Happy Valentine’s Day from Our Family (and Clara!)

I couldn’t resist the candy-heart pun in the title—those modern conversation hearts that say things like “Text Me” and “Tweet Me” always crack me up. But the real reason for this post is simple: to wish everyone a happy Valentine’s Day and to share a few affectionate photos of our little Clara. These are the same images we mailed to family and friends along with a playful Valentine’s card that featured a Burger-style chihuahua on the front—gotta represent both kids, you know. Since you’re friends too, consider these a virtual card that showed up in your mailbox.

That dollar-store stuffed candy heart from Target’s dollar spot made for a perfect Valentine’s prop—especially since Clara loves to suck on her fingers when a photo session pauses. To get these smiles and sweet expressions, there was a lot of high-pitched singing, goofy faces, and energetic dancing from both of us. No shame in that: when three sets of eager grandparents are expecting a mailbox surprise, you do what it takes to capture a few memorable shots.

For our little Valentine photoshoot we also took Clara’s weekly milestone photo using heart-patterned fabric as a backdrop. John even touched up the week number in Photoshop (it’s usually inside a circle), so we could keep the heart motif consistent. We’ve been photographing her every week as part of a longer weekly-photo project—so far there are 38 other images in that series and more project details available in our gallery on the site.

Okay, pause on the baby photo parade. I know I can be like an excited parent at the mall, shoving an insert full of pictures into anyone’s hands. Whether you’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a partner, your pet, a close friend, family, or even hosting an anti-Valentine’s party, I hope it’s a day you remember fondly. In an effort to honor one of our resolutions to find better balance, we’re planning to take it easy today and enjoy some quiet family time—just the four of us, chihuahua included. Conveniently, today also marks Clara’s nine-month milestone. We keep marveling at how she’s now been out in the world longer than she was in the womb; the months at home felt long while I was pregnant, but since her birth time has flown by.

We’re not disappearing from the blog for good—far from it. We’ll be back later today with a special Valentine-themed giveaway, and tomorrow we’ll resume our regular posting schedule. There may even be some new dining table photos to share soon. Until then, the Petersik clan is sending you big, wet kisses and lots of love from our little family. Don’t worry—we don’t have mono; just a house full of affection, baby giggles, and an adorable chihuahua photobombing the best moments.

From props and silly noises to the tiny everyday moments that make family life so full, celebrating small milestones like a nine-month birthday or a themed weekly photo keeps us mindful and grateful. If you enjoy baby milestone posts, Valentine’s Day family snapshots, or behind-the-scenes photo tips, stay tuned—we’ll have more to share, including how we set up quick, low-stress shoots at home and simple props that pack a big visual punch.