Maternity Session - Chicago Area Photographer

I met this great mama over the weekend and we had a beautiful session. 
Conoci esta fabulosa mama en el fin de semana y tuvimos una hermosa sesion.

 
Her guys were a little weary about the session but I think I won them over.  ;)
Los hombres estuvieron un poquito nerviosos pero creo que me los gane. ;)

Here is an outtake.... "You want me to do what?" Dad said. 
Un momento que pesce... "Quieres que haga que?" dice Papa.

He was a great sport and I can tell he is a very loving man. 
So I am not too sure how to translate that in Spanish.... LOL!

I love the joy in her face here.  She is stunning! 
Me encanta la felicidad en su cara.  Que belleza!

Blooming Where I Am Planted - Chicago Area Photojournalist

Being a former military family, we have friends all across the country.  I have many awesome friends in Nashville that I met while working there.  They were my salvation while hubby was deployed in Iraq.  I have a handful of military, super-mama friends that I bonded with while we were in Alabama.  Then when we were in South Carolina I was in a moms group that not only kept me sane but showed me that dreams during motherhood don't have to stop.  I have such wonderful memories of SC because of the support network we created for each other, it was a beautiful time in my life.  Each time we moved it was increasingly difficult for me to leave and say good-bye.  I hated it.  I dreaded the whole process.  With each move it took me longer to go out and meet people because I knew what would inevitably happen.  Even though, each time I met people (mostly women but a few men) who inspired me, encouraged me and were a blessing upon my life.   To give of yourself just to leave it behind was too painful and difficult for me. 

We have lived in Lake County for almost 2 years now, with no move in the near future.  Some times I have trouble letting things go and not living in the past.  I need to live in the present and bloom where I am planted.  Motherhood can be very lonely but only if I make it so. 

I've been welcomed by a wonderful group of ladies.  They have opened their arms and asked me to join them.  What a wonderful feeling it is to belong.  This last weekend we kissed our babies goodbye, gave our husbands the sign of the cross and had some much needed down time.  We laughed, listened, compared stories and gave advice.  It was so much fun!

 

 

These ladies are an explosive blessing for me. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Proof I really was there.  Thanks E for taking this. :)

 

 

 

Dreams Taking Shape - Chicago Area Photographer

Did I tell you this year is my year?  In case you were wondering it is your year too

This week my hubby said: "I think we should go on a nice vacation for our 10 year anniversary.  We deserve it."  I smiled at him.  :) I have been talking about this trip for a year and there was always some reason why we couldn't go.  Does it matter that he thinks that it is his idea... not one little bit.  I told him: "Sweetheart, that is a wonderful idea."  He has even started to look for possible vacation spots. 

Who said that dreams weren't possible?  I never thought that maybe it had to be his idea.  I will take it! 

We don't have tickets yet but I see my dream starting to take shape.   

 

An Extreme Dream - Chicago Area Family Photojournalist

My super talented husband designed and made this amazing police car bed for our 3 1/2 year old son.  It took him about 6 months from start to finish.  I thought it was more like two years - just kidding babe.  Hubby's attention to detail is something I really admire.  I am so proud of him and this functional work of art that he created.

First he designed and engineered his own plans. He searched but was unable to find plans for a bed of this style.  With his expertise in wood crafting he assembled the body of the car and bed.  Hubby came across some trial and error.  Every now and then I would he hear "DARN IT!"(the PG version) but he would buy another piece of wood and start over again.  Once the body of the car was complete it was pimped out with the details.

For the details he had some assistance. Ric, owner of Suburban Accents Inc. added the excellent vehicle graphics.  The sleek paint job was done by Glen's team at Wilmette Auto Body.  The lights were purchased from Extreme Tactical Dynamics with the help of Andrea.  Hubby's brother Ray, owner of Electronic Express, Inc. helped him out with the electronic wiring.  Yes, this car does have siren.  Thanks, Uncle Ray.  Good thing it is not very loud and I can unplug it ;)

J is having a GREAT time with his bed, an extreme dream come true for our little guy.  Daddy is beaming from head to toe with pride in his work.  I think one night I'm going to find hubby sleeping in J's bed. 

 

  

J was done with pictures. 

Now that is a bed!  Honey, you are amazing!

I Declare - Chicago Area Family Photographer

I declare this will be a year filled with explosive blessings.  Explosive because I can not even begin to imagine what God has in store for me.  It will be a healthy year, I will lose those last 10 lbs and have lots of energy.  My photography business will have the best year yet.  Not only will I have more clients but my images will be magazine worthy.  I will be a patient and loving mother even when I am being tested.  This coming year we celebrate our 10th year of marriage, I see us on a beach some where having the honeymoon we never had - don't know how but it will happen.  I will be a loving and understanding wife even when he is working way too much.  I am taking giant steps this year to be the successful person I am meant to be.  I declare that God has so many wonderful things in store for me this year.  I declare...

  
What are your declarations?
 
Happy New Year!