Adios!

We're off to Tucson for the weekend and I am stoked! I've really only driven through Tucson, so I'm really looking forward to spending some time walking around the town. Wish us safe travels and I'll post when we return!

When preparing to travel, lay out all your clothes and all your money. Then take half the clothes and twice the money. ~Susan Heller

24 Months

I have a two year old! In a year... I'll have a THREE year old... in three years, my son will be in kindergarden... and I can go on thinking this way until all of a sudden, I have a 25 year old.

Monday was actually Kayden's second birthday and to do something special, we took him swimming at Uncle Matt's. He loved it. He'd dip his face in the water. He'd kick kick kick kick. And he'd jump off the edge into our arms.

Eric and I had planned to see The Hulk movie after Kayden went to bed that night, but instead, my mother fell and broke her ankle as we were leaving. It goes without saying - this week has been hard. Really hard.

I have made some resolutions this week though. I talked to a friend who did a Raw Food Diet for two weeks and said she felt AMAZING afterward. Although a 100% raw food diet probably isn't likely for me, I have increased my raw fruit and veggie intake significantly and cut way back on soda and sugary drinks. I've also started finding the time to run daily. Besides feeling good physically, I actually feel a lot better mentally. The time I spend running gives me some much needed thinking time as well as time to listen to my ipod, which I never get to do. I choose the music, I choose the pace, I choose what road to take - it feels great.

I also want to start posting "one thing I learn" at every shoot. I'm still a newbie in photography but still think that I might figure out a little pearl of wisdom at each shoot and should share it. Regardless of if the reader says, "no duh" or "thats a great tip" I think it will help me. And I know photographers always try to give each other tips here and there, so I should start too!

Thats my week - thanks so much for reading!

xoxoxo

Denise

Last Day as a One Year Old!

I can't hardly believe that tomorrow, I will have a TWO year old! Over the past year he has done so much. He started walking, then running, then climbing, then climbing higher and higher. He seems to make a new discovery daily. Discovering whats in this cupboard and that drawer, how his toys come apart, what that button does, what the side of the table tastes like.

He said his first word at about 15 months - LION. He said it in a little "growl" voice, which he knew was appropriate. Since then, he hasn't said lion... but he does say Banana - it's actually NANA - which is the same word he uses for PANDA. He says Bubble, Rock, Choo Choo Train, and Fish. He also says mama and daddy often. We're anxiously waiting for him to say "Grandma" who sometimes seems to be his favorite person on Earth... besides me, of course. :P

We love him more and more every day and are so thankful for this last year.

Expecting Mother: Jess

A couple days ago, I shot my first official Maternity shoot with Jess. Jess was a perfect model: up for anything, goofy, fun and BEAUTIFUL!!
These are some of my favorites - this one reminded me a lot of when I was pregnant - always day dreaming about your little one



Shortie better enjoy this attention while he can! He's already getting sprayed with a water bottle every time he sets foot in the nurseryDoesn't she look like a gap model? They should use this photo to launch their maternity line :P

This surprised me that this one was my favorite... I usually don't like my black and whites this extreme, but it really works for this photo.
I also wanted to take a second and say HELLOOOOOO MICHIGAN!!! Since Jess's baby shower, I've gotten tons of hits from her hometown in Michigan - so thanks everyone for stopping by! Check back after the baby arrives for some newborn shots too!

CLICK HERE to view all of the photos from the shoot and for print details

Jessica's Baby Shower

Yesterday was Jess' babyshower and I loved it. I love all things baby anyway - so this was so much fun.
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The shower was hosted by Elizabeth who totally reminds me of my best friend in high school - she was completely sweet and hospitable.
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This gift got all the attention - it was beautifully wrapped with receiving blankets.
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The mom to be and the grandma to be.
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We're doing Jess' actual maternity shoot in the next couple days so you'll see more of her soon - but we had to get some "This is my baby shower shots" because she looked so cute!
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My favorite of the day
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I saw this mom and her little girl and had to pull them outside for a couple mother daughter pics.
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I love the way they turned out

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This is George - he was the only guy there and his prize from one of the games was this set of pink bath stuff - too funny!

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Measuring out crepe paper to guess the size of Jess' belly

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Baby Chloe got so much attention

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She got some amazing gifts...

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... I was actually totally jealous of this one - some Arbonne Baby products

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Poor George

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Her hat of ribbons - she wore it proudly

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Mama and hostess
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The mom and dad - aren't they cute?

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Thanks for making me a part of your special day - you guys will be great parents!

Preview

Today was Jess' Baby Shower. Jess is due in six weeks and looks totally stunning. She makes a very stylish mother to be . I hope to post the rest of the photos over the next couple of days, but for now, here's a shot of Jess looking very pregnant at her shower.