i love that when i asked her to smile for my camera, instead she lifted her dress up over her head and started shaking her tushy. i love that when i gave her the jellybeans, she scattered them all over her piano and said she was “just giving the songs a prettier outfit”. i love that she (of course!) decided to put 45 tattoos all over her arms and legs the day before this planned photo shoot. she is her own girl now… my baby is three. so that’s three years since my heart has been walking outside of my body, which scares me and humbles me every moment of the day. but she is the sweetness that is worth rolling out of bed for before the sun comes up and the joy that reminds me to press on. i wanted this shoot to be full of her favorite things… making up silly songs, playing her piano, dancing like crazy, colorful candy, sweet smelling flowers, the letter “G” and sprinkle donuts. here is my gracie in all of her birthday girl glory.
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9 comments
Shanna - O.M.Goodness – so amazingly beautiful. I can’t believe how big she is. Shanna.
Kirsten W - Love every single thing about these photos! She is beautiful! Happy Birthday Gracie!
Grandma Sally - Love all the pics!! Awesome!! Tell Gracie Grandma Sally misses her!!
Anna - oh for goodness sake! These are the most precious pictures I’ve seen yet! She is so natural and beautiful and you capture her so well! I am awestruck by God’s grace, mercy and love for us as I look at these today. What a gift for me! He must be so proud of you Joy that without saying a word you can so majestically show his love and beauty to the world.
cassandra - Delightful! There is nothing like being a mother. What a sweet spirit your daughter has and it is beautifully captured here!
Stefanie - I can’t believe she is 3!!! We can’t wait to experience the joy that Gracie brings you. Only 8 more weeks…
Stephanie - OMG!!! I’m dying over these. They are so, soooo amazing. I am in love with them. Fabulous, amazing, love love love!
molly - i came across your stream on flickr and i must admit, i think i have looked at every single post on your blog! your photography is so inspiring! i’m looking forward to following your work. happy birthday to your sweet girl. <3
Marie Murray - She is sooooo cute Joy. You are truely blessed with a beautiful family and such a gift for taking such great pictures of them!!