Say Cheese

I have the sweetest little boy on the planet. But he is going through a new phase right now. He only smiles his best smiles at home.


We experienced this last weekend at the pumpkin patch. The whole family got together with the kiddos to take pictures at the pumpkin patch. The kids were all dressed in festive fall attire and ready to go.


We gave JD a nap and figured he was ready to roll. But when we put him out amongst the pumpkins, he got very pensive and serious. We tried singing all of his favorite songs and tricks that usually has him in hysterics at home. Nothing, nada, zilch. Notice how cute his cousin Marin is smiling...




Then I took him to get his 6 month pictures this morning at Kiddie Kandids. I did all of the right things. He had a nap and I waited to give him his bottle until just before we took photos. I even played with him in the car right before we went in to "warm him up." He smiled and giggled at me.


We get to Kiddie Kandids and he wouldn't crack a smile for anything or anyone. I tried everything. So the nice picture people let me take him around for a stroll while they gave my appointment to some other child who apparently knows how to smile on cue.


Somewhere between the pack n' plays and baby furniture at Babies R Us, I got JD to smile again. Hallelujah! So I race back over to the photo station to try again.


We get him back on the platform. Ready, aim, NOTHING! I am at my wit's end! I finally remembered one of his recent favorite songs - Little Bunny Foo-foo (with the rabbit fingers). I put on my best Broadway imitation and sang until I got some smiles. Everyone in the store was laughing at me, but I didn't care because I got my son to giggle for the camera - finally!

See with rabbit ears...
And one without...

I wonder what I will need to do for his 9 month photos. I draw the line at costumes and karaoke...