There is nothing sweeter and more fulling, with my job,  than being able to photograph newborns.  This little angel was only 7 days old and more precious than words.  She has the most beautiful head of hair.  She, even at only 7 days old, already has such a cute personality and really wasn’t up for too much sleeping.  She wanted to be apart of all the fun!  Although her Mom told me later that we really wore her out with all the pictures because she slept and slept after our session.  My daughter LOVES looking at all the baby pictures and literally makes oohs and awws sounds when I show them to her.  She just adores them as much as I do.  I have to say though, she is a little biased when it comes to girl babies…she plays favoritism.   She just loves this little J!

So, this was a big week over here in my household!  My daughter, my only child, has started kindergarten.  It’s been a huge transition because in our district, it’s all day kindergarten.  It’s a very fun and exciting time for all of us, but I can’t help but feel a little sad that she’s growing up too quickly.  I was telling Brent that I feel like we only get them for 5 short years, and then the schools get them for the rest.  A little unfair and slightly exaggerated, I know,  but I know it’s for her best.

She did really well this week and in fact by day 3 would run through the gate so that she could be the first one on the swings.  She just learned how to swing on her own, and she’s so proud of herself!  The only really hard day was yesterday when it dawned on her that this is an everyday thing.  She cried and begged to come home with me.  I held it together until she was out of site, then I cried.  I know it will get easier, and I’m so thankful for her amazing teacher, who is so sweet and caring, just as I hoped she would be for my daughter.

Here are some pictures of her on her first day of school.

I love this age!  They are so full of innocence and sweetness plus they are usually past the I’m going to run away from the camera stage too which is great!  I love these Mother Daughter pictures and would adore having some of my very own like these too.  How special it is for them to have these!  Hmmm….do you think my daughter will sit still enough for me to run back and forth from behind the camera to in front of camera?  This location I found on one of my location hunts and it’s a real gem.  I’m thinking I want my fall family pictures done here.  Now, I just need to figure out our outfits.   My Husband is going to love me!!

I know this gorgeous girl can’t wait for these!   What can I say, I adore this session.  I’m in love with Maternity probably because when I was pregnant I refused to have any photos  taken and I now regret that decision!  I feel that pregnancy makes you, who is pregnant, feel undesirable and those of us who see you see the real you, a glowing beautiful lady!  Kylee was smart and not only booked a maternity session, but my one year baby portrait plan as well.  What a wonderful keepsake to have forever!

These two were perfect and oh so comfortable in front of the camera.  I loved every minute and most likely wore the pair out.  I’m telling you, I can’t wait for this little guy to come and for me to be able to photograph him.  I love my job!

I debated on whether or not to share this, but finally concluded that you have all been with me and have supported us through our loss of our son.  I knew this day would be hard but, I am so grateful that I have so much love surrounding me to help ease my pain.  I’m also grateful for the knowledge of eternal families and that I will get to see him and be with him again.

Today, if you haven’t guessed is the day I was due to have our Son, Cade Christian.  Today was the day that I was supposed to be able to hold him in my arms and give him sweet hugs and kisses.  Today was the day that my daughter was going to have a little brother and us a son.  Today, for me, never came.  I’m not going to lie, it’s hard for me to write this and to deal with what I’ve been trying not to feel.  I’ve been dreading this day and what it was going to do to me.  I only hope that it will be all uphill from here.  I have had it in my head that once the due date was past that I could finally lay it to rest and think of the happy peaceful memories I have.

It is so hard for us to get pregnant, in fact, I would say nearly impossible and so because of this I’m so grateful for my daughter and the absolute joy she brings into my life.  She is my tender mercy.

Here are some pictures I would like to share from Cade’s Funeral.  Taken by my good friend Megan Papworth.  If you would like the full story of what happened you can read our blog post here.

VIEW SLIDESHOW

Seriously, this girl is gorgeous beyond words.  I love that she was up for any of my crazy ideas.  Poor thing was in a car accident just 2 weeks before and was really sore, but didn’t complain once.  I love my seniors! 

***As a side note, I may be in need of a few more senior reps for 2011 graduating class, so if you are interested or know of someone who would be, contact me and I will give you the details.  I can only choose one boy and girl from each high school so space is limited.  I’m looking for energetic, fun, and willing to promote me to all your friends in exchange for some amazing goodies from me.  If this sounds like something you would be interested in doing, this is a great way to get your senior pictures done at a discount!  Contact me for details!***

I thought it would be fun to share a favorite product of late.  I’m a skin product Nazi and I’m always on the prowl for the greatest skin care.  I’ve used so many different products through the years and have found that I generally like but don’t love all of the products I’ve tried.  On a recent quest, I discovered this amazing 99.4% skin exfoliate and I’ve fallen in love.  It’s transformed my usually dry skin to soft and smooth.  There’s nothing like smooth radiant skin to make me happy.

*I’m in no way affiliated with Burt’s Bees and am only sharing out of pure love for this product.*

This beautiful gal is also a photographer and I was very honored when she called me to do her photos for her up coming website.  (To be announced soon!)  She even traveled a couple of hours to do so….that shows dedication!  It’s not always easy to be in front of the camera when you are used to being behind it, but she was a natural and so much fun to photograph!!  Not to mention she’s sweet to boot!  Also, if you are every wondering, hmmm….what should I wear to my session, her example of incredible style is a great way to start!  Enjoy a little sneak peak into our session….I wish I could show all, but we must keep some secrets around here before her big launch!

I’m currently out of the Office until Monday June 7th.  I will be responding to all phone messages and emails upon my return.  Thanks!!

HUGS,

Janelle

This gorgeous girl holds a special place in my heart.  I used to teach her in church when she was only 3 years old.  Wow does time fly!  Now she’s turning 8 and getting baptized and I had the privilege of photographing her in her beautiful dress.  She has those amazing sole reaching eyes I was talking about in a earlier post.  Now, I have to say this is one of the MOST stunning dresses I’ve seen.  All hand made with love.  I may have to talk my own Mom into making my daughter’s dress when the time comes….which will be too soon I’m sure. If your thinking, “well you should make it Janelle”, you have not seen my sore lack of skills when it comes to sewing.  It’s a shame really, I would love to know how to sew.

 Please enjoy a preview into my session with this beautiful little lady!