Last year my sister gave birth to a beautiful little girl and I became an aunt for the first time. More importantly, my mother became a grandmother for the first time – definitely a milestone for her, and one that she had been looking forward to since my siblings and I reached puberty. OK, well maybe not PUBERTY exactly, but let’s just say that becoming a Grandma made my mom a very, very happy lady! When Riley was born it was cause for great celebration and a healthy dose of happy tears. My mom is kind of emotional that way, and while we all tease her about her endless blubbering and fawning over the baby, we know that it’s just because she has so much love for the littlest member of our clan.
Last Christmas, Riley stopped in at my parents’ house for Christmas with her parents (my sister and her husband) and she was greeted like a queen. As the designated paparazzi, I took oodles of pictures and had planned to create a photo book to give to my mom for Mother’s Day. Of course, to make sure the book was a big surprise, I have not given her any of the Christmas pictures… so EVERY time I have seen my mom since Christmas, she has asked me about those pictures and I have muttered an excuse and promised to get them to her “soon”. When I went over for my birthday dinner a couple of weeks ago, as I was leaving, mom once again asked me about the pictures and once again I promised to get them to her soon.
After having a yummy home-cooked dinner with all my favorites, including my mom’s AWESOME pesto and pseudo-millefeuille dessert, I felt a little guilty about leaving her hanging until May… so I had the photobook made and gave it to her as an early Mother’s Day present today. When I gave it to her, she was over the moon (which for my mom manifests itself as tears and blubbering) and could not put it down. She kept grasping it to her chest and saying, “Oh. My. God” and “She is so precious”.
I know that everyone thinks their baby is the cutest baby in the world, but I have to say, my niece Riley really is UBER-adorable. See for yourself:
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I designed the book cover to reflect my mom's style: classy, elegant and beautiful. The book measures 8" x 8" so you're seeing the front & back wrap-around cover here (Front is on the right, back is on the left).
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It's all those little touches and details that makes my mom's home feel so warm and inviting for the holidays.
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OK seriously, is Riley a little fashionista or WHAT in that gorgeous winter coat and hat combo??
'Tis the season to be jolly... especially when you have a Jolly Jumper!
Riley is already showing a little attitude to her dad as he tries to get her attention with a new toy. She gets the attitude from her mom
Riley is tasting her new baby book while her mom and dad open her mountain of other gifts.
Riley joins us at the dinner table, while my sister plays peekaboo with my camera!
Wearing those cheesy hats that are inside Christmas crackers has become something of a tradition for us.
Riley wants to play on the floor... MOM wants to play on the floor!!
Mom: "Do you see this? She's sitting up! She's SO smart!!"
Riley is all smiles sitting on Grandpa Paul's lap.
Gaby takes a turn holding the baby... a whole new experience for him!
Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum. Yes we trusted the two of them to hold Riley - under close supervision!
A beautiful tribute for your mom and family, Victoria. Riley is a precious little girl that you have photographed with pride and love.
The pictures are the best. The descriptions are priceless. I found the whole idea and the way your daughter put it together very touching!!!.Good job!!!!
this is one gorgeous child, and the most beautiful eyes
that i see she got from her grandma linda.
a truly precious gift for your family.
xoxooxox lee
OMG This book and the comments and of course the little subject is so wonderful. It brought tears to my eyes. See I do understand about the blubbering. Fantastic I thoroughly enjoyed it, Thx for forwarding. Linda u have a gorgeous family!!!!! Enjoy!!!
This book is priceless and I can imagine how much time and effort this took. Great,Great Job….. The emotions are felt with every picture.
Thank you again for the best Mothers Day gift (unless there are wedding bells in YOUR future). For all the other blog readers this is just an example of the thoughtfulness and caring that are typical of my daughter, two of the many reasons I love her so much.
Love this album Victoria – Riley is absolutely gorgeous and the photos are amazing !!!
Wow, those photos are priceless! Great job!
Vic this is GORGEOUS (as is your little niece!!!) I just want to cuddle her – especially in her super-fashionable hat and jacket (a girl after my own heart!)
Fabulous job…when’s my MTGW (parts 1 2 and 3!) photobook arriving?!
T
xo