monthly birthdays

it is amazing how quickly your baby changes and grows during their first year of life. they develop so rapidly that we count their progress first in weeks, then in months. and it isn't until they finally reach their second year that we feel comfortable celebrating that amazing day just once a year.

after a good friend sent me several links to creative ideas for monthly progress photos toward the end of my pregnancy, i decided to make the commitment to take a monthly photo on her birthday (or at least within a week of it) for her first two years.

nicole balch of making it lovely posted this series of her daughter eleanor seated in an eames rocker with an adorable little pin to document the number of months.

image: nicole balch, making it lovely

since ella was born last june, we've been documenting her growth with monthly photos using a white fabric back drop, white onesie, and a large paper mâché number (available at hobby lobby) that i've collaged with various colorful images. the numbers have been a great way to keep her amused and in one place during the photo shoots. i plan to display the numbers in her room when we get settled in our next house.

we just completed her 8-month photo last week. i can't wait to compile all of the photos at the end of each year!

images: amanda fort