“A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014″

Sometimes I just stare at her and think...I can't believe I made a person.

“A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014″

Peek-a-boo in the curtains with my cheeky girl.

“A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014″

Summer time is here, bringing tan lines and blonde streaks. You love the ocean like an old friend, it's so sweet to see.

“A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014″

Mornings are especially special, you're favorite game to play upon waking is, let's hide in the sheets.

“A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014″

Elly- This is you, sunshine and smiles, wrapped up into one amazing little being.

“A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014″

There are no seven wonders of the world in the eyes of a child. There are seven million. ~Walt Streightiff

Elly- I could watch her watch the sky forever.

“A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014″

Elly- You bring the sunshine when you wake.

“A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014″

You are mine, my little island baby.

“A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014″

You're growing right before my eyes, each and everyday. Yet moments like these take my breath away, I can almost see the women you're destine to become.

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014″

Elly- This is what happens when you leave your camera open on your phone, one year old selfies. Classic.

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014″

Every morning I get to wake up to this face, this lovely lovely happy face. I love you.

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014″

A leaf. That's all it takes for you to smile from ear to ear.

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014″

Watching you grow together is the sweetest thing. You love him, to the moon and back.

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014″

You are so adventurous, if you can climb it you will. Life, even the simple parts, are the most exciting to you.

“A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014″

You love chasing the evening light as it dances across the room, and I love to watch you.

“A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014″

This is you, a blurry, smiling bundle of joy, I get to call my own.

“A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014″

You wake up each day and stare, marveling at the new day.

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014″

Your face when you freshly wake, I don't think there is a better sight than this. Just when I think I couldn't love you more, I do. Promise to always stay my sweet little girl.

”A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014″

Elly- Outside, where the wind can kiss your cheek, and the grass can tickle your toes. That's your favorite place to be.

Look at the trees, look at the birds, look at the clouds, look at the stars... and if you have eyes you will be able to see that the whole existence is joyful.  Everything is simply happy.  Trees are happy for no reason; they are not going to become prime ministers or presidents and they are not going to become rich and they will never have any bank balance.  Look at the flowers - for no reason.  It is simply unbelievable how happy flowers are.  ~Osho

 "A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014″

 "A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014″

You love him and he loves you.

Love one another and you will be happy.  It's as simple and as difficult as that.  ~Michael Leunig

 "A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014"

Elly- The rain came down hard in the last few days, and you welcomed it like an old friend. Pressing your face against the window, you squealed in delight as the cold numbed your lips, yet you kissed the rain anyways.

You taught me to welcome the weather, any weather with a smile and a kiss. Thank you.

Let the rain kiss you.  Let the rain beat upon your head with silver liquid drops.  Let the rain sing you a lullaby.  ~Langston Hughes

 "A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014″

 "A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014″

 "A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014"

Elly- With eyes full of wonder and light of your ever expanding world,  you stayed close to me. Close enough to take in your breath, and steal kisses whenever I pleased. Teething caused you to need this closeness more than ever this week, and it reminded me that you're still my baby, even though you can crawl and explore on your own now. I will cherish these moments, where I can still carry you, safely tucked under my chin, my skin softly melting into yours as we walk through this world as one.

"Life was meant to be lived, and curiosity must be kept alive. One must never, for whatever reason, turn his back on life."

~Eleanor Roosevelt

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014"

Elly- Your little fingers are finding every piece of dust, dirt, and lint. No matter how many times your Papa and I sweep, you'll find the tiniest treasure that we somehow missed.

The important thing is not to stop questioning.  Curiosity has its own reason for existing.  One cannot help but be in awe when he contemplates the mysteries of eternity, of life, of the marvelous structure of reality.  ~Albert Einstein

"A portrait of my daughter, once a week, every week, in 2014."

Elly- We took you to the beach,  hardly for the first time. Though it was the first time you noticed your surroundings. You dug in the sand, gazing at each grain as if they were specks of gold. You weren't a bit afraid of the crashing waves, you gazed out at them, as if you knew the weight that they carried with each crash they beat upon the sand. My wise baby, what a pleasure it is to watch you grow.

          By now I'm sure you are all familiar with The 52 Project, where you take a portrait of your child/ren every week for a year. I've followed along as mother after mother documented the amazing wonder that is their children. Longing for the day when I could document my own.

    Well ladies and gents! The time is now, and what a perfect day to start it. Exactly 7 months ago today this wonderful being graced us with her presence.

I'm beyond excited to join in on this lovely project.

    By now I'm sure you are all familiar with The 52 Project, where you take a portrait of your child/ren every week for a year. I've followed along as mother after mother documented the amazing wonder that is their children. Longing for the day when I could document my own.

    Well ladies and gents! The time is now, and what a perfect day to start it. Exactly 7 months ago today this wonderful being graced us with her presence.

I'm beyond excited to join in on this lovely project.