Carley Kay Photography

I heart faces: Got to wear Shades

2010-08-15T19:58:00.000-07:00

Well if this wasn't perfect timing. I just took my son out for his 2nd birthday photo shoot, and our theme was retro rocker. So of course, he had to have his aviators on! I just love this picture and of course, the little boy in it. I can't believe he's two already. Where has the time gone?? Enjoy and stop on over at I heart faces to vote on your favorite or put in your own entry!

Don't miss out on some good ole' photography fun! =)

New BLOGSITE!!

2010-08-09T20:01:00.000-07:00

Well, the time is finally here! My new blog/site is ready to launch! It will still be at www.carleykayphotography.com....it will just be a whole new look and just one place to find info and look at pictures, instead of 2! I am sooo excited and have been working VERY hard to get this ready and looking as perfect as I've envisioned it to. There may some things that don't get finished in time, but the basics are all in tact. So stay tuned in the next week for the new Carley Kay Photography. Let me know if you have any questions about the transition! =) YAY!

To my blogger followers.....see you on the other side!

PEACE!!!

Winona Lake, IN Photographer: Ryser Family

2010-08-03T13:14:00.000-07:00

Warsaw, IN Photographer: Z Family

2010-08-03T11:22:00.000-07:00

I just adore this session and love that early morning light. These boys are 2 and 5, and did

unbelievable! I can't get over how gorgeous some of these shots turned out! Some of my favorites to date. Enjoy this beautiful family!

New BLOGSITE!!

2010-07-29T05:41:00.000-07:00

I am in the process of getting a new blogsite with a whole new look. A blogsite is a one

stop shop for my site. There will not be a website and blog anymore. Just one. I can't wait to go live with it. It will still be the same URL, but it will just take you right to the site. There will be some down time when this transition occurs and I apologize ahead of time. But it will all be worth it in the end. If you have any questions or get confused, don't hesitate to call or email. If you have client proofing right now, I will make sure to give you back what you've lost. Thanks so much and look forward to meeting you again in a few days!

I HEART FACES: Over your head

2010-07-20T11:07:00.000-07:00

This week's challenge at I HEART FACES is "over you head"!

I knew right away what picture I wanted to use. If you want enter a photo or just check out all the other entries, hop on over to iheartfaces.com or click HERE

Mom and Dad are both very into music. Mom is a singer and Dad sings and playsinstruments. I thought of this before the session and had them bring it along. It turned out perfect and they might just have a little musician on their hands! =)

Warsaw, IN Photographer: Sweet little London

2010-07-19T15:22:00.000-07:00

Warsaw, IN Photographer: Lauren/Senior

2010-07-19T11:03:00.000-07:00

Harting Wedding: Sneak Peek

2010-07-12T11:57:00.000-07:00

Chicago, IL Photographer: Baby Savannah

2010-07-10T07:28:00.000-07:00

My baby....

2010-06-28T07:31:00.000-07:00

My little baby isn't so little anymore. =( I can't believe I am in the middle

of planning his 2 year birthday party. He's a little chatter box and loves to be the center of attention! He's definitely a funny boy who loves to make you laugh. He's shy at first greet, but warms up fast! Especially if you talk animals with him. He's brilliant!!! David and I aren't quite sure where he gets it from? He's starting to enjoy being in front of the camera, and is even taking cues from me from time to time. This morning was his first time copying mommy for a picture. He did awesome and was sooo proud of himself! I love spending the mornings with him playing in our bed and snuggling. It's my favorite time of day! Enjoy this amazing little guy. We sure do!!

Warsaw, IN Photographer: Alisa at 6 months

2010-06-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

I can't believe little Alisa is 6 months old already. I'm sure you all remember

her little newborn pictures. She worked the camera then, and she by far exceeded my expectations now. She was soo happy and sooo easy to make smile. She even gave us some fun sleeping shots. Her mom and I were AMAZED that we got her into a basket and didn't wake her up. What more can you ask for?

Enjoy this sweetheart!!

Bigger IS Better!

2010-06-10T13:57:00.000-07:00

Came across this WONDERFUL post about print sizes!

Lots of my clients struggle with what size to buy and where to put it. How do you arrange them and

will this one be big enough? Amy, at Amy Ro Photography described it best. Bigger IIISSSS Better! It's worth the extra cost and will blow you away when you see how dramatic it will look enlarged! Don't skimp on the size of your art, skimp on how many you purchase!

Please check out this blog post!

Bigger IS Better

Johnson Wedding: Sneak Peak

2010-06-10T13:41:00.000-07:00

Fussle Wedding: Sneak Peek

2010-06-03T11:36:00.000-07:00

Chicago, IL Photographer: Baby Andrew

2010-05-23T20:16:00.000-07:00

Bolingbrook, IL Photographer: Dani

2010-05-23T17:53:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of reuniting with Dani and her family for her 6 month pictures.

The last time I saw her, she was just a few days old. HERE. She has gotten so big and I just love the baby rolls....sooo adorable! Enjoy!

Glen Ellyn, IL Photographer: Baby Ellie

2010-05-21T08:25:00.000-07:00

Warsaw, IN Photographer: A&A Engagement

2010-05-18T09:43:00.000-07:00

Warsaw, IN Photographer: Tiffany/Maternity

2010-05-17T16:14:00.000-07:00

Geneva, IL Photographer: Szklareck Family

2010-05-09T13:40:00.000-07:00

Clothing Faves

2010-05-04T19:03:00.000-07:00

Everyone knows that picking out clothes for your photo sessions

can be the hardest part of your preparations. Sometimes it's hard to visualize how it will come together. Well, here's one of my favorite looks for little girls, 3m and up! Check out Tulah Clothing Co. on Etsy.com. She is amazing and has a great selection. Her shop is closed at this time due to her popularity, but once she opens....she is giving away free shipping for the first week. Don't miss out! It's a photographer's dream to see these dresses on!

TULAH WEBSITE

BECOME A FAN

Elmhurst, IL Photographer: Anna & Elsie

2010-05-02T21:33:00.000-07:00

Indianapolis, IN Photographer: Furhmann Family

2010-04-27T11:56:00.000-07:00

Punte Bella

2010-04-26T18:01:00.000-07:00

I have been working with a FABULOUS hat designer from etsy for a couple

sessions. I am so excited that she has decided to work with me and she keeps sending me absolutely AMAZING hats. It's so much fun to receive them in the mail. If you need some beautiful and good quality hats for your kiddos....please check her out! She has a great color selection too!

Punte Bella on Etsy

Here is one that I had her make for a sweet little girl!

I just got 2 more creations in the mail that I'm hoping to use on my upcoming session this weekend, so stay tuned for some new styles! =)

Thanks Jen for your amazing creations! =)

Culver, IN Photographer: Jody/Senior

2010-04-20T15:43:00.000-07:00

Warsaw, IN Photographer: James/Senior

2010-04-20T09:31:00.000-07:00

Warsaw, IN Photographer: Kandi/Senior

2010-04-19T19:46:00.000-07:00

Warsaw, IN Photographer: Natalie/Senior

2010-04-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

Room Re-do Pt. 2

2010-04-16T09:40:00.000-07:00

As I told you before (here), I am re-decorating my living room. And, as I said before....

I would be showing you my process with before and afters. Well....I've lost my befores!!!! I am sooo bummed. It is such a big difference and I wanted you to see. Oh well! What do you do?

Anyways, here are some of my afters so far.....

Thanks to the Chase rewards program from our bank, I received a $100 giftcard from

Pottery Barn to help with the decor. The pillows to be exact. Most of them.....2 of the green pillows are from TJ Maxx that matched EXACTLY! What are the chances of that happening??? =) The ivory afghan on the left was a gift from my great aunt that I LOVE! Handmade, by the way.

White blanket from Target for $9!

Then my favorite piece in the room. My $6 coffee table from Goodwill that I found and re-painted black. It's just perfect and I love it so much. I would like to get 2 big pillows and stick them underneath. Maybe some yellow and white ones. On top of the coffee table is a bowl from Pottery Barn that I already had and some white decorative balls I had from the Target Clearance aisle. Right now, there are some decorating and fashion books on the bottom, but I'm hoping to find a better place for those.

And here is the full room shot....Much more fresh and simple! I am loving it. I found the PERFECT rug at Pottery Barn that is on clearance, that I'm hoping to snatch up sometime....but we'll see. It would be an out of budget expense for sure. =)

Enjoy! Hopefully I will be back with some more update fun! But that's all for now!

Aurora, IL Photographer: Wyeth Family

2010-04-11T11:17:00.000-07:00

This has to be one of my favorite sessions to date! We found some

great locations and had beautiful weather! But best of all....this STUNNING family! They did an amazing job (with 2 of them sick) and nailed the wardrobe perfectly. I don't think I could have planned it better myself! Thanks so much Wyeths, for allowing me to capture these special moments! I hope you enjoy your preview! =)

Warsaw, IN Photographer: Baby Evelyn

2010-04-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

Ft. Wayne, IN Photographer: Abby

2010-04-07T09:12:00.000-07:00

One of my very good friends, Abby, is just weeks away from having her

second baby! A baby boy as a matter of fact! I love this girl to death and had a blast taking her

maternity pics! As you can see, she is beautiful as it is, but looked incredible on this shoot. Pregnancy fits well on her! Love you girl and hope you enjoy your sneak peek!

Ft. Wayne, IN Photographer: Little Kambria

2010-04-06T19:17:00.000-07:00

Warsaw, IN Photographer: Allen & Caroline

2010-04-06T14:56:00.000-07:00

Home Re-do

2010-03-31T15:52:00.000-07:00

Well, as many of you know....I have a passion for photography! I love how it allows me

to use my creativity and love for design to give people memories for a lifetime. What many of you might not know....I also have a passion for interior design. Every aspect of it. The more challenging, the more fun. The tighter the budget, the more creative I can be.

I have felt that my own home has seen better days. I have lots of pieces that I like, but

feel like things just aren't clickin' and it doesn't show any bit of my creativity. I decided to put my passion to the test. On an EXTREMELY low budget! YAY! I want fresh, clean, fun and simple! I take a lot of this home re-design inspiration from one of my favorite blogs.....Young House Love. If you have never been there, you MUST go! They are a young, fun couple who thrives on doing budget friendly renovations to their home. It's amazing what you can do with a little paint and elbow grease. JUST my style! Gimme some wood, a saw, and a hammer and nails.....and I'm in heaven! =)

I have decided to do some before and afters of my own home (apartment for now). I made a few changes

before I took the pics, but it's basically a complete before and after. I will keep posting through my progress! Here's what I've got going right now.

I've decided that I love the colors WHITE and green! I want fresh and clean remember! I've also got

some bright yellow accents here and there! To start....my fireplace mantle! This is only an after....sorry about that....the before was pretty blah tho!

Yummy daffodils from Trader Joes....$1.49 a bundle!

Vase and green flowers from Michaels.....50% off! I owned everything else!

Now onto my couch wall....I had those 3 great canvas' of the family that I LOVED, but thought

it was boring and needed a little color!

Before:

After:

I had the 2 dark shelves, the 3 china tea cups and the white frame already. A little hobby lobby 50% off

deal got me the rest! Gotta love Hobby Lobby!!!

And last for today....my office/hutch! I am trying to decide what to do to the actual hutch itself, but I've got the top of it done for now!

Before:

After:

I had everything except the lemons, limes and candlesticks....from Hobby Lobby for 50% off!

Stay tuned for some more updates and do-it-yourself furniture updates! YAY!

Become my fan...

2010-03-28T15:23:00.000-07:00

I've made a HUGE mistake and accidentally deleted my facebook fan page!

If you are reading this right now, and aren't a fan....please look me up and become my fan. I've started a new page and need to catch back up. Let's see if we can out-do my last page in the next week!!

Become a Fan Here

Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

Cute Daddy Moments...

2010-03-27T10:48:00.000-07:00

I always love seeing David with Cohen. Especially when they are doing

something like reading a book! Cohen loves his Daddy, and you can totally see why in these pictures. Who wouldn't love a daddy who makes silly faces and reads silly stories! I'm so glad I got out my camera and snapped these few moments! I will cherish these forever! =)

Spring Deal!

2010-03-22T09:08:00.000-07:00

2010 Carley Kay Spring Special!

$99!!

Only a limited number of sessions available! Book now, for this amazing deal! Perfect for Easter!

What does it include???

30 minute photo session for up to 5 people

10-15 proofs online for 7 days

1-8x10 and 1-5x7 print in the same pose of your choice

*any additional prints can be purchased in online gallery for 20% off

Chicago area weekends:

March 27/28 & April 10/11

Warsaw weekend:

April 3/4

This is a first come, first serve special! Don't wait any longer!

Great Gift Idea

2010-03-22T08:13:00.000-07:00

Hello world! It's been a while since I've spoke with you! =) This past week

has been a crazy week that has just taken over my life. I haven't done much with regards to business! BUT I'm happy to say that I'm back and ready to go. In just a couple weeks, my schedule will be full and every weekend will be filled with fun sessions, weddings, graduations and fun memories! This is your last chance to get in on the fun! If you would like a spring session or are even thinking about something in the summer. Now's the time! I can't emphasize that enough. I am close to being booked through July at this point! There are most definitely openings, but the longer you wait....the harder it will be to fit you in! With that said....here is one more reason why you should book your session NOW! I've found the perfect gift for anyone in your life. Memory Blocks!

What a fun way to bring some love to your mantle, desk, dresser, nursery and so much more. You get 3 wooden blocks with photos of your child or family! You can choose the color theme for your blocks and even write something on one of the sides. We can also customize them for you so you can order more than 3 and incorporate your family name! What a fun gift for parents and grandparents!

Contact me for more info! Photos can be in color or B&W! Looking for something unique....well....

this is it!

Spring Fashion Ideas!

2010-03-11T08:55:00.000-08:00

Here are some great clothing ideas for your Spring and Summer

photo sessions. Picking out outfits can be the hardest part, but hopefully these selections can help you get an idea of what photographs the best and how to coordinate correctly. If you love any of these pieces and want to know where to get them....send me an email and I'll give you the link.

Perfect for couples:

Perfect for Maternity:

Perfect for kids:

2 looks for the whole fam:

Home Sweet Home

2010-03-11T07:11:00.000-08:00

After a week of rest and relaxation....Cohen and I have returned home to reality.

We had a blast and some much needed sun! BUT....had issues with the luggage being too heavy and had to send some stuff back with Grandma Lori. Of course, I knew it would happen! :( But all in all, a great trip! Now I just have to get back into the swing of things. I have been a little out of it since I've been home, so I apologize for anyone who has been in contact with me. haha.....it takes me a bit to get back to normal. I will say, I did wake up to a beautiful......RAINY DAY!......blah

Here are some nice beachy pics from our trip, to take me back to that beautiful place! Enjoy!

PEACE OUT PEOPLE!

2010-03-03T07:59:00.000-08:00

Sayonara! I will be out of the office today at 1 until Wednesday, March 10th. I will

be getting some much needed rest and relaxation at the beach in Florida. Weather permitting! ;) If you have any questions, please just send me an email, as I will be checking it here and there. If it's an emergency, please give me a call at 574.265.6665! Have a great week and I'll be back soon with some awesome beach pics of my trip. Can't go without the camera....helloooooo!

PEACE OUT!

Florida here we come...

2010-03-02T08:22:00.000-08:00

And the packing starts. My worst nightmare. I am THE worst packer in the world, and

now with all the new checked baggage fees.....I have to be a GREAT packer. I have been told I can only check one bag, so therefore....Cohen and I have to fit all of our stuff into one suitcase. I just don't know if it's possible. And worst of all...it's only in the 60s down there, so that leads me to wanna pack BOTH warm and cool clothes. AAAHHHH....I can't do it. Also, I've got to figure out what to bring on the plane to keep my 19 month old entertained. I've got our bags started, but seem to be in a bit of a rut. Hopefully everything will come together within the next 24 hours. Wish me luck and sanity as tomorrow comes faster than I plan.

ANNNND you have to keep it under 50lbs? What are they trying to do to me?

Can't go on a trip without an ipod and shootsac....

Ready Mom!!

The Mini-Album

2010-02-26T12:45:00.000-08:00

Like I mentioned before, there are a lot of fun new things offered at

Carley Kay this year. Among the many....the new Mini-Album. These are the size of a wallet, so perfect to stick in your purse or pocket, and they hold up to 13 photos. Another plus....they are magnetic, so you can stick them on your fridge for all to see. These are GREAT gifts for grandparents, and come in sets of 3. Also, you can pick the color of the cover or even make it custom. Ask for more details at your next session!

Grandma's Sweater

2010-02-26T12:39:00.000-08:00

My sweet grandma Gin Gin is an awesome knitter. One thing that I wish I

knew how to do. She loves to knit all kinds of things, and she does them in record time. It's unbelievable to me how you can start out with some yarn, and turn it into a sweater or a hat. She has made Cohen a couple of sweaters so far...one I'm sure you'd remember.

She just made him a new sweater at Christmas that is multi-colored,

with big fun buttons. I thought I should stick it on him to show you how cute he looks in it. I swear, one day I will make one of these on my own. As much money as I spend, buying knitted hats for photo shoots, I suppose it would be worth it! ;) So here's Cohen, almost a year to the date from the last photo. We've come a long way in a year. haha....but he looks a lot the same!

New Frames

2010-02-24T07:49:00.000-08:00

Look at all the fun you can have with frames. They come in a variety of color

options and styles. These are the most gorgeous wood frames and the perfect way to spice up your children's room, or even your home. Stay tuned for some upcoming specials including your own custom frame. Everyone that sees one will want one!

Boutique Packaging

2010-02-22T12:38:00.000-08:00

Don't you wish you could get these in the mail? Well....you can! All of your prints come

beautifully packaged in the mail, customized for you! What a fun surprise!

My joy!

2010-02-20T15:02:00.000-08:00

I'm trying to keep my posts of Cohen to a minimum, so I don't make

y'all sick of my baby.....but I just couldn't resist this picture. It brings me so much joy. I don't capture Cohen's true emotions very much and so to see his truly happy face; is priceless for me. I just love him! 'Nuf said! ;)

Coloring Fun!

2010-02-19T08:38:00.000-08:00

This is the new FUN thing in our house right now! COLORING!!! Cohen loves to color and

asks me all day long to do it. He still needs to learn that he can't break the crayons and throw them on the ground. We're working on that. Here's Cohen coloring his Diego picture for Daddy!

Trader Joes

2010-02-18T13:20:00.000-08:00

There's not many things in life that make you feel giddy inside every time.

I mean, really, really giddy! ;) Well for me, my guilty, giddy, pleasure would have to be Trader Joe's! I have always wanted to go into one, but it wasn't until my friend Rebekah INSISTED that I go in! And boy o' boy was she right! I have always been into organic and being "green", but didn't make the big change until about a month ago. Now, we drink organic milk and eat organic dairy and eggs. It's a big change, not only to your wallet....but to your well being. But let me tell you, it's more than worth it. I don't think I have ever been ecstatic over buying butter, until I made the organic purchase. I guess I just never even knew there was organic butter out there. I can't tell you the joy it gave me. haha =) (ooooohhhh the small things in life) We have made pretty big changes in our house over the last month, but one that I am most proud of.....Trader Joe's! I'll tell you more of the changes in a later post.

If you have a TJ's nearby.....or if you ever see one driving by.....please stop in! It's a breath of fresh air! You will want to go back.

Nap time?

2010-02-17T11:30:00.000-08:00

Have you had your nap today? If not, be careful where you sit.....you may never get up! ;)

Spring!

2010-02-15T12:28:00.000-08:00

As I'm sure most of us are......I am soooo over Winter. No more snow! No more icicles! No more
salt tracks up my stairs! No more coats! No more mittens! No more worries, and no more cares! (like how that rhymed?) I am having a bit of the winter blues. I just want to take my son on a walk to the park. I want to smell the roses. I want to leave the house without hats, gloves, and coats. I am DONE with starting the car 10 minutes before we leave. Please Winter....go away. Come again......somewhere else.

Last week when I went to the grocery, I couldn't help but notice the sea of flowers all over the place for Valentine's Day. They had the most gorgeous Tulip plants in an array of colors. I have never bought fresh, uncut, flowers before.....but HAD to bring some home. There is nothing like having fresh flowers in your house to cheer you up. They have made my sad winter blues, slightly go away. They also give me hope that Spring is truly on it's way. I just hope it starts next week. ;)

Sweet Sienna

2010-02-04T19:33:00.000-08:00

This is Sienna. The little, vibrant 10 month old that I watch throughout the week. I've had

the great pleasure of getting to know her and her parents over the last 6 months. What a fun family and I feel so blessed to have become friends with them. About a month ago, Sienna's mom, Darcey, was diagnosed with a Stage IV brain tumor, out of the blue. She and her husband, Cody, have been in the hospital now for almost a month and not able to see Sienna as much as they would like. While I still watch Sienna through the week and try to help out the family as much as I can; I wanted to do something for them with my photography. I wanted Darcey to be able to "see" Sienna everyday from the comfort of her hospital bed. I surprised them with a little photo shoot. My goal was to get her gorgeous eyes and long eye lashes caught in a picture. I know it's only a small thing, but I hope it gives Darcey just a little bit more comfort for the next few weeks of being away from her daughter. I pray for their family daily and ask for God to heal her completely. Please pray for her. I feel like that's the best gift of all.

If you would like some more information on Darcey, visit her site on Caring Bridge:

Darcey Chambers-Smith

Don't forget to sign her guestbook when you stop by! They read these to her everyday and

it makes her smile. I want her to know that people all over the country are praying and fighting right along side her.

Spring Schedule!

2010-02-04T12:39:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm so happy to say that spring is on it's way. And I'm hoping the

nice weather is coming fast!! I am starting to book up weekends already, so if you know of a time

you would like to get together....contact me ASAP! Also, I have dates for the next 3 months of when I will be back in Indiana. When it gets warmer out...I am packed full of sessions. I will be limiting each weekend to 5 sessions. Here's where I stand with dates at this point.

March 13-14th

April 17-18th

May 15-16th

I am open to booking some in between if necessary, for a $50 travel fee! (for Indiana)

There are lots of new, fun things brewing up over here at Carley Kay Photography for 2010! Lots of specials and discounts ready to give out. (get your referrals ready) Book your session and you will get the VIP service! hehe =)

Looking forward to seeing old faces and especially meeting new ones! Let the SPRING......BEGIN!

Sassy Designs!

2010-02-03T09:15:00.000-08:00

I love to find new things to use for my photography business. Especially color papers,

and accessories to use for cards and announcements. If you love these things too....you need to check out Sassy Designs! She makes the best digital papers and has them at a great price! Don't miss out!!

Crazy Eyes!!

2010-02-01T10:30:00.000-08:00

Couldn't help but post this shot. Look at her eyes!! UNBELIEVABLE!!

Little Sophia

2010-02-01T10:23:00.000-08:00

I had the great pleasure of meeting up with one of my good friends this past weekend, and taking

some pictures of her gorgeous daughter Sophia. I took her newborn pictures when she was a week old. Boy has she grown. She is 6 months old now. Time flies by soooo fast! Her eyes are absolutely amazing. I've never seen anything like them before! Enjoy!

Sophia at 1 week:

Sophia at 6 months:

Cute Baby Hat!

2010-01-25T19:25:00.000-08:00

Go to etsy.com to check out Punte Bella's fun hat designs! She does an awesome job and gave me some adorable hats to use on some of my clients. These hats are the best handmade quality. I was soo impressed when they came in the mail! I highly recommend them!

Click here to check some out!

Punte Bella

Baby Quinn

2010-01-24T19:12:00.000-08:00

Carley Kay Boudoir

2010-01-20T08:38:00.000-08:00

Last chance offer!! Valentine's Day Boudoir Sessions! If you, or anyone you know

would love to get your significant other, the best Valentine's Day gift ever....Don't wait another second! I will be traveling back to Warsaw on January 30th and 31st for Boudoir sessions! I am booking up but still have some openings. We will be meeting at a private location, so you won't have to worry about where to go and who will be there. For only $300.00, you will receive 1-2 hours, unlimited wardrobe changes, private online gallery for 14 days and an 8x8 customized keepsake book! Also, make-up is available for $50! If you would rather pick loose prints, you can pay $150.00 for the session and then choose your prints from your private gallery. Email me today to book a time. You won't regret it!! =)

CARLEYKAY1@YAHOO.COM

New Look!!!!!

2010-01-08T14:56:00.000-08:00

2010 Brings a new year....and I'm so excited to bring to you, a new LOOK! YAY!

Ode to Motherhood

2010-01-05T16:39:00.000-08:00

Since the moment I became a mom, I have been so blessed to have never needed a break from that role. That is 17 wonderful months that I have enjoyed more than anyone could know. Yes, some times are challenging and sometimes I think there is no way I can get through that stage, but I have never wanted to give up. That is, until today. Cohen has been fighting some viruses going around for 2 weeks now. He hasn't been sleeping well and has barely touched any food. I've taken him to the doctor to learn that I just need to wait it out. He is also getting 4 more teeth at the moment. It's been really hard for me to watch him go through it all. But even with all that, he has kept his good spirit and has made me laugh in amazement at all the new things he is learning. After another night of David on the couch while I tried to sleep with Cohen in our king size bed (which feels much more like a twin when you have a toddler's feet in your face), the day started out pretty much the same.

Then came nap time. Then went nap time. Try #2. Fail #2. Try #3. Fail #3. Before I knew it, it was 4:30! aaahhhh....Cohen is such a great sleeper, I couldn't believe it was happening. I was soooo exhausted and frustrated at this point. I needed David to get home so I COULD GET A BREAK....before I BROKE!! Cohen was SOOOO fussy and just couldn't be consoled. He was beyond over-tired! I knew that if I didn't get him to sleep, even for a little bit, the night might be a horrible mess. So my last attempt at getting him to sleep, was a little trick I used when he was just a little baby. I put Cohen on the couch and ran up to get my sleepy wrap. It worked wonders when he was little, I figured it couldn't hurt to try. Except now he is 24 lbs and 32 inches long. haha....well to my surprise, he konked out!

Here I was, little ol' me, with a 17 month old dangling from my waist. SNORING!! This is when I realized, that no matter how terrible my day has been, or how much I thought I wanted a break from motherhood....I would NEVER....EVER....want to give up that moment. A moment I never thought I would have with Cohen again. What a blessing. Cohen slept on me for 45 minutes. I will cherish that time forever. Even though he is running, talking, throwing a tantrum and getting his first haircut....he is still my little baby. I love him so much and am so thankful for these special moments that take me by surprise.

I had David take a picture of us, so I will never forget what we looked like. =) Ridiculous and all! Once I finally got him down in bed (my bed that is), I grabbed my camera and took some pictures of my sick, sleeping beauty! I love these shots so much. Hope you enjoy them as well. The joys of being a mother....

Valentine's Day Mini Session

2010-01-05T10:34:00.000-08:00

Need a great gift for Valentine's Day? Well, January 16 - 24 you

can schedule a mini session with me! A mini session is about 20 minutes in front

of the camera with your kids or your whole family. It's a great way to get your friends and families together for lots of fun and special memories! You will receive 4- 4x6s and 2- 5x7s(all in one pose), an online gallery of all the images for 1 week....all for $150!!! EVEN BETTER THAN THAT....for only $250, you will get a High Res. CD of all the images from your session (10-15 images)

Don't miss out and schedule your mini session TODAY!

*PLUS* Bring along another family, and you both receive $15 off!

(I will be in Indiana, January 16 & 17)

Playing inside

2009-12-30T11:11:00.000-08:00

It's been very cold and snowy around our house, and it's hard to come up with

some new, fun things to do. Today we played in Cohen's nursery and looked out the window! We saw lots of snow and some doggies taking a walk. He loved to stand up on the stool and look out. Now when I say, it's cold outside....he says...."brrrrr"! haha =) Some of these pics are my favorites ever. I will definitely be hanging some of them on my wall. So precious! Enjoy!

Nicol Family

2009-12-30T10:31:00.000-08:00

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!! LOVE THESE!

Christmastime!

2009-12-29T19:15:00.000-08:00

We had a wonderful, relaxing Christmas back home with David's family. Soooooo

many toys and clothes and no place to put them! =) Unfortunately, Cohen was sick the whole time with a 103 degree fever for 2 days and a runny, stuffy nose that we are still fighting. He's still recovering from the crazy week and wants to sleep with mommy and daddy now, since he was spoiled at Grandma and Grandpa's house. He was such a trooper and still had a great spirit the whole week. What a fun christmas we had. We are very thankful for such wonderful family and friends. Happy holidays! Enjoy some of our Christmas memories! ;)

Baby Alisa

2009-12-29T13:03:00.000-08:00

This little girl was a feisty one! She stayed awake for the first 3 hours of our session!

I think she just wanted to get her picture taken. She is so gorgeous and I love her dark hair with the headbands. We finally got her to sleep and then got some really great shots. Enjoy the sweetheart!

Funny Boy

2009-12-22T20:31:00.001-08:00

I just love this boy! He always makes me laugh! =)

Happy 30th Anniversay!

2009-12-16T20:58:00.000-08:00

Happy 30th Anniversary Mom and Dad! I love you so much and hope there are 30 more years to come!

Snow Day!!

2009-12-16T08:46:00.000-08:00

We've finally got all of Cohen's winter attire ready! He LOVES to be outside, no matter

the temperature, so we knew from the beginning that we'd have to get him some snow pants

and boots to go outside in the snow. This was our first trial run of how it would go. It's a bit reminiscent of his halloween costume, in that, he could barely move and if he fell.....he couldn't get up! haha...he loved to try and walk in the snow, but soon realized that it was harder than he thought. We've still got to find him some good gloves that will keep the water out and that he will keep on, but other than that....I think he's all set for the wintery months! =) Enjoy!

Hunt Family

2009-12-07T18:20:00.000-08:00

Engagement Session

2009-12-03T09:28:00.000-08:00

These two were troupers!! It rained the whole day basically and we still

were able to capture some good shots. They were up for anything and game for being a little risky! We

almost got kicked out of a couple of places, but we kept overcoming all the challenges. Oooohhh the things we do for some photos!! =)

Schrader Family

2009-12-03T09:23:00.000-08:00

Danielle: Senior

2009-12-02T10:46:00.000-08:00

Robertson Family

2009-12-01T18:57:00.000-08:00

Fun Family Session!!

2009-12-01T18:48:00.000-08:00

You can't tell at all....but it was like 30 degrees that morning and the lighting was great. These are some of my fave shots. They did a great job!! =)

Baby Dani

2009-11-22T13:48:00.000-08:00

New Things!!

2009-11-19T11:58:00.000-08:00

I have been waiting and waiting for some canvas prints that I ordered about a week and a half ago. Today I was ecstatic when I heard the doorbell ring and saw the big, huge, box outside my door. YAY!! They turned out AMAZING and would recommend everyone to buy these. They are beautiful.
(it goes 30x40, 24x24 & 16x24)

Anyways, I've been giddy all afternoon about these pictures, that I completely didn't notice how happy and quiet Cohen has been. Until, I saw that he received something in the mail too!! A big, huge, box. Or what we call, a stage!! He has been on this box all day! He's been dancing, singing, watching TV, eating, and basically anything that he can possibly do on a box....he's been doing! =) He loves to climb on things now and so how fun is that!! I think that I am even more excited about Cohen being entertained with this box, than I am about the pictures! haha =) So here's a little preview of Cohen and his stage! =)

Luke

2009-11-16T13:36:00.000-08:00

Baby Josie

2009-11-16T12:22:00.000-08:00

Durkin Family

2009-11-16T08:19:00.000-08:00

Caitlin: Senior

2009-11-10T14:10:00.000-08:00

Sands Family

2009-11-10T11:58:00.000-08:00

Little Sophia

2009-11-10T10:29:00.000-08:00

Drew: Senior

2009-11-10T08:38:00.000-08:00