Lots to share...

It feels like forever since I posted. I've been very busy with photo shoots which is fantastic. I really didn't expect to be this booked during my first fall season. I have 7 shoots between now and Monday. You should expect to see lots of sneak peeks soon!

I've also been busy dealing with Jake's allergies. I took him to the doctor last week to confirm that the symptoms he's having are allergic and not something else. He's trying Allegra, is on a nasal spray, and today we added Singulair, too. He's been coughing in his sleep. Dan and I are awake off and on throughout the night listening to it and checking on him.  The doctor wants me to take him to an allergist. Believe me...I'm not opposed. Kate and I have been seeing one for years. I feel like I've been receiving allergy shots for most of my life. The problem is that I know the drill. The doctor will want him off antihistamines for a week so they can test him. No way. Not now. Also, unlike the ladies in the family, Jake's symptoms are seasonal...fall and spring. At this point I don't think I would agree to shots all year long. My fingers are crossed that we get some sleep tonight. I'm hoping the Singulair will do for him what it's done for me.

I have some Jake funnies to share, too. Jake tells us very little about his school day. He's there from 9 until 2:30 three days a week, and we hear next to nothing. The only reports we get are who has cried and who got hurt. That's it.  Over each weekend, his teacher sends pictures taken the classroom from the week before. We point to various kids and ask about them. Jake can't even tell us their names! I wonder what in the world he is doing all day...obviously not paying attention!

Jake's been obsessed with light sticks lately. I have no idea how it started.  We may have bought a few at various times, and grandma introduced him to the light up necklaces. I don't know. The obsession has grown. He asks for light sticks every single day. I grabbed a bunch at Walmart for $1. It's a cheap babysitter.

The whoopie cushion in the bottom shot is the other obsession. He uses it to blow toys across the table. It's pretty hilarious and a great way to occupy him. I wish he would spend this much time and concentrate this much on reading books like his sister use to do. I know...don't compare. He's a boy.

Last year he didn't choose to do much art work at school. This year he is very proud to bring a picture home for me.

On Saturday I took him to the fall festival at my high school. There was a bouncer. There was candy. Jake was in heaven.

On Sunday I got this text during Church.

I must admit that I was a little insulted that she asked! This is her home. She never has to ask to come for a visit. In fact, I can't wait to be surprised by a visit.  It was nice having her here for a few hours. She played with her brother, studied, and had dinner with us before returning to school.

I've been working on a home studio for the winter. I've had a few clients inquire about winter shoots, so I decided to take the plunge. I have only purchased one softbox at this point and will be purchasing another and a reflector very soon. I tested out the new set up with Izzy today.

I was very brave today. I allowed not one...count them...but TWO children to play with play-doh in my kitchen. I don't know what has gotten into me!

Keep your fingers crossed that we have a quiet night.

 

No words needed...

Pages to share...

Yes, I am still scrapping. I realized how long it's been since I've shared any pages here. I'm proud to be on the creative team for DesignerDigitals.com.  You can find all of the products I used there. Email me if you have any questions.

Do you like my t-shirt in the middle layout? I was pretty proud to be sporting my first American Eagle t-shirt. I fell in love with it, and it didn't have American Eagle plastered across the front. I feel so young and hip when I'm wearing it. Kate just laughs at me!

I want to thank all of my clients for making my first fall so spectacular! My business has grown much faster than I dreamed possible. I'm loving every minute of it. Be sure to find Gigi Wagner Photography on Facebook and click "like"! Thanks!

Joe, Angie, and Family...

I met this sweet family for the first time last weekend. Grandma, Grandpa, and Angie's sister came along too, so we had lots of help. That was so nice!  We let the kids take the lead...which is the only way to photograph little ones! I LOVE the results. As usual I had trouble deciding what to post, so here are some of my favorites.

I am cracking up over the hand on the hip!!

This lucky family is expecting another baby in the spring!! Congrats again, Angie and Joe!  I can't wait to do Reagan's first birthday cake smash shoot!

I got to see my girl!

We invited Kate to dinner Sunday night, and she accepted. She was ready for a great meal out. She's been eating a lot of the same things over and over again...playing it safe because of her fructose intolerance.

She took my breath away when she got out of her car. She looked fantastic and so happy...fit and fabulous! I couldn't take my eyes off of her during dinner.  She told us that this is truly the happiest she's ever been. That was the best thing she could have said to me.  I forgot my camera and just had my iPhone to get a few shots.

I hadn't felt very great all day. I've been tired and achy. My back is giving me some trouble. Seeing her completely rejuvenated me. Love you, Kate!

More Chicago fun...

When Charlie and Emmett got out of their car in their jeans and white button down shirts, I knew I was going to get some adorable shots! They were a bit tired after a long car ride, and they were looking forward to a trip to the lake that evening. Photos were not on Charlie's agenda. He made me work for these shots, but what I got was spectacular! Thanks for hanging in there with me, Katie! It was worth it!

Chicago...

I'm finishing up my last Chicago photo shoot and promise some pictures of two adorable little boys...coming soon!

What can I tell you about the trip? Em and I tried to keep our sense of humor, and my mom was great at keeping things in perspective. We planned to start on the road in the afternoon figuring the kids would sleep for at least of couple of hours. In fact, I worried that Jake would sleep too long and never go down on Friday night. No worries.  NO sleeping.  Well...I should say that Izzy slept for a total of about 20 minutes until Jake woke her up. That Jake...he's something. My mom saw a side of him last weekend that she had never seen before. She believed he was a perfect little angel who always did what he was told to do. Now she knows the truth!  Let's just say that Jake is a very noisy boy who does not always do what he is told to do.

The kids had lots of fun. We had lots of laughs. It was really a great trip, and I would do it all again in a heartbeat...as long as I have plenty of this...

And this...

It was my first time. It was a bit overwhelming, but I can't wait to go back.  Oh, IKEA, please come to St. Louis!

And I would like more of this...

Mom and the kids drove home surrounded by our purchases.

I'll take more of this, too...

...and more silliness...

And I'll want just a little more of this...

I promise...it was just one bottle, and I don't think we even finished it.

I'll take more of this...a little boy willing to get into the water...

Next time I would like my sister to not say something funny or even look at me when I have soda in my mouth while in my car. Enough said...no picture needed. You can imagine it. The funniest part was that I opened the door to spit it out since we were parked and still managed to make a complete mess.

Also...for next time...I would prefer fewer whoopee cushions.

Love you all. Thanks for a great weekend!

Family Fun...

Shoot number two in Chicago was also a home/yard shoot. I wasn't certain how it would go, because the whole gang tagged along. I was certain Jake would hang all over me and cry and refuse to let me work. My mom kept reassuring me that she would handle him.  She did. It went perfectly. The kids played in the playroom. I took Sophie and Drew out to get some shots. They were so cooperative and sweet. It was all very laid back. It was still a bit cloudy, so we actually took the baby's pictures in the dining room. Those windows gave us the best light. Lissa, thanks for opening your house to all of us.

Check out the eyes on these beautiful children. I could photograph them all day.

In case you are wondering...yes...the baby has the eyes, too!

I know...you want proof.