The Harstad Happenings: Easter and 2 Year Photos

Over Spring Break, I took Courtney to get her 2 year and Easter pictures at our trusty photographer, Creel. He takes such great pictures and truly has a talent for capturing the true personality of people. Courtney was no exception! We've been going to him since she was a newborn so it was old practice for me. However, this is the first year that she actually knew what was going on and was talking to Creel. He was amazed at how much she talks! Me...not so much since she talks my ear off!

Each year, the photographer has a live bunny and lamb to take pictures with the children. I had forgotten about this until a friend reminded me. I had spent so much time building up putting on a pretty "Fancy Nancy/Princess" dress that I had forgotten about the animals. Oh no! The morning of her pictures went like this:

Me: Courtney! Today is your picture day and you get to wear your Fancy Nancy dress!

C: Fancy Nancy Dress! Me so happy!

Me: Yes! Are you going to smile?

C: Okay

Me: There are going to be animals there. A bunny and a lamb.

C: Bunny! Lamb!

Me: But don't be scared. They're no bigger than Holly. And you love hugging and playing with Holly, don't you?

C: Not scared.

Whew! Crisis averted! I think. I hope. I texted everyone for prayers. I waited.

We got to the studio where I was on pins and needles. She loved her dress and kept reminding me how pretty and happy she was wearing it. Until I took her sweater off (it was chilly that day). She had a typical tantrum and I caved in and let her wear the darn thing. Then came the animals....

I held my breath and stood back to watch a bomb go off. Nothing. What? No crying? No screaming? No piercing shrill of a child being tortured? Success! She loved both animals. She even demanded that the bunny be brought back in so it could have a picture with her and the lamb. She's like Dr. Doolittle. Well, not really, but she loved the lamb and talked about it the rest of the day. Here are some samples of her studio session.