Visiting the Reindeer

We got to go see elk at the Hardware Ranch and Cooper loved it! It was super cold and we had to wait in line for a little while, but it all worked out. Cooper loved seeing the "reindeer."

Christmas Day

We had a wonderful Christmas. It was even more fun with Cooper this year than last. He woke up saying "cookies, cookies?" I asked if he wanted to go see if Santa ate his cookies and he said yes. He ran right to the cookies and just smiled! He wanted to eat the leftovers! I actually had to point out that their were presents under the tree! We had our own little Christmas at home, then went to MeMaw and PawPaw's and then to Nana and Uncle Brandon's house. We enjoyed time with family and getting some things we needed. We were also able to speak with Rachel via Skype. She's in Hawaii serving a mission. It was so great to see her and talk to her. Cooper sang Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star for her and we all cried! It was a wonderful day!

{Pictures to come!}

The NICU Babies

I had the wonderful opportunity of photographing the babies in the NICU a couple of days before Christmas. We did pictures with Santa. They were so tiny and sweet. I remember those days. I love volunteering in the NICU. I always come away smiling.

{I wish I could share pictures, but I can't. Just know they were super cute!}

A Letter from Santa

Dear Cooper,

Visiting you this year was so much fun! The cookie you left me was delicious and I love milk! Though the presents were few, I hope you enjoyed them. You have grown so much over the past year. It has been fun seeing you grow into a little man. Your mom and dad are so proud of you and the little man you're turning into. They love you. They love watching you learn and grow. You are their world. Keep up the good work and I'll be sure to stop by next year!

Merry Christmas,
Santa

My First Birth Story

Birth photography is getting to be a big thing where I live. I think the photographs are beautiful. I have always felt very strong about pregnancy and birth and wish I had the stomach to be a nurse. I think I have found my niche though. I got to photograph my first birth story for a sweet friend of mine. It was so neat for me to be there during such a sacred, personal experience. Words can't quite describe it. It's amazing what our Heavenly Father created in us. That we are able to carry and birth children.  It was a wonderful experience and it felt great to be a part of something that I won't get to experience that way. To see a mom and dad meet the little one they created for the first time, so neat! The love in their eyes. A sweet little baby who recognized mom right away. It was just amazing! I can't wait to do another. Here are some of the images:

I received a sweet text from the mom that made it even more apparent that this is what I want to do with my photography,

"I have watched my video everyday. I love it. And my boys love it. They want to watch it over and over. I love that through my video they get to experience their brother's big day, too. And I still cry every time I watch it. I showed it to my mom today. She loves it, too. It's so special to me. And the song-- couldn't be more perfect. My mom thought having someone take pictures was kinda strange. Your pictures and video changed her mind. She kept saying how special my pictures are and what a beautiful job you did capturing so much emotion."

Wow. It feels so good to find something I am passionate about that other people will fall in love with. It just makes me happy.

Terrible Twos

We have officially hit the terrible twos! Tantrums are a daily thing at our house. Many times we can't figure out what in the world he wants! We had a moment at Toys R Us where he was freaking out because I took him out of the kid size cars you can ride in. We ended up just having to leave the store. He cried for 30 minutes! We had a moment in the bathtub a couple of days ago when I had no idea what he wanted. He screamed and cried for what seemed like forever! And then there is this, this adorable face that I woke up to the other day. We laid down for a nap and he woke up and I just needed a few more minutes. Well, when I woke up this is the face I saw. How can I be mad at such a cute face? Here's to the start of another new adventure... the terrible twos. Love my little guy!

Just some updates:

• He is talking more and more lately now that his ear tubes are working properly.
• He will finish lines of songs when I stop.
• He tries to sing Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star on his own. It's adorable!
• He says Christmas Tree, Christmas Lights, and Santa. They sound so cute!
• He doesn't like pepperoni on pizza or the skin on apples and grapes.
• He loves to dance.

A Snow Day

Shoveling with Daddy