Hal the Friendly Alligator from Finkelsteins has become a favorite companion for Joshua. Hal has been appearing in Joshua's monthly pictures for growth comparison. 

We have some hilarious, and some very sweet out takes from our monthly sessions to share with you, and a few shots from daily play time. 

A plug for Finkelsteins- totally worth the crazy price tag. 

Beginning with the 5 day old pictures... sleepy. Maybe a little grumpy.

I think this may have been the first moment Joshua really saw, er.. met, Hal.

One month photo shoot, not too sleepy, just a sweet yawn.

And we fly!

One month picture.

Two month photo shoot. 

I thought the photo shoot was over, then I looked down and this was happening:

Hal's nose tastes fuzzy.

Two month photo.

Play time with Hal, from just a few days ago. 

These beautiful and playful smiles have been around for a long time now, but they're so sweet and the moments are so precious I've just enjoyed them rather than trying to snatch them in a picture with my phone between Joshua's face and mine. But here I've finally captured a few.

Arrgg! We're pirates.

I think this is my favorite picture of all time. I plan to get it printed and framed. I am so thankful for this precious little guy. His personality is every bit as sweet as his smile.

I love my home to be organized. I probably love it too much. But it makes me feel more peaceful when all the things are in their proper places. I put that trendy robin's egg blue Ikea utility cart on my registry and some friends were sweet enough to purchase it for me! I originally planned to use it in Joshua's bedroom, but space is already tight in there and I instantly realized that I could use it to corral all the baby stuff that was floating around the mid level of our town-home. I like living in a town-home for many reasons, it challenges me to not have too much stuff, to use my space well, and the stair climbing is good for my rear end. At least that's what I tell myself. However, there are some things that I really need to have on the main level of our home at all times and can't possibly run upstairs to grab every time I need them- books for impromptu reading sessions (my current favorite is McElliott's Pool by Dr. Suess, and Joshua is loving The Snowy Day by Ezra Jack Keats), a blanket, Joshua's little summer jacket with the bear eared hood, my baby wearing wraps, and a few favorite toys. The cart has wheels so it's super nice to have right next to the couch, I can just pull it over and grab whatever I need. I was able to fit all the little baby stuff that had been occupying my entire kitchen table onto it with ease and I think it looks nice to boot.

On a side note, the life and work of Ezra Jack Keats is worth reading about. One of the many aspects of The Snowy Day that I love dearly is that little Peter is living and thriving in an urban setting. Such a simple book with beautiful illustration and profound messages.