This little guy was one of my first newborn sessions, and so to be able to celebrate the excitement of his first birthday was not only a privilege, but a point of reflection.  One year.  Children have a way of reminding you where you have been, and hinting at where you are going.  Still and small and sleepy, they quickly absorb the world around them with movement and sounds and the ability to enjoy a good mess of cake.  How a year can feel like ages ago and yesterday all at the same time may leave you wanting to hold on and yet excited for what another year can accomplish.  Although while you’re reflecting and crying and laughing, they have just said their first word and your lifetime of enjoying them continues.  What a gift.