“Mama, I wike when you call me my two names.  Sully James.”

.. and just like that, one sentence can encompass that sweet, tender, adorable personality — on his best days of course.

Somehow the Swann house is about to gain a brand new three year old this weekend.  Per our tradition, he already thinks he is 3 since we celebrated his party on Sunday.  But I couldn’t wait to share about my favorite little guy.

Sullivan James is reserved for when he’s gotten into too much mischief, but Sully J is his most utilized name. 

He loves his “sissy Weesey” and “Gogo” whom he named and it’s stuck.

When I think about the things I don’t want to forget about him at this age, I have a long list–

At the top? Sully is a cheerleader and an encourager.

He usually finds himself tagging along to things his big sister is a part of.  Even so, he does nothing but cheer her on.  In fact this Christmas we found ourselves at one of those “tag along” events.  At Reese’s recital, tucked, in the pews, he suddenly stood up!  He cheered as loud as his little voice would carry, “Woohooooooo, Reesey!!” completely on his own.  It melted me and everyone around us for sure.

There are many times where Reese has a big kid privilege… she gets to do something that he really wants to.  Instead of fussing, he’s usually just excited for her instead of sad for him!

Sully is also the epitome of charming… there’s a long list of people who have told us that.  Wherever he goes, he makes strangers’ days.  Even at the gym I find him greeting everyone in his “class” and all of “his teachers” there know him by name.

But some of the best things about him?

• We’re convinced that he thinks he is an actual fish and has no fear when it comes to swimming in the pool and blowing bubbles.
• When he prays at night, he lists all of his favorite people and the adoration in his voice is palpable. 

“… thank you for Jesus, Michael, and Gwammy” is usually how it starts, and ends only when he’s listed every one of his cousins, aunts, uncles.

• He adores his dad and wants to be just like him.  Every day he looks at the window to see if Morgan is home from work and when he is… it’s like Christmas morning!
• Every night at the dinner table without prompting thanks whoever made his food.
• He sometimes makes excuses to stay up just a little bit longer, to get a little one on one time after his sisters have gone to bed.
• He still loves to hold my hand and gosh, if only I could guarantee that I’d remember what that feels like forever.  There’s nothing sweeter.
• He loves to fix things like his Daddy and is obsessed with anything with a motor.
• He puts on his Peter Pan costume to wear around the house from time to time and I swear there’s never been anything cuter. 

You’re a full on little boy, definitely not a toddler anymore, and sometimes I wish you’d find yourself a way to Neverland.  Please stop growing up.

Sullivan James Swann, I am endlessly proud to be your mama, and I can’t wait to keep seeing who you become <3

Can’t believe how much you’ve grown! Happy (almost) birthday, bud!

The name of the game over the last few weeks before wedding season? Portraits. Portraits. Portraits!  That’s why I’m so excited to share M&S’s Sherwood Garden Baltimore maternity portraits with you today!

In fact, I just shared Matt & Shanna’s gorgeous Mt Washington Mill Dye House wedding last week.  This week I get to share their next season, too!

We met in one of my favorite Baltimore gardens to photograph these two under the last of spring blooms.  It was a bit chilly and we had just had those huge rain storms the day before.  Alas, nothing could’ve ruined this sweet session.

Getting to be a part of not only a couple’s engagement and wedding day, but their important milestones afterwards? I’ll never get over that honor.  It’s a joy to continue to celebrate people alongside them in their most treasured moments.

… especially when it includes a nod to their engagement shoot.

These two share rival football allegiances and included their jerseys at the end of their engagement shoot.  This time they did an updated versions: onesie edition!

Matt & Shanna, thank you for trusting me to photograph this exciting new season for you!  I can’t wait to see you again once that sweet baby girl decides to join us! xx

Hope you enjoyed this Sherwood Garden Baltimore maternity portrait session today!