6 month old doll baby :: baby on-location photographer :: Lexington, KY

I hadn’t seen baby ‘S’ since she was days old, and I was looking forward to her session.  It was a cold morning in the bluegrass, AND we had change of time that messes with everyone’s schedule, but especially the little ones.  She was SO well behaved, and did amazingly well considering the circumstances.  I can’t get over her gorgeous curvy lashes, bright blue eyes, and those cute dimples!  She’s perfect and she makes the perfect addition to a very sweet couple!  I am keeping my faves and the gorgeous family photos a surprise – don’t want to spoil their holiday card

K & C – I hope you love those.

fun fall session :: kids and family photographer :: Lexington, KY

I met the ‘D’ family last summer as I captured mom’s growing belly, and then their newest baby girl.  She was my cuddliest newborn, probably to date.  I remember mom having mixed emotions over the fact that her newborn had to be moved into 3-6 month clothing right out of the hospital.  But she did have the cutest cheeks to pinch and kiss on.  And just like that over a year had passed, and ‘A’ is now a walking, vocal, energetic 17 month old toddler.  Her big sister, ‘M’, just turned FOUR!  I know what a big milestone that is, as my own baby is quickly approaching that fun, expressive age.  ’M’ is such a good big sister, and although the parents joke otherwise, you can really feel their love for each other.  I had a blast walking around the park and playing with them.  Such beautiful little girls, and I can’t wait to work on the rest of their set — too many favorites already, and I am saving some of them for later.

us and our trip via phone camera

Before we left on our vacation late last month, my very good friend Aurelia was tasked with doing our first family photos.  I *really* should be better about this, but both my husband and I do NOT enjoy being photographed.  But I am doing this for my kids, so they have captured memories of us together.  Aurelia did an amazing job!  We all just had fun, and I can’t wait to do this again.  Check out her awesome work, with Sarah Jane at www.sanolaphotography.com, and here’s our preview that I just LOVE:
http://sanola.bigfolioblog.com/weblog/post/157521

Our two weeks in Vienna flew by.  It was great seeing my parents, and being with them.  It was amusing seeing my husband “deal” with a large city – it’s SO not his cup of tea!  I miss my parents, and although we are lucky they live is such a beautiful city, I wish they were closer.  Here’s my camera phone snaps of some of the sights in Vienna, Austria:

Kaleb – littlest hero :: baby & child lifestyle photographer :: Lexington, KY

I have been looking forward to this session for months, and I was thrilled the day had finally come for me to meet this special little boy.  This was my first session for the “Littlest Heroes Project”  that is now operating under “Inspiration Through Art“.  To say I was nervous is an understatement – I wanted this family to have the very best photos, and to capture this special time for them in a unique way.    All my nerves eased away as soon as Kaleb looked up at me with his gorgeous bright eyes.

Kaleb is adorable, and full of life.  His shy little smile, his gorgeous eyes and lashes just warm your heart, and I am sure will break many as he gets older!  He was all eyes and smiles for mom, who is gracious enough to share his story:

At 33 weeks gestation we were told our son would be born with Myelomeningocele Spina Bifida. This type of Spina Bifida occurs when the spinal cord fails to close completely in the first few months of pregnancy. Its effects every individual differently and there is no known cause. I was told that he may not walk he would have bowel and bladder incontinence, along with other possible issues. We were devastated. Little did I know that this baby would open my eyes to a world I had never known and would only change my life for the better in so many ways!

Kaleb was born three weeks later on December 21, 2009. I finally got to see this little baby that had me worried sick. I watch as he squirmed and wiggled his toes. I saw something I didn’t ever think I would. He was our miracle and all the fears I had drifted away. I knew from that day that we could do this, and we were going to take any challenges head on. The day after he was born he had surgery to close the lesion on his back. We started to catheterize him because he couldn’t empty his bladder completely. He had a 15 day stay in the NICU, and had to be on his tummy for the first 6 weeks of his life. He sees 6 specialists and has Physical Therapy once a week. We currently catheterize him every 6 hours and help him manage his bowels. Spina Bifida also causes Hydrocephalous (water on the brain) and 90% of SB children need VP shunts. As of right now Kaleb is doing well without one.

Kaleb may face extra challenges throughout his life but who doesn’t. My goal as I would hope any parent’s goal will be to make Kalebs life as fulfilling as possible. He amazes me every day. He is so strong and stubborn if he wants something he is going to get it one way or another. He loves animals and he’s a total momma’s boy. He is currently army crawling and is starting to pull up. He looks at me with a huge grin and it melts my heart. He has made me a stronger more compassionate and patient person. He is my hero. I thank god every day that he is mine!

For others who may face similar challenges in life I say “you are my hero’s!” Your courage and strength will positively influence others one day. Be proud of who you are no matter what!

–Colleen, Kaleb’s Mommy

October is Spina Bifida Awareness Month, so if you want to learn more about it, please check out this resource: http://www.spinabifidaassociation.org

Colleen & Anthony – Thank YOU so much for everything!  Kaleb is inspirational, and I hope he continues to beat the odds.

10 days old :: newborn and family photographer :: Lexington, KY

Baby ‘L’ is 10 days old here, which is the perfect age for newborn sessions.  He did SO good!  I couldn’t ask for a cuter model.  He’s so lucky too – he’s got a great big brother who is going to teach him everything.  Big brother, ‘A’, was so watchful over him…he actually wanted to watch me photograph his baby brother instead of play outside or watch a movie.  He earns extra goody points from me!  ’A’ is full of energy, imagination and personality.  It’s really fun to hear his stories and theories.  He’s an ogre expert too  These boys are lucky to have such patient, loving parents.  You can tell they are all very close, and it’s an honor to capture their evident love.

C & J –  loved working with you guys and I hope you love your sneak! Saving my favorites for your full gallery.

Family, friends & blog followers: 25+ comments = a free 5×7 for this beautiful family.

7 month old baby ‘M’ aka camera lover :: baby photographer :: Lexington, KY

I am back from vacation, and right into the swing of things!  Lots of sneaks coming this week, as well as camera phone vacation pics.

I met ‘M’ a few months ago, when we did our first bug cycle session.  He has grown so much in 4 short months.  I couldn’t believe how long his hair is, how full his cheeks are, and how much more his loving personality shines through.  He was a total ham for the camera, cracking smiles at me, and showing off his cute dimples.  I was smitten…he’s just too adorable.  He loved playing in the leaves, standing, and tasting some dirt: simple pleasures of a good life

Out of the office :: Lexington’s Lifestyle Photographer

So it’s time to take a little break, and have some much needed family togetherness!  I will be ‘out of the office” for two weeks, with very limited internet access.  I will return all emails and inquiries when I get back in two weeks.  Enjoy the World Equestrian Games

6 months old baby girl :: baby photographer :: Lexington, KY