Sweet baby boy

I had the pleasure of spending time with this little angel and his awesome mommy. Her birth story cracked me up. All I can say is "drugs are your friend"! Here are a few shots of sweet baby D.

My girl

I have three children who I am legally responsible for but I happen to have several more "adult children" who have joined my family over the years. I have learned that family is more than blood or adoption paperwork. Family is who ever you choose to be. On Saturday I had the honor of helping one of those adult children get in her wedding dress so she can marry her marine. If Saturday is a glimpse into what it will be like to dress Taylor or Jasmine for their big day, I'm done for. Kellie was so incredibly beautiful. Every time I saw her smile or laugh, my heart just melted. My girl was happy because on Saturday she married the marine of her dreams. I worked quietly behind the scenes to make her day perfect. I worked quietly because I didn't want to cry my eyes out.  The highlight of that day was when she turned to me and told me how she felt about our relationship. I couldn't love her more if she were my birth child. My girl was getting married and going back to California. My girl married her Marine and the tears I am crying right now are tears of joy.

Playing catch up

This has been such a busy couple of weeks. Between shoots I have been taking care of my poor broken child (sprained ankle with lots of drama), my mom had surgery, and substitute teaching. Yep, I'm tired. I shot two seniors and a little dancer.

My first of the three is Ms Keely. She was so much fun. She is so beautiful, I was hard pressed to find a shot I didn't like. She will be an awesome teacher one day.

My second is Ms D. I have photographed her before. I have known this sweetheart since she was born. I was cracking up the entire session. Ms D is hilarious. She is a dancer and was simply beautiful in each outfit.

 

Last but certainly not least is Ms Karmen. We talked so much that the time just flew by. I hope she gets back into photography. She loves nature. She gave me a hard time about not liking "nature" photography. I have a feeling she has a great eye for it. We laughed quite a lot.

Beautiful Graduate

Wow, I didn't realize how long it has been since I've been able to blog. Last week I got the opportunity to photograph a soon to be graduate from Virginia Tech. Meet Kiera! She will get her Masters in Biological Systems Engineering in a couple of weeks. I'm so proud of her. Not only is she beautiful but intelligent too. Here are a few shots of Kiera.

Baby K

Today was fun because I spent the day with baby K. She is simply a doll baby. She didn't seem to mind the tutu at all. In fact, I think she liked it.

I love toddlers when they are not mine. But THIS toddler...

 I want to steal this one. Judah is simply a doll. He came over for a second shoot and was the first to play with my new fire truck. I think he liked it. His smile just steals your heart. He is great for impromptu hugs.

Camera Necklace

For my birthday I hinted around to everyone what to get me. I wanted the Pamela Topping Camera Love Necklace. Some how my husband missed all of the obvious signs and bought the wrong one. Needless to say I smiled sweetly and said thank you because his heart was in the right place. I did get the right one the following week. Well, now Pamela Topping is giving one away. I want the pink one pretty bad. So, here is a link to her site so you can get in on the give away. The only thing you have to do if you win is give it directly to me. ; )

Hanging out with Henry

I was fortunate to spend more time with Henry today. He is so stinking cute. Here are a few more shots of cuddly baby Henry. He almost makes me want another baby, almost...

Surgery

me in bed after surgery a photo by toyjsu on Flickr.

So I am now 11 days post-op. This picture was taken the morning after surgery. I was a bit drugged up and tired. I got a phone call that a delivery was about to be made. I wasn't sure who would have sent me an Edible arrangement. When it arrived, i was shocked to tears. My best friend in Texas sent me a Mickey Mouse treat. It was so yummy I almost forgot to call her right away. I had a little help finishing it off.

Having surgery is hard. I can't do as much as I usually do. I'm not exactly complaining about skipping out on cooking and cleaning. There are just so many things I need to do. I can't use my camera as much, drive, comb my own hair, etc. I can't get my shirt off without help. Now that is tough. I actually slept in it one night because I didn't want to wake the snoring hubby. Every day is better than the day before. What I have been is spoiled. Everyone around me has spoiled me so much and I sincerely appreciate it. I have had meals delivered, children cared for, Sarah picking me up to go places... I am Blessed and I know it.

Baby Henry

Meet Mr. Henry! Isn't he adorable? He is cuddled up on his daddy's rescue gear. I do believe it is a peek into his future. This is as sleep as he got. He was such a good boy. He spent most of the time just hanging out wide awake. I just wanted to hold him the entire shoot. You just gotta love these toes.