{Dean} #2 Birthday Pics

We had my little man's second birthday pics taken yesterday with Karen Carpenter Photography. It was an amazingly sunny and beautiful winter day. I got a little sneak peek of some of the pics yesterday, and Karen did a GREAT job {as usual}!

Because Dean is having a balloon party, the obvious prop for his photo shoot was balloons. I know I'm slightly biased, but I sure do love this one!


The chalkboard with Dean's stats is an idea I saw on Pinterest. I love the idea of writing down your child's age and some of his/her interests at that time, so it's never forgotten. He wasn't exactly cooperating 100% with these {not wanting to sit in the right spot ;-}, but Karen was able to get a cute one nonetheless!


His party colors are navy, light blue and red, so I dressed him in those colors for the shoot. He was "jumping" here :-}

**Thank you Karen Carpenter Photography for your patience, time & expertise! You are the BEST!

{Photography} Experimenting...

...a little with lighting. Like most of you, I adore the Christmas season, and always admire the Christmas tree pictures I see on the web where there is that soft, pretty glow from the tree lights. My tree pics would always come out looking too bright, too dark, or giving the appearance that the lights were completely washed out. After experimenting unsuccessfully on my own a few times, I finally decided to try an online tutorial {click here to read the tips}. Magic! My tree pics look much better....not perfect....still a lot to learn, but a huge improvement from last year.


I even took one when it was light outside, and I was happy with the results. You can actually see the lights shining on the tree.


Dean and I have been reading the Nutcracker story before bed each night, and he loves it. His favorite part is when the nutcracker doll gets broken -- he says, "Ut oh!" about a hundred times ;-} While in Target last week, we happened to stumble upon a nutcracker ornament, and in the cart it went. He loves touching it ;-}


My Christmas mantle pic looks a lot better than my fall mantle pic. It definitely gives a better idea as to what the mantle looks like when the white twinkly lights are turned on.


On Saturday night, my little family went to the Pitman Grove light display. I tried my new lighting technique out while there, and I wasn't as crazy about the way the pics turned out. I think it may not have been dark enough because of all the light displays.

The Pitman Grove light display was a really fun little outting -- close by, no lines, about a 15 minute walk-thru, Santa & Mrs. Clause pics, and it's free {donations only}. Can't beat that!

{Dean} 6 Month Photo Shoot

My up and coming photographer friend, Karen of Karen Carpenter Photography, just took some fabulous pictures of my little guy at 6 months of age. I wish I could share all of them with you, but here is just a little peek! I love them and already have her all lined up for Dean's one year shots!

{Purchases} Got my....COUTORE!

Ahhhh....isn't it gorge?!?! I LOVE it! I've been keeping my eyes peeled for a coutore of my own and I finally found it tonight. I just happened to jump on Shey B's website before bed and I spotted it. How sassy are the feathers....with polkadots!?! Love the raspberry and grey colors too :)

We decided on a camera too....the Canon Rebel it is. We just happened to hit a sale this week at Best Buy, which is always nice when you're making a big purchase.

***I'm also happy to report that after a rough couple of nights, my son is finally sleeping soundly in his crib!!! Hallelujah! He has been a stubborn little bugger with the transition, and I'm sure there will be more bumps in the road but honestly, I'm thrilled that he's been asleep {by himself} in his nursery for the last three hours...is he going to give me another three?

{Photography} New Camera?

How gorgeous is this camera strap slipcover?
It's called "The Coutore". Oh, but isn't it?!
The rosettes...the beautiful colors...the fabric...
I want one.
Like yesterday.
One problem.
I don't have a fancy camera.
But, wait!


My little fit-in-your-purse size Kodak camera has been acting up lately. My husband (and myself) have been getting annoyed with it because it has erased some of the pictures we have taken of our son. When something bothers my husband, he does something about it. Thank goodness. So, this past weekend at the shore, Bo suggested that we buy a good camera as an anniversary (2 years on June 22nd) gift to each other. Ummmm....okay!!!! Not sure which one we'll get, but I'm excited!

I might get my "Coutore" afterall. *Shey*[B] (http://sheyb.bigcartel.com/product/the-coutore) is the brilliant mind behind these "designer" camera straps. They are one-of-a-kind and she only makes one every once in a while. Once it's posted, it's first come first serve. No custom orders. No two alike. Yikes! I'm looking for one with dark pink rosettes....once I see it, it's mine!