My mom and I have unintentionally started a holiday tradition: We take a photo together along with grandkids, born and unborn, in front of a mall Christmas tree. This tradition is turning out to be a great way to document our changes and the growing family. It started two years ago while strolling around the Bell Tower Shops in Fort Myers:

Mom and Traci with three-days-overdue Gavin in the belly - December 22, 2007

While shopping at Triangle Town Center in Raleigh the day after Christmas last year, we took several pictures in front of the tree in the outdoor promenade. It was only after returning home that it reminded me of the picture we'd taken in Florida the previous year.

Mom and Traci with nearly one-year-old Gavin - December 26, 2008

So, this year, I had to continue the tradition.

Mom and Traci with nearly two-year-old Gavin and 22-week Baby Brother in the belly - December 27, 2009

Gavin really does not do posed photos these days. I was shocked when I downloaded the photos off my camera and found this photo because I didn't think we captured any smiling, posed shots (Jeff sure is quick with the shutter!). Here is how the shoot actually unfolded...

The principal subject was protected by his body guard as the photographer tested the lighting (awful bright, sunny conditions, hence the less-than-desired quality of these images)...

Gavin tolerated a few pictures with Mommy and Daddy, but only because he had a few trucks to hold.

He didn't want to stand in front of a tree posing for the clicking black box. Boring! He whined and pouted at the tree, but always smiled as he escaped.

A few poses on the shoulders produced some smiles and laughter...

Sure is a honey of a tree...

This cute little girl crashed our photo shoot. Gavin was surprisingly social enough to shake her hand (after being prompted, of course) and wasn't afraid of her...

This is what Gavin would have rather been doing the entire time...