Sunday, January 27, 2013

My littlest valentine, 9 months old!

My little girl is nine months old! My little valentine.


I feel like over the past few months she has started changing at lightning speed all of the sudden.

She got her first two bottom teeth at eight months old and I think she is slowly working on the top ones now. She started eating baby food and cereal at around six months and has been slowly adding things like yogurt melts, cheerios, and the like. We've had a bit of a setback in the sleep department since early December. For some reason she has stopped sleeping through the night regularly and usually wakes up one to three times.


A few weeks ago she started pulling herself up into a standing position and hasn't looked back since! She pulls up on everything now, constantly, which has resulted in a lot of falls, but she's a tough cookie. She stands unsupported for several seconds at a time and likes to cruise on things like the couch, or the TV stand. Speaking of the TV stand, she pulls dvd's out of that thing like it's her job. Every. Single. One.  I remember Sydney used to do the same thing when she was her age.

At nine months her personality is really starting to shine through now too. She loves playing with and laughing at her sister, exploring new things, and putting absolutely everything in her mouth. She is fearless, funny, and feisty! 


And just because big sister knows not to pass up a good photo shoot opportunity....


I can't believe one year is just around the corner! Here's hoping more sleep is just around the corner too!


Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Refreshed.

I was so looking forward to this past weekend, and let me tell you, it did not disappoint! Wineries, spa treatments, girlfriends, and a cabin nestled in the Northern Illinois hills. It was exactly what this sleep deprived, busy momma needed!

The getaway was planned as a bachelorette trip for my friend Lori, who recently got married. (Congratulations again Lori and Brett!) We had such a great time, I think many of us are hoping to make it an annual trip! Maybe during a slightly warmer time of the year though, so we don't have to worry about our hair turning to icicles when we are in the hot tub. ;)

I ate more food than I should have in a two week time span, laughed so hard my cheeks hurt, and enjoyed myself silly! I am so thankful to have such an amazing group of smart, independent, funny, kindhearted friends. I adore each and every one of you!

A few photos from our weekend:


Not a complete group shot...and I think I caught Kristi by surprise. LOL!
A peek at the vineyards. This place must be stunning in the fall!
I'm hooked on these arched chaise lounge chairs. Crazy comfortable! I want one for my home.
massage + pedicure + facial = heaven
The adorable town of Galena.
Thank you ladies (and gentleman!) for a fabulous weekend retreat! Also a quick shout-out to Jon and all the dads for spending the long weekend home with the littles! Sometimes a short break is just what the doctor ordered. Time to refresh our batteries.

Sophie | Champaign-Urbana Baby Photographer

My good friends were in town a few weeks ago and wanted to get together to take some pictures of their new little girl Sophie. She was about a month old and this was my first time getting to meet her in person. Oh my goodness, what a doll!


Congratulations Jade and Jen! I'm so happy for you two and I'm so glad I was finally able to meet Sophie!

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

Baby Alec | Champaign-Urbana Newborn Photographer

Well, it's mid January and I'm finally going to make an attempt at getting caught up on posting some of the photography sessions I've been doing over the past few months, so stay tuned for several more session posts to come!

First up, is baby Alec! I got to meet two week old Alec and his family back in early December for his newborn shoot. He was such a sweet little boy! Alec's mom had picked out a couple of hats for his session that were handmade gifts from her family and I just loved them! I adore handmade items. I wish I had some sewing/knitting talent!


Thank you Kelly and Patrick for introducing me to sweet little Alec and for spending your Saturday afternoon with me!