Amy Schilling Photography - Infant Child Senior Family & Wedding Photographer Baytown TX

52 fridays | week 4 | warmth

2012-01-27T05:30:00.000-06:00

Four doesn't seem a very big number, but we're already FOUR weeks into the new year. Good grief times passes so quickly! I had several ideas for this week's theme - warmth. I even took another set of photos! But late yesterday afternoon my sleepy girl was laying on the couch and said she was cold. I covered her up, stepped back, and took a picture. She gave up regular naps about a year ago but those tired eyes are calling for a new schedule! And the warm glow of Dora playing in her eyes, just a lazy afternoon. In other news, I finally have Internet available on my computer at the new place. Yea!!

Don't forget to check out Christine Blaylock, IL Photographer to see her take on this week's theme!

52 fridays | week 3 | words

2012-01-20T04:00:00.000-06:00

Words are powerful, aren't they? Whether written or spoken, once they're out there you can never get them back.

My girl and I spent a morning cuddled on the couch, drawing over the latest issue of OK! Magazine. It was a total impulse buy at the dollar store one afternoon, I don't even know what made me grab it along with a pack of gum and a can of hair spray. After decorating the cover, we flipped through and she'd tell me what to draw on each person - a mustache, a necklace, shades, eyebrows, even a couple of beards. As an after thought, I gave each of the women in this spread a speech bubble and asked Avery what she thought they would say. Jordin Sparks said, "We just got to Nana's house." Charlize seemed a little confused whether she was going or coming. Though I think she was probably thinking, "Thanks for the fab shades and adorable headband. And by the by, this choker just makes my outfit!"

Don't forget to go see more words with the amazingly crafty and talented Christa Paustenbaugh of Manassas, VA!

We spend a lot of time in words, my girl and me. We sing, we read, we talk, she talks, I listen. It's amazing the things she picks up and the things she comes up with. Learned phrases and retorts, things I didn't realize I myself said until I heard them come out of her mouth. Not bad things necessarily, but things like, "um" before starting a sentence. Or "maybe tomorrow," (breaks my heart!) and a recent favorite, "yo." Her use of the word "yo" makes me laugh. Just this week she's said, "Get me out, yo!" "Just go, yo!" and "I'm climbing up, yo!" Oh, the countless times Deran and I have said to one another to be mindful of what we say in her presence. What goes in finds its way out.

This week in the midst of work and life, I've been taking care of the smaller details involved in moving. Forwarding mail, cancelling various memberships, etc. I ran into a bit of a snag with one membership and though my words were carefully chosen in my email, my response was laced with sarcasm and incredulity at the ridiculousness of the situation. What I got was an apology and a terminated membership, effective immediately. However, my victory fell flat as I read the reply. I'd gotten my way, but I was a brat and came away feeling like...well, like a butthead.

Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. Ephesians 4:29

Ouch. We can't control the words of others, but we certainly have control of our own and of the power we let the words of others have over us. Today I'll be more careful to give power to the words that help and let go of the ones that hurt.

my good friend, tina

2012-01-19T09:14:00.001-06:00

This is yet another long overdue post, I actually spent some time with these guys before Christmas! This is my lovely friend Tina. I've written of her before and she's just one of those friends that no matter the distance or months apart, we'll always pick up as if we've seen each other every day. Right, Tina?! Right?!?! Oh, I do love my T! :)

She and her mom were really wanting to get a few photos with her grandmother, so before we left town Tina and I headed over to meet everyone at her grandmother's house. It was a really chilly morning! We stayed just in the back yard, in front of a couple of orange trees. I left with THREE full bags of oranges that I then shared with my parents and Deran's uncle. I think they were just about the best oranges I've eaten.

Thanks so much Tina & Judy, as always it was so great to visit with everyone. I'm a little sad because in moving to Austin we've increased the distance, but what's a few more hours when you're already driving three?! I hope we can meet up again during crawfish season! ;)

the brown brothers

2012-01-17T05:30:00.000-06:00

I've photographed this pair of brothers the last few years and I'm always so excited when I hear from their mom each fall. For one reason or another, this session was postponed almost TWO months from our initial date in November. Though you'd never guess that these photos were actually taken in January - one of our crazy warm days and the trees still had leaves!

When we scheduled this session their momma, Hope's, mentioned that she'd caught them drinking out of the same cup with two straws and that it was really cute. So it was decided a milkshake must be included! I really love this set, she was right - two straws is indeed really cute!!

And I'm so excited to say that these two siblings will be a set of three next year...but next year I'll have to go with The Brown Brothers and SISTER!!! So super happy for this friend and her sweet family!

Thanks so much Hope's, I can't wait to meet the newest Brown sibling!!

the schneider family

2012-01-16T05:00:00.000-06:00

So I'm a little behind in blogging this family, we actually met up just a few days before Christmas! This session was so wonderful!! Kristal, the gorgeous mom, is also a photographer - you can check her out here! And oh my goodness, the girls!! They were so cute and such great kids, I could have spent an entire day with the two of them.

Kristal did a fabulous job putting together her family's wardrobe. And this family was so happy together and easy going, they made my job such a dream!

Seriously, ALL DAY. Cute cute kids!!

Thanks so much for choosing me to photograph your family this year, Schneider Family. I hope you all have an excellent 2012!!

52 fridays | week 2 | landscape

2012-01-13T04:30:00.000-06:00

So here we are, week two of the project and I almost didn't make it in time! It's been a hectic week of moving and waiting on deliveries and I'm sad to say that my camera didn't come out my bag until the drive back to Houston on Thursday. Avery & I made a quick stop before we left Austin and I took one picture of our view. The hills provide a much different perspective than we're used to, seeing treetops amongst the houses. I saw so many signs of winter on the way and so many other old houses/barns/fields that would have been perfect to hop out and photograph. But alas, with my tired tot in tow it just wasn't possible this week. But good news, my computer and I have been reunited along with stable Internet! This means I have access to files! To post! Stay tuned for lots of great sessions coming up next week!!

I jumped onto the list late, but check out the fantastic Christine Blaylock, IL Photographer. And because I was so late, you can always start with Amy Ames and click through to find many other interpretations of this week's theme: Landscapes!

10 on 10 | january edition

2012-01-10T00:01:00.000-06:00

Soooo I've joined one more photography project for the year with 9 other incredibly talented ladies. It kind of goes along with my feelings about the 52 Fridays. Sometimes it's really easy to forget to stop and document my own life and family when things get busy. So this year I've committed to a 10 on 10. Basically, on the 10th of each month I'll post photos covering roughly 10 hours over one day. I'll link to the next photographer and so on, completing the circle.

Hour one saw a sleeping girl which led to a working momma (with a messy desk!) during hour two.

Headed out to run some errands with my serious girl and her sister baby!

Product placement at its finest. We do love Target and lunch from McDonald's. :)

One hour you don't have pants and the next you do. In the photo on the left she was spinning in circles and making up songs about best friends and playing at Nana's house. When I asked her the next day to sing me a song she said, "Just one song, Mommy." And then started spinning around, I think it must help the creativity flow. The photo on the right is her "cheese" face. Goodness, she makes me smile all the time!! Also, those jeans are supposed to be skinny but they're looking a little baggy!

A wild niece running from one swingset to another and a dropped basket of folded laundry. My camera was actually in that basket and thankfully only the battery cover and lens cap came off. I would have been so sad if it had broken!!

And number ten, ending the day the way it began but this time with a sweet daddy to snuggle.

I really had fun documenting this day. Overall nothing extraordinary but it was surely filled with sweet moments I'll always love to look back on. Now please head on over to Pam Parisi's blog for more 10 on 10!

ruby jean

2012-01-09T05:30:00.000-06:00

Oh my! This sweet girl is so adorable!! And even though she weighed in over 10 lbs. at birth, when I saw her at a week old she was so tiny. Good grief looking through these photos makes me want another little one. It doesn't help that instead of giving her dolls names, Avery just calls them brother or sister!

I'm so lucky that this precious Ruby belongs to our family. My cousin Sharee, already a fabulous mom to two very precocious two year old twin boys, looked so fantastic and was such a help this day. Thanks so much Sharee & Walter for letting me photograph your beautiful baby girl!

52 fridays | week 1 | new

2012-01-06T02:00:00.000-06:00

I'm so excited to be a part of this project with several other fabulous ladies. I was so busy in the fall I rarely took the time to pick up my camera for fun or to photograph my daughter, something I did nearly every day for two years. Make no mistake, fall is a busy time for photographers any year. But I'm admitting that I overbooked, overdid, overworked - September through December. I am so beyond thankful for all of my clients. I accepted more sessions when I should have taken time off because I truly do love photographing families and children and some gorgeous weddings!! Amy Schilling Photography wouldn't be possible without all the fantastic people I've met and photographed. But because my personal files are sorely lacking these last few months, I've decided to shoot more in 2012. To pick up my camera more between sessions - just for me.

So I'm participating in 52 Fridays and on each Friday throughout the year I'll be posting a photo corresponding with the week's theme. Under my photo you'll find a link to the next photographer who is participating, and from there another, and so on. Hopefully it will push me to think and see more creatively and to remember to shoot beyond business. Week one is "New." Appropriate to the new year and certainly our new start. I kept it simple by photographing a new roll of duct tape that was sitting atop a stack of boxes to be taken to our new apartment in our new city.

ISO 800, f/2.8, 1/100 sec

Now sit back and take a virtual visit to Tulsa, Oklahoma and see what's new with the talented Ashley Alexander.

trey & lisa | december 10, 2011

2012-01-05T23:49:00.001-06:00

I was so excited to photograph this couple's wedding in early December. Lisa and Trey were such a great couple to work with from the first contact and their wedding was gorgeous! Both the wedding and reception were at Newport Country Club. Lisa's mom actually made the bridal party bouquets and they all looked amazing! Every detail at this wedding fit together so perfectly, it truly was beautiful.

Lisa and Trey, thanks so much for choosing me to document this amazing time in your lives. And congratulations again, I know you guys have many years of happiness ahead!

skeeter & katie | a bridge city, tx engagement

2012-01-04T05:00:00.000-06:00

I had so much fun with this couple and I can't wait for their wedding in late January! The day of the session was very cloudy but it was the last day before Christmas we could all get together and it turned out to be so perfect. Gray skies couldn't mask the sunny personalities of Skeeter & Katie!

Not only was it a little chilly outside, but the mosquitos were terrible! No worries, these two were troopers and were able to push past the swarms - all the while looking fabulous! :)

S & K, thanks so much for choosing me to document this amazing time in your lives. I'm so excited for the both of you and I'm so happy to be a small part of your wedding day!

**Katie's hair and makeup provided by Nicki Rich & her assistant Katie Rich.**

two years + five months

2012-01-03T11:53:00.001-06:00

Ooooohhhhh Avery at 29 months! Where to begin, this has been a very full month. In some ways I can't believe how quickly this month has flown by and yet in the midst of it, time seemed to pass so slowly. But here we are, another month in and as always parenting Avery is the best part of life.

At 29 months Avery loves babies, Winnie the Pooh, Diego, white rice, family, being a tiny baby, walking the dogs, and in general being the pickiest eater EVER. She dislikes not getting her way. I just asked her if there was anything she didn't like and she said no, she likes everything. Which is mostly true, she's a fairly easy going girl.

Avery LOVES the Winnie the Pooh movie. Fortunately we like it too! She still likes Diego and she's recently started wanting to watch Elmo again. As always, the Wonder Pets are still a favorite. Since we're traveling back and forth to Austin as we transition, these have become car ride necessities because our baby girl does not like to nap in the car.

Her vocabulary continues to explode and she picks up on EVERYTHING the people around her say. And if she's awake then she's likely talking about something. She talks to herself, her dolls, us, and the pugs. I love to listen in to conversations she's having with her dolls. She is so cute!! She has also become so independent. We often hear, "No, I want to do it on my own!" or "Let me do it!" "I did it all on my own!" or "I want to help you, let me help you." That last one basically means she wants to take over whatever you're doing.

Her love of outer space is back in full force. She's spent the last week telling us, "I'm a rocket ship and I'm going to the moon! I'm going to see a man and stars!" And she loves to point out the moon and stars at night.

We are still working on potty training, I have high hopes for the next couple of months. The other day when we left the house she cried because we made her wear a pull-up instead of panties. Yet of all the public restrooms we've been in because she says she needs to go, she hasn't actually gone. Can I just say how much I despise public restrooms when it comes to taking my toddler? GROSS. So we're still working on it, and that's okay.

Probably the hardest part of parenting Avery the last several months has been getting her to eat. She's never been a big eater but she's steadily lost weight since around 18 months. So she's had a ton of tests and guess what? She's a picky eater. Something we already knew, but we also understood the doctor's concern. And of course she can't continue to lose weight so we offer junk with higher calories, we add a calorie supplement to various foods, we threaten to take away toys. Basically everything I never wanted to do as a parent when it came to meals, we do that. And it can be really exhausting to get through a meal, but there are no positive alternatives at this point. If she were maintaining her weight on a regular basis then I'd say fine, eat when you want! And maybe we'll get to that point, but for now we try to get her to eat whatever, whenever. I think it's working a little because she maintained through the month of December! And when I say she's a picky eater, I'm not exaggerating. She doesn't like her food to touch and last night she cried and threw a mini fit saying she didn't want to eat her mac & cheese (a diet staple). The reason? A half a grain of rice on one noodle. NO JOKE. I removed it and she was able to eat. And I know we're probably doing things all wrong giving in to such behavior, but again - LOSING WEIGHT. She inspects her food, picks specks of pepper off, and the list goes on. She's pretty consistent with white rice and mac & cheese, though sometimes she'll decide not to eat that. You just never know from day to day.

And with all of this pickiness has come her ability to manipulate like nobody's business. At bedtime she cries and tells us she wants to eat. Sneaky, that girl of ours. But honestly, 8/10 times she'll actually eat. If she's had a good day we just put her to bed, but if she hasn't eaten well that day we'll often let her eat. Another favorite way to get out of bed or doing something she doesn't want to do is to tell us she has to use the restroom. Boy, does she have us wrapped around her tiny finger! The same tiny fingers she uses to show us the Longhorn sign. And she says things like, "Longhorns rock!" or just "Longhorrrrrns!" Yet when we asked her one day if she was going to attend the University of Texas when she grew up she said, "You guys, why you always ask me that?" I don't know kid, I don't know.

Oh, Avery! Twenty-nine months of being her parents and every day we are a little more appreciative than the last. We love talking to her, listening to her, and just being with her. We love love love Avery's hugs! Nothing is quite as sweet as a squeeze from our favorite tot. Avery is an amazing girl, how fortunate are we that she's ours?!

Happy 29 month birthday sweet girl, we love you lots!

*That first picture in the top left was taken on my birthday. Avery decided to say Happy Birthday by waking up at 3:30 in the morning and NOT going back to sleep. So she fell asleep on the way to brunch and we couldn't even wake her up at the restaurant!

the hankins family

2012-01-02T05:00:00.000-06:00

Though this was one of my last sessions before Christmas, I can't think of a better way to start the new year than by sharing photos of this gorgeous family!!

We were worried about rain and it turned out to be one of the most gorgeous evenings we'd had in a while!

This photo makes me laugh! I love that she looks so serious. :)

Ashera and Chris, I am so so glad we were able to meet up on that lovely Monday afternoon. You guys have a beautiful family and I know 2012 will be a great year for you all!

living a happy life in 2012

2012-01-01T23:55:00.000-06:00

So we're back at the old house tonight, with a computer! and Internet! But no pictures because I can't seem to find my card reader. Moving is lame!

I did want to get in a Happy New Year! before the day ends. Every year I make a list of resolutions and tuck them into the Christmas tree box. And every year they are forgotten about the time the tree is hefted into the attic. I'm terrible at keeping resolutions! So this year, I've decided on ONE resolution I know I can keep - to live happy in 2012. To find a reason each day to be thankful, there are too many to count. To take five minutes to do something that I want to do. To take on less work and spend more time with my husband and baby girl. To have a more positive outlook and try to think before I speak. To exercise and lose weight, not just for my health but because cute clothes make me smile. Sounds like a lot, no? But really, aaaallll of those things and so many more fit into my "Live Happy." And I don't have to beat myself up over any of those little things because at the end of the year I can look back and ask myself if I was happy in 2012, I can't imagine thinking anything but YES! This is my life, and it's good.

Yesterday I texted a friend a joke with a photo I took at the local Wal-Mart. She responded and then added, "Here's to embracing change in 2010 and finding happiness." And you know what, I didn't even correct her on the year (Hey Cheri! I know you know it's 2012!) but I thought she summed up my thoughts on this new year perfectly.

It's funny because around the end of October/November I started really thinking about turning 30 and wondering what God had in store for this year. Everything was going great, a successful business, good health, great family - and then Deran got a new job...in a new city. And man is life changing! But out with the old and in with the new, I think this year is going to be a good one!

And remember last year, I made resolutions for Avery because I'm an awesome parent like that. I can happily say two out of three have a CHECK and number three is in progress because she's an awesome kid like that. #1 Continue being cutest kid ever - DONE #2 Speak in full sentences - DONE #3 Potty Trained - Dora panties all day most days in the month of December!

Happy 2012!!

home is where your stuff is...or something like that

2011-12-31T20:38:00.001-06:00

I'm writing this on my phone in our new apartment. I have much to say but lack of a full sized keyboard and no Internet will probably keep this brief. We are officially residents of Austin now, though we're headed back tomorrow for one last week of work. I was feeling incredibly sad about the move and I even cried during the initial walk through of our new home. But somewhere along the way, amidst the packing and encouraging words of friends and family, I started to get excited. The more we boxed away, the less our house felt like home. The place we built, in a neighborhood we love, near family we can't live without, where we started our little family - it will be missed. But at the end of the day, it's just a house (a really great one! And it's for sale!) and we can build another one. After arriving in Austin on Thursday afternoon and putting our things away, I could feel this being home - just like that. I can't even describe how badly I felt for ever crying about it, just ridiculously spoiled. I mean sure, the kitchen is half the size of my old laundry room, but this place is really nice! And we're in Austin, our great state's capital! You know how much we love Texas! Starting over is never easy, but what a perfect time with the new year starting tomorrow. I'm very excited to see what 2012 has in store for the Schilling Family!! I'll be back on a computer tomorrow and plan to share a few photos of the new place as well as my New Year's resolution. That's right, there's no 's.' There's only one and it's a doozie!Happy New Year's Eve everyone! I hope today finds you giving thanks for the last year lived and looking forward to a new beginning!

a little christmas, a lot of love

2011-12-26T00:38:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone had an excellent Christmas filled with wishes come true and lots of loved ones. Last year Deran and I went overboard with gifts and though we had a blast shopping and picking out things we'd like to play with (oh yes we did!), our girl could have cared less on Christmas morning. We decided to do things differently this year and we only bought a handful of gifts. I actually almost felt bad setting so few things under the tree last night, but honestly, Avery gets new toys throughout the year - nearly every time we go to a store! Besides, this holiday is about so much more than gifts under the tree.

But about those gifts? Well, Santa did good. She said her favorite gift was Chocolate Chip Puppy Dog. He traveled with us to the festivities today and when we got home she insisted he go out to use the restroom with the pugs. As she loves all things baby now, her new pram (on sale now!) and diaper bag were also a huge success. And I'll admit the Doodle Pro was a little bit for me too. I somehow went my whole childhood without having one and then my Mamaw & Papaw got me a magna doodle for my 16th birthday. It. Was. AWESOME!

So a half a dozen gifts and an hour to get through them because she wanted to play with each thing. Lunch with family, complete with TWO baby Jesus finger puppets atop a cake for a round of Happy Birthday. An evening spent playing with and enjoying the company of loved ones - it all adds up to a pretty great Christmas.

And so much for our scaled back style, I'm pretty sure my mom hit up every toy department from American Girl to the Dollar General. I kept reminding her that we're moving! TO AN APARTMENT! Her excuse for many things was the same, "It'll be great for her to play with in the car!" I'm not sure I'll be able to find my girl in the backseat for all the new things she has to play with in the car. But that's what grandparents are for, or so says Nana and Pop! It's pretty awesome for us too because we're setting the standard low. So like, next year we could get her seven things and she'd be all, "WHAT?! I only got six last year! AWESOME!" But when she walks into my mom's house she'll be like, "Um...these presents only cover the floor of the den. Why are they not filling up the kitchen? Cascading from the staircase? Spilling over the couches?!" If only I were kidding...

My crazy haired girl who we love so much. She's feeling bad this Christmas and I hope she's well soon!

Merry (day after) Christmas!! I hope this Monday starts off a fantastic last week of 2011 for everyone!

happy christmas eve

2011-12-24T11:42:00.002-06:00

Just in case I don't get a chance to say it tomorrow, I hope everyone has a fabulous Christmas celebrating the real reason for the season. Don't forget to give those loved ones an extra hug and enjoy the day!

I haven't taken photos of my own sweet girl in quite some time. About two weeks ago my sister brought over her three tots to get a picture for Christmas cards and Avery jumped in. A forced smile from one girl and bad lighting, but I love them because I love my girl and her silly cousin.

Happy Christmas Eve!

the m-l family

2011-12-23T05:30:00.000-06:00

Alisha, it was so nice catching up with you and meeting all three of your cute kiddos! I hope you and your family have a very merry Christmas and safe travels!

wyatt has arrived

2011-12-22T06:00:00.000-06:00

Remember this beautiful couple?! Their sweet boy has finally arrived...well, about a month ago really. :)

Cassidy & Jeff, thanks so much for letting me photograph Wyatt at this age. It's been a joy to watch your family grow and I hope the three of you enjoy this first Christmas!!

malik is one!

2011-12-21T05:00:00.000-06:00

How gorgeous is this baby boy?! Goodness, look at those beautiful blue eyes!! And his momma did such a great job putting his wardrobe together, he really looked so cute!

Of course his parents are pretty gorgeous too!

Even though we had some really beautiful sunlight and color, I'm kind of partial to these in black and white. I really love the look on his mom's face in the first one!

Jenny, thanks so much for choosing me to document such a special milestone. Malik is such a handsome boy!! I hope you all enjoy this Christmas and that he has a fantastic 1st birthday!!

the standley family

2011-12-20T05:30:00.000-06:00

I got to photograph this beautiful family of three in early December. I didn't know ahead of time, but there was an event going on at our location. The streets were blocked off, vendors and people were everywhere! Definitely lots for Miss Emma to check out. :)

From her head to her toes, Emma is ADORABLE!!

Thanks so much Trista and Shane, for letting me photograph your family this winter. I'm especially thankful you guys were such troopers on a crazy Saturday morning! And hey, at least it didn't rain! :)

the mcelvogue family

2011-12-19T05:00:00.000-06:00

I loved visiting with this family again. Two beautiful girls + super nice parents = one fantastic session for me!

Editing the photos of Miss Ella keeps me smiling. She could be really silly! :)

Pam, thanks so much for letting me take pictures of your beautiful family again this year! I hope you guys have a very happy Christmas!!

i'm thirty, and i'm moving!

2011-12-16T23:20:00.001-06:00

I'm officially 30, though I don't feel any different than yesterday when I was still a wee babe in my twenties. Today has been a lazy day, but a good one. Last night I went out with a girlfriend and we did crazy things like, have dinner & picked up a doodle pro for Avery at Target. Wild! And speaking of wild, 2:17 starts my favorite part of the whole movie. Though make no mistake, I love the whole movie!! And speaking of my Avery, she woke up at 3:30 this morning ready to start the day, meanwhile I was not. Around 6:00 AM I pulled the birthday card and made Deran get up with her. I woke up around 8:30 when I heard her ask for more Caillou and I could NOT believe she was still awake! I got up and we wrapped presents, delivered them, and went to lunch - where Avery literally slept laid out on the table because SHE WOKE UP AT 3:30 AM. We came home where Deran napped, I worked, and we called it a day. Tonight we visited with my parents, then Deran and I grabbed a quick dinner and now here we are...my two lovelies asleep and me working and blogging my very exciting birthday details. :)

There is actually a bit of exciting news, and that is we are moving to Austin! Deran will be starting a new job in early January and we've much to do in preparation over the new few weeks. Though we've known since Thanksgiving, I've been putting off anything moving related because I don't really feel like moving. I really love our life here and I will miss so many things about living local to where we grew up, namely our family. However, Austin is a really great place and I am looking forward to a new adventure, meeting new people, discovering all there is in our new city. I can't even imagine the opportunities and activities for me and my favorite girl. And actually, after a very busy (and amazing!) fall, I'm really looking forward to taking a break from business. A short break, but a break. A time to re-evaluate and focus a little more on my own sweet family.

So I'm THIRTY, and I think it's going to be an amazing year. Lots of exciting changes ahead for my personal and business life. I don't have any photos to share today but we do have lots of fun things coming up this week. I've got a few fabulous families to share next week and then the week after Christmas will be a little personal blogging because I plan to take LOTS of pictures this week as we head out of town for a birthday party, make a trip to sign our lease on the apartment (we're really moving!), travel downtown for Avery's first ballet experience, and just live this life of craziness and fun with family before Christmas day!

And next year I'm totally having a birthday party because Avery told me earlier tonight, "I'm sorry you not have a birthday party, Mommy." Like it was the saddest thing in the world! If for no other reason that to let my girl have a par-tay, my next birthday will be done big...or at least will involve a cake and candles. :) Happy weekend!

the dawn of a new decade - almost

2011-12-15T04:30:00.000-06:00

Tomorrow I turn 30. THIRTY. That's like, not twentysomething anymore. It's kind of a big deal! The thing is though, I don't feel any older. I still feel about 18, give or take fifty pounds and a little something we'll call RESPONSIBILITIES. Being a grown up is mostly fun though, and I definitely love this life I lead. I had big plans to celebrate the 30th in style but then life was like, "That's awesome! But no, you can't do that." So instead I don't really have plans, and I'm totally open to suggestions.

This year also marks the year I've been with Deran longer than I've been without him. At 29, this just sounds so weird to me!! We officially started going out in November of 1996, we just passed up 15 years of togetherness. Well, mostly. There were a few breaks along the way, but here we are all these years later, living this life together.

I feel like I should do something crazy and big to get this new decade started off. So really, suggest away dear reader! Has to be something tot friendly since I'll likely have a two year old on my hip. Nothing too crazy like a tattoo or piercing or skydiving, because PREVIOUS SENTENCE and also, I'm really not that crazy.

What to do, what to do...I'll be back tomorrow to tell the tale of how I rang in my new year!

the p & r family

2011-12-14T05:30:00.000-06:00

I met up with my good friend Rachael and her family the day after Thanksgiving for a few photos with extended family members. Let me just say how much I appreciate these guys sticking it out in our woodsy location. The mosquitos were awful! And the poison ivy/oak/something/everything?! One of my better choices, yes? :)

The one on the right seriously cracks me up! Brady was so concerned about the bugs and Macks just wanted his momma. :)

Rach, thanks so much for letting me photograph your family this year, it was so nice catching up and the boys are sooooo super cute!!

one big happy family

2011-12-13T05:00:00.000-06:00

I've had the privilege of photographing several members of this extended family before. I love the family dynamic within this group. I could say it a million times and mean it, I never tire of spending time with happy families.

And of course the big news here is that these two...

are about to be three!! It's been announced so it's now safe to share. :)

Thanks so much to the whole DPW Family for making this session fun! And congrats again Amber & Geoff, I'm so excited for you guys!!

the ceballos family

2011-12-12T05:30:00.000-06:00

I've been lucky enough to photograph this family before and I was so happy Stephanie contacted me again this fall! They are such a sweet family and Stephanie is a fantastic hair stylist, she always looks so gorgeous!!

I love these two photos, sometimes it takes a minute for those two guys to warm up and smile. But man, I love when they do!

And one for the business!

As always, I enjoyed our session! Stephanie and Juan, thanks so much for letting me photograph your awesome family again this year!!

a little billy idol

2011-12-10T07:00:00.000-06:00

I'm headed to a wedding this afternoon and it's a nice day for a white wedding. You know you want to sing that! A gorgeous couple is saying "I Do" today and I'm so glad I get to be a part of it!!

Hope everyone has a great weekend!

the langston family

2011-12-09T05:00:00.000-06:00

I've gotten to photograph this cute redhead a couple of times, so I was really excited for their family session! I went to school with his momma and it's always fun to visit! And Internet, after a summer long drought I can't tell you how many sessions I've had to reschedule lately due to rain. Thankfully these guys were able to squeeze in a day early and we had great weather. A little cloudy, but no rain!

Chris and Paula, it was so nice visiting with you guys and I'm so glad we were able to get together!!

rain, rain, either way

2011-12-08T05:30:00.000-06:00

The forecast for the day of this session was scattered thunderstorms and it was really gray when I was driving to our location. About twenty minutes in we had to take cover in a garage and then we actually shot a little in the rain! A first for me, standing in the rain while Darcy and Scott took turns holding an umbrella! Somewhere in between those scattered showers (and in the midst of them) we managed to get so many photos that I love of this family.

Okay really, how can you not smile when you see his big baby grin?! He is sooooo cute!!

Darcy, Scott, and Lincoln, it was so nice to meet the three of you. I really enjoyed our session and I appreciate you guys helping to make the most of our rainy day!

the murphy family

2011-12-07T05:00:00.000-06:00

I LOVED this family's great style! Mom, Cristina, is a fabulous photographer so I was kind of nervous when she contacted me about photographing her family. Photographing photographers is hard! :) But they are such a great family, and hello?! Gorgeous!

I actually went to high school with this dad, so it was kind of neat to visit after so many years. And how cute is this little boy?!

What a beautiful girl!

Just before we headed home, I got a few shots of Cristina for her website, etc. The lighting was perfect and she proved she can rock it in front of the camera too!

Cristina and Matt, thanks so much for choosing me to photograph your sweet family this fall. You guys are beautiful inside and out, and I hope you have a fantastic Christmas season!

audri | baytown, tx newborn photographer

2011-12-06T04:00:00.000-06:00

I recently got to spend a Sunday afternoon with this sweet baby girl. I'm so glad I got to photograph her parents when she still waiting patiently for the right time. And now she's here, at ten days new and so perfect.

Jessica and Rob, thanks so much for letting me photograph your sweet girl. Audri is beautiful and I know you both are enjoying these early days!

2 years + 4 months

2011-12-03T02:00:00.000-06:00

Goodness gracious, 28 months! We're in the middle of our third holiday season as a family of three and this year is so much fun!!

At 28 months Avery loves everything tiny, M&Ms, chocolate chips, babies, pretending to be mad, reading books, Diego, playing games on my "wone," and going to the doctor. Just kidding on that last one, we've just spent a lot of time there over the past month! She really dislikes sleeping in her room, scary movies, and wearing pants.

Avery is still a very light eater and we're seeing a specialist next week to make sure all is well with her tummy. I feel certain that everything is okay, she's just extremely picky. She does like vanilla yogurt and if she does choose to eat any other food on her plate, you can bet it's dipped in yogurt before she takes a bite! She loves chocolate chips and still demands her favorite treat whenever the freezer is opened.

And speaking of chocolate chips, when we visited Santa this month Avery told him she wanted "Chocolate Chip puppy dog!" We'd been perusing all the toy catalogs in the weeks leading up to our visit and she picked out that dog and has stuck by her decision ever since. I really can't wait to see her face on Christmas morning when she opens that beloved pet!! I know Santa is totally on top of things. Avery is getting a total of six presents this year. We did a big Christmas last year and she really could have cared less. We're cutting back on costs and gifts this year. Mrs. Claus has picked out a handful of things Avery will surely love and I think this Christmas is going to be really fun. She was very excited to decorate the tree and has been rearranging it every day. There are ornaments in between couch cushions, on random chairs, and of course multiple ornaments per branch. The bottom half of our tree looks really awesome! :) When reading story books about the real story of Christmas she always asks about the angels. Maybe because they look so different in each book? I don't know. She loves her some baby Jesus and was sad when she recently broke a nativity ornament. I guess a few breakables slipped by us!

Avery is really into playing with babies right now. And because she's been so sick over the last month, she's gotten more dolls as prizes than she's gotten over the last two years! Seriously, after each doctor visit she always chose a baby...sometimes two. We recently got a blue/pink set and she calls them brother and sister. It's funny because they both have headbands with bows and she'll be like, "Brother needs his headband. Where's he headband?" She loves loves loves to take care of all her babies!

When it comes to toys, the tinier the better. I have two problems with tiny toys, 1) She still sometimes puts things in her mouth so CHOKING HAZARD, and 2) We are often searching for all of the tiny toys because tiny toys and two year olds don't always mix so well. But, tiny toys are awfully cute and she surely does love to play with them.

Lately she pretends to be mad and she'll cross her arms over her chest and just pace around. If we ask why she's mad she just cuts her eyes our way and walks on. Sometimes she'll say, "I'm so mad right now!" and when I ask why she'll say, "I'm so happy!" Her mad moodiness is quick to pass. :)

We really love talking with her and she makes us laugh so often during the day. I will miss so many of the pronunciations of this age. I love that she says "weep" for sleep, "wone" for phone, "wooed" for food...yeah she really likes the "w." And she keeps us in line! The other day at the doctor's office when the nurse was checking her temperature Avery looked down at her hands and then looked at me and said, "You need to cut my nails." Indeed, her nails needed to be cut. I guess I got used to her biting them and she's since dropped the habit - thank goodness!

Avery still sleeps in our room. Moving to her bedroom will happen! It will! She likes to play in there, but always when it's time for bed she says she wants to sleep in Mommy's bed. She also dislikes wearing pants lately. Or maybe it's just gotten easier for her to take them off so she thinks that's fun, who knows! She really dislikes scary movies. And by scary, I mean the previews for The Wizard of Oz that show before one of our Christmas movies. And also, Home Alone. Who knew it was so terrifying?!

Avery at 28 months is really a fantastic girl. She has always had a sweet disposition and honestly we got so lucky with Avery! We are so happy to be her parents and can't wait for all the joy this month holds!

Happy 28 month birthday baby girl, we love you lots!

mr. p turned three

2011-12-02T05:00:00.000-06:00

This was kind of a belated birthday slash family session and though it took a little while to coordinate schedules, I'm so glad we took a chance on the gray skies. What a gorgeous family!

Three year old cuteness OVERLOAD!

Preston was in between wardrobe changes and was being totally adorable. I kind of love his expressions in the next few shots.

Jonathan and Paige, you two have a beautiful family and I'm so glad I was able to photograph everyone this November. Preston is so cute and he has such a fun personality, I think year three is going to be great!!

this family = fun

2011-12-01T05:30:00.000-06:00

This family traveled all the way from Nebraska for our session! And okay, they may have been in town for Thanksgiving too. :) But I'm so glad we were able to schedule some time together! When planning this session the mom, Laura (a fab photographer - so no pressure!), mentioned that they really just wanted to have fun and have photographs that kind of captured how they are, silly boys and all!

As I've mentioned before, I love being able to step back and watch families interact. It really makes my day to watch happy families enjoy one another.

And I could have hung around these cute boys all day. They were so funny and seriously adorable!

Laura and C.J., thanks so much for choosing me to photograph your family this fall. It was great seeing you guys again and spending time with your fun family of four!!

morning tea with miss p

2011-11-30T04:30:00.000-06:00

I shared a tea party with Miss Peyton on a very chilly November morning. Well, mostly I took pictures while she played, it's kind of what I do. :) And believe it or not, this girl did NOT want a coat or shoes! Her momma warned me that she doesn't get cold, but wow! I was all bundled up.

How precious is she?!? She's about to be three in December and was soooo good during our session!!

And then she got changed for some rockstar woodsy glam photos. Her mom even brought a disco ball!

Thanks so much Michelle, for letting me photograph your beautiful girl and for being so prepared with lots of awesome props and pez!! :)

two + two = family

2011-11-29T05:30:00.000-06:00

I met up with this great family on a gorgeous Friday afternoon. I didn't realize just how much kissing went on during this session until I got home and started going through the photos. Lots of sweet kisses and moments between parents and brothers suits this family. Joey and Cindy love, love, love their boys! And their boys? Well they love each other too. :)

This next photo is totally an idea I got from Pinterest. I've been seeing lots of maternity photos with numbers. And though these four aren't currently expecting a fifth, they very much make up a family. Thanks to Cindy for bringing the chalk because I forgot mine and Walgreen's didn't have any! I can always count on the mother of toddlers to have some sidewalk chalk. :)

Joey and Cindy, thanks so much for letting me photograph your sweet family this November. I enjoyed this session just as I have the others and I hope you guys have a fabulous family-centered fall!

the stuff nightmares are made of

2011-11-28T05:00:00.000-06:00

Who else closes their eyes when washing their hair in the shower?? I feel like that's a pretty common thing to do, you know, to avoid soap in the eyes and all that. And more often than I'd like, I turn and open my eyes to find my husband standing there, face an inch from the glass, just trying to scare the bejeezus out of me. This happened once again last night and it makes me mad. EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. Mostly because I should know better, and partly because HOW RUDE! How many scary movies include creepy shower scenes?! And I can't even tell you how many bathrooms I've walked into over the years and immediately checked behind the shower curtain, just waiting to find someone hiding out waiting for me. What I would do should I ever come across said shower lurkers, I have no idea. Demand they remove themselves from my bathroom probably.

So Avery was in the tub, I was blindly washing my hair in our clear(ish) glass shower, there was a lull in the conversation and BAM! Deran creeped me out. Again. My senior year of college my roommate and I liked to one up each other by hiding behind bathroom doors, bedroom doors, in closets, wherever. It's fun to scare people, I get it. And I like to be scared as much as the next person, except that I DON'T LIKE TO BE SCARED. My heart doesn't actually need to pound that hard and my throat could save those screams. Adrenaline rush? No thanks, I'm fine!

I've decided that should we ever build another home, nothing about the shower will be see through...except the peep hole that I can peek through to check my bathroom surroundings. Perhaps solid marble, and while I'm at it I think we'll hire a towel boy who can stand outside the bathroom door and inform me of any visitors. Or at least the next house will have a bathroom door with a lock so I can keep a creepy creeper husband out.

And this post has no pictures because shower scenes are not family friendly...or to be photographed. I was going to post a peek of some of the upcoming sessions I have to blog this week but they're really sweet people - definitely not the stuff of nightmares. So instead I'll leave you with a cute video, just a little pick-me-up on this Monday morning!

peyton is one!

2011-11-25T04:00:00.000-06:00

I've been photographing so many birthday boys lately, I was ready to photograph this sweet birthday girl! Miss P has been on my calendar for quite some time and I was so excited to finally meet her and her awesome momma.

I'm telling you, I don't know how I've been so fortunate - but the babies I've photographed lately are AMAZING. Peyton was such a good girl and didn't fuss despite being swarmed by mosquitos. They're always the downside to the much needed rain.

LOVED this outfit for her cake smash, it was almost hard to watch it get covered in cake and icing but I think it just made her even cuter!

And then she was done. :)

Sarah, thanks so much for making the trip out to the country. It was so nice finally meeting you and P. You have one precious baby girl!

happy day of thanks and giving

2011-11-24T07:00:00.000-06:00

I hope everyone has a very happy Thanksgiving with emphasis on the thanks and giving. Be sure to take a minute to assess your situation and be thankful for what you've got. And if you find yourself with extra, maybe give some away. Soooo many places are taking donations at this time of year, or maybe you know someone who could benefit from something you don't really need. Or maybe it's nothing to do with things. Maybe just listen to a friend in need or grab a family member and give them a hug.

At this time of year it is all too easy to get caught up in the shopping and the spending and the never ending cycle of more, more, more! And you guys, my house is full of stuff - I'm no better than anybody else. But I recently saw this quote from the big O and it really stuck with me.

Be thankful for what you have; you'll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don't have, you will never, ever have enough. - Oprah Winfrey

So today, like each day, remember to be thankful for all the good things that make up your life. Only today maybe add a little extra turkey and a slice of pie! :) And just for fun, here's a look back at last Thanksgiving. I sure do love my little turkey!!

And here's a look at yesterday morning when we decorated turkeys. Please note the wattle placement of the turkey on the right. She told me that's where it goes.

Our day will go much the same as last year. Pancakes are a cookin' and the parade will soon be on, then it's off to lunch with family and hopefully a nap later. Back to business as usual for me on Friday and Saturday with several great families. Then another Thanksgiving celebration with our family on Sunday.

Doesn't she look so conflicted?! Deran had just told her she was going to have to take a nap and she told us she didn't want to, that she was happy. :)

Enjoy the day and the yummy food!

carter is one!

2011-11-23T05:30:00.000-06:00

We've been having the craziest weather around here and the night I met up with this sweet family it was really cold. Of course the next morning I didn't even need a sweater! Mr. Carter was a trooper and made it all the way through the smash cake but when he started to shiver we called it quits. Such a cute cute baby boy!

How cute are the matching outfits on the guys?! And I know you can barely see him in that Carter sandwich but I really love the look on his face. :)

I really love the photo below even though there's not a bit of it in focus. Just something about that moment when he was trying to get to his daddy, it's one of my favorites.

And one last set of his lovely parents.

Thanks so much Tamara & Cory for letting me photograph such a special time. I really enjoyed meeting you guys and I think first birthdays are definitely cause for celebration!

she just may be my favorite

2011-11-22T05:30:00.000-06:00

I've had the opportunity to photograph lots and lots of beautiful people over the last couple of years, but this gorgeous girl may just be my favorite model. EVER. I've been photographing her for the last three years and I always look forward to our sessions. She is not your typical five year old and after a session with her I'm like, STOP THE PRESSES! I just want to specialize in children's portraiture! Or more specifically, I just want to focus on five year old's named Ivy. Because she's that awesome! I will say though that lately I've been blown away by the fantastic kids I've gotten to photograph. And I don't just mean totally cute, because have you seen the photos?! They all are!! But I mean well-behaved, happy, actually looking at the camera - AMAZING kids these last few months!! And thank goodness, because Ivy?! She sets the standard pretty high.

The next series of photos was taken at a local landmark on the brink of demolition. It holds a special place in her mom's heart so of course we had to include it for memory's sake!

LOVE the next one!! One of my favorite images of all time. She truly is a beautiful little girl, but she's also a great kid where it counts too. She is polite, friendly, respectful, and pretty much just a dream to be around.

When the skies turned gray we hurried to the stadium to end our session with a little cheer for the home team!

Krystal, thanks so much for sticking with me over the years. I am thankful for your family for more reasons that you could possibly think of, y'all have truly been a blessing to my business and my life. I can't wait to see what our year six session has in store!

their first fall

2011-11-21T05:00:00.000-06:00

Like, the season - there were no injuries on the set of this fall session. :) I love, love, love photographing this family! I so enjoyed their maternity session in the spring, Miss Layla's newborn session in the summer, and now spending time with them on a rainy November afternoon.

How seriously adorable is this baby girl?! You can't look at her and not smile! She is such a happy baby and I know such a joy to her parents.

The day of this session it was storming on our destination city. Boo! So we improvised and changed time and location to beat the rain and it worked. Not one drop during our hour together!

Taelor and CJ, thanks so much for being so quick to adapt to the change in plans and make this session work. I love watching you guys parent your sweet girl, she is one much loved baby! I've enjoyed being a small part of your journey and documenting these special times. I hope you have a fabulous first fall as a family of three!

and a brother makes three | siblings

2011-11-18T06:00:00.000-06:00

I joined this adorable threesome (and their mom and grandma) at the park one chilly afternoon. The plan was to get more pictures of the newest addition to the family, three month old little brother.

But good grief were his sisters cute too! And they really loved on their little brother. :)

Thanks so much Tacy, for letting me photograph your cute kiddos! You've certainly got a beautiful family!

just me, catching up

2011-11-17T05:00:00.000-06:00

I've been really busy lately with sessions nearly every day, but because I also use this blog to document my personal life I want to make sure I get all of these things written before I forget! So this will be a rather boring post, unless you find my everyday interesting. And you should!

1) My beloved tomato plants were ripped from the garden last week by a lawn man gone crazy. Seriously, he must have been insane because why else would someone completely remove and chop up HUGE tomato plants that were in a raised bed and producing in aplenty?! INSANITY. When I opened the door to let the dogs out I just stood there in shock, like maybe if I stared long enough my plants would reappear. They did not. We planted that garden in April and those plants had yet to produce but they were huge and took up 3/4 of our garden. Then one day last month Deran and I were picking okra and noticed the tomatoes, more than we could count. They were on every branch and stem, and they were marvelous. And now they're gone. I did manage to salvage a few green tomatoes that were left scattered in the yard. Avery went out to help me and as we were gathering them and putting them in the bag she said, "Why you so mad? Lawn man knocked down you matoes? You so upset!" Indeed, I was...upset. I know, I know, it's a first world problem. My lawn man chopped up my tomatoes. But SEVEN months of tending those plants. Wah!

2) I've started using Deran's Old Spice After Hours body wash. And I may smell like a man, but man I smell really good! I ran out of Dove one night so I grabbed his and I haven't stopped using it since.

3) Avery has started demanding stories told to her often. Mostly about the three bears and the three pigs. Sometimes about dragons, and sometimes I can choose to tell a story about whatever I want. One night I crawled into bed around 4:00 and she woke up and snuggled up to me on the pillow and said, "Tell me a story." I totally pulled a Pop and fell asleep before the end. My dad was a great story teller when I was little except that he always fell asleep mid-story. :) And then last night she woke up around 3:00 growling at us. When we rolled over she told us she was a tiger, then asked me to tell her a story about the three bears. I was so tired that when Goldilocks tasted the first bowl of porridge instead of saying, "It's too hot!" I said, "That's a bad stomach waiting to happen right there" and trailed off. About a minute later I snapped back awake and was like, what the heck did I just say? After busting out laughing I turned on an episode of Dora and went back to sleep for 20 minutes because I'm an awesome parent like that.

4) Which brings me to number four. Avery has started saying, "Ayudame." Dora and Diego are awesome, for real. When she needs help she says, "Help! Ayudame! Help me Momma!" or sometimes she calls it out for her animals or babies in need of help. Super cute!

5) Talk about Santa and Christmas is in full swing. Avery does NOT want to see Santa Claus at the mall or her house. He can bring presents but she will be asleep or with mommy. We've also been talking about the real Christmas story and when Avery was younger she didn't hesitate when we asked where Jesus lives, in her heart of course. But lately she looks a little concerned, like there's possibly a real physical man? In her heart?

6) On the opposite side of the last note, let's talk about kettlebells. I'm pretty sure Satan himself threw those out of the abyss for me to work out with. No really, thanks Jen! You're an awesome trainer, and not devil-like at all. She really is sweet!

I've got lots of great sessions to share and I'm considering a separate blog to keep up with my Avery Kate, at least through busy season. She's pretty darn cute every single day and I want to make sure I don't miss it. She reminds me to find the joy in every day, and that's worth documenting.

I haven't done the 30 days of thanks like I did last year, but I'm certainly no less thankful for all of the things that make up my life. Just for fun, here's a look back at last November 17th. I have been blessed beyond what I deserve and at the end of the day if all I have to complain about is a couple of tomato plants? Well, I'd say my life is pretty great.

giving thanks for baby boys | a maternity session

2011-11-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

This lovely couple is expecting their baby boy in just a couple of weeks, what a perfect reason to give thanks this holiday month!

Erica & Casey, I wish you both the best as you start this new journey into parenthood. I've said it before, but I'll say it again - there's nothing sweeter than a new baby!

so happy together | a family of four

2011-11-15T05:00:00.000-06:00

Don't you just love The Turtles?! Now I'll be singing that song for at least a day! I really enjoyed photographing this family. I feel so fortunate to be able to spend time with lots of great people, and family sessions are some of my favorite because I truly to do enjoy watching a family...be a family. How they interact with one another - the laughs, the hugs, the shared glances. I love to watch families in love. And this family? It's so evident they love spending time together. A perfect afternoon for me!

Oh my goodness these girls were so great! They were so well behaved and hello?! Beautiful!

Thanks so much Laura and Jeff for letting me share an afternoon with you two and your sweet girls!

the best pumpkin in the patch

2011-11-14T05:30:00.000-06:00

I know Halloween was two weeks ago and we're moving on to Thanksgiving, but I'm a little behind on blogging this adorable family's session. This little pumpkin was one of the most adorable newborns I've photographed and at eight months I think she's only gotten cuter!

We started with a few photos in her Halloween costume and I have to say she was the cutest pumpkin around! :) And she has the prettiest blue eyes!!

Thanks so much Matt and Jamie for making the trip for our fall session! I had fun visiting with you guys and your baby girl is seeeerrrriously cute! I could have listened to her giggle all day. :)

billy & brianne | the reception

2011-11-12T00:33:00.001-06:00

Billy and Brianne had a lovely wedding, followed by a fun reception at Eagle Pointe. I loved all of the details these two incorporated, from the camo koozies to the photo collages!

Congratulations again you two, thanks so much for including me on such a special day!!

billy & brianne | october 22, 2011

2011-11-10T01:02:00.001-06:00

Billy and Brianne's wedding was a great ending to my October weekend of weddings. I came straight from another wedding and met up with the wedding party in various Sunday School rooms.

For whatever reason, it really cracked me up that the boys got ready in the nursery. I guess something about the coats laid out over baskets of toys and watching them try to sit in those tiny chairs at those tiny tables. :)

Billy and Brianne had a very sweet ceremony, starting with a precious group of kids singing "Goin' to the Chapel" as guests were seated. SO CUTE!!

Stay tuned for their reception on the blog tomorrow! These families know how to have a good time and the cake was gorgeous!

johnny & alisha | october 22, 2011

2011-11-09T01:21:00.001-06:00

Johnny and Alisha were my second wedding of the weekend I refer to as "Wedding Palooza" or "That time I lost my mind and booked three weddings in one weekend." :) Seriously though, their sweet ceremony was the perfect start to my Saturday morning. Johnny and Alisha were married at Heritage Chapel and they had a really sweet service with the groom's father singing throughout the sand ceremony and an uncle acting as officiant. Both of their moms were included in the sand ceremony and I think the inclusion of their family members really added a special touch to this day.

Thanks so much Johnny and Alisha for letting me be a part of such a special day for your family. I know you guys have exciting times ahead and many years of happiness!

william & leann | the reception

2011-11-08T20:32:00.001-06:00

Much like their wedding, William and LeAnn's reception was so much fun to be a part of! There were so many gorgeous floral arrangements and I loved all of the delicate details on the cake table and bride and groom's table.

Photographing a reception is always fun when the guests are having a good time. I don't think there was ever a dull moment on the dance floor! And I know the bride and groom's first dance is very special, and I promise there are lots of photos of the two of them, but there was just something about this father/daughter dance that pulled on my heartstrings. They were really sweet!

And before I knew it, the night was coming to an end with a couple of sweet baby boys and lots of bubbles.

Congratulations William & LeAnn! Thanks so much for choosing me to photograph your special day. I'm hesitant to even say "Best Wishes" for the future because in spending the day with both of you, I know your future together will be filled with lots of happiness and friends and family by your side!

william & leann | october 21, 2011

2011-11-07T05:00:00.000-06:00

This gorgeous October wedding took place at Amber Springs and it was the perfect start to my weekend of weddings. I loved so many things about this day and this bride, starting with the her dress. It was so beautiful and she looked absolutely gorgeous in it!

LeAnn's crafty sister-in-law made the ring bearer's pillow. Though she is pretty crafty herself and actually made matching bracelets for her wedding party!

LeAnn and William were truly so much fun to photograph and we had plenty of time because these two opted for a first look. Just one more reason why I think they are fabulous!

There was even time for an impromptu stick fight before the ceremony! No ring bearers or grooms were harmed. ;)

I would consider these guys to be a few of the bride's most beloved boys - her two brothers, her groom, and her dad.

I'll be back tomorrow with scenes from their after party. And you don't want to miss it! Beautiful floral arrangements, vintage flair, and amazing sweets. Not to mention some crazy good dancers! :)

wedding palooza

2011-11-05T05:30:00.000-05:00

I had three weddings in less than 36 hours and I survived! And you guys, that was in October...it's November now. So I'm declaring next week to be WEDDING WEEK on the blog and I'll be sharing photos from all three of those lovely events. In the meantime, I second shot a wedding last night and will be shooting another fabulous wedding at Vargo's tonight. Which means another week of weddings will be in order soon! :)

Hope you all have a great weekend!

a ray of sunshine

2011-11-04T05:30:00.000-05:00

Goodness did I melt when I saw this gorgeous baby girl. She is so cute and I think her name suits her personality so well!

I really enjoyed my time with her whole family. They were so kind and just...fun! Sunny has a few older siblings who were on hand to help us get those great giggles and her dad was great at making her smile with lots of singing and rhyming!

Thanks so much Shemeka and Toby for letting me take pictures of your sweet baby girl! I really enjoyed meeting your family and spending time with Sunny. She is a beautiful baby!!

two years + three months

2011-11-03T05:00:00.000-05:00

Today marks the start of Avery's 27th month. October was one of those months that passed in a blur and I can't even remember half of it. I dislike that feeling, I want to remember all of these moments!

At 27 months Avery likes Diego, Dora, playing with her dollhouse, Mommy and Daddy, the pugs, pushing her babies around in a stroller, helping with everything (that she wants to do), Mommy to put her to bed, trying to wear tiny baby shoes, wiping away our kisses, being agreeable, and pretty much getting her way ALL THE TIME. She dislikes not getting her way and having to sleep in her own room. Not that she's ever slept a whole night in there.

She's a full fledged conversationalist now and when she starts telling you a story she'll weave her head side to side, a la Stevie Wonder. The other day I thought she might tip over from all the bobbin' and weavin'. It can be hard to keep a straight face because she's so darn cute! When she doesn't want to do something she often tries to redirect with, "How about (insert whatever she wants to do)." Or sometimes I just get, "Um, I don't think so." She mostly calls me "momma" but every now and then she throws a "mom" in like, "What's that, Mom?" or if I ask where something specific has disappeared to, "I don't know, Mom." She can definitely scream and get loud, but in general she has a really soft, sweet voice.

As always, numbers and letters make their way through our day. She LOVES two. She loves to grab two of something so she can tell us that she has two whatevers. It's her go-to number. I wish I could even type the way she says "one." It's so so cute and more than one syllable! Avery still loves books and I'm thankful for that. She wants us to read to her a lot. I've recently been letting her use scissors, though it's very much a two handed job right now to cut paper. We've done a lot of painting over the last month, both at home and elsewhere. She really really loves to paint!

Maybe because we've been on the go so much the last month, I don't know, but when we're home she's been playing so well with all of her toys. I love to see her imagination at work and listen to her talk to her babies or bake me the best cupcakes or pick up thirty tiny toys to pile around a sleeping pug. She's been cooking with play-doh a lot lately. Like, the same container so it's really crunchy and hard now because it's out all the time. She cuts up noodles and I rave about them being the best ever when she has me try them. She really is so fun right now!

The first time Avery wiped off one of my kisses she was being a little cantankerous. My mom was there to pick her up and was holding her before I kissed her goodbye. She deliberately wiped my kiss away and then leaned in and gave my mom a kiss. Burn! So of course I smothered her with more kisses and ever since it's been a game where she wipes away a kiss (while telling me she's wiping off my kiss) and then I tickle and smother her with more kisses until she's giggling uncontrollably. She loves my kisses, she does I tell ya!

Cantankerous kiss wiping aside, Avery is really agreeable when it comes to discipline. It makes it difficult because when I threaten with time out like, "Do you want to get a time out?!" She'll say yes. And sometimes go stand on the wall for all of five seconds before she's like, "I"m all done, Mommy!" Oh, that girl!

She is still very polite with her please and thank you, but we've also been getting a lot the "right now!" demands. Like, "I want to play games right now!" or "I need to eat ems (M&Ms) right now!" or even "I need a bath right now!" Always with the "right now!" And then I noticed how often I say...right now. But yeah, I don't know where she gets all that demanding business. I think that comes from her Daddy.

We are still struggling with bedtime and making it through the night. I think after two years it's beginning to take a toll on all of us, but we'll push through. I know one of these years I'll get a full night's sleep! Maybe. :)

Every stage and age has been fun, and each passing month a little better than the last. I've said it a hundred times before, but I'll say it again - parenting Avery is such a joy and I'm so very glad she's ours!

Happy 27 month birthday baby girl, we love you lots!

made in texas | a maternity session

2011-11-02T05:00:00.000-05:00

I met up with this couple last month and I'm so excited for them to be welcoming a baby boy in a couple of weeks! Cassidy is such a gorgeous momma-to-be, and has the cutest baby bump!

I wish that the second half of this session had been videoed. The forecast was cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms so I scheduled a midday shoot because I had another session that evening, but it was really sunny! In order to get some even lighting I recruited the help of my excellent light blocking assistants, her parents and husband. :) It was really a hoot to watch it all unfold and move everyone just so, video would have been hilarious!

Love this sweet picture of Cassidy and her mom, who was super helpful during the whole session by the way.

And funnily enough, the pictures for the title of this post aren't even included. They have a "made in Texas" shirt that belonged to Cassidy's older brother as a child. It made for a cute addition to a couple of photos as this little guy was indeed made in Texas. :)

Cassidy and Jeff, thanks so much for letting me photograph such a special time. There's nothing sweeter than a new baby and I know you both will be great parents!

leprosy not included

2011-10-31T22:59:00.000-05:00

I know it's a real disease and not one to be taken lightly, but you guys - she's an armadillo. Happy Halloween!

bigger pumpkins

2011-10-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

Is it just me or are the pumpkins bigger than last year? I mean, I know my girl is small but good grief did our patch have some large pumpkins! For the third year in a row we headed to the pumpkin patch on Schilling Avenue. It's a great spot and Avery had a lot of fun running around...not so much fun on the train ride. No pictures of that because I was walking around to keep up with the train to reassure my baby of her safety. She cried the whole way around the pumpkin patch but later told us it was fun. :)

When I got home and looked through these pictures, I noticed that Avery looks like a big kid. And then I cried. The End.

One of these pumpkins is not like the others, one of these pumpkins just doesn't belong...

Two things about the pictures below. First, Avery had her first snow cone. I think she took two bites. And the second thing is that Deran is totally cheesy. There are signs posted all over the pumpkin patch that he ignores every year. So this year I was all, "I'm going to set this up and get you picking up a pumpkin behind the sign!" It's true, I may be a little cheesy too. ANYWAY, when I took the picture he totally turned and smiled like a loon. He is ridiculous (and maybe a little rude for not abiding by the rules!) but he makes me laugh.

a rainy day bride

2011-10-28T05:30:00.000-05:00

I'm probably being a little dramatic but when we haven't had much rain since I can't even recall, the storm on the day of Brianne's bridal portrait session was like, REALLY?! It was soooooo dark and stormy but she'd already had her hair and makeup professionally done so we met at her church to rock out some bridal portraits in the storm of the century. And now I really am being dramatic.

The stained glass windows on the day of her wedding were so beautiful, the weather was perfect! I'll have lots to share from that special Saturday soon...or soonish. I love to be really specific...ish.

We did end up meeting for some more casual photos at her parents' farm one Sunday evening. And I can now add falling on my behind to my list of fabulous photo session moments. I felt like I was really in slow motion and I know I held my camera up but the whole thing was over quickly and I was back on my feet. All I can say is that I'm glad I carry Ibuprofen in my shootsac! :)

You were a gorgeous bride B, so thankful you chose me to be a part of it all!

fall is finally here!

2011-10-27T23:27:00.002-05:00

Kind of! I have seen the changing colors all around and tomorrow the temperatures are supposed to drop. Yea! Last week I met up with some cool kids for a few fall photos. Even if it was 80 degrees at 9:30 in the morning and the mosquitos were terrible. OFF has been in my camera bag for about a month now! :)

LOVED this little golf pro!

And I can't forget Iron Man, Minnie, and Raphael (not to be confused with just any Ninja Turtle!).

Happy Fall Y'all!

spam - it's not just junk mail

2011-10-25T01:22:00.001-05:00

Ah, SPAM! The breakfast meat of my youth. It's funny how certain things trigger memories. Every time I see a can of SPAM I think of my grandparents. How many mornings did I wake up on a couch full of cousins to the smell of coffee, hearing the never-ending chatter of my Poppaw telling my dad how the world should be, seeing my Granny standing over the stove, frying SPAM, beginning to prepare breakfast for the masses. Mornings spent scrambling to get to a bar seat first, watching the ducks swim by through the blinds, enjoying my oatmeal and eggs and toast...and SPAM. Leading into afternoons spent working up the courage to join almost everyone else on the paddle boat, only to end up staying on the bank. Afternoons standing side by side amongst half a dozen cousins fishing with our cane poles, actually touching worms. Then everyone arguing over who got to ride which bike but not really caring because we got to ride! By ourselves! Around the lake! And evenings spent playing bingo at the clubhouse, or watching Golden Girls as we took turns earning change for combing Poppaw's hair as he sprawled out on the living room floor telling tales, interrupting the TV. Always ending the night with ice cream.

Gosh, how many summer trips to the pool at Lake Livingston or day trips to Brenham or the park or museums or weekends at the lake started with a can of SPAM?! So many. I'm glad I remember the good times, the great memories, the trips, the treats - all of it. Because I know I took so much of it for granted back then and I can appreciate it all so much more now. I miss all of my grandparents, I really do, but sometimes I miss that ornery Poppaw so much my heart hurts for all the things he's missing now.

The year he had open heart surgery I must have been 11 or 12, not yet old enough to technically get into the ICU. My aunt put a little makeup on me to make me look that extra year or two older (seems so silly now :) ) and when I went in to see him for the first time in recovery through all the tubes and wires, he started to sing "The Bear Went Over the Mountain." Goodness did he ever drive us crazy with that endless song growing up, but the words were so sweet to me that day. It's the day I started eating mustard on toasted bagels and the day I realized Houston might have a homeless problem, driving home on the interstate that night and looking over to see scores of people sleeping in the parking lot of an overflowing shelter, and it's the day I started loving my Poppaw even more.

Right...so SPAM! I bought a can some time ago for old times' sake and recently cooked it up for brunch one day for Avery and me. And it was really good! Just like I remembered.

so much

2011-10-20T00:49:00.000-05:00

Never did I think two little words would affect me, well, so much. One morning several weeks ago Avery and I were talking about Deran and how he was at work but we were going to do x activity when he got home. Out of the blue she said, "I love my daddy...so much!" She's since applied it to other relatives, baby dolls, snacks, and even our beloved pugs.

We were hanging out on the couch one morning after breakfast and Avery started ~~harassing~~ hugging Harper and said, "I love Harper so much." All soft and sweet, like she really truly meant it. So I had to get my camera out and take a couple of pictures.

Then she hopped down and gave Oscar a little love too. She had some crazy hair that day.

Oh my Avery, I love you so much!

sixteen years of cuteness

2011-10-19T05:00:00.000-05:00

Well, combined anyway. Separately they're just eight. Eight years each of adorable! I met up with these sisters last Sunday afternoon for a belated birthday session.

I loved that sweet sister moment when they were swinging around before I made them stop and hug. :)

They brought along their Halloween costumes for a little candy corn fun at the end of the evening. Super cute!!

Thanks so much Rachel for making the drive and letting me photograph your sweet girls. I hope year eight is the best yet!

connor is two!

2011-10-18T05:30:00.000-05:00

I've had a slew of cute birthday boys lately and this sweet boy was no exception. He lives out in the country so I made my way out to his home - the perfect setting for an adorable boy who loves his tractors!

We caught his grandpa in the shop so we stopped to say hello. :)

I enjoyed visiting some of this family again and I want to wish Connor a very happy [early] birthday!!

super troopers - a fabulous family of four!

2011-10-17T01:43:00.001-05:00

I really enjoyed this fun family session! We were originally set to meet on a Sunday evening but instead our plans were postponed when the skies opened and poured down the most rain we've had all year. In ONE day. Seriously. And even though it had rained all day, these guys were ready to take a chance and meet up, which is one reason why I think they are super troopers. :)

When we met nearly a week later, the weather couldn't have been more perfect. And speaking of perfect, this sweet brother and sister were so well-behaved and polite!

I think it goes without saying, but they were also totally adorable!

This mom did a great job of putting their wardrobe together, I really loved the red & brown.

I do really love spending time with a happy family! :)

Sadly we ended our session in the midst of mosquito breeding grounds, courtesy of that rain the week before. This pretty girl suffered a few bites, but despite feeling itchy she still smiled and never complained!

Danielle & Tim, thanks so much for letting me photograph your sweet family. Your kiddos were so great to work with and I enjoyed our time together!

life's a beach

2011-10-14T05:00:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago we joined a group of friends for a surprise birthday bash at the beach. It was Avery's first trip and we all had such a great day! For once our family of three was early, unbelievable to those who know us, and because we couldn't very well show up at the house with the birthday boy, we stopped along the road and enjoyed some time on a beautiful deserted beach. Avery loved it and ran around, at first running from the waves, and then falling in face first. We finally made our way to the beach house to join our friends, have some lunch, and head back to the sand and water!

We actually took four trips to the beach that day and I didn't get my camera out until the third trip. Avery spent much of the first few trips searching for shells and running along the beach. She spent most of the fourth trip down to the beach in the water and man, did she have fun! Because I didn't have my camera I didn't get any photos of her and Ryler splashing around, but both tots really enjoyed the water and sand. At one point we did try to build a sand castle but turns out it's really more fun to knock over the piles of sand than to actually shape them. Maybe next year! ;)

Deran went on a solo walk while I took Avery in for a break and then he wandered back when I had taken Avery down again. He found several conch shells and I can't even type that without thinking about Piggy & co. The small one I held actually had a hermit crab residing inside, though only the shell made it home.

Avery was so serious listening for the ocean in this shell.

A sandy sole.

I really liked seeing where the tide had been earlier in the day. The earth is an interesting planet, it's pretty amazing.

As the tide started creeping back in, the chairs were moved back and Avery kept running down the trail of one chair counting, "1! 2! 3!" over and over.

We ended the trip shortly after a beautiful sunset and yummy dinner provided by Tina, a Jill of all trades. I do actually have a group picture but since no one thought to mention that I had Avery's lime green bow still stuck in my hair, I think I'll save it for another day. And Deran actually took another picture of me wearing a floppy beach hat. However, when I put it on and asked if it looked okay the only response from a friend was, "Define okay." Hmmmm, thanks T! ;)

Great day, great friends, great food. We all loved our beach day and can't wait to go back!

i may be turning into my mother

2011-10-13T17:11:00.001-05:00

My mom often voices her opinion about the way my sister and I keep house, or more accurately, don't keep house. I blame my mom actually. She picked up after us too much as kids so she was an enabler! What about learning by example? Oh...well...yeah, she did keep a clean house...hmmm. Once, when she was trying to encourage me to wash the dishes, she told me that she liked doing dishes - it was kind of like therapy, a quiet time to think and reflect by yourself. Now didn't I want to wash my dishes? Um, crazy much, sweet Momma?!

Internet, my point is this. Right now, business is busy. It's just a busy season with the holidays around the corner and some gorgeous fall/winter weddings on the horizon and I am enjoying it sooo much! I feel beyond blessed by business this fall! So many great things happening right now and I'm just excited and happy about the direction I'm going. But trying to balance it all and meet deadlines without feeling like I'm pawning off my baby to various family members every single day? Well, that's tough.

I think balancing work and family is tough for any working parent, and because Avery is my top priority it often means late nights after she's turned in for the day. And sometimes early mornings before she's up for the day. But it's what I do so that I can take her to storytime, the park, to paint, to play, to just spend the days with her. To be present for her and make the most of the time we're together through this busyness.

So I had a point - and here it is. Cleaning helps me cope. I still don't love to do dishes but when my mind is racing with a million things I need to take care of but can't, I grab some 409, or pull out the vacuum cleaner, or even scrub the toilets. Cleaning is something that keeps me in the same room with Avery, something that produces immediate satisfactory results, and something that can be done in short increments of time.

My house is far from perfect, but we are on week THREE of keeping up with laundry. I can see all of the floor area in my room for the first time in a couple of years, toilets are sparkly white, and Deran now has four weeks of dress shirts and slacks ironed, ready to be worn to work.

My mom is proud, probably because she thinks she finally got through to me. And I guess she kind of did. Life is hectic right now, but it's also really really good. And clean laundry?! What?! Doing housework makes me feel awesome!

No pictures, yea! I'll be sharing photos from our first trip to the beach with Avery tomorrow and lots and lots of session sharing next week. So many cute kids, plus a sweet family and beautiful momma-to-be. I'm gearing up for THREE weddings next weekend. Why yes, I think I have lost my mind now that you mention it.

If you don't hear from me after the 22nd please send help! Or maybe just more cleaning supplies.

mckenley is one!

2011-10-12T05:30:00.000-05:00

I'm really creative with my post titles this week. I met up with this happy family last weekend and despite rain earlier in the day and swarming mosquitos, we had a fantastic time!

One thing that is very evident within this family is that these parents absolutely adore their boy! Man, I do wish I'd been recording this session - so many crazy noises to garner those big smiles. :)

He had a super cute frog smash cake!

He was so cute leaving a little cake trail behind as he crawled away.

Thanks so much for letting me photograph your sweet family Carrie & Clayton, I enjoyed spending time watching you guys love on your baby boy and each other. And happy early birthday to Mr. McKenley!

striking a pose

2011-10-11T05:30:00.000-05:00

Doesn't everyone stand like that to draw? Actually, we were listening to some music (#6) and that was her "goofy dance" pose. She's real real crazy.

ethan is one!

2011-10-10T05:30:00.000-05:00

Well, almost anyway. I met up with this sweet family early last week to capture some photos of Ethan for his first birthday. In theory, balloons make a great birthday photo prop...until you get all tangled up! :)

He's thisclose to walking and I feel for his parents once he is! He is so fast already, I can't imagine once he's running around. :)

A little photo booth fun...

This family is really fun and I appreciate you guys driving the extra distance to meet up! I hope Ethan has a very happy 1st birthday and I can't wait to see everyone in December!

my goodness

2011-10-07T17:53:00.001-05:00

How she's grown! And yes, that's a pacifier in her mouth. A nasty little habit she started late one Wednesday night in her 25th month when it was discovered in the back of a kitchen drawer. What to do with these wayward tots?! Actually, I just happened to photograph one of three occasions she's had it in her possession since that night. And she looks totally cute so whatevs, judge away!

a family engagement

2011-10-06T06:30:00.000-05:00

I met up with this great couple one weekend in late September for an engagement session. Of course we couldn't leave Mr. C out of the picture so we fit in some family photos too! :)

We've already done bridal portraits of this beautiful girl and her dress is stunning. I really really love it and I can't wait to share photos and the craziness behind the scenes on those days! :) Congrats Brianne, Billy, and Cody - I can't wait to be a part of your special wedding later this month!

twinkies

2011-10-05T06:00:00.000-05:00

another branch on the family tree

2011-10-04T08:45:00.000-05:00

I've photographed this sweet family for the last few years and I'm so very excited to see their dreams of growing their family come true! Sweet little Luke is set to join the family in late November and I know he will be a cherished addition.

I've always thought this mom was beautiful, but how gorgeous does she look now?! I'd like to know the secret to these lovely ladies I've been photographing lately!

Thanks so much for letting me document such a special time in your lives. I'm so happy for your family!!

two years + two months

2011-10-03T04:30:00.000-05:00

Good gracious, another month has passed! Some months drag on but more often than not I find myself thinking, it's that time already?! And it is that time - Avery is twenty-six months old.

At 26 months Avery likes flashlights, babies, Diego, her owl blanket, armadillos, chicken nuggets, chocolate chips, marshmallows, Mommy & Daddy, swimming in the bathtub, reading books, pretending, and playing outside. She dislikes sleeping in her own room and time out.

Avery has really taken a liking to flashlights. We keep them in random drawers around the house and I do believe she's found every one. We have the super bright LED lights so I've really tried to emphasize not shining in faces, however I'm pretty sure that just makes her want to shine me directly in the eyes. One night the batteries died on a flashlight and she came in the kitchen and threw it away while I was standing there, then walked off saying, "Need other flashlight." Even during the day when I ask her to go put something up in her room she'll tell me it's too dark. Just give the girl a flashlight and she'll help me pick up all day! Now I did find socks, wash cloths, and a couple of toys all in one drawer, but she's trying!

She still loves Diego but now that it's football season we've been watching actual channels on the television. Just one really, PBS. I mentioned football season because it means Deran cares what direction and which channels the antenna can get. Luckily it means we catch PBS. :) The other day Avery asked Deran if she could watch Elmo. I never thought I'd miss Elmo, but even I was excited to watch Elmo rescue his blue blanket in Grouchland. I do love some monster muppets!

Avery is loving playing with her stuffed animals and still loves the armadillo we got at the zoo this summer. In fact, that's what she wants to be for Halloween. I keep throwing other suggestions out there but it comes back to the armadillo. I have no idea how I'm going to make this happen, but she'll be the cutest armadillo ever!

Avery has really been loving on me lately. It's sweet because she looks for me and asks for me or about me, and it makes my heart happy. She still loves her daddy too and lately she likes to be wrapped up in a blanket and proclaim her tiny baby status. She went through a similar phase several months back, though now I think she just does it to get out of doing something else. She says she's a big girl until it's something she doesn't want to do, then all of a sudden, "I a tiny baby!"

Her chatter fills the days and she's so adorable to listen to and talk with. She often asks, "Where are we going now?" "What are we doing?" "What's that?" It's pretty crazy how much her vocabulary is changing and also how interested she is in EVERYTHING. :) We've really been focusing on the alphabet, the senses, days of the week, and counting. These things work into our daily lives so I don't think she ever feels like I'm pushing something on her and she lets me know when she's ready to move on. But the great thing about young children is that they want to learn. I read five books over breakfast and it's never enough. She is all over craft time and she's always asking for music. She's gotten good at manipulating her fingers but when she points out two of something she always puts her two pointer fingers together and it makes me smile because she's so darn cute.

She has really started eating more food and I'm glad! When I bake chicken nuggets, she will sometimes eat almost TWO. That's huge for us! She really loves marshmallows and chocolate chips. Any time I open the freezer she starts whining, "I need chocolate chips! I need my chocolate chips!" and repeat. Sadly, she has the beginning of a cavity in one tooth so we've really been trying to avoid sticky sugary snacks. Not that five chocolate chips a couple times a week are harmful, but if it was up to her she'd have them all day! :)

Avery really dislikes sleeping in her own bed. This is kind of sad and since we're not cry-it-out parents, she ends up in our bed every night. At least she doesn't just lay in her bed and cry, waiting for us to come pick her up like she used to. Now she gets up and makes her way across the house to our room where she's scooped up and given a little love.

Avery has the most ridiculous sad face and pouty lip. She throws in some dramatically slow blinks and then squints her eyes like maybe she'll cry if she has to? I don't know but it'll leave you thinking both, "Awwww!" and "Really? Seriously?! Get. Over. It." Mostly though, it just gets her what she wants.

Another long winded post this month. It just seems like she's always doing something and I want to remember. I was looking through old photos the other night and I missed that baby. Thinking about what we were doing then, what she was doing then, mmm. Just pulled at my heart - how quickly this life is moving around us. I'm close to both of my parents, and pretty affectionate too, but nothing compared to hugs and kisses and cuddles with my Avery Kate. I sometimes wonder if my parents miss it. I know they have four grandkids to cuddle now, but do they miss their babies? I mean, the grandkidlets are pretty adorable, but maybe I'll give them an extra hug next time we're together.

Love love love our girl. I can't wait to see what this month has in store for us with a festival, an armadillo costume, pumpkin patches, and more fall fun! I'm so glad I get to stay home with her!

Happy 26 month birthday sweet girl, we love you lots!

plus one

2011-09-30T05:00:00.000-05:00

I met up with a gorgeous couple last weekend and they will be welcoming a sweet girl in November. This soon-to-be mom seriously has a perfect baby bump! And she also had a fabulous wardrobe. :)

I originally had plans for another location but the light was fading fast so we made an impromptu stop at what turned out to be a great spot!

Congrats you two, I know you'll be great parents. Enjoy these last weeks of pregnancy J, you're one gorgeous mom-to-be!

that's a lot of green

2011-09-29T06:00:00.000-05:00

Our garden is still growing and producing vegetables! Sadly, only our bell pepper and okra plants have survived. We do still have two giant tomato plants, taking up space and teasing us with lots of blooms but no fruit.

At the end of last week I picked SEVEN bell peppers and one okra. I had to throw away several pieces of okra because it wasn't edible, I'd let it grow too long. I really hate it when that happens. It's crazy how much our pepper plants are producing since I thought they'd never mature. I swore we'd save money and buy seeds next year, but now I'm not so sure. I really love those plants!

Always with my helper! She got a little bossy when Oscar came sniffing around and she had to give him a stern talking to. :) I miss the days when she said, "Oat-doh," you can actually tell she's talking about okra now.

I'm so glad we started the garden this year, it's been a great experience for our little family. It's not too late to get a fall garden going if anyone is thinking about it!

of siblings, superheroes, and sweetness

2011-09-28T05:30:00.000-05:00

How I wish I had my camera ready when this family arrived! I opened my door to Superman, complete with bulging biceps and superhero cape, then after a quick change a normal big brother made himself comfortable in front of my camera.

Remember this tiny baby? She turned a month old on Saturday and came back for a couple of pictures with her siblings.

I called him Superman when trying to get him to sit for me and he said, "I'm not Superman, I'm just Max. See, I'm just wearing my clothes." Like, "Duh lady!" So funny and he was seriously so cute!

And boy does that Max love his sisters, both of them. He willingly snuggled up to both of them, sometimes without me even asking. :)

Not to be outdone by her little brother's cuteness, Big Sister is a beauty! She was such a trooper, I guess I don't realize how heavy a one month old is when you're only six. :)

And this one, just because she said it was her favorite elephant and really wanted a picture with it.

I reeeallly enjoyed these kids! They were hilarious and did you even notice their baby blues?! Gorgeous kids, all three of them!! Happy Wednesday!

a reception to remember

2011-09-27T05:30:00.000-05:00

Their wedding was fabulous and the reception was no different. I loved watching everyone boogie on the dance floor and listen to the sentimental stories & toasts. Everyone was happy and having fun, my favorite kind of party to photograph!

This couple is much loved and a lot of fun, congrats again Mr. & Mrs. Burke!

bodies in the freezer

2011-09-26T01:18:00.001-05:00

Oops, I meant barbies in the freezer! One day last week I opened the freezer and noticed a barbie tot in the door, just laying there amidst the empty popsicle tray and a bag of gumdrops from last Christmas. Soooo yeah...it doesn't seem like a doll is so out of place now that I think of all the other things around her. I should really clean out the freezer.

But seriously, it was days before I remembered to remove this doll. When I noticed it I grabbed my camera off the table and snapped a picture but by that time something else was happening in the hallway and I set my camera down and forgot! And crazily enough, that's not the only doll that's been hanging out with our food. I opened the fridge on Friday to have Ming Ming fly off a shelf and hit the floor. Avery came running into the kitchen to pick her up and then started asking, "Where my Winny (Linny) go?" over and over until I opened the fridge once more. And sure enough, three shelves down in the door sat Linny atop a jar of BBQ sauce. Random things in random places, you just never know.

mr. & mrs. burke

2011-09-19T00:32:00.001-05:00

The honeymoon may be over, but the honeymoon phase has just begun. This gorgeous girl and her new husband are back home and it's time I posted a sneak peek of their big day! The venue was fabulous, the hair stylist did an amazing job, and I loved every thoughtful detail that made this day so special.

The Bride's sweet parents. Her mom looked so beautiful!

Congratulations Mr. & Mrs. Burke!

I have much more to share of this couple coming up this week!

she is their sunshine

2011-09-15T01:09:00.000-05:00

Miss Mallory is turning one so we met up Sunday night to document this special time and take some family photos! We started out at the same location her parents got married. It's kind of neat to see how life has changed over the years.

Loved her shoes! And also that she was signing "more." Man, I love babies that sign!

After a quick wardrobe change, she was ready for more photos. Talk about sweet disposition, this happy girl never once fussed or cried! And rumor has it she goes to bed at 7:30 p.m. - no songs, no fuss, just goes to bed. Yeah, I'm a little bit jealous.

Without a doubt, this adorable girl lights up their days. And that's just as it should be. Happy early 1st birthday to a super sweet baby girl!

faux bows

2011-09-14T03:00:00.000-05:00

Sometimes I make Avery's bows. I've bought lots of ribbon in hopes of making lots of bows. That kind of makes sense, lots of ribbon equals lots of bows. I'm not a great bow maker, I'm not even a good one. So I guess the title is a little misleading, I do indeed make bows. It's just that sometimes the clips don't close all the way, and despite my good intentions, it's almost always glued on crooked.

I've read several tutorials and my sister and sister-in-law (both great bow makers!) have tried to teach me. But alas, I don't like to measure and I've no patience for perfect proportions. And so I've found that when it comes to hair bows, my craftiness does indeed have boundaries. But here's the thing, when they're in her hair - you can't really tell.

i'm back!

2011-09-13T00:15:00.002-05:00

I spent a long weekend in Huntville attending the Kitchen Sink workshop. It was an amazing experience and I have lots to share! I basically got home Sunday afternoon and drove off to another session with an adorable baby girl and her family. So while I have a ton of images to show, I have to get a few things in order concerning home and business first! So today I'll show a couple of my Avery Kate.

She wasn't in the best mood upon arriving at the hotel late Thursday night. How sad is that lip?! We get it all the time and I'm pretty sure each time her pout is a little more pronounced. So ridiculously cute!

And on the way home we stopped by the park and then went to visit the statue. Sam Houston was HUGE! When we left Avery said, "Bye-bye statue man!"

With Cheetos all over her face. I think that was all she ate for breakfast and lunch. We're good parents like that.

Hope everyone is having a great week. Sooooo many great photos and stories to share this week!

wootprints

2011-09-08T04:00:00.000-05:00

Last Friday was the best kind of day. After a morning walk, I let Avery don her swimsuit for some fun in the backyard. The hose had been watering the back patio for several minutes while she scooped water from a bowl into a pitcher. I'd been walking around, warning her away from ants, delighting with her over a filled pitcher. Then she walked over to me and said, "Wook, wootprints. Mommy's wootprint." And there she stood, on my footprint.

I love days like that. During the crazy times, I think about those moments and it makes everything alright. This is a good life, enjoy it! I'm off to a workshop weekend with the fabulous Amanda Holloway and I'm excited to meet some lovely ladies and learn a lot. I'll be wrapping up the weekend with a sweet one year old's birthday session. Lots going on right now and lots to look forward to on the blog!

an added joy

2011-09-07T03:30:00.000-05:00

A baby has a special way of adding joy in every single day. - Author unknown.

I couldn't agree more, and I'm willing to bet this sweet girl's parents feel the same. For all of the life changes and sleepless nights a new little one brings, there is also joy in each new day. Counting ten perfect little toes, cuddles during frequent feedings, staring at this new life and knowing she's got the best part of each of you. Oh yes, there is joy to be found in those moments.

I'm so thankful I got to spend time with this beautiful baby girl on her one week birthday. And I'm thankful her parents were close by to lend a helping hand and a couple of baby snuggles.

Thanks so much S Family, I really enjoyed visiting with you and photographing your new bundle of joy. She is such a beautiful baby!

a stunning september bride

2011-09-06T03:30:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited to finally be able to share these images that were taken in July! This gorgeous girl got married last weekend and it was such a perfect night. I'll have much more to share over the next couple of weeks from their big day, but for now, take a look at this stunning bride!

We ended in a field just before sunset on a beautiful day, the perfect way to end this session of a beautiful bride.

Happy Tuesday, I hope everyone has a great start to this short work week!

laborless day 2011

2011-09-05T04:00:00.000-05:00

I know there are still some who must go to work today, but I hope everyone takes a minute to labor a little less, remember to smile once in a while, and enjoy the day!

two years + one month

2011-09-03T04:00:00.000-05:00

Here we are, one month post second birthday. Aaaaannnndddd it's been a crazy month. Twenty-five months is fun? Actually, I think being 25 months is really fun. Parenting a 25 month old is just mostly fun with a side of SERIOUSLY?! Because I can't believe how much she's still changing every month!

At 25 months Avery likes Diego, Wonder Pets, Good Luck Charlie, terrorizing the pugs, macaroni & cheese, any kind of baby anything, barbies, animals, her parents (yea!), and still with the breastfeeding. I know some people are saying YIKES! to that last one, but honestly I never thought we'd still be going. She recently had her yearly check-up and the doctor actually recommended weaning because she's not really gaining weight, I think it was around five ounces since her last appointment. Since introducing solids, she's always eaten much less than average kids her age and the concern is making sure she gets enough nutrients to thrive as an active toddler. She's a really slow eater, she'd much rather grab a bite here and there than actually sit down and eat a whole meal. Believe me, we've tried keeping her at the table with us but when she's ready to be on the go she'll just start throwing the food off her plate! Don't get me wrong, she's still a healthy tot but she's a very light eater which makes getting balanced meals in her belly a bit of a struggle.

Diego is still her preferred cartoon but lately we've compromised on Good Luck Charlie if we're watching an episode at night. It's very cute to hear her ask for "more Good Wuck Charwie." Deran tried an episode of Looney Tunes but then said it was too violent. Oh, yes he did! So Diego it is, even if he does teach things like, "Mermaids are the heroes of the sea!" I'm not kidding, I think that was a direct quote from the episode we watched yesterday.

Avery loves baby dolls, baby animals, baby anything. It could be a little piece of paper, it doesn't matter, if you call it a "baby paper" it makes it cute and adorable to her. She plays more with the furniture in her dollhouse than the family it came with. There are two bedside lamps that are babies and a tall stand lamp that is the mommy. She's really very funny with her "babies."

There's not much that she really dislikes, except bugs and discipline, which are both understandable. She's been bitten by ants so she's learned to stay clear of them. Unless they're baby ants in which case she's, "Awww, baby ants!" But baby ants bite too so we have to be careful. We've seen some lovebugs out lately and she started stepping away frantically shouting, "Squitos! Ahhh! Squitos!" After I explained that while they did look like large mosquitos, they were actually lovebugs, she was all waving, "Hi wuvbugs!" So silly and cute!

Her vocabulary in the last couple of months has really exploded. She says things and asks about things I didn't even realize she knew about. And one of the sweetest of course is hearing her say that she loves us back. Avery & I were sitting around at my parents' house one night and I randomly said, "I love you Avery." And she sweetly said, "Wuv you too Mommy." Some of my favorite things she says are when she asks for "a little help please," "I do it Mommy!" "I seeping (while she pretends to snore)," "me, me, me!" or when she calls herself "Adey Tate" which she does a lot. We called my dad to say hi one day and when he answered the phone she said, "Hi Pop, me Adey Tate here!" And as I just typed that I realized that she calls him Pop now instead of Bop. When did that happen?!

We are still working on learning the letters, counting, and various other toddler skills. She's getting good at identifying several letters in relation to people, places, and pugs. She knows H is for Harper and O is for Oscar. She loves those two puglets a lot and thinks it's great fun to chase them around with her doll stroller, all the while giggling like a maniac.

A long post this month! Lots of things going on, I'm sure leaving lots out. As it's always been, parenting Avery is a joy and we couldn't ask for a better girl. I mean, maybe one that didn't tinkle in the dog's kennel (with Oscar still in it) but you take what you get. ;) Maybe potty training is an accomplishment we can check off next month!

And of course the monthly iPhone photo collage:

Happy 25 month birthday sweet girl, we love you lots!

18 days of baby boy bliss

2011-09-02T08:53:00.001-05:00

I'll be honest, I'm always hesitant to schedule a newborn session when the baby is over two weeks old. By that time babies are typically awake for longer periods and though still incredibly sweet to photograph, aren't quite as easy to work with. And by work with, I mean bend and move. :)

All of that to say that this sweet boy slept so soundly, I was almost giddy. His gorgeous momma was on hand to help soothe him and always had his pacifier at the ready. I love helpful parents, they really make things easy!

Loved these pictures of him cradled in his daddy's arms. So sweet!

Thanks so much B Family for letting me photograph such a special time in your lives. Your baby boy is precious!

the end of amy

2011-08-30T08:50:00.001-05:00

Well, not quite the end of me per se, but the end of a phase. For the last several months Avery often called me Amy. Other people's reactions ranged from finding it disrespectful to treating me with sympathy. Honestly, it bothered me for a minute but I knew it had to be a phase. And guess who was right?! Momma. Oh, I'm sorry, you don't know who that is?! It's ME.

She hasn't called me Amy since before her birthday party over three weeks ago. The first week I noticed but thought maybe I'd just overlooked it because I was so used to it. So I started paying more attention and no, there was no Amy! She has taken to calling me "Mom" sometimes like she just turned twelve instead of two, but whatevs, I'll take it.

So I've been on a bit of a break the last couple of weeks but this week kicks off a busy few months of babies, brides, and birthdays. I'm so thankful for a busy business and can't wait to share some fabulous sessions...but in the meantime, just a silly one of my girl. I was setting up for a newborn session and she was being helpful. She was pretending to be asleep and I caught her mid-snore.

She is both ridiculous and hilarious. I love being Momma to that girl!

tuesday tunes

2011-08-23T09:30:00.001-05:00

I recently bought this CD at Sam's, except it's a double set with more songs and was $2 less! Love me some Sam's Club. Anyway, It's got most of the songs I remember from those early days of Sunday school. I'm anxious to hear Avery belting them out, she's already pretty good at "This Little Light of Mine."

On a different note (ha!), Deran introduced Avery to some Garth Brooks on the way to dinner last Saturday. Listening to those songs brought back so many memories and Deran and I were talking about how controversial "The Thunder Rolls" video was that it was banned from several stations. So crazy compared to what's out now!

And also, Avery's hair situation is out.of.control. Love my crazy haired girl!

smile, you know you want to

2011-08-22T05:00:00.002-05:00

I have been feeling so blessed lately, like overwhelmingly thankful for my life. I'm not sure when it hit me, but I've been trying to take things a day at a time and really appreciate what's going on. I certainly have worries, insecurities, and issues, but my troubles are nothing compared to what others are going through. The last few months my business has been, well, busy. And when I look over these faces I can't help but smile. Sometimes those in between moments are my favorites, people being who are they are, having fun, being happy.

It's Monday, and the start of a new school year for so many I love. As I enter my third year out of the classroom I'm still thinking about the first day. The excitement, the nerves, the tired toes after a summer of not standing around lecturing. :) I hope everyone has a great start to the new school year and take a minute to find a little joy in the day. This life is good, so smile - you know you want to.