Maria’s turn!  One of my last Charlestown babies.   I feel like Maria is partially mine–like I do with all the babies in Leo’s newborn group–but maybe because I love her name, or because she was one of the babies that Leo and I always sat by in class, I feel like I’ve got a little extra something something with this girl.  Don’t you agree Maria?  (She says yes.)  But the one thing Maria says no to, is my camera.  Actually, I think she is allergic.  The first time we scheduled, Maria had a nasty cold so we had to pick a different day.  Then at the second shoot, Maria wasn’t feeling well and wasn’t herself, so we tried for shoot #3 and Maria ended up sick again! Poor thing.  She just needs to snooze and here I am sticking my big camera in her face.  Maria, we’re done with pictures!  You can start feeling better now!  (Although I’d gladly come and take your picture again any day.)

Maria belongs to my friend, Dana, who, like I mentioned, is one of my Charlestown mom friends.   I remember that every time she came to class, she was completely put together.  She looked like she had just freshly showered (which is a total feat with a newborn) and always, always had on an envy-worthy outfit that never had a drop of spit up on it.  She was the first to invite us with our spouses to her house for a Christmas party where she managed to host a huge gathering and make everything herself with an 8 week old child.  But more than any of that, she is super sweet and so supportive.  I was slightly afraid of her in the beginning because she and her husband both seem so cool–they are beautiful, they have tons of friends, and they are always jet setting to amazing places…but honestly, they are both SO nice.  So welcoming and always inclusive.  They make life look easy, but area also the first ones to admit how hard it can be.  I just feel so lucky to have Dana, and all of my Charlestown mamas in my life.  (Chris and the dads…I’m lucky for you guys too!)

Maria was her mama’s twin when she was little, but the older she gets, the more Chris I see in her. The perfect blend.

Very much a daddy’s girl, little Maria and Chris are so sweet with one another.
Yeah, girl, yeah!!!
THIS smile is the reason we met up again.  I had to document it.

Love you guys!