One of my favorite things right now is that shy baby snuggle that Ezra gives me as he smiles at someone while I hold him. To me it feels like he says, “hi 
nice to meet you, this is my mom and I love her!” There’s something so special about it! I am so thankful Jon caught it on camera the other day for me to treasure.
I was thinking of a list of goals/hopes I had for 2012- I have never made a list of resolutions and I am not sure if this is what this list is or if simply having 8 hours to chat with my hubby about our hopes for the upcoming year just so happened to be on January 1st and so they looked quite a bit like New Years Reolutions, but here’s some of the list I have compiled.
1. Work less- This is something I know I must do in 2012. My maternity leave so far has been such a special time, but I have still snuck in more sessions than I would like to admit and I have strayed up too late editing, spent time away from my husband to edit, or even laid Ezra on the floor under my desk to play just to get a few quick edits in that often take more of my time than I ever anticipated. I have been so incredibly blessed by this business! I have enjoyed watching it burst at the seams. I feel thankful that so many people have trusted me to capture incredible memories that will be looked back on for generations. I do not take this job lightly! I absolutely LOVE it- that is the reason I have snuck sessions in! I get such an emotional high from capturing love and emotions. Life truly is beautiful! I even view my own life as a series of snapshots that I desperately wish were being recorded during multiple times a day. There is something so special about an image on paper. But I must cut back, for my little Ezra, my family, and myself. I must say no to shooting weddings because the time needed for editing is to precious to me to take from being Ezra’s mom. I must learn to say no in general. So in 2012 I will be taking a limited number of sessions and give those sessions my whole heart!
2. Work to help- In November I was blown away my the response to the mini sessions to help my brother pay for additional treatments. Those sessions booked in less than 24 hours and I was blown away! It got me thinking that I loved meeting people who I haven’t photographed before, seeing many familiar faces, and sharing the talent that I believe God blessed me with in order to bless someone else, which in return heaped blessings on my head. So, this year I hope to do more mini sessions with the proceeds going to a variety of causes. I know there are people out there really having a hard time and I know people want to help but do not know how, I would like to take a part in the how.
3. Get rid of the baby belly- So I had a baby nearly 6 months ago, but my body doesn’t look like it did pre-Ezra. I know it never will look like pre-Ezra, but it can be worked on! My goal is to loose some inches. I weigh less than I did before getting pregnant with Ezra, but everything is distributed differently. I hope to tone the tummy Thankfully I am part of a fun Mommy and Me workout class and plan to spend some time at the gym, so hopefully I will notice some differences.
4. Read Bible stories with Ezra straight out of the Bible rather than storybooks. I have read so many Bible stories in story books that sometimes I wonder what has become a great addition to a book and what is actually Bibical- even I forget after all the storybooks out there. I want to reread these stories with Ezra.
5. Strive to keep my photo style- Let me tell you that in the world of Pintrest, blogging, and the internet it is sometimes hard not to look at other’s photography and go from appreciating it to thinking you are no good because your work doesn’t look like theirs. I have noticed myself feeling this way while I have been on leave shooting less and having more time online seeing truly beautiful photography that is not in the style I shoot. I sometimes think, “wow, I should be shooting photos like those” or “I should be processing like that.” It really causes me to second guess myself and what I love to do. Instead I want to appreciate other’s work while maintaing my style. So much easier said than done
6. Photograph a few more births- If I could be anything in the world second to stay at home with my boy, I would be a birth photographer! So this year I hope to photograph a few more births. Especially after having Ezra I feel so much more connected to momma’s at birth. There is such beauty in brand new life and so many emotions. I would love to capture that!
7. Take time to snuggle more- There is no doubt I spend many moments a day snuggling Ezra, but there are times when the laundry is calling, the bathroom needs cleaning, and dinner needs fixing that I put Ezra down to play or kiss Jon on the cheek and rush around. This year I will be more aware of the people I love to snuggle more than the laundry in the dryer because after all that can wait!
8. Take more picture with the point and shoot- I must stop worrying about taking photos in the best light and just snap pictures of life- whether with my good camera or point and shoot- I promise myself I will take more photos!
Jon and then decided that after all this talk about things we hope to change in 2012 we needed to pick 4 things about ourselves that we love and wouldn’t want to change- sometimes it’s hard, but I think it’s so good to do!
1. I wouldn’t change my ability to always look for the positive. I know sometimes it can be annoying to others but I think that for me it is truly a blessing in my life and a way I was born to live. My mom has taught me well!
2. I wouldn’t change where I am in life right now- I love my husband, I love my baby, I love being a momma with a wonderful business on the side, I love our home and our life. I feel thankful every day! Things are not perfect here, but there is always something to be thankful for!
3. I wouldn’t change my ability to love- I really love people, just in general I do. I love that everyone is unique and special. I love to learn from others and share wisdom. I just love love
4. I wouldn’t change my love for creativity- I love to be creative and look at others creativity- it fills the soul!
by admin
no comments
Yesterday was such a great day! We started the morning going to baby time at the library which was followed by a nap. We then went to lunch with Daddy and then spent the rest of the day outside. This weather is so crazy (good!) for February and we are taking it in! I feel so blessed to stay home with this boy and take in every day I am given. Here are a few photos from the park. It was Ezra’s first time on the swings at the park and he LOVED them! He was way more interested in watching the other kids than having a smile fest with me, but hey, he can see me all day long. We also got to spend some time with my friend Kelly and her boy (Ezra’s friend ) Kason. So fun!
by admin
no comments
When I was expecting I loved when people shared their favorite baby products with me. I read so many reviews, did so much research, but having someone who actually uses a product tell you how great it is really helped me. I thought I would do the same and share some of our favorite baby things as well for anyone who may be interested…
1. A bassinet- I absolutely loved having a bassinet. I know many people use a pack and play with the bassinet attachment instead of a small bassinet, but I just loved having that small bassinet in our room. For one reason it didn’t take up as much space in our bedroom, but the main reason I loved it was because I could wheel it right next to my side of the bed and have Ezra right next to me. When he would wake in the middle of the night I loved not having to actually get up to get him, but I would just lean over pick him up, feed him, and lay him back down. I felt more rested in my mind just because I wasn’t getting up. I also loved that I could wheel it into the office while I checked e-mail. For us the bassinet was wonderful!
2. The Baby Bjorn- For me baby-wearing was/is a must! In the beginning days Ezra was fussy if he wasn’t close by and I needed to get things done, so I wore him all the time! This carrier was great when he was crying and I needed to get him in fast. I also felt like he was very secure and safe. Now that he is getting bigger it hurts my back (but my back hurts easily.) I also love the Moby because it is very comfortable and Ezra loves to be in it. In the early days it was hard to use though because it took me a little while to get it wrapped and when Ezra screamed I didn’t feel like I had extra time to wrap.
3. Aden and Anais Blankets- We absolutely love these blankets! I took them to the hospital and swaddled Ezra in them from the moment he was here. I love how large they are. The material is great because it is thin and not too hot for the baby. I had Ezra swaddled in one of these daily for the first few weeks and swaddled him in one at night for the first few months. I also used them as a nursing cover because they are light and airy so I know Ezra isn’t too hot and they are large so I know I am covered. We also use them spread out on the floor for Ezra to play on. For me this is a must have item.
4. Pampers Swaddlers Diapers- Before I had Ezra I asked everyone what diapers they used and loved and 90% of people said swaddlers and I agree. These are so soft and have great coverage (rarely did Ezra have a blow out.)
5. Wipe Warmer- It is not necessary, but I know that Ezra doesn’t flench when I use a warm wipe, but would flench or cry when I used a cold one. Ezra votes yes on this
6. Bouncer- This bouncer was a lifesaver the first 6 weeks. I would lay Ezra in it while I took a shower and he would happily sleep or watch the mobile. I could easily carry it from room to room. He would lay in it while I folded laundry, ate dinner, got ready, etc. He was often in this bouncer when he couldn’t be in my arms or the baby carrier. For us this was another must have item. I always suggest borrowing these from a friend or finding one gently used if you do not receive it as a gift because in the whole scheme of things you really don’t use it that long, but the time you do it’s a life saver!
7. Swing- This was another one of those lifesavers. I know some people don’t love swings, but for us it was perfect! It was always able to calm Ezra down. He didn’t really begin to use it until he was about 3-4 weeks old and we used it multiple times a day until he was about 4 months. We still use it some now, but Ezra would much prefer to be on the ground rolling and moving. Before we started our napping routine in the crib Ezra would sleep in this swing. I love the side to side swinging capability. I also love the mirror and mobile. I would catch Ezra smiling at himself all the time! This is another thing that that is perfect to borrow from a friend or share because it is huge and not something fun to store, but wonderful to have when it’s needed. I already have a friend in mind to share this with once her baby gets here.
8. Monitor- If I could get nothing else I think this is the one item I would choose! I am so thankful for this monitor! I was one of those crazy first time moms checking on their babies all the time to make sure they were still breathing when they were sleeping. I often preferred to hold Ezra while he slept just so I knew he was okay, but this monitor changed all that for me. This monitor senses movement (movement as small as just breathing) and if there is no movement an alarm will sound. I love the peace of mind!
9. Play Mat- This is Ezra’s favorite thing! Up until recently when he began rolling from his back to his belly he would lay on here and play for at least 30 minutes. I would lay him on the mat in our bathroom while I took a shower and he would play and play. I took the mat to our kitchen and he would play while I cooked and as we ate. I loved watching him learn and explore on both is tummy and his back. He still loves to play with the owls, but he rolls off quickly now (he is a boy on the move!)
10. Tub- This is another one of my very favorite baby items. This tub is large, but perfect for the infancy to toddler stage. Ezra loves bath time and enjoys kicking and moving and I can stay close and enjoy him, but allow him to play. This tub holds him securely under his arms and keeps him in place. When he gets older he can safely sit on the other side of the tub. Bath time is one of our favorite times of the day. (I did add a small bath sponge for the first few weeks for a bit of padding.)
11. Stroller- This stroller was my most researched baby product and the most expensive. I knew we would use a stroller often and hopefully have more kids in the future so finding something of good quality with the option to use as a double stroller was what I searched for and made the most sense for us. I wanted a bassinet option, a seat that would hold Ezra for years, the option to face me or face out, and an option for a car seat. I found everything I wanted with this stroller. We love it and so does Ezra!
12. Mirror- I love this mirror when I am driving.It is so nice to check on Ezra in the rearview mirror. It’s just a little thing that gives me peace of mind.
We are just getting into the more mobile stage of life and I am finding some new fun things. Once I know more about this stage I will add some of our new favorite things. Feel free to add your favorite things in the comment section for moms reading this.
And just because he’s so cute- here’s a picture
*** just a disclaimer- these are just our favorite things and I’m not getting paid to say I love them 
by admin
no comments
I had such a great afternoon meeting precious Saylor and photographing her and her cute family! It is always amazing to see all the love spilling over when it comes to a new baby. There is something so special about new life! I loved getting to cuddle Saylor for a million reasons, but one of those reasons was because she was exactly the same size as Ezra at birth. Part of me still feels like he is that small and another part of me doesn’t ever remember him being so tiny. Saylor was a breeze to photograph. As much as I love super cute posed baby shots I also love capturing the life of a family when they add a new addition; it was so fun to do both! I actually never saw her eyes! Here are a few of my favorites…
precious little girl!
such a dainty little yawn
I love chubby cheeks on newborns
Her momma made her this cute tu-tu and we had to include the time of her birth.
A favorite of mine
daddy’s hands
new love.
Now a family of 4!
Favorite! I think I am partial to photos of mom’s with their new babies, but this photo oozes love to me!
Crew with his new sister- so sweet!
by admin
show 1 comment
by admin
no comments