A special day with a special girl...

Yesterday was my Godchild's First Communion. The sun was shining, and Julia looked like an angel. I was so proud of her. Jake watched everything so closely. I kept thinking I'll blink, and it will be his turn.

We weren't suppose to take pictures, but I couldn't resist just a few in Church. I had a great seat!

The Godmother forgot to hand over the camera and actually get in a picture.

I was so proud of my little guy who was perfect during Mass. He didn't make a sound. He wasn't restless. He participated. He looked so grown up.

I got a nice surprise a few days ago...right before Mother's Day. He asked how to spell Mom and handed me this.

I'm a very lucky Mommy. I've been blessed with two wonderful, healthy children. My Mother's Day was very relaxing...just what I needed.

Celebration of Life...

I believe every pregnant Momma needs a photo shoot. I'm happy to say I have decent pictures documenting my pregnancy with Kate and FABULOUS pictures documenting my Jake pregnancy (thanks to Kelly Manno).

Shelly was my first official client. She'll always have a special place in my heart for that very reason. (Linda...you were number 2...love you, too!)  When Shelly told me that she was pregnant, I told her that we were doing a maternity shoot. Yes...I told her...didn't ask her. ;)  I was thinking the focus would be her belly, but once I started editing it became more about Shelly the beautiful Momma. I hope she's as thrilled with these shots as I am. She's gorgeous! I'm celebrating her! Baby Jake will be here soon, and then it will be time to celebrate him.

(Overlay by Jesse Edwards at DesignerDigitals.com. Used with photographer's license.)

(Overlay by Jesse Edwards at DesignerDigitals.com. Used with photographer's license.)

 (Word Art by Katie Pertiet at DesignerDigitals.com. Used with photographer's license.)

He's a maniac...

Remember the 6 weeks of tears? Now he asks to go to swim lessons nearly every single day. Have you ever seen a bigger smile than this one?

He jumps in without holding hands now and can swim back to the side with a little push in that direction.

Papa Gene was really impressed, too!

Jake is getting some extra practice in at bath time, too! He can swim 3 laps in our tub before coming up for a breath.

I have no idea why he had a sad face in the two pictures above. I think he was unhappy that the camera came out. Too bad. They are just too cute not to post.

He likes to dive for these rubber lizards and snakes that Mama Sally included in his Easter basket.

It's going to be a fun summer at the pool for us! I can't wait!

I hear wedding bells...

I would like you to meet the bride and groom!

They look like models, and I get to photograph their wedding in August! I am so excited!!

We met in The Loop Saturday morning. Caitlin and Erik spend quite a bit of time here, and I wanted to make these pictures really meaningful to them. We battled the wind a bit, but it made for some gorgeous hair blowing shots!

How I wish I had engagement pictures like this. Why wasn't anyone taking engagement pictures in the old days when I got married?

Their favorite place to eat in The Loop is Blueberry Hill, so we went inside for a few shots there.

I had to have a little fun with a few of these.

I forgot about the marquee at Blueberry Hill. I took one look and had a plan. No. I don't know anyone at Blueberry Hill. My plan involved lots of Photoshop. ;)

Caitlin and Erik, enjoy this special time! The wedding will be here before you know it!

Stepping out of my box...

I got an email from Liz, a friend of my sister in law. Liz was having a birthday party for her dad. The entire family was surprising him by traveling to St. Louis for the party. She asked me to be the group photographer.

Wait for it...31 PEOPLE!

This was new territory for me. I think my biggest group to date was Tom and Sue's family of 6. Liz also mentioned taking the pictures at her home. Wow...where was I going to find enough shade in a yard for 30 people? What if it rained? We couldn't reschedule. I consulted my photography club and my hero, Kelly Manno, for advice. I took the job and asked two friends, Brooke Boyer and Joe Vitale, to help.

Liz and her family could not have been any nicer or more easy going. There was lots of rain, but there were also lots of smiles and lots of laughs. They immediately made the three of us feel at ease. I was so glad I took the leap...stepped out of the box...and said YES!

Here are the proud parents of this beautiful family.

...and the entire gang...

Brooke and Joe, thanks again for the support! Liz loves the pictures. I love the pictures. I was so happy to be a part of this special event.