My Life. My Love. My Art.: May 2007

Sweet baby face

Just a little peek for Mom and Dad cause I know they're waiting in anticipation for these proofs!!!

Awww.....

Three...yes, THREE babies...

So, I got this call from the soon-to-be mom and on her voicemail she said something about wanting pictures before and after the babIES come. So, I'm thinking to myself "ahh...twins..." Well, I give her a call back...only to find out it's triplets. With a 2 year old already at home!!! Talk about a chaotic household! But, no doubt it will be oozing with love... Here are some "before" pics. Those little bundles are due out soon...very soon!

Here's hoping for a safe, easy and quick (how does 10 minutes sound??) labor!!! Can't wait to meet those babies...

Hurry!!

I am so excited to announce this new product...and just in time for Father's Day. I am always looking for unique gifts for all the guys in your life that aren't cheesy...poorly made...or just plain old lame. :-) When I found this piece, I was so excited. Not only is it a great piece - but I am able to offer it at a SIGNIFICANT discount from regular pricing.

Without further ado....here is the Mahogany Photo Tile Box...

Perfect for all the "Dads" in your life to store their wallets, keys, spare change, etc. The dimensions of this are 6 1/8" X 6 1/8" and 2 1/2" deep. Inside area is 5 1/4" X 5 1/4". The photo tile is 4.25"x4.25". Normal pricing for this piece is $170. However, my vendor is running a special and I will be offering these for $100 for 48 hours only!!! Request, payment and image selection MUST be completed by 5:00 p.m. on Saturday to ensure delivery before Father's Day!! Please e-mail your requests to me at info@essenceportraits.com.

Embrace the Mohawk

So, my whole philosophy behind doing what I do is to capture your life - right now. And, sometimes things aren't as "perfect" or "ideal" as we'd like them to be, but nonetheless, they are you - and your family - perfectly as you are. So, when I first met this little cutie, I commented on her adorable mohawk of sorts. And, mom responded with "yes...we've learned to embrace the mohawk". :-) My thoughts exactly...

And, my absolute favorite from this session (and my recent favorite portrait, period!):

Stunning, isn't she??

For all the Mamas...

In doing what I do, I'm fortunate and blessed enough to get little glimpses into the lives of my clients. And, what makes me even more blessed is that the moms and I tend to bond - if over nothing more than motherhood itself. They share their worries...joys...concerns...questions...elation...sadness...and sometimes even sorrow...and each time, I am grateful that they have thought enough of me to share that part of themselves. So, to all my moms - who love enough, give enough, provide enough, care enough and have strength enough to raise these happy, healthy and loving children.

(Yep...Kelley...this is a sneak peek for you!!!):

Thank you for sharing your challenges, your accomplishments and even your defeats with me... Enjoy your day on Sunday - I'm sure gonna try!!

~*~*~*~

Before I was a Mom

Before I Was A Mom,
I made and ate hot meals.
I had unstained clothing.
I had quiet conversations on the phone.

Before I was a Mom,
I slept as late as I wanted and never
worried about how late I got into bed.
I brushed my hair and teeth everyday.

Before I was a Mom,
I cleaned my house each day.
I never tripped over toys or forgot
words to lullabies.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't worry whether or not my
plants were poisonous and
I never thought about immunizations.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never been puked on, pooped on,
spit on, chewed on, peed on or
even pinched by tiny fingers.

Before I was a Mom,
I had complete control of my mind,
my thoughts, my body and I slept all night.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held down a screaming child
so that doctors could do test or give shots.
I never looked into teary eyes and cried.
I never got gloriously happy over a simple grin.
I never sat up late hours at night
watching a baby sleep.

Before I was a Mom,
I never held a sleeping baby just because
I didn't want to put it down.
I never felt my heart break into a million
pieces when I couldn't stop the hurt.
I never knew that something so small
could affect my life so much.
I never knew that I could love someone so much.
I never knew I would love being a Mom.

Before I was a Mom,
I didn't know the feeling of having
my heart outside my body.
I didn't know how special it could feel
to feed a hungry child.
I didn't know that bond between a
Mother and her child.
I didn't know that something so small
could make me feel so important.

Before I was a Mom,
I had never gotten up in the middle
of the night to make sure all was ok.
I had never known the warmth,
the joy, the love, the heartache
or the satisfaction of being a Mom.

I didn't know that I was capable of feeling so much
Before I Was A Mom.
~anonymous

Session availability now open!

I'm finally back from my wonderful (and much needed!) vacation! We had a wonderful time, but it's still nice to be home. As promised, with my return I've opened up my session availability for the summer months (June, July & August). These are all booked on a first come, first serve basis, and e-mails have been sent to those on the waiting list. Because of that, I'm anticipating sessions to book up quickly, so if you're thinking of booking, please do so right away!

If I was an organized mom, I'd post some pics of my little guy and our great time on vacation, but since my pictures are still sitting on the memory card in my camera (gasp!!), I'll share some recent favorites. I hope to do featured sessions on each of these, so stayed tuned for that....