February 18, 2001 - Good Taste

For the first few months after Erin was born, Uno was only mildly interested in her, mostly in a "why did you bring this screaming, crying, mini-human to live with us and disrupt my nice, calm, quiet, life" sort of a way. That all changed when we started giving Erin "solid" food. (I put "solid" in quotes because as anyone who's had a baby knows, those first few months of it are far from solid.) All of a sudden, Erin became far more interesting. She had something he could appreciate (i.e., something he could eat), and mealtimes for Erin became times that he could possibly get lucky and get to lick something off her chair, tray, or chin. He'd hear me mixing up her oatmeal mush and come running, hoping to get just a taste of the stuff that had to be good - after all, she was devouring it! Later things got even more interesting when she could try to feed herself and things got dropped on the floor. All in all, Uno made out pretty well.

August 9, 2008 - Together Again!

Before our cruise in 2008, we spent one night at the fantastic Ritz Carlton on Key Biscayne. The timing couldn't have been more perfect, because two of my good friends, Jennifer and LaMae happened to also be in the area for their high school reunion. I hadn't seen Jen since 2005, and LaMae since 2003, and the three of us hadn't spent any real time together since 1998, so this was quite a reunion!  We had a wonderful brunch together at the hotel, reliving memories from our times together ("You don't need a WHOLE cheesesteak!"), laughing, and having a great time - just like old times! It was a great way for us to start our trip, but more than that, it was a memory all of its own that I'll always treasure.

March 28, 2004 - Fashion Plate

If I ever had any doubt that Erin would be a girly-girl, this day put that totally to rest. Even though it was only March, Erin and I had hit the local Carter's outlet to so some shopping for spring and summer clothes. Erin was starting to get opinionated and picky about her clothes, so I let her do some of the selections, and she always had veto power on outfits that I showed her.  I mean, what's the point of buying something she hated only to find that she'd never ever wear it? When we got home, Erin took her loot up to her room and proceeded to lay out each outfit carefully on the floor, matching tops and bottoms. When she was done, she stood back to admire both her handiwork and no doubt plan what she'd wear each day of the summer.  Yep, she's a girl!

October 5, 2003 - Great Expectations

Erin's first few hotel stays were all at the same place, the Animal Kingdom Lodge at Disney World. We always tried to get rooms with what they called "Savannah Views" so we could see the animals from our balcony. It was quite an experience, and we loved seeing what wandered by our window each day. Erin, however, really came to think this was the norm for hotels.  The first time we went to a different hotel (which happened to be in downtown Washingnton, D.C.), she ran to the window, threw back the curtains, and turned around to face us, quite confused, to ask, "Where are the animals?"  Well, this was D.C.  There's a whole other kind of animal here, baby.

December 7, 2000 - Topple the Elephant

http://sjtracey.smugmug.com/Other/Daily-Dose-Photos/10944059_Xtq2D#796235344_oV6XjThe first "game" we played with Erin was one that we called "Topple the Elephant." We'd make a pile of some of her stacking toys, and on top place a stuffed elephant. Erin would then swing her arms and knock the elephant off his tower. Each time she successfully unseated the poor thing, she'd smile and laugh like it was the funniest thing she could imagine happening. I got a huge kick out of watching her get so excited over something that seemed so simple (to me... at 32), and would happily re-seat the elephant time after time after time.

February 20, 2006 - Brown-Eyed Girl

Once in a while, the photographer in me will see a child with light eyes and I'll itch to take a picture of them. Light eyes photograph differently, and they're easier to "brighten up," capture catch lights, etc. Erin's eyes are simply gorgeous... Dark brown and rimmed with the long, thick lashes of childhood. As much as I love them, they've proven to be quite elusive when it comes to getting a good picture of them. This picture, although just a snapshot, is one of my faves because you can really SEE her eyes and how beautiful they are. Of course, the rest of the package isn't bad either...

September 25, 2002 - The Tude Starts Here

I admit it, I'm a prolific photographer, especially when it comes to taking pictures of Erin. She's a great subject, what can I say! But there are times that she clearly does NOT want to participate in my game. This day in 2002 was just one of those days. Erin looked adorable (I don't remember the story behind this outfit, but it was too cute!) and I really wanted to get a picture of her. You can tell by her pose and the look on her face that she wasn't into it. If she'd had the words at that time, she no doubt would have said something along the lines of, "Fine, Mom, take my stupid picture. FINE!" So I did!  Ha!