The top picture on the left might be my favorite.? Those wide incident eyes and ruby red lips (he was born with the most perfect lips you have ever seen) just melt me.? Does it seem odd to you that I love to capture the serious side of children?? I chose to process a lot of serious expressions from this shoot because they capture my son.? He IS the serious sort.? I rarely process a serious shot of Ty because if I even have one, it probably means he was upset (for a half a second).?? Tanner is a very happy child.? He is not moody or sullen.? He is even tempered and good natured.? He smiles a lot – and giggles a lot – and bites his lip in the cutest way when he knows I am watching him.? But he also has a serious side.? In these pictures, one must factor in that few nine year old boys think a photo shoot with their mother is their idea of a good time.? In fact, after every few shots he was asking me if I was ready to go get pizza yet.? I admit – some of the expressions do reflect that sentiment hee hee.? It was real though.? Very much what one would expect from a nine year old male who already had to wear a long sleeve shirt AND tie during the summer IN PHOENIX.? Lucky I captured any smiling shots at all hee hee.
Let’s talk about Tanner’s hair again…
About a month ago, I was getting the kids ready for church one morning and Tanner was not satisfied with the way I was doing his hair.? Odd.? He kept double checking in the mirror and straightening spots.? When we got to church I noticed him checking his hair in the car door reflection again.?? Hmmmm…..
This has continued weekly.? No thought about his daily appearance until Sunday rolls around.
Yesterday, he came to me and said “Mom are you going to do my hair for church tomorrow like you did for pictures?”
“Why?”? I asked.
“Just wondering”.
“Do you WANT me to do your hair like I did it for pictures tomorrow?”
“I was just wondering mom – that’s all.”
“Just wondering?? Is there a particular reason you are concerned about your hair Tanner?”
“No mom.? I was just wondering – that’s all.”
Mystery unsolved.? I am suspicious though.? Suspicious indeed.
On another topic…he has asked me about three times this week about when we are going to have another baby.? He wants to know what we will name him or her and tells me he is getting really excited.? He loves babies.?? Maybe baby “Coopy” (as Tori calls him) has stirred up Tanner’s heart for another.??? He is such a good big brother.? He has a tender heart and tender conscience.? His siblings love to have him nearby and he doesn’t like to be separated from them for long either.? He still wants (and needs) a mama hug and kiss from me every night and has gotten more snuggly as he has gotten older instead of less.? He isn’t the type that will “ask” for affection.?? You will just notice him subtly inching closer and closer to you.? I love it when he does that and I take the opportunity to, also subtly” cozy right up to my boy.
One of the many things that I love about home schooling is that it seems to instill an acceptance in children.? They co-exist with others a bit differently because they are used to spending their days with people of all ages.? Instead of being surrounded by 25+ other nine year olds, they learn to interact with adults, children their age, and younger children with few prejudices.? Because of this, young children LOVE Tanner.? He does not discriminate and finds areas of commonality even with the littler ones.? I love that.? I also love that my children will know each other well because they spend every day together.? Love is a choice and love is learned.? I hope that the time they are given will afford for very close relationships with one another when they are older – despite their age differences.? If we get the blessing of baby number 4 next year, Tanner could be 10 years older than the baby but I think (hope) that they will still be close because they will still get a lot of time together.? (Dustin and I are nine years apart and we are very close so that helps me not to be concerned too).
I just asked him if he wanted to see his pictures and he said “Do I have to?”? :).? That was so Tanner.
Ahhhhh…..be still my beating heart.? My beautiful boy.
6 responses to “Year Nine Part Deux”
He does have quite luscious lips, doesn’t he!!?? And his beautiful red hair!! Soon, you won’t be the only girl whose heart needs to be stilled! 🙂
I love his serious looks although they make him look much too grown!!
Devin and Carlin are 14 years apart and they are very close. Carlin is also very good with children of all ages and kids just LOVE him, especially his little brother. One of the best blessings my little guys have is their big brother.
my heart is throbbing too! this auntie is falling more and more in love with this GUH-OR-GEOUS boy! my he is breathtaking!!!! and his nature is just beautiful too… i mean heartgrabbingly beautiful. i’m in love. 🙂
Again loving the pictures of the cutest red-head ever 🙂 There is no doubt in my mind that Tanner will be close with his new little sibling when the time comes. My boys are 12 and 16 years apart and there could never be a great brotherly bond than this one of Justin & his big brothers. They love him so much and he loves them just as much. Its going to be a great relationship between the 3 boys. Your kids will be the same.
he is such a beautiful boy!! i love the photos and the location! how are you going to choose which ones to display??
I absolutely agree with everything you said about Tanner. He is the most precious, sensitive, caring little guy and I am putting my vote with yours on the favorite pic – that is classic Tanner and model gorgeous. Man, I love looking at these! He is going to be a great example to all his little cousins with him being the eldest of the grandchildren. I love to watch Tanner. Tanner is our background person. He quietly picks Tori up and moves her away from trouble – no big deal, not for show, doesn’t realize anyone is even watching. He quietly cuddles up to hold baby Cooper. In fact, you have to watch for his desire because he won’t demand or push his way into the center of attention, you just catch him watching with a smile and then Aunt Jodi asks, “Tanner, would you like to hold Cooper?” and he agrees and sheepishly steps forward to tenderly hold him. He reminds me so much of his daddy and also of his Uncle Daniel. Doni, what a gift and treasure! Jarrod and Jenna are 15 years apart and CLOSE! Early on she was bait for the teenage girls with Jarrod being the big football player that after the games would come and tell me he would hold Jenna. How generous of him to do so for me (all the while the cheerleading squad and groupies would come around him to see the adorable baby!!!!) God works all things for our good and His glory. Watching all the kids interact is such a blessing and makes me love and appreciate each one both individually and collectively. Loved this sensitive Tanner shoot. We are proud of our Tanner!