Look what I made - Children's photographer Eastern Townships Montreal's South Shore Estrie Rive Sud Enfants

It's sometimes just about impossible to believe I helped make something so completely beautiful. If I hadn't been there myself to watch it all happen, nothing could convince me of it. She's beautiful. And She's growing even more lovely every day.

Here's my 11 year old. ♥

All of the grandkids - Family photographer Montreal's South Shore Eastern Townships Rive Sud Cantons de l'Est Estrie

A great big bunch is usually a ton of fun! This was no exception.

Under wraps until Christmas - Montreal's South Shore child photog rive sud

So the annual "surprise" for my mom, grandma to 5 lovely littles (and not so littles). I say "surprise" because I figure once it's an annual thing, the surprising effect must ware off, no? No matter. She loves it.

Here's how it all played out this year...

At your own risk - Montreal's South Shore family photographer

See for yourself...

That's what having four older brothers gets you.

'Cause you were all yellow - Montreal's South Shore child photographer

This is her song, here.

And this is her dress, here...

Eight seems impossible - Montreal's South Shore child photographer

She's been asking me more and more to tell her funny stories about when she was "little." I suppose when my daughter figured out she was once younger than she is at this very moment, she decided she'd grown up.

So I tell her stories. Stories about her as a baby. Stories about how well she ate. How well she slept. How early she spoke. And all the things she'd say.

Like when she was two --and had been watching Charlotte's Web on loop -- and touted, "No, I will not eat them [carrots]. It's unfair and unjust." At two.

Or when she was five, and I remarked to her that she had my knees. "You know what?" she pondered, "I think Daddy has my nipples."

But now, at the age of eight. I have only one observation. It's impossible. She can't be. And yet, there she is, a little lady before my very eyes.

What seems to be turning into an annual tradition - Montreal's South Shore child photographer

These pics have been under wraps for a little while now. Again this year, we got the grandkids together to gift photos to my mom (AKA Grand-maman, AKA Kamou) for Christmas.

The first post of 2013 goes to these beloved faces...

Stylin' - Montreal's South Shore family photographer

When  mom goes through all the trouble of perfectly styling her kids for a shoot, the inspiration just oozes. Not to mention this great location in LaPrairie (right here on the shore! YAY!)...

Les sept - Photographe de famille Rive Sud de Montréal

Maman, papa, frèro, soeurette, coquine, ti-loup, pis l'pitou.

En harmonie. Qui l'aurait cru?

THE dress - Montreal's South Shore child photographer

THE dress from Sprouting Jube Jube.

And my girl could not be more in love with it.

The centre of their universe - Montreal's South Shore family photographer

Purdies - Montreal's South Shore family photographer

yes. Purdies. All three of them. And when mama contacted me saying she wanted to surprise the man in their lives (AKA papa; AKA loverboy), I couldn't wait until the day of our sessions.

And what a beautiful day it was...

Dream of traveling - Montreal's South Shore child photographer

Just shut your eyes, pick a spot on the map, and be on your way...

Only, remember to pack clean underwear. And don't cross the street without the help of an adult.

Back to s-cool - Montreal's South Shore child photographer

These twin boys? Just too cool for school...

Grown up, or just about - Montreal's South Shore teen photographer

Greener pastures - Montreal's South Shore child photographer

All graduated from elementary school and ready to take on the world.

Vision - Montreal's South Shore photographer

This past autumn, an everyday supermom contacted me. She knew just what she wanted.

"A great big panoramic image of my 3 kids and me. Just our faces. I want to frame it and place it in our entryway."

These requests are sometimes a little tricky. The client has a relatively clear picture of what she wants me to help her achieve. There's a chance that our shared words are not conveying to one another the images dancing through our respective heads.

But the best thing happened. She trusted my artistic vision.

And I captured this:

Enchanting - Montreal's South Shore teen photographer

Teens and tweens? Yes please.

File under: Photos I could never get with babies.