fifty days

Yesterday, Miss Anna spent her fiftieth day "on the outside." She has become such a part of our family.  She is lovingly known as Anna banana, NOT Anna Montana as my mother once referred to her. It was an honest mistake. The girls love to take turns holding her and run away squealing whenever we encounter a poopy diaper.
While taking a little break from photography, I've had recent urges to get crafty.  I crocheted Anna a blanket while I was pregnant (the rainbow colored one seen in the middle of this post). My latest project was a bird mobile. I saw a number of them on etsy, but my thrifty, mennonite side came out and I knew I could make it for much cheaper. These five little birds were handcrafted with love using fabric and buttons from my momma's sewing room. They are suspended on driftwood from a beach by our place and hung by daddy right over the princess' sleeping spot.
The crafting has been fun, but I am so excited to resume photography sessions, starting at the end of this month. I have so many great couples getting married in 2012 and I look forward to sharing their stories with you. Until then, some more photos of my precious babe.

month one...

It's hard to believe that a month has passed since this little girl came to us.  She is such a delight. I admit some apprehension when I thought of life with three kids...nights of broken sleep...diapers...fussy times. And it's true; it has been an adjustment. It takes a whole lot longer to get out the door with our little party of five. There are moments when it feels overwhelming. But, it is predominantly good. The times of feeling blessed and thankful far outweigh the crazy times. There is something very precious and uncomparable to a newborn. I think it is multiplied even more because I know she is my last. I find myself getting excited as we are on the brink of receiving her first real smiles, but at the same time, I almost want to freeze her where she's at. Impossible....I know...but at least I'll have memories....and pictures, of course.

josh + justine {minter gardens engagement photography}

I met Josh + Justine at Starbucks a few months back for our initial consultation. Josh was quiet and smiley and Justine was a sweet, organized, bride to be. After several years of dating, they are planning their big day next spring. Justine has several great visions for her wedding day, locations and photos. I am so honored when brides have a strong sense of what they hope for and trust me to jump in and let me do my thing.
The couple chose to have their engagement session taken at Minter Gardens. Initially a possible location for their wedding day, but when they decided to take a different direction, the gardens became an obvious choice for these photos. We were blessed with a calm, overcast, perfect fall day.
Josh + Justine ~ I had so much fun with you guys and am so excited to shoot your wedding! I even forgive you for laughing at me (apparently when your 9 months pregnant photographer rolls on the ground to get a shot, it's kind of funny).