This past August marked, ahem, August’s half birthday! I’m convinced that all winter babies are entitled to some kind of mid-year hoopla to celebrate when the season is fair. And that’s exactly what we recently did!

All the parents I know warn of the fleeting nature of the early formative years – so I’ve made it a point to celebrate every milestone possible. First tooth? Celebration! First burp? Party-time! First word? Make it a holiday!

But in all seriousness, each new season, each new phase of development, is better than the last. Being the mama to such a quickly growing chap has been nothing but a delight and blessing. Watching him investigate, explore, and challenge the world around him is a treat. Plopping him down in a field to smell a flower, gather sticks, chase butterflies, and dig in the dirt makes this mama’s heart sing.

That’s why turning 1 1/2 years old was something I couldn’t let off easy. So on a recent summery weekend I planned a day filled with treats and outdoor activities. We had plans to hit the lakefront, stroll the park, play in the sand, eat pizza and frozen custard, and (of course!) sneak in some photos!

Recent nursing school grad, friend, and photographer, Jessica Woodville, has been delighting us with her nature photos for years. Since the birth of her much younger brother Adam she’s also been sharing adorable documentary style portraits of her baby bro. Watching her work develop, I had hoped for an excuse to nab her for an easy-going photo session with August. And what better time than the present, right?!

The Saturday morning of escapades crept up quickly, but I was ready. Morning snuggles. Check. Coconut banana pancakes for breakfast. Check. Cute little outfit for August? Check. Sharing the whip cream off mamas frozen coffee? Check. Sunscreen. Check. Now we were ready to rock and roll!

We met Jessica at one of my favorite lakefront spots: the Montrose Harbor and bird sanctuary. This beautiful field is home to a prairie restoration project that boasts hundreds of native plants and wildlife. I could think of no better back drop for photographing my little jelly bean. And I think you’ll agree, the results are spectacular!

A huge thank you to Jessica for taking the time to capture these moments. Now all I need to do is convince her to let me make her a website.

And happy half birthday to my little August!