Since the moment this kid graced Earth, he has been filled with smiles and joy.  At 6 months old, Carter continues to pretty much toot rainbows.  Could this be luck?  Maybe....but it's likely due to his always sunny and funny parents, Kelli + Steven.

This week, during Millie's Nutcracker rehearsals, I have intensely observed the dynamics between the children (okay...mostly girls) and their parents (okay...mostly mothers).  It's obvious that children do take after their parents in some ways, but it has become even more apparent to me just how much this is the case as kids grow up.  Children pick up on moods, gestures, tone of voice, reactions and responses, what is deemed funny and what is deemed inappropriate.  Our kids are definitely "mini-me"s in many regards.

I am so proud of Kelli + Steven for being relaxed but responsible parents.  They don't get in a tizzy when things don't go as planned, but they aren't completely in left field either.  The comfortable, flexible middle ground of a family environment that they provide Carter is going to only help him flourish, and I can't wait to document him along the way!

(And PS---I freaking love this first image.  It is SOOO Kelli.)