them as much as you can – the hugs, the cuddles, the kisses, the laughs and giggles. I am sure when they are older there will come a time when they don’t want to be seen cuddling with mom anymore!

And make sure to cover them when changing their diapers to avoid a surprise shower

I just roll on the floor laughing when I see these little tykes catch their reflections. They are captivated. It is like watching a spark put to their hearts. Who is that gorgeous guy? Arthur seems to be saying. I remember my littlest daughter when she was somewhat older–about seven years–standing in front of a mirror repeating, “I’m so beautiful, I’m so beautiful,” in an awed voice. Little Arthur reminded me of that sweet moment.

Meg, Greg, Joy and I were so pleased and happy to host all of you in our premiere Studio Portrait Party yesterday, May 12. We heard tell it was sunny outside, yet all of you took the time to truck down to my studio and trust me and my crew with your precious children. Thanks to each and every one of you, moms and dads too, who made the effort.

I’ve got the pix downloaded now, but that’s about all. I just spent a couple of hours proofing an image from every family so you could celebrate just a little piece of Mother’s Day by visiting my blog, so here they are!

Can’t say when I’ll have the pix up online for you, but as soon as humanly possible, and hopefully this week sometime. I’ll be back in touch when they’re up!

We’re having another Studio Portrait Party June 16, so let your friends and family members know the date. We ask that no one who attended yesterday returns for another 3-6 months depending on the rapidity of the change in your child/ren, but you are surely welcome to pass the opportunity along to others!

And we are building that waitlist for Home Portrait Parties where we bring the studio to you!

Cheers everyone, and smell a lilac for me,

Jane