The Making of Truman's Big Photo Shoot

We headed to Dallas on Saturday to have Truman photographed for his big debut in a datebook published for charity. (I mistakenly thought it was a 12-month calendar, with him as one of the featured children. Typical mom assumption!) Anyway, Truman was a trooper despite a rather long, hot day. Here are a few behind-the-scenes shots, courtesy of Paul, who was up in a second-floor bedroom overlooking the patio.


The photographer wanted to shoot him outside. Here, Truman decides that he doesn't want to pose near the flowers. (Note: I'm behind Truman, probably swatting a mosquito on my face. We're wearing matching colors for the family portrait taken before this series.)



James, the photographer, and his assistant Jason. James pulled out all the stops with Truman, who was a tough sell. Stuffed frog? Pink frilly feather? Truman was having none of it. (You can see me pinching the sleeve of Truman's shirt so that he doesn't run down the stairs to his right, which is all he really wanted to do.)


On the run after the reluctant subject.



Hopefully one of these bench shots worked. Most of them probably ended up like this one, with a skeptical Truman staring down the photographer.

BFFs

What a weekend! First, we watched a lot of Food Network's "Barefoot Contessa," which seems to be the only television program that Truman's even remotely interested in. I think it's her soothing voice. And all the action: cutting, chopping, boiling, etc. Anyway, I recorded every episode I could find this weekend. We learned how to make granola bars, lentil soup, sliders, a raspberry chocolate vanilla ice cream thing, and lots more.



Then we enjoyed a playdate with Will, Truman's BFF (best friend forever—you know, what the kids call it) from daycare. They are true partners in crime.


Truman was so surprised when Will walked in the front door. He laughed as if to say, "I can't believe it! You're here. In my house!" They ran around, read books, threw stuff, and ate popsicles on the front lawn.


A nice shot of Will solo. How cute is he??



Posing for their album cover. (For when they start their garage band.)




And finally, a short video to showcase their dancing skills. (You can hear me securing all rights and permissions in the background. Don't want to get sued!)

Pony

So this is how Truman came home from daycare today. (Apparently he wanted to look like one of his classmates, who is a girl and wears a ponytail.) He's got a big photo session coming up and we've been going back and forth about his hair. The front's still "baby" hair, but the back's got some length (i.e., the classic mullet). We debated about snipping off the pony before dinner and trimming the sides, but then we chickened out.

It still seems way too early for his first haircut. Doesn't it?

Zippers

Truman discovered how to unzip his pajamas overnight. Literally. We woke up to a Hugh Hefner lookalike this morning. What will tomorrow morning bring?

Hat

Have we mentioned how hot it is here? It's like 1,000 degrees every day. Which cuts way down on our outside time. But when we do go out, we load up on the sunscreen and make Truman wear a hat. Normally he hates this.


But he actually put it on himself first thing this morning. Looks like he's channeling Frank Sinatra....


Outside for a 15-minute bubble break on the front lawn.



Doesn't like being interrupted for a photo op.



Moving stones. Or something.



Watching Dad make the bubbles.



More bubbles....



The end of the photo session.

Second Fourth

Happy 4th, everyone! We had a lazy holiday. Well, as lazy as it can be with a toddler who wakes up at 5:30 am. Anyway, the day started off with our neighborhood parade. I thought Truman would be more into it this year, especially because last year he was only three months old (!), but I think he was just as mystified by the whole thing this time around.


Basically, anyone can be in this parade. It's made up of Boy Scouts, the local fire dept., people who own vintage cars, neighborhood kids, and even a vanload of residents from the nearby retirement home. Then, at the end, all of the spectators basically bring up the rear. And everyone who is in the parade throws candy to the spectators. So in this photo (above), Truman is about to be pelted by a bunch of Scouts throwing Dum-Dum lollipops.



Clearly parade power had gone to this little girl's head. And I'm not talking about the hat. As they went by, she was shouting orders at her parents and brother to pick up all the candy that was hitting the pavement.


Someone gave Truman a flag at one point. He took it off the stick and (gasp) let it touch the ground. Isn't that grounds for imprisonment? Being exiled?



A nice shot of T and Dad. As you can see, Truman looks mighty skeptical about the goings-on. (And sleepy.)



His stroller, post-parade.



Close up on the sun hat filled with candy and a few toys.

Saturday, in the park, a week before the 4th of July

Because it's so hot here (have we mentioned how hot it is here? oof), Truman takes his weekend trips to the park in the early morning--so early that you might notice he's still in his PJs. He doesn't usually get out of his sleepwear until 11 or so on weekends, anyway.

First we re-arrange things a little, with some back up from Luther.



Then it's time for a slide down the slide.



When it's over, it's time to walk Luther home.



Well, maybe not, but it's still a good way to spend Saturday morning.