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I apologize that it has been so long since my last post.  As most of you know, I’m expecting my 2nd baby in January.  I’ve recently had some issues and have been placed on strict bedrest for the remainder of my pregnancy.  I’ve had to cancel all my session for the rest of the year and am handling the order inflow a tad slower than usual  I hope to continue to post, mostly just insights and ramblings, there will be no photos to share.  I have to admit having a break is kind of nice, but being confined to bed and not being able to care for my 18 month old is definately not worth it.  But, getting this baby to full term and healthy, is the most important part right now.  

My maternity leave plans have not changed - my goal is to start working in May.  I’m not sure how many sessions I will be scheduling each week, but I definately will be back in some form.  Don’t forget about me during my absence.  

I had my last evening shoot of the year last night - with the early setting sun, they are just getting too difficult.  Too bad because I love the warm look the setting sun provides.  I usually don’t get to proof so quickly, but I was anxious to see how these turned out so I got a couple done this morning.

So I am way mucho behind on my blogging photos.  Things have been crazy getting ready for the new baby and just returning home from our first family vacation with Charlie.  We had fun in the Dells, but it’s always good to be home.  As much as I am sad to be taking leave, a part of me is excited about having some more time with my family and myself over the next few months.  I’m slowing way down in October, November and December but maybe I’ll actually get some time to take pictures of my kid. I desperately need to update the photos around my house.  Anyways, here are some photos from sessions over the last month that I haven’t posted yet.

If you’ll allow me to stray from photography for just a moment, I’d like to pass along some information that may be of interest to the residents of Illinois.  Many of you have had your photos taken with me at our beautiful state parks - they are a wonderful asset to our community and state and provide so many benefits.  As many of you may have heard or read in the paper recently, our governor, Rod Blagojevich, is planning to close two dozen state parks and historic sites and lay off 325 state workers to balance the state budget.  Although our elected representatives passed a budget in June, Blagojevich has decided to use his line item veto power to cut funding for the Departments of Natural Resources, Children & Family Services, Human Services, and the Historic Preservation Agency.  This means that abused and neglected children will be at greater risk, more people will loose their jobs, and that 11 state parks and 14 historic sites will be closing this fall.

My husband and I are upset by these issues, discouraged by the state park closings, and particularly upset by the Hennepin Canal closing.  Inspired by the political fervor of the season, we’ve decided to try and do something about it instead of just complain.

ACTION REQUESTED:

Maybe you’ve never been to any of the parks that are being closed, or maybe you don’t feel like this effects you directly, but I assure you, if this is allowed to continue, soon it will be something you care about.  Matthiessen has already been mentioned by several as being on the next list of proposed closures.  We must make a stand and let our elected officials know that this misappropriations of funds is not acceptable.

Please take just a few moments to go through steps on the site we quickly put together. Time is an issue so the sooner the better - they are meeting on this the week of September 8th.  Thanks in advance!

Well, not really, but she’s gotten so big over the last year.  My first belly to one baby who is now 1.  Elena was nice enough to bring along mamma and daddy for the shoot at Baker’s Lake.  And of course, I had to get some more silhouettes ’cause I’ve got the perfect spot there for them.

Here are some shots from Elena’s 1 year shoot:

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and remember little Lanie from belly to one

Wow, what a blast.  I had so much fun taking Jenna’s senior pictures this past weekend.  Watch out maternity mammas, there may be a new favorite comin’ round the bend.  Seniors are session are just awesome and I want more!

Not only is Jenna absolutely beautiful, but she was fun, silly, creative, and not afraid to try anything and just be herself.  I think we got some great photos that capture her spirit and personality.  As soon as I finish up the photos, I’ll be featuring her slideshow so check back soon.  Oh and send me some more seniors for next year please!

Oh my gosh, little Colton who you may remember from his mamma’s maternity photos and newbie pics just a few months ago, is now a bona fide chubster with more roles than Mr. Michelin himself.  He was so fun, so cute, so cooperative, and just so darn cute!  Babies like this get me so excited to meet my little one soon.  It’s easy to remember the sleepless nights and new mom worry but sometimes you forget the joys of cuddling chubby little rolly pollies.

Colton will be back in another 3 months for his 6 month photos in November so stay tuned.  I have a feeling he’ll continue to get cuter and chubbier!

Wowsa!  Things have been crazy lately and I’ve gotten a bit behind in my blogging.  Last week was crazy busy so I’m getting caught up this week.  Luckily, things are much slower for the next few days and I actually have a Saturday off!  I am very excited and not sure what to do with myself.  My husband and I are hoping to take a camping trip in our new camper on Friday night, but it’s being repaired so I don’t know if it will be ready by then.  Keep your fingers crossed for me!

So here are some photos from little Endrew’s newborn session & Ava’s 7 month session.  I’m hoping to post some more later today so stay tuned!

2 pink lines…..2 little babies….2 times the snuggles….2 little sleep coming….2 many diapers…..2 excited

As some of you may already know, I am expecting baby #2 in January.   We are very excited and looking forward to growing our family to 4.  You really feel like a “family” when you have the first kid, but now I feel like a “real family” with 2 - like I’m officially grown up or something - yikes.  We have decided not too find out the baby’s sex this time, which is exciting and nerve wracking all together.

Because my little Charlie came early last time, there is a chance I may go early again.  As a precaution, my doctor has advised taking it easier in November & December so I’m slowing way down - if not to a complete crawl.  I’m booked through November 8th and will probably not take on any more appointments for the rest of the year.  I have started a wait list though, so depending on how things are going, and if I’m feeling up to it and have the doctor’s thumbs up, I may do a few more sessions before going on official leave December 20th - May 1st.  I’ve also started a wait list for sessions in 2009 so if you’d like to get on that, just let me know.  My plan is to go over the list in April and start scheduling sessions for the year.

I do think I will probably take on fewer clients per week next year.  As much as I am scared to slow down  (will everyone forget about me and go elsewhere?), I’ve decided that my family has to come first these next few years, while my babies are young.  I can NEVER get back this time.  I want to drink every minute in now, and instead of spending so much time documenting other peoples memories - I want to focus on creating some of my own.

My boys…

This is pretty much the view I get of him all day long

…that’s what Haylee is made of.  With bouncy curls and sky blue eyes, this little lady is such a doll.  Although more interested in getting dangerously close to Baker Lake to toss in rocks than pose for photos, she was sweet, engaging, entertaining, and adorable.  Her best smiles came out while playing with mom and dad - which I love.  Capturing that special interaction, those genuine moments, is what my photography is all about.