Sunflare & Fireflies

When my friend gave me a call and told me about her fabulous new prop I couldn't wait to see it in action! Then, when she invited me to come do a test shoot with it...I was there in five minutes, camera and pajama-clad child in hand! 

The lighting was incredible and the tent sure did shine in its 'debut shoot'...even though I think the two adorable models stole the show!! :) 

{Side Bar} I processed all of these photos with my FAV new action set, "It's All in the Details" from Liz Labiana Photography.  This set literally has everything you need to make your image "picture perfect"! For these images, I used "It's All in the Details" combined with a low layer of Liz's other action "Dream". Aside from a little curves adjustments, and the special "fireflies" added to the last picture,  these actions were all I used to edit these photos. 

Liz just released "All in the Details" TODAY- so head on over to her blog & snatch it up!!

Rainy Day

So in the midst of the 100+ degree Texas heat, it's safe to say that Fall just sneaked up on me this weekend! The overcast 70 degree weather left me daydreaming about boots, patterned scarves, coats, and cute sweaters....Ok, so maybe it's not exactly coat and boot weather yet, but I can't tell you how excited I am for the cooler temps! However, when I woke up this morning to a dreary, rainy day...I found myself unprepared. Off to Target we ran, and with new rain boots in hand {2 sizes too big, I might add}, Q & I went off on a puddle hunt. What can I say?...she had a "splash"! hehe

Mom*Tog

Such exciting news! I've been chosen as DrewB's "Mom*Tog" of the week!! Mom*Tog is such an inspiration, not only to myself, but to her many fans and followers! The way Drew captures her family's memories through her words and stunning photos

is funny, sentimental, and totally relatable! I joke that Mom*Tog has become my new pinterest...but it's totally true! Her work is amazing, her site is addicting, and she has had such an impact on me as I set out to begin my own journey.
I feel SO honored to be a small part of her incredible site! Thank you, Drew!

Make sure you check out her incredible photography site as well!!

www.momtog.com http://www.drewbphotography.com/

ONE

So, it happened. Despite all of my best efforts to stop time...my baby girl turned one.

I can hardly believe how quickly this year has flown by. When she was a newborn, I used to get so annoyed when I brought her out in public. I found that all people would do was look at her, "Aww" and then tell me how I needed to enjoy EVERY minute, because "They grow up so fast", "She'll be going to college before you know it", "It goes by in the blink of an eye", "My baby just turned 25". ENOUGH ALREADY!

 I felt this pressure- Am I enjoying it enough?? Am I doing everything possible to soak up every single second of every single day? Time is ticking, I would tell myself...so what if she is screaming her head off in public and all you want to do is crawl into a hole- you better enjoy this because tomorrow she'll be getting married!!! I told myself that I would never put that pressure on another new mommy.
Well, time happens, as it does...and after the most amazing 12 months of my life, I found myself in an elevator with my walking, talking BABY, when in rolled a Mommy with her itty bitty one month old BABY. I looked at her exhausted, sleep deprived face and at that tiny precious little bundle of sweetness and I sighed. I knew I had come full circle, because all I wanted to tell her was....well, you know exactly what I wanted to say. I bit my tongue and just smiled.
Someone once told me, "The days and nights are long, but the months and years fly by." That couldn't be more true. In the mess of dirty diapers, homemade baby food, sinks full of bottles, and sleepless nights...time slipped away from me. And you know what, looking back, I have to say...I really did enjoy it all.

I love you baby girl, and I can't wait to enjoy so many more years together. I promise {to do my best} to remember that even during the longest, hardest of days...that these years are short and precious....just like you. ;)