I feel old-ish.  Next week my beautiful, funny, smart daughter turns 10.  Where has the time gone?  In a year all three of my children will be in the double digits.  It is true what 'they' say- it goes so fast. Sure, when you are in the thick of it you think- Is this ever going to end?  Then one day it does.  Suddenly all those little baby socks are replaced with earrings and pretty baubles.  Somehow, though, some vestiges of childhood remain (she still sleeps with her ratty old Winnie the Pooh.) 

Don't grow up too fast, little girl.  I'm not ready yet.  

Isn't she lovely
Isn't she wonderful
Isn't she precious
Less than one minute old
I never thought through love we'd be
Making one as lovely as she
But isn't she lovely made from love

Isn't she pretty
Truly the angel's best
Boy, I'm so happy
We have been heaven blessed
I can't believe what God has done
through us he's given life to one
But isn't she lovely made from love
-Stevie Wonder

FINALLY! A holiday that's all about me!  What?  Not just me?  Oh.  Ok, fine- we'll celebrate all the wonderful mothers- those who have human children, those who have Mothers and/or children in heaven and those who have hairy four-legged children.

Twelve years ago I celebrated my first Mother's Day.  I am so very blessed to have three beautiful, smart, healthy, funny children.  These three little kids just light up my life.  Sure, there are ups and downs and bumps in the road, but for the most part this is just what I always wanted.  

Here's a few of the most recent (yesterday) pix of the people who make this day possible.  Love you guys, love you Mom, love my Grandmas in Heaven and all the bonus moms I have had over the years- love, love, love you all!

Just playin' with some props I had in the basement.  I have a whole wackload of 'leather' aviator jackets.  Want a special gift for grandpa or great-grandpa?  Consider an aviation portrait of your kiddo!

I think you all may have the wrong idea about my kids.  Yeah, sure, of course I love them.  In fact, I am crazy about them.  I have a feeling you all think my kids LOVE to have their portraits  made.  They LOVE to pose for me- the LOVE the whole thing about mom owning a studio.  This is where you would be wrong.  For the most part I have to bribe them, beg, twist their little arms.  Hard.  It has gotten to a point that I consider photographing my own children more torturous than any two-year-old could ever be.  Ever.  

Our annual Christmas Torture Session proved no different.  I took so much time picking their clothing, thought long and hard about set, mulled posing- as much preparation as any real client.  I even had bribes in mind.  Yeah, no.  Not gonna work.  One kid was a smart alec, another was whine-y and bratty and a talk-backer, while the third just sorta checked out. 

20 minutes in to the session from hell I let loose.  I let out a litany of language that would put the most base sailor to shame.  While I am not stranger to foul language, I don't often break out the 'F' word.  That day I did.  AAAAAAAAAANNNND THAT did it!  I got the little beasts to crack a smile, then a giggle and finally a full-on laugh (the deep belly kind.)  Then, one of them threw it right back at me.  We all laughed so hard our tummies ached.  From then on, for the rest of the session, it was awful, mindless cursing that may take years to rival. 

So, next time you hear small children speaking like truckers, you can bet it is family portrait time for the Coe family.
best,
and have a Happy EFFIN' New Year!
amy

PS Have no fear, I won't teach YOUR kids the fine art of foul.  I promise.

Over the next few days I am going to look back over the past year with my family.  Without them and their loving support (and occasional modeling) I wouldn't be here. 

Today's memory is Mother's Day, 2010.  As usual, I was on the computer working.  I looked over and saw the kids drawing on each other. 

"Dangint, guys!  What are you doing?!"

THIS is what they were up to- 'Mom' Tattoos.  (They are so cute, they make me so darn happy!!!)