Sarasota Bradenton Baby and Child Photographer » Custom newborn, baby, child and senior photography

Is it really over?…*sniff sniff*  Our beautiful summer seemed to vanish in the blink of an eye. My heart ached and leapt all at the same time today as I sent my oldest off to his first day of High School. Its as if his life flashed before my eyes….the days of little birthday parties and cupcakes, skinned knees and that awful -wonderful- little boy smell (ok he still has that at times )flew by as fast as our summer did. Gage has hit his stride as well, entering 7th grade and full of  passion for his future….even though it changes daily, I adore his confidence and aspirations. Of course, Addy is is now enjoying books, devouring them as I hoped she would….Shel Silverstein’s “A Giraffe and a Half” and Margaret Wise’s “Goodnight Moon” just to name a few. Her love for music and dance has us all smiling from ear to ear as we watch her discover her God given talents and come into her own. It has been a summer of change, discovery and joy… Not at all peaceful and at times a bit tense, but never the less wonderful. I enjoyed taking a break from shooting for a while and just soaked up every bit of the kids that I could while they were home. Now with our crazy schedules back in full swing…and bound to get busier… I am hoping to maintain some balance.  I miss blogging, and I have to confess that it is the first to go when my plate is overflowing….however, I still have much to share and reveal very soon.  Soo….what would a post be without a picture.  Farewell summer….hello Halloween costumes and Christmas sessions….

Just a few fresh images of our girl……

She still rules the house! Just ask  Tucker

Yes, 8…..If you count the 2 cats, and according to Jimmy, they really don’t count. So, DH and the kids have been begging me for a puppy. Like my answer is the only one that counts, and actually, that must be what they think (I am really liking all this power).  Well,  I finally decided to stop being a stick in the mud and said, “yes” and we now have a new addition. Tucker is his name……and he likes to cry….all-night-long. Its pretty much like having a newborn in the house, except it just might be easier if he wore diapers. Ok, it sounds like I am not excited to be the proud owner of a darling little 8 week old chocolate lab. I really am, I’m just a little tuckered out.  Oh you know that was coming! 

In other news….I know, I know…..I have been a naughty blogger as of late. I am finding it harder and harder to balance my insane busy life. Between work, running a business and the kids, life just leaves no time for blogging….amongst a million other things! I have had to let a few things go inorder to spend a little more time with the most important thing in my life….my family. So, you may see me around here a little less…but I am still here, I promise, working away behind the scenes.

It seems I used to take her picture everyday but lately I just have not taken the time to even grab a few snap shots of my girl. It occurred to me the other day just how much she is growing up. Perhaps it was this conversation at bedtime that made it quite clear…Me: (to addy) Goodnight sweetie cakes, mommy loves you  Addison: Mommy, i not sweeties cakes, I aheson (cannot pronounce the d’s) Me: (stunned and slightly confused) Oh, well, your my sweetie cakes and yes baby, you are Addison too! Addy: No, mommy, I a-he-son Me: Well, mommy loves you so very much and you are such a smart little girl  Addy: I know mommy      Now it’s just a big game….we call her sweetie cakes and she screams “No! A-he-son!” with a big fat grin.  I can’t wait to see what she says next week.  Well, it just wouldn’t be a post without a few pictures….so here are a few random shots of sweetie cakes Addison taken in the last month or so

Despite a long list of illnesses and surgery’s, Ava has all the spunk and determination of your typical 3 year old. Well, more actually! Her joy was just contagious and this was a family full of smiles and laughter. Ava’s story is heartbreaking, and this family has endured so much together….but you would never know it as Ava chased her brothers around and giggled and squealed with excitement. It was such a pleasure spending the morning with this amazing family….they are all hero’s in my book.

Funny how life has its way of slapping us the face to wake us up. Last night Jim and I found ourselves in the ER with Addison as they sewed 12 stitches across the bridge of her tiny precious nose. As I sat down this morning, combing the dry blood from her hair, I reflected on a few little lessons that we ALL learned.

1) Thou shall not assemble furniture in the house while child is awake.

2) Thou shall not attempt to jump through a bookcase that is in the process of being assembled.

3) Thou shall not panic and pass out while child is bleeding profusely from the face.

4) Thou shall run to the nearest store that sells a bubble to secure toddler inside until she is 40.

We know how blessed we are….things could have been bad, very bad. Trust me, all the scenarios ran through my head the instant I saw blood.  I hate that her beautiful face will be scarred, it really makes me sad….however, the fact the she woke up this morning with the same spunk as yesterday, back to jumping on the furniture and chasing the cats makes that scar insignificant.