Abby at One.

I recently got the chance to photograph my -- ahem -- great-niece, Abby. Yes, I'm old enough to be a great aunt, but only because Frank's six years older than me (love you, sweetie) and he's the youngest of three. So I have nieces and nephews with kids of their own. I don't get to photograph many babies because I'm so busy with weddings, so it's always fun when I get the little ones in front of the camera. Before I show you Abby's latest photo shoot, here are a few from this summer, just so you can see how much she's changed.

Abby has the most scrumptious cheeks.

"Hey lady...take a picture, it'll last longer." Um...Ok!

If only baby fat was as precious when you get older.

So here she is at (approximately) seven months...

And now..Abby at one!

Abby started walking at nine months. Nine months, people! That's crazy-early! She hasn't slowed down since she found her feet. Getting her to sit for a while for pictures was a challenge, but you should never underestimate the entertainment value of a pine cone.

Ready to get moving again. Her smile just kills me. And don't you love those two little teeth? I mean really, how much cuteness can one kid reasonably claim? Share with the rest of us, girlfriend!

With her mom, my niece Wendy.

Maybe my favorite from the whole shoot. I love the expression of pure joy on her face. It's good to be one!

With Daddy, Wendy's husband Walt.

Slides are always grin-inducing.

Those cheeks are just too yummy!

One of the things about being married that I didn't expect was how much I would come to love the family I married into. I've always said I had the best in-laws a girl could wish for. It's been amazing and humbling to watch his five nieces and nephews that became suddenly mine with a simple "I do" grow into the loving, talented and interesting adults that they are.  Now they're marrying and starting families of their own, bringing still more joy into all our lives. I'm so glad I get to photograph the results!

Click here to see more from Abby's One Year session.