Townes Nova's Newborn Pictures

When we had Theron I never thought about getting newborn pictures. We took what the hospital offered and that was that. I never regretted it but knew that if we had another baby that I would most likely decide to have newborn pictures taken because they are just so darn cute. This time around, with Townes, I definitely knew I wanted Nicole to take his pictures. She is as talented as she is kind and bubbly! 

Nicole came out to our home when Townes was a little over a week old and took some lifestyle shots. She did a fabulous job and I am so happy I have these to treasure. Theron was in school or we definitely would have included him. I'm sure there will be many more photo ops for him to be included! 

I'll share a few of my favorites today! Oh, and recently someone commented on the blog asking how we came up with both of the boys' names and if I'd share. Of course I will! We chose Theron because it is one of David's favorite hockey players and his middle name Drake comes from a musician Nick Drake that David liked. We liked how the two names flowed together and so we have our Theron Drake. For Townes, his name comes from Townes Van Zandt, another musician who David really likes and his middle name Nova comes from a song, Supernova, by Ray LaMontagne that is super happy and carefree...a trait we hope our Townes possesses. It's kinda funny because we never really even considered any other names or looked through name books. Both names came to us very organically and they just felt right! 

Nicole is super talented and down-to-earth. I highly recommend her If you're located in the St. Louis Metro area; she is an obvious favorite photographer choice! 

xo

New Blog Design + Theron Pics!

Hi, guys! 

It's been awhile, so I hope you're all doing well! Things are pretty normal here--just winding down for the end of the school year [only two more weeks!] and preparing for our European vacay that's in less than three weeks. Yikes!

As you can see, the blog got a sweet new makeover by the kind and very talented, Cindy from Cinsarah. We met through Instagram, seriously, I still LOVE Instagram and I immediately loved her blog and design work. She got right to work on my order and delivered in a MAJOR way.  The blog just feels like me now. Ya dig? Ooh, she just hit the nail on the head in all aspects. Thanks, Cindy! xo

And, since I really don't have any home updates to share I'll just share some Theron Drake pics from the other night. 

There's this little place in our town that's pretty magical when the light is just right. It's a very small field with an old wooden gate and wildflowers galore. I always want to take TD out there.

Last weekend we randomly made a pit stop and I was able to snap just a few shots before we had a meltdown.  

He wasn't a fan because he really would have rather been at the park. But even so, I did manage to grab a couple of keepers. I just snap away with hopes of even one goodie. 

I really thought he should humor me since it was Mother's Day and all. Those toddler agendas. Haha!

This kid stops dead in his tracks to hear his favorite stories.  Such a book worm. 

He loves this cheap truck book and makes all of us repeat all of the types of trucks, tractors, farm equipment, and whatever else that moves in the book all.of.the.time.  And I love it. 

Buddy boy can't catch a break with those two year molars.  That hand in the mouth is a constant look around these parts. 

And just for good measure, here's the little kiddo nearly a year ago in the same spot.  It makes my heart full.  

xoxo

California Recap: Part One

We headed out to Cali two weeks ago to share in the joy of my sister-in-law's wedding to my new brother-in-law, Tim. We stayed out there for 6 days and made it into a real vacation instead of just a wedding trip! We flew into San Diego and stayed in La Jolla the whole time. I did a lot of research before booking our accommodations and finally decided upon The Empress. At the time it was rated #1 in La Jolla on Tripadvisor.com {now it's rated #2--still good in my book!}. I was afraid it was going to be one of those "too good to be true" hotels, but it was just as promised! The staff was friendly and very helpful. If you're ever in that area, I highly recommend it!

The first day we shopped {and bought my LV}, went to Old Town for lunch, and walked around the gorgeous Balboa Park.

My Husband, The Groom, and my Father-in-law!

The workers making fresh tortillas at the restaurant.


My yummy lunch @ Old Town Mexican Restaurant!

Next up was the absolutely stunning Balboa Park!

When we got back to La Jolla we took a stroll around the area and to the wedding bowl {a small wedding was taking place, too} where Em and Tim would be married later in the week!

More parts to come! Thanks for reading!

xoxo

Early Morning

So on a total whim, I suggested that David and I get up super early on Sunday and take a drive around our little town to snatch some pictures at a prime-o time for lighting. I am pretty happy with what I was able to get and can't wait to get better with my photography. Some of these had a little help in photoshop but some are SOOC {straight out of camera!}.

I am seriously thinking about posting some of my novice, but loved by me, photos on Etsy. But, then I doubt myself and think who would want to buy them? Am I delusional or should I just try it? Time will tell I guess! But until then, take a little look at my babies from Sunday.

Or do you fancy a black and white version?

As always, thanks for reading and commenting! It seriously makes my day.

xoxo

Pictures and Reflections on a Dinner

Joi has become quite skilled at editing her pictures with Photoshop. What you may not know is that I too can edit pictures with Photoshop and decided to let you see what I've been working on. Any and all feedback is appreciated.

Here is Niko and Koty at a luau in Hawaii. Those 2 had quite a time over there. Unfortunately they felt uneasy when they saw an animal being roasted. I wonder why they are so sympathetic towards eating animals? I used a nice Vintage action on this one.

Here is a self-portrait of Joi and Niko. I always tell Niko not to tilt his head into the picture because it cuts the person next to him out. Some kids never learn. He really has grown hasn't he? Seems like only yesterday he could curl up right in my lap. I decided to use a Sepia-tone action on this one.

This is kind of a silly one those two took in the car. Like mother like son I guess. Since it was a silly picture I used a silly action: cartoon. I'm so funny!

For Connie's birthday we went to the Melting Pot to eat. Here is Niko and Joi enjoying their food. We didn't tell Niko that he was eating meat. We're so mean! If you look closely you can see how much of his adult teeth have come in. Really quite impressive. I decided to give this one a nice 70's feel. He probably won't like this because the 70's cuts a little too close to his anti-Elvis sentiment.


On an unrelated note, last night I got out of the house (Niko was sick of me) and I went out to eat to a dainty little tea room called Golden Gate in Granite City. I would feel less masculine for using the adjective "dainty" but I'm not sure there are any more manly words that could be used for a tea room. I went with mom, dad, sis, and her 2 friends Lynn and Debra. I just want to say that I've got a cool family and Em has 2 really good friends in those 2. We had quite little meal and then off for desert at Mr. Twist (or Twistie Mister or "It's a twista It's a twista" (you know, from "The Wizard of Oz")) which is a landmark in Granite City. I also learned 2 very important lessons last night: 1)Next time you go to a pharmacy and the person working there is a "tech" or "technician" don't ask them a question about what medicine to take because they are not allowed to answer questions like that and if they do they can get fired. 2)If you are making a citizen's arrest and you have tackled the culprit to the ground and he says he needs to pull his pants up after you chased him, don't let him because it is all just a ruse so he can escape.

Garden State

In an effort to get more practice with my camera before Spain, David and I have been taking little day trips to fun places. First we went to Forest Park a couple weeks ago and the other day we visited the Missouri Botanical Gardens. I picked the second hottest day of the summer so far and let me tell you, I felt the heat. David says for every degree hot it is, I complain that much more. Ha. He's probably right. I better get over that bad habit soon because the forecast in Spain is way hotter. Lucky me. : )

The gardens are super expansive and meticulously up kept. We don't get there every year, but it is a nice place to take in when you can. Next time I'll remember to go in a much cooler time of year! I am happy to say that I finally took my camera off of the settings and shot in manual half of the day! I set the ISO, aperture, shutter speed, and manual focused all on my own. I have tons to learn, but I am happy I at least took the first baby step. There are numerous problems with their composition, but they're mine and they make me happy.

We ended the afternoon at a cute little cupcake bar, Jilly's, for lunch and what else--cupcakes!

We had some mini burgers and a black bean, tomato, and cheese quesadilla and then bought some cupcakes to go. I almost ate an entire one today and have to admit that I think the Cupcakery in the Central West End is better. To make absolute sure I'll have to visit that place again real soon for comparison purposes! ; )