super mama.

Reese has loved her babies since forever. They sleep with her. She changes them, bathes them and just genuinely does whatever they need. Turns out they are really needy. Tonight she was running around naked (dancing, we promise we don't promote this behavior) and she decided to pee in the floor. I squealed, that instantly scared the mess out of her and she ran to the potty. As soon as she was done she ran to baby (turns out baby peed on the floor too) wiped her off, and ran her straight to the potty too. We waited for quite some time for baby to finally go. She gets nervous in front of crowds....
Mama Reese, excuse me, Reesie...

Waiting on baby, who has all the time in the world...

Still waiting...

This is actually baby's potty...

So then we put baby on this one. Baby had a lot to drink that day...

Such a good mama. She is so funny. Aunt Boo came and played with her yesterday and today. We have laughed so much at her. She is talking UP A STORM! It's hilarious. We are really watching what we are saying. She's repeating "Oh Shoot" alot. I'm going to miss her so much. I leave tomorrow for Dallas (not MY Dallas) but the one in Texas for another workshop. This one is Da Bomb, so I am SO excited!!

still kickin.

Anyone wondering if I fell off the face of the earth? I kinda feel that way. I don't think my days have ever been so packed as they were this month. In a good way, of course. Here's the recap:

I left Friday for a photography workshop in Charleston, SC. It was interesting. I LOVE Charleston (It always reminds me of Dallas b/c he went to school there, & we go there alot, so I was seriously missing him) so being there was great. The workshop was out at Middleton Plantation. It is a gorgeous resort but all antebellum and I'm more of a city kinda gal. I stayed each night with our second set of parents, the Brasington's. I knew I would want to spend time with them anyway when I came, so it worked out perfectly. They have a gorgeous (and I mean gorgeous) place on the water and so I lived like a STAR for the weekend. We talked, grilled out and just had a wonderful time. We are SO blessed to have them in our lives.

What next? The workshop. First off, turns out most photographers are dorks. Was that too frank? I'm sorry. I mean this only for a good laugh, but I felt like the cheerleader that walked into the wrong social group at school. HA! I'm only half kidding. It was weird. I did learn ALOT about the business side. That part was great. Also, I walked away feeling awesome as a photographer. It was great to hear people in the business for years WOWED by my work. YAY for me!! I needed to hear it. I fell empowered! That is a great feeling...

I did make some friends and I was even able to do alot of mentoring myself which felt great. Met a lot of cool Atlanta gals and we've already made plans for some photography get togethers. All in all, it was good.

I missed my Reesie. She is so funny. The girl has a sense of humor. Speaking of that, you MUST call her Reesie when referencing her. I said "Reese" and she looked at me, then said "No, Reesie." while pointing to herself. She is talking so much. It wears us out.

Dallas is still in Scottsdale. Poor baby, he is hanging in there so good. Even though we are far apart, it has been great so far. Hopefully I get out there soon. We are missing each other so much.

I head to Dallas, Tx this weekend...whew hoo! My brain is going to be fried...in a good way! This workshop is going to rock. These were my birthday presents from Dallas so I am super pumped!

Thanks for everyone's support of my work. God has really blessed me and my business has taken off. It is wonderful...

While I am being random, today I swallowed my drink wrong and i kinda choked as it all came flying out of my nose (it seriously hurt!!) and Reese, excuse me, "Reesie", laughed SO hard at me. She seriously was rolling. What a stinker.

I need to post a pic. Sorry, I have had two shoots a week (sometimes more) so I am on camera break when I get home. I have begun to get the hate mail, though, so I promise to be more dedicated. She was playing in her house when I got home Sunday night. Best purchase to date...

She gave me a Mr. T starter kit (her beads) soon after this....Gosh, I love her!

Have a good night!

Reese DaVinci

We have an open mind as parents, really not minding which path Reese takes in life.  A future in the arts?  Sure.  I am a little concerned about her becoming a tattoo artist.  She is really into body art.  

I guess she is expressing herself.  

I made a decision long ago to never work during the day with Reese (because it is impossible) but yesterday I HAD to check a client email.  It took FIVE SECONDS.  I looked down and Reese was covered. 

She's creative under pressure.

Hope everyone has a Happy friday! I am headed to Charleston to an awesome photography conference! So exciting!

P-A-R-T-Y

That's what last night felt like-A PARTY! (Proof that I really don't get out much) After a really fun newborn shoot in Atlanta yesterday afternoon, I met up with all the crazy girls at this hip new restaurant in Buckhead, LOLA. The food was exquisite and the conversation was painful to my abdominal muscles. Cool people have April birthdays, so we celebrated three of them with candles...

And celebrated an engagement too! It was a late night for me and I was exhausted when I walked in the door. I spotted these on counter from across the room...

My first instinct was "Who sent you flowers, Mom?" I hate flowers.  Seriously, I am the only girl that sees no value in them at all.  Especially red ones.  The only other time Dallas has sent them in six years was right after we met.  He knew purple was my favorite color and sent me a massive bouquet with a romantic card about our time together.  I think he was expecting a better reaction like most girls, so I had to fill him in.  Oops.  Guess I should have done a better job acting...Yesterday, he sent them for the second time.  I really love them. Just to tell me loves me, misses me and is sorry he wasn't here for me last week.  He made me and mom cry. (I think we are sleep deprived) Reese walks by them all day saying "Mommy's." So sweet.

I'm a lucky gal...

spiffying up the place...

We are moving mountains around here, people. You would think that statement was true since I have hardly had time to blog, but we're slowly making some house progress. I have all these little projects lined up.  My mom is absolutely wonderful and is working so hard to make my ideas come true.  While she is in the garage painting old furniture, I finally ordered these storyboard shots of Reese for the wall.  I've had this in my head since forever and we finally hung these babies up! Do you like em?  I think they are so cool! I'll post all my little scattered thoughts as they play out for ya.  I'm all about sharing.  These are in the hallway outside Reesie cup's room.  Sorry for the funky colors in this shot...

I can't wait to share my study when it is complete! Probably another week considering I have two more shoots this week and I leave Friday to go out of town. Praise Jesus for my mama! I couldn't do anything without all her help. Have a great night!

that dang paparazzi

A girl can't even squeeze in a good afternoon nap without disguising herself...

#1 We did not put her to sleep like this.  Mom walked in to check on her and found her like this.  What can I say....this chick LOVES her shades!

#2 Remember how I ended my last post?  Wonder what tomorrow will bring?  Well, it brought a swollen face, a root canal, pain meds, more swelling and another root canal.  I've never had a cavity, but I am into some teeth drama.  Hopefully it ends this week.

#3 Dallas' back is bothering him.  We'll see.  

#4 If you are headed to Vegas, you DO NOT want to bring the McPherson's.  Our luck is seriously poopy these days.

Hope everyone had a great weekend! I'm just glad our lives can bring a smile to someone else's face...

just chillin.

We are loving our house. Georgia just feels good.

Aunt Boo came and played with us today. Reese danced in the middle of the Mexican restaurant during lunch. 

I am slammed with work, yay for me, not so yay for my sleep each night.

We miss dallas.  I mean, really, really miss dallas. I hear "Daddy. Ball." all day.

We are with my mom every second...and loving it!

I'm finally decorating my office.  I bought a desk today for $64 at the thrift store.  I saw one episode of the Today Show with some thrifty lady with luck I do not have and next think ya know I'm loading up Dallas' truck with a desk. This is my first attempt at being crafty.  It usually ends BAD.  (In the thrift store, Reese wanted the beads aka grandma beads for sale...uhm, no!)

Rookie snores. LOUD. (keep in mind I am up, so it seems even louder at 3 a.m...)

Me & the girls are planning a trip to see the Hannah Montana movie...don't judge.

I feel like I pull my pants up a lot lately.  Is it b/c I'm a mom?  my jeans are too low? it's annoying me.

I am soooo looking forward to my THREE photography workshops this month.

I need a new bedspread.  I have no drive to search for one.

I'm thinking of highlights.  This means, I'll highlight my hair, ask people if they like it, even if they do, I'll dye it back myself a week later....it's a disease.

I need to be on my treadmill that is right below me in my nice, private gym.  Instead, I'm on blogger.

That's me.  Today.  Who knows what tomorrow will bring.

Easter Recap

Yesterday was wonderful. Wonderful Easter weather and fun with family. Exactly as it should be, except we missed Dallas. My sister hosted Easter this year and we had a blast. Reese never stopped playing all day. She loves her Boo & D. D entertained her by hopping like a bunny. Always one to put on accessories, she felt the need to wear the ears too...

And Gigi too...

This one is on my business site but I just had to add it here too!

All of us hid the eggs and Reese's basket was waiting for her!

Some eggs. It got a little confusing b/c every house in the neighborhood was having a hunt with 100 kids.

Reese is a pro...She shook them too (I put money in them) When I was a kid we had money in our eggs. As I got older, I tossed the ones with candy. One egg had a $20 and all of us were on the hunt. Imagine what we're going to have to put in our kids eggs when they are teens. Probably a blackberry, a car or something...oh crap...

Aunt Boo walking Will & Reese. Will escaped and ran away a lot!

Reese and her Gigi! Gigi blowing kisses to her girl!

Beth helped all the kids get on the swing..

Reese following Will (trying to keep up with him)...

Some bubbles in between egg hunting...

And finally, a cupcake. She never gets sweets so this was her first reaction...

Second reaction...

And third. Yum....Guess third times a charm...

It was so much fun! Thanks Boo & D! We miss Dallas so much! I forgot to mention (oops, minor detail) he signed with the Giants and he's in Scottsdale getting ready to play (since he didn't do any live baseball for over a week). He's enjoying his AZ family...thanks Mauri & Marc!

Happy Easter Ya'll!

Last night I had a photo shoot, so Reese & her #1 (gigi) colored eggs. Mom said they dropped some, spilled lots but had a blast! I have no doubt her statement is 100% true...

Reese was very proud of them this morning. Gigi and I called her into the den to see what the Easter Bunny brought...

She ran across the room saying "Busty!!" (aka Buster & Darby combo) Check out how serious she was after. She's kinda like her mama (not really a morning person).

After breakfast, we hopped in the car, popped in Tigger & Pooh, the Musical DVD compliments of Mr. Bunny and drove to Boo & D's. We had a blast. Reese partied ALL day! I've got lots of pics to share, here's just the first two I grabbed. Fun with Papa...

And a cute shot of her favorite Aunt Boo. ..

I'm worn out from our trip and working every second it seems but I'll get lots more up tomorrow! Check out my biz blog for another cute one of Reese. She is a ham!
Hope everyone had a wonderful Easter celebrating Jesus!!
Thank you so much Nielson's & Treece's for all of your LOVE....Dallas has spent everyday with them and Easter too! You are so special to us!

Today...

I'm thankful.  

Maybe it's because I drove Dallas to the airport at 5 this morning, unknowing of when we will see each other again, watched him tearfully say goodbye as he kissed Reese in her crib or more so, from the death of the Angels baseball player.  I didn't know him personally, but I didn't need to.  I think we all become aware that it could be our husband. I called Dallas to tell him I loved him, no really "I Thank God For You" a hundred times today (he was sweet but I know it got old) just so he would know.  

Life is short. Treat others well, live each day to the fullest and get to know Jesus Christ.

Not now, Mr.Bunny.

Last Friday, during our Florida farewell, we met the Baker's for our 100th trip to the Juno Beach cafe. Yum... Not one to stop when we're all having fun, we decided to carry the party on at the mall. After shopping, John trying on some very questionable outfits and modeled them to cheer Dallas up (nordstrom actually carried a pair of bright blue cut off jean shorts), then we made wishes in the fountain and hit up Mr. Bunny. He was the same one from last year, so you would think it would have gone over smoother. Guess Reese isn't good with faces...Instead, it went much like our Santa visit...
She scoped out the flowery scene...Notice where her shades are placed. This is a 24 hour thing...

This lady tried to convince her that the BIG Bunny in the chair was no different than this little bunny...she's not falling for that...

She was only going if her Gigi (aka best lady on this whole darn planet) sat with her. Gigi looks happy to see him, right?? I think Reese is telling him up front, "Gigi goes, I go..."

She tried staying and leaning out of the shot...

Then, Gigi left and Reese peaced outta there 2 seconds after...

Next, As usual, Reese got what she wants, complete with shades and everything!

And finally, here's the shot that cost us $22.95. ..

As her reward, we all (I mean ALL) emptied our pockets so Reese could make a wish, make that 100 wishes...

She kisses it, then wishes for a team to, for once, start her Daddy over the people who can't even speak English...she really did...

Reese and her two favorites...John & Meghan! We miss them so much!! I know they miss Reese...John can do a mean Reese impression...We love ya'll!!

4.6.09

Today, I turned 31. Seriously, 31. I don't know what exactly to think of 31. It sounds weird (& wishful) but I still feel 28ish. I do. I'll go ahead and insert what Dallas would say here..."It's because you're married to a younger man..." insert drums...Bah, Dum, Chi. He's funny. These days not as funny as usual. He is really sweet, though. I am Brad Paisley's biggest fan. I think that if Dallas didn't feel confident that 5'4 skinny guys aren't my type, he'd be worried. Dallas dedicated his new song, "Then" to me. He didn't go old skool on me and call an Atlanta radio station, but we listened. The song melts my heart...

My present was supposed to be sitting at the Marlins game on Opening Day (no pressure) but I know God has a better gift ahead. My family celebrated my birthday last night and Boo made me a cake. Dallas and I are headed for a date night tonight. My girlfriend Donna got me perhaps, the funniest gift of all...thank goodness for best friend's like this...

It's yummy & fun all at the same time. Believe it or not, we have moved on. She said you should have seen the girls face writing it. Excuse me, what? "Just write Marlins Suck, they do." Then, at the checkout the girl saw it and said she needed to make one for her professor. Donna noted that it really was the "mature" thing to do. Gotta love sarcastic friends!! God Bless them.

And Reese brought me a card, she LOVES Pooh, Tigger and Darby these days. She did some artwork to send me the love...

I've been working so much that I haven't had my camera out, so here's some shots from last week. Reese & Averie watching Handy Mandy (Reese loves saying "tooools") before bedtime. We miss her...

So cute.  I didn't get to finish the bunny pics.  Something to look forward to tomorrow!