Man.  Before I left for this evening’s event, I heard these sweet words from my boy, “I need some lovin’”.  That’s what my kids say when they need a little attention and it warms my heart every time.

He climbed up on my lap and I lightly tickled his back (that’s his favorite).  Then, he reached up with his arms, wrapped them around my neck, curled his long legs onto my lap and placed his head on my chest.  It reminded me of those days just a few years ago, when he was in the NICU, working on staying alive.  I remember spending hours upon hours with him sitting in that hospital chair in Kangaroo Care.  I would hold him the entire time I was at the hospital, never wanting to let him go.  I  waited to see his stats go up.  It was amazing to witness how he would get “better” while he was laying on my chest.  He still does that.  He gets better laying next to me.  You know what’s pretty awesome?  I get better too.  Today was a difficult day.  But holding my baby boy made it okay.

What was I doing a year ago?  Photographing these beautiful babes.  ”M” and “E” are now a year old.  I can’t believe it!

I love it when my brides and grooms decide to expand their family.  I once heard that you’re ready to start a family when you feel like you need to love more.  If you love your spouse with the unconditional love we’re supposed to have, it’s time to expand that love.  Claire and Ryan were married in December of 2008 – I still remember their wedding and wedding details to this day. It was such a beautiful union and I am so excited to see them take this next step.  Congratulations, Dear Claire and Ryan.  I am so happy for you!!!

What a beautiful year .  Blessed, blessed, blessed!!!  Thank you to all of my wonderful clients who helped make this year happen.  I wouldn’t be here without you!!!

Click HERE to see 2011 in review!

click thepicture below to go directly to the Facebook link:

I love trading .  I have traded stylists, construction workers, landscapers, magazines, wine, personal trainers, organizers, babysitters, sewers, decorators, Scentsy.  Pretty much anything that you can trade, I’ll entertain the option.  I think we could all use a trade now and then.

Right this second, I am looking for someone who will trade photographs for:
Lawn Care/Maintenance
Closet Organizers (like California Closets)
Advertising Space
Furniture (don’t laugh – I have a friend who traded a couch for photography from a small business owner’s furniture store!)

But don’t be shy!  Do you have something I might want?  Just ask – you never know!

I show a lot of studio work with my maternity clients.  I suppose it’s because it’s usually what the gals want.  But I really wanted to photograph a funky maternity.  When one of my sweet brides from last year became pregnant, I KNEW I just had to photograph her!  When I contacted her, she asked me specifically what I wanted to do.  I told her that I wanted a sort of vintage bride feel.  She really ran with it, and although the poor thing had swollen ankles and was uncomfortable at around 36 weeks along, she was a total trooper!  It was no surprise to me when I found out that she has actually modeled before.  She is a COMPLETE natural in front of the camera.  Thanks, Shelly, for letting me photograph you and your sweetie .  I’m pretty sure she’s wrapped her way around Mommy and Daddy’s fingers by now!  Enjoy your new baby girl and Consider Yourselves Loved…

This gorgeous child is actually the sweet newborn of our AMAZING realtor, Jacob Detweiler of Prudential Jensen & his wife (who is also a talented lender) Jenny Detweiler.  She is absolutely perfect and a COMPLETE miracle.  In the season we are reminded of miracles, it’s only appropriate to share the story.

In Jacob’s words:

Before leaving for Mexico, (Nov. 2009) Jenny and I had discussed how this was going to be our baby making trip. Our first real attempt at starting a family!

A few nights before the trip I was awakened by a dull ache in my groin. On Jenny’s suggestion I went to our family Dr. to check it out. He assumed it was a common infection and supplied some antibiotics and sent me to Mexico.

I still had the occasional ache on our vacation so I went in again for a follow up, upon our return.  Some lab tests were done, concern heightened, and I was sent to a specialist the following day. Wednesday, Dec 2nd 2009, I was diagnosed with testicular Cancer. Shocked we went home and absorbed the news.

The day after my diagnoses my left testical was removed (Dec 3rd).

Test were run on my sperm count before and after the surgery, we were told our chances of conceiving a child naturally, were minimal. I believe they said it was a 5% chance. They said after radiation treatments, that percent could worsen. I was told my radiation treatments would start January 4th. So our time was limited if we were going to give it one last go before treatment.

It took me about a week to recover from the surgery. So baby making was out. I had to bank sperm for two weeks. (A type of Insurance if you will.) So that left us one week to try to conceive before radiation began. The last week in December we went with some friends to Jackson hole to ski and celebrate the New Year.

Shortly after I finished my radiation we found out Jenny was pregnant!
August 23, 2010 Finley Frances Detweiler was born. She was born a month early but was and continues to be healthy and happy!

We have been blessed!

Oh and I am still Cancer free!

Pretty amazing, no?  Sweet, Little Miracle Baby…Thanks for sharing your story, Jenny and Jacob – Consider Yourselves Loved…

Dear Clients…

I am humbled when you come back to me.  It makes me know that I have done my job!  It is my hope and desire to have you as lifetime clients.  I want to photograph your first pregnancy, the birth of your little miracle, his first few years, her Senior Year, their wedding day.  The cycle begins again, and I want to see it come full circle.  It is such a blessing to me.  YOU are blessings to me…

Thank you, “R” Family, for coming back to me for the birth of your second child, Mr. “E”.  He was a complete sweetheart and just a cute as can be.  I remembered the love and devotion these parents had with their first newborn, Little Miss “A”, and saw the same devotion to this little guy.  I really enjoy photographing your family.  Thank you for letting me take part in remembering this time.  Enjoy your feature and Consider Yourselves Loved…

Boise’s very own Cristi Dame had her baby boy about a month ago.  He is just as beautiful as his mama!  Congratulations, Cristi!!!