Happy Thanksgiving!

There are so many things in life that I have to be thankful for. My family, my home, my goofy basset hound Charlie, my friends … the list goes on and on.

But the one thing I’m REALLY thankful for this year is the health of my almost-two-year-old son, Cade.

In September of 2007, Cade was diagnosed with Neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer. I am very thankful, that on this Thanksgiving Day, I can say that my son is currently cancer free.

He brings so much joy to my life. His laughter is contagious, his personality is hysterical, his love for life is fierce, and when he wraps his little arms around my neck and says “mama” I just completely melt.

Only a mother (or father) can really understand the love you have for your child. I look at him daily and thank God for the gift He has given to me and my husband. So, on this Thanksgiving Day, I encourage all of you to hug your little ones a little tighter and be thankful for each day you have with them. Each day we have is a gift. My prayer for you today is that you never take one breath for granted.

Here comes round two of the Holiday Portrait Sessions!

What a FUN day I had with all of these families. To start with, they were all absolutely gorgeous. It’s families like these that make my job so very easy. On top of being insanely beautiful, everyone was so much fun and I had an absolute blast. The weather was perfect, the location was beautiful, the kiddos cooperated … what more could you ask for?

I hope you all enjoy your sneak peek!

I’m so excited that it’s FINALLY beginning to look and feel like Fall here in San Diego. Today I met up with 8 month old Mikayla (and her fun parents of course) at this great little place by my house. I was thrilled when I showed up and there were actually leaves on the ground and get this … it was actually a bit on the chilly side! It seems like I’ve been waiting for weeks for it to begin feeling like Autumn. I think Mikayla is definitely an Autumn girl … Fall colors make this sweet girl even more beautiful than she already is.

Here’s a sneak peek for mom and dad!

Quite the Daddy’s Girl

Jeff and Joy - you have such a beautiful family. Thanks for allowing me to capture your sweet baby girl!

If I had to use one word to describe little Miss Reagan it would be “delectable.” Her awesome red curls are to die for and she is just the sweetest, most inquisitive little lady in the whole wide world. At one point she decided to sit in my lap and take a look at the photos that I had taken of her on my camera. It was at that moment that I decided I wanted to take her home. hahaha. Oh yes, and her parents were pretty darn cool too.

Thanks for such a fun session! Reagan is BEAUTIFUL!

Be sure to check back tomorrow because there will be MUCH more of this awesome duo:

Remember this gorgeous maternity shoot from last month? Well look who has arrived! Meet Gwendalynn Mae. I was given the opportunity to photograph Miss Gwendalynn on Friday and it brought back so many memories from when Cade was a newborn. All the emotions and love that go into caring for one tiny human being who solely depends on you for everything in life. Life is such an amazing miracle.

It’s the middle of November and I can almost see the light at the end of the tunnel. The holidays wipe me out. I have four more sessions this weekend, one on Monday, and seven (yikes) next weekend. After that things should calm down a little. I’m thinking a warm bath and glass of wine are in order.

To the families who are waiting for their sneak peeks … they’re coming! I should have all sneak peeks caught up and posted tomorrow. Thanks for being so patient.

And since a post would be boring without pictures I leave you with this … my son giving me the “yes, I know I’m adorable” look.

The months of October and November are usually crazy months for photographers due to the extra sessions for holiday portraits. This year has been no exception. All I can say is this … 34 families in 8 weeks. Holy smokes! I have been having such a blast with all of these fun fun fun families though and it is well worth it.

Here are the sneak peeks from my day of mini-sessions yesterday. Be prepared for a TON more photos before the month is over.

Jack was cracking me up during his session. I asked him what he thought was in the box and this was the look he gave me … followed with a “ummm, there’s nothing in the box.” He’s too smart for his own good.