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Today marks one month old for our lil Jack. I really can not believe he is a month old already. This morning as I was holding him and snuggling… he actually felt bigger in my arms. It made me cry. Time goes so fast with sweet lil babies. It’s just not fair. This morning I felt like I spent the whole time just being weepy.

With this last pregnancy, I made the decision to get my tubes tied. As much as I love kids, my body felt like I just couldn’t do it anymore. I knew this was a right choice for my family. But I have to be honest, the thought makes me sad that I will no longer to EVER have any more babies. I know in a few months I am going to be a lot more happier about this decision- because after all – they DO turn into those terrible tazmania twos!

I am so in love with my lil baby that it just breaks my heart to see him grow. I just wish he could be that sweet small 2 week old for just a little longer.

As this day moved on, my water works stopped and we headed out to the store to get my missing groceries from the other day. I am in the mood to be creative and bake. I found a cute recipe for some mini caramel apples so I made a few up to see if I could do them. And it was a (messy) success Even my lil food critic loved them! Although I am no master ate using my little melon ball scooper. Some of the “apples” looked a little…. well… sad. I LOVE baking things but I never eat them- ok well except PW pumpkin cake- Oh MY Lordy- that is just so yummy! As cute as these lil mini caramel apples are- I just won’t eat them. I need to find a victim to feed them too- I know I don’t want my kiddos to eat them all up- I do like to sleep!

Here is the link where I got the recipe… try them for yourself!!

Don’t let these cute adorable faves fool you….

If you have been following my desperate attempt to do photos of my little guy, you probably have heard not only the cries of my kids but also from me lol.

You would think that with a newborn totally at my mercy 24-7 I would be able to get so many cute photos of him. Well, I learned when my now 2yr old was a newbie that it is nearly impossible- especially after trying to heal from a c-section- that it just doesnt happen the way you would think it would.

Since walking up stairs is basically a way to torture myself I have had to enlist my kids to bring down the only thing that would keep things simple. My bean bag and blankets. Now, since we are in our new house, I have this beautiful natural light coming in the living room so I was going to take advantage of that for sure. But let me tickle your imagintion for a moment while i try to explain what happens when THIS momma tries to take photos of her own baby.

So I sit here at the computer with a naked baby all wrapped up cozy… waiting for him to fall asleep. Meanwhile, I have the bean bag all set up and draped like I want it to be and the heater all set up so when baby falls asleep all I have to do is lay him down. Well, just before little Jack drifts off to sleep, here he comes… running in as loud as he can… the trouble maker… the rowdy 2 year old- cute but descrutive. What he sees is a perfect place to jump and roll on… yup, the bean bag set up. So now, everything that I had set up- with my one arm that is free from NOT holding baby.. is all over the floor- crumbled up in a ball. By this time, 3 other kids have made their way into the mock “studio”.. all wanting a turn to jump on the bean bag. So now, baby is no longer sleepy and my blood pressure has climbed a little up more than I want it too. I call daddy for some desperate reinforcement for just a few minutes. Finally, things are quiet again and I try laying the little man down for a few photo ops. I get him positioned.. get his hands just right… grab the camera.. and here comes trouble again.. baby awake- UGH. I get him back to sleep, but its a light sleep. I try to get his hands and arms just right but he is a Charlebois so a little stubborn he is. I can’t get too picky at this point. All I want is to capture his newborn sweetness. Capture those tiny details that seriously grow way too fast! He has that soft fine hair on his face and on his shoulders that will be gone the next time I get to really stare at all his beauty.

The best part of using my living room instead of studio is I am keeping it so simple. No huge expectations for myself to create some breath- taking “newborn photographer image”. Instead, I get to just capture my little man. Simply.

Now, yes, of course, if I had the time, the patience, the help and the energy to be able to pull off a traditional “newborn session” I would but I am keeping it simple

So through the blood, sweat, tears, poo, pee, spit up, screaming and melt downs.. here is my lil’ Jack

This adorable hat is from Ali Bali Green. Go check out her page!!

Bet you thought I dropped off the planet?? Nope…. my site has been down due to some glitch but even MORE exciting is we FINALLY welcomed our little potato!!

Monday, September 5th- Labor Day, After I had a good visit from a friend and her adorable kiddos, I started having contractions. Thinking nothing of it I went on with my day. Later that evening, I was still getting those pesky contractions and decided I should keep track of them- just to see what kind of pattern- if any- I was having.

Another friend of mine gave me some advice about taking a shower- either the contractions would stop or keep going. So I hopped my chunky butt in the shower and relaxed in that warm water. For an hour, the contractions actually stopped but then they came harder. I decided that I should let hubby know of the situation. This is the point where I was just lost on what to do. You would think that after having 4 kids already, you would know just about everything, but I was at the point of worrying about crying wolf. Hubby came in early that night to watch and monitor me (such a sweet guy) and those contractions kept coming and kept getting worse. Finally he raised his voice at me to call the doc and let him know what was going on. The last thing I wanted to happen was to brush it off and then have this delivery be an EMERGENCY delivery. So I called and we went in. We left the house with nothing but my camera. I didn’t want to get my hopes up by packing that delivery bag- just to have to bring it back home. We get settled in the room, hooked up to the monitors and waited for doc.

When he first came in, I was only dilated to a 1-2 – ugh. In otherwords- a long way from delivery. He then said he wanted to wait it out and see what the contractions would do. Then he said he wanted to me stay over night to watch the progress. I have to admit at this point I was so confused at this decision. If I am having contractions- set up for a c-section- wouldn’t it be best to deliver BEFORE things got so hectic???

Well not 10 min later doc came back in and said that it was delivery day! Even though I was excited- I was concrened. Tomorrow was the kids first day of school and I wasn’t going to be there. The next thing I know they have Charley dressed in scrubs and rushing us down the hall. I barely had time to sign my name to the living will. I honestly didn’t think we would be in such a hurry, but I sure was glad- those contractions had me in tears!

As we waited down the hall for the OR, the anesthesiologist came by to read me the things that could happen. After he was done reading- I had to ask him if he was in the military. He had no bed side manners. Just to the point- like I was almost an inconvenience to his night- which I probably was, but hey- God had plans!

I kissed hubby bye and I rolled in that cold ER. Sat up for my spinal- which by the way was RIGHT during a contraction. And do you think that the military anesthesiologist WAITED for it to pass?? OH no… he just jammed that needle in my back. By this time I could no longer be “strong” and I just broke down. I waited for this moment for 9 months, I was scared, cold, in pain and not going to be there for my kids in the morning. By the time they layed me down on the table, my water had broke. I just kept thinking to myself, Thank GOODNESS I came in when I did. I mean we were already rushed but can you imagine if my water had broke how much MORE rushed we would have been?!

For some reason I was completely scared out of my mind. I was so afraid that something bad was going to happen. My iron level was SO low that they had things on standby for me in case there was a lot of blood loss. My body was still having contractions and not that I could feel the incision, but I could feel SOMETHING and it was NOT pleasant. I was so uncomfortable. Something just didn’t seem right. The last c-section was no where NEAR this uncomfortable and painful.

When baby came out- he was still a he ( I had secret hopes that we would be surprised with a girl)- took a moment for him to start crying but then he let out a big cry. I couldn’t believe how chunky he was. Even my doc was surprised on how large he was. I was so happy to see this little boy- this miracle I have carried and worried and complained about for 9 months- in person… it was breathtaking to finally kiss his forehead and say “i love you”.

Things were so painful for me that hubby, the baby and Dr Deland, left the room and requested that I get a little bit more meds to help with the discomfort. I guess I had them all worried with how much pain I was actually in. When I made it to recovery, they tried a few times to get my pain level down. I never seen someone pump so much meds in my IV before. They even let hubby come back to check on me- which I was really grateful for. I really needed him next to me- although I HATED him to see me so weak. I couldn’t believe how emotional and NOT strong I was.

The rest of that night was a little blurry but I do remember coming back to my room and seeing my parents and Charley and my sweet little baby.

The next morning was amazing… well besides the fact that my pain was still at a 9-10 and my catheter fell out. They even thought they had a chance of putting that thing back in me… well I had news for them! No way in THIS world was that going to happen. I picked up my little man and snuggled him into my chest and let that special mommy love. There is something so wonderful- that you can not explain- of holding a baby and feeling him (or her) fall asleep on your chest. I love the way he curls up on me and snuggles his head just under my chin. That sweet baby smell is something I will never forget.

As soon as I had a moment to myself I undressed my little man to kiss his tiny toes and just run my hand across his full little body of his. I couldn’t believe that I was growing this little person inside of me. For some reason it still didn’t hit me that he was finally here.

I have the most adorable baby… I think perfect skin, cute nose, sweet toes…. just perfect- in my eyes

I thank everyone for all the love, well wishes, prayers and gifts- it all means so much to me.

Its so funny now that the pregnancy is over. There is a part of me that misses being pregnant. Don’t call me crazy yet lol. But I miss the feeling of those kicks and jabs in my tummy and how people think and act towards pregnant mommas. I am so grateful that the pregnancy is over- for sure- much rather hold him in my arms than in my tummy… and maybe I only miss the “pregnancy” because this is my last and final baby. There is something almost bitter sweet about that. Freedom, yet sadness.

All I know, is I am going to try to fully enjoy this baby every minute that I can.

Here is my miracle… my gift from God…

Jackson Theodore Charlebois ~ Our new baby

A good friend of mine- who also did my beautiful maternity photos, came at the last minute to capture my little man and me while we were still at the hospital. This image says so much to me and fills my heart with some much love and joy. I am so in love.

Ok… maybe not the crafty person I want to be- but I sure do LOVE crafts.. if someone does them with me!

A while ago I took up knitting and it has been one heck of a journey. It wasn’t until my good friend Crystal shared a pattern with me that I just LOVE. This one is so simple- just the speed I need. So I have been making hats like I was supplying a store front! Ok , well maybe not THAT many, but I have a few….and more yarn to use to make more

I know that many of you have been asking for pictures and I have finally gotten around to taking them- it’s just hard showing how cute they are without a little baby to model for me. There is ONE image I have of a little one that has one on, on THIS post.

here are my hats that I have created:)

these are cute, huh.

Another crafty thing my good friend helped me do was these ADORABLE flower head/ hair pieces. Large ones look great on older children.. small ones are great for those adorable babies.

Which style do you like best??

I think I like them all, but the little coral flower bunch is going to look so cute on a little baby girl

I just wanted to give you a quick update on things…

The pregnancy is still going strong and we have about 9 weeks left till baby comes Whooop whoop!!!  I personally wouldn’t mind if it happened just a wee bit sooner…. well.. then again…. my doc will not be available… so maybe I should be careful what I wish for

Things are still a little tricky for me but I am holding strong and ready to rock my camera! I have decided that  to help me pass the time, to accept and open up my book for a few sessions for the month of July. If you are interested in a session, please check the calendar for availability.

This week and next holds a lot of excitement for me… and I just cant wait. I have days lined up filled with toddlers, a newbie, and tons of family photos… I really am excited and cant wait to share the images.

I know these images are a little old, but I just LOVE them and had to share some cuteness.. I really am excited to play with another newbie soon!!! It makes me all giddy!

Hopefully for the month of August, we will be moving into the new house, getting ready for baby, missing my older kiddos, and make some more hats for my little man. My first hat- which I call my “test” sample, didn’t come out too shabby. I do have to admit that it is really hard to NOT buy pink yarn.. Its so darn cute. hopefully though in these next NINE WEEKS (YAH!) I can make my wish list of images I want to create with this little one. As far as maternity images go for us… that one is still on the burner. I have an idea of what I want to do, but REALLY starting to think it’s a bad idea… and I know.. I know… as I tell ALL my clients- one day I’ll look back and regret NOT doing it. I almost wish someone could see into my head and see the vision I want to create.. now that would make it a LOT easier!

Well, my friends, I hope you have a TERRIFIC Tuesday. As for me… I will be waiting on our water situation to turn around… Now that is some DRAMA! If you don’t know THAT story, its on facebook and my personal blog.

Happy day to you all!

I am stretching my legs again and hoping back on my horse! I have booked some sessions to get me thru life’s bumps and humps. Yes, I am probably making more bumps and humps for myself by “working”, but this momma can’t take it anymore

In the next few weeks I have booked myself and let me tell you… I am GIDDY with excitement.

Today a fellow friend and photog stopped by to borrow some nb goodies her her own session she was doing and I have to say that I am biting my nails in anticipation for my upcoming newborn session. YAHOO!!!

Tonight as I was just surfing the net- waiting for bedtime, I came across this you tube video and I just HAD to share… it is so sweet.

I hope you enjoy it

Yeah yeah.. I am a little late… but so was summer, so I am calling this my SPRING CLEANING post

A few days ago I headed up to the studio to do some light cleaning, but got sucked into deep cleaning. I decided that it was time to let go of some stuff that I just don’t use… so without further ado.. (did I spell that right??) Here is a list of some items that I NEED to get rid off.

Yeah… some reason i did not catch THIS big ‘ol totally NOT in focus pic.. excuse the crappy image

Not too sure on how I missed this easy focus, but you get the image

Dk wood frames- (1) 8×10, (2) 2 1/2x 3 1/2, (4) 4×6…… $10

Orange Peel Background

Click the link above to read more on OPB- they are VERY nice and easy to use!

A) single panel. This is a head shot I did with it as the background

B. 1 panel – RIGHT SIDE ONLY~ NOLA Doors

This set is from the freckle sale. One panel has a slight misprint/ color streak. Not too noticeable. You can EASILY remove any area either in PS or by posing.

If you would like to purchase and help me empty out the studio, please send me an email

If you would like anything to be shipped… of course shipping charges would be added

Hopefully here in a few weeks I will have more to clean. I know I have some large chairs that need to go!

well… I guess its time to spill the beans. If yall have been following my personal facebook page, you might have caught the hints.. I know there was at least one family member that said it was so obvious.

I dont know why I am so nervous actually saying it out loud, BUT…. we are expecting another baby. This will be baby number 5 for us.

I don’t know if you remember that dream I posted a while back…. it basically was a dream that I had a baby on September 20th. well to my big surprise we are expecting baby #5 on September 16th. If only my dream told me what we were having! It would be GRAND to have another little girl!

This pregnancy has started out odd. New symptoms and some of the same. Still sick, but holding well. I have to give a big trophy to hubby for taking on everything while I just stay in bed lately. He has been great with taking care of the kids as well as my needs. He even still tells me how beautiful I look as I stay in the same clothes day after day and basically don’t move from my bed. I just can’t do it. THANKFULLY my doc started me on meds ASAP which has helped but you know that yucky taste you get in your mouth with pregnancy??? ugh I cant stand it nor can I get it to go AWAY! So far the things I crave are to the extreme. For example.. if its sweet- it needs to be VERY sweet! If its spicy- better make it MORE spicy, same thing salty and sour. Its like my taste buds are lacking.

Overall I would have to say that things are going pretty well. My daughters school is suffering so if you or anyone else you know has some free time, I could really use some help with that. She really needs someone by her side to get thru her lessons. Of course if you feel the need to take my kiddos for a fun day, I won’t stop you either

I know some of you might be giving me that “look” of “Another baby?”  but you know things happen in God’s plan and in His way. This is a blessing to us- scary, but a blessing. Because this pregnancy feels different to me, I am prepared for the worse- again it will be all in His plan and His hands. I am being monitored weekly due to my weight and how sick I get and tomorrow we have an early ultrasound to make sure things are progressing properly.

So… AHHHHHHHH.. we are having another baby!

Business wise, I appreciate everyone patience with me in responding to emails and phone calls. I will only be accepting 3 weddings this year as well as being very limited to studio sessions. Please always call or email to check the schedule. During my down time I am hoping to be able to do some knitting and also doing some on-line workshops and spending a little more family time and eating myself big

Much Love ~

Don’t freak out… I know its not normal.

But there are just some days where I cant get my head or my mouth to stop talking…and lucky for you all.. hehehehe.. I have a blog where I can just talk and talk and talk and talk…if need be

I just have to say what  a great day it was today. The weather has been so beautiful- I just couldn’t help but to get out in it today- all by myself WooYaAa. It started out great by the kids getting up on their own- gotta love that! And then I stretched my brain muscles by doing 5th grade math. Umm, yeah.. there is a reason why I am not a teacher, a tutor, or a math professor… I SUCK at math. I am just glad her math books come with teacher books. Good Gravy! After I burned up a few thinkin wheels, I made a mad dash out of the house for some errands and a wonderful lunch date with a beautiful friend of mine. I have missed seeing her and laughing with her. She is amazing.. S- thank you for the lunch date- I needed that!

In between my errands I had to make a stop to mail off a Fed-Ex. Never have I done that before – and so after a few phone calls on where I could go to do that… I found my way to Money Depot. When I walked in it just felt so nice. They had a wonderful smelly incense thingy- loved it- and the gentleman that helped me was so nice. You forget what great customer service feels like until you are treated wonderful and wonder why there are so many icky- not-so- nice people in sales and retail. I will be doing all of my shipping from there- I don’t care if I have to travel. Money Depot has made it all worth my while.. and they give you a treat for doing business there. I mean, I am not the one to pass up some chocolate

By the time I got home, the kids had completed their school work… that to me was like a mommy orgasm! I was so happy and so relieved. I think I even squealed in delight when I heard that. To make my day even better.. I got a call that my new phone was in. Yippee Skippy. Now I no longer have to use my dino phone nor sit and watch my hubby play with all his apps. hhehehe- ok that sounds funny. Some of my clients were lucky enough to hear my phone when it has gone off- and what is funny about it is everytime, they look around with this terrible look on their face of “what the heck is that?!” Finally I have a REALLY neat and fun phone- with games and other stuff to keep me occupied and away from my laundry. Lucky me.

Yes, it was a great day- and I am fully blessed for it. Thank you Lord.

To make tomorrow better…. it would be great to get a full nights sleep. I am so tired of a cranky, fever getting, I’m-not-going-to-sleep-for-you- baby. I have watched so many episodes of Doogie  Howser- I could probably recite them.

And because a post just isnt good without a photo… here is a yummy pick for you to dream about eheheheh and i will tell you- they are GUUUUUUUUUUDDDD

What a crazy and long day! Enjoyable but Loooooooooonnnngggg.

Started out with a meeting for little charlie joe and getting him set up on speech. That little monkey still has no words yet. Its funny how we parents cant wait for the little ones to talk and then we spend the rest of our lives wishing they would just be quiet… for five minutes.. PLEASE. – Well I hope I am not the only one

After that- I got all dolled up for my radio interview. As I was leaving my husbands says ” you know its radio- they cant see you, right”? Well I know but I wanted to feel a little bit …special… important.. professional- at least until I open my mouth to talk LOL

I tell you …that is the MOST nerve racking thing. There – on the table- was that microphone STARING at you. And then for some odd reason I got STUPID embarrssed by talking into it. I dont know what I really sounded like but in my head I am hearing a 12 year old goofy kid rambeling on and on and not really making any sense. That is the excited little girl inside of me- jumping around and hyped up on sugar! Ahhh oh well.. I am sure I busted that whole interview- ok it actually makes me laugh. I am such a dork!

After I left there and stood in the parking lot to air out my sweaty arm pits… I did some not -so- fun errands… then I did one of those round trip drives- which are NOT fun I tell you.. to pick up all the kiddos and head out to oreintation for preschool.. ok SUPEr excited about that. I know he is too. Long day, but enjoyable

So I guess you are waiting to hear about the top 12 angels this week…… here are your top Angels…….

These Two Cuties… are tied

oops! These two are tied too! Its a close race kiddos!!

And here we have a THREE way tie…Hmm. how do you choose??? I think they are ALL adorable!!

OK I tried to get these all lined up pretty, but it is just not working for me tonight.. i am tired and HUNGRY.. and I just noticed that while I am typing this.. I am saying this all in my head with a southern accent.

weird.

Well I guess its nitey nite for me- MAYBE I will be able to sleep in tomorrow! Wouldn’t that be exciting?? It looks like a long day of laundry- ugh. Maybe…. I will be blessed by one of those fairy tale creators that will come in in the middle of the night and do ALL my laundry- including putting it away.. ahhhh… a girl can dream, right?

~loves

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