Just for fun!

Today Mady gave me almost 5 whole minutes to take pictures of her just for fun!! That is a real treat for me because she never wants her pictures taken. She really tried to cooperate, but is definately getting into the awkward smiles or big cheesy grins stage! She is growing up far too fast. She is almost five now. Almost a child, not a toddler. Almost a big sister again (although she says she will be the baby's other mom!). If only I could freeze time and keep her this age a little longer.

I love babies!

Meet sweet baby Drew. He has lips that you just want to kiss and was the sweetest little thing. He let me put him through a lot today and handled it like a trooper. He definately reminded me of what's to come in a few weeks! His older brother is 4 days older than my Leighton and loves his brother very much. They have such a great family and a house filled with love. I can't wait to document both boys as they grow up too quickly! Thanks for having us guys, here's a sneak peek!

Happy New Year!

I know I am a little late, please forgive me! I have been thinking about just how much things have changed in the past year. We finally had the wedding we spent years planning, we moved back into our home, there is a new baby coming in just six weeks, and my oh my have our children grown.

Mady is the most creative child I have ever met. She does "commercials" for products around the house, puts on performances for us on "stage" (directly in front of the tv of course!), and she loves to draw. I am embarrassed to admit that she can draw better than I can! She is so motherly towards Leighton, and is so excited for her new baby sister it seems like an obsession somedays! She has such a big heart, and has finally learned how to get whatever she wants from her daddy! She has also become quite dramatic, and makes me laugh every single day.

Leighton has grown by leaps and bounds. His vocabulary has increased dramatically and he says the sweetest things. He still carries his blankie everywhere and has a new found love of trains! He is becoming more of a "boy" everyday. He is potty trained, and has done very well. We were a little nervous with all the horror stories about training boys, but he did great. He loves to cuddle, and has officially declared my lap his spot. He could spend all day there if I'd let him. He also claims he is his dad's favorite and has to list everyone he loves everyday. The list even includes our pet mice and goldfish! Although he loves to wrestle, play cars, and do everything a little boy should, he is very sensitive! He hates getting dirty, loves to play babies and dress up, and even clean the house! He too cannot wait for his baby sister, and pretends to feel her kicking everyday.

All that rambling I guess is me simply reflecting on the new year ahead. I can't help but wonder what changes are in store for my family. It was Mady's first day back to preschool after Christmas break. She couldn't wait to go back, and Leighton and I spent the afternoon reading, playing trains, and wrestling. I will post pictures of our afternoon together! I love the black and white, but had to post a few in color so you could see just how sparkly his eyes are today without touching them in photoshop! I hope you all have a wonderful 2008!

Just in case you are wondering...

why I haven't posted photos of Leighton lately! He does not like getting his picture taken. While celebrating the holidays with family he would literally cry and scream if he thought someone was going to take a picture of him! I tried to get some today, and no bribe was good enough.

I got faces like this:






Him and his "baby" that never leaves his side:



ANYTHING to avoid eye contact:



And a bunch of faces that just aren't "Leighton":




Oh well, I guess I will just try again later! Wish me luck!

My little eskimo.

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday. Just had to share two new ones of Mady. I didn't get as great of a shot as I was hoping for, so hopefully I will be able to try again soon. Remember that the deadline for orders is coming soon, January 15. We have our c-section scheduled for February 14 at 1:00 pm. Yep, Valentine's Day! It was that or Jonathan's birthday so we didn't have a lot of choices. We are praying everything goes well. I haven't loaded any pictures from Christmas day yet, but hopefully will have some to share when I do!

My last wedding of 2007

First of all, please remember that the holiday deadline has already passed, and the deadline for all orders before my maternity leave is January 15.

Josh and Ashley were my last wedding for 2007. They are an incredible couple with great family and very fun friends. After spending their wedding day with them, I feel as though I know them. Their ceremony was beautiful and their reception was so much fun. I wish I had more time to spend with them, but that is a sacrifice you make to get married in such a beautiful chapel (they usually book 3 weddings every Saturday)! Josh did not get to see Ashley before the ceremony (how romantic!) and she was a stunning bride. The dance floor was packed and I am sure everyone had a great time. Here's a sneak peek!

Order Deadlines

This is just a reminder to everyone that Sunday, December 9 is the last day to order for the holidays. If you need your portraits by December 24, all orders must be in by Sunday. Another important reminder is that my maternity leave begins February 1 and goes until April 1. All orders needed before April 1 must be in my January 15! Thank you!

And because I can't post without images, here are some from a wedding this fall. They were the greatest couple to work with and had a wonderful family too.