I had another chance to photograph Baby Hank – more affectionately known as “Hank the Tank”.  This time we did his 9 month photos.  It really is hard to believe it’s been that long!

Here’s just sneak peek of the session!

While I was visiting my Mum in the Boston area, I got to do an impromptu photo session for the precious little girl my Mum sometimes watches.  Baby C has a very serious side, but I did manage to get a few smiles out of her!

1. The month of January has been a great photography month for my family.  I started “Project 365″ at the beginning of the month as a way to ensure I take & share at least 1 photo everyday.  You can check out the photos over on my personal blog.

2.  This week brings with it my baby girl’s first birthday.  It’s hard to believe this little girl is turning 1 already!

3.  While looking at the calendar, I realized that yesterday marked 2 months until my husband graduated from his masters program.  That means that there’s just over 2 months until we have to be completely packed up and moved out – that’s a scary thought!!

4. For those who may not have heard, we will be moving to the UK – yes, as in England – once Carlos finishes up here.  While we are over the moon to get to live in Europe for a few years, it definitely is a little nerve wracking!  As a friend keeps reminding me, only 9 more weeks…

5.  Tonight I attempted (please note the word “attempted”) to make a red velvet cake.  Last time I made red velvet, I had to call it my “not-so-red” red velvet.  This time, although the color was great, the flavor definitely was not.  If anyone has a tried and true red velvet recipe, please share!!  I was volunteered for this task and I don’t want to disappoint.

6. Along those lines, I need to decide what sort of cake to make for my beautiful girl’s first birthday.  For Anna’s second birthday I went a little over the top with the cupcakes.

The ladybugs were on buttermilk cupcakes with buttercream frosting & the bees were on honey cupcakes with buttermilk frosting.  Any suggestions for Maya’s birthday?

7. Realizing that it’s almost february, I’m worried that we won’t get another major snow.  I missed all of the snow so far this winter, and last year I was in the hospital having Maya during the only significant snow.  Now I may be one of the few people who love snow storms, but I am bummed that I’ve missed it all – and all of the photo ops!  Fingers crossed for one more snow before we move!

8. If we do get another major snow storm, I would love to do a family shoot outside against the beautiful white canvas the snow creates.  If you’re interested, contact me and we can discuss it in more detail!

9. I think I’m going to miss the northeast winters when we live in England.  As much as we have grey and dreary winter days, we do get those occasional sunny & cold winter days.  There’s something so nice about seeing the sun bounce off the snow.  It just cheers me up. Not to mention it creates great light in my living room for photography!!

10. Truthfully though, I might be singing a different tune about #9 if we were stationed somewhere like Southern California next… Who needs winter when you can have sunny skies (mostly) year round!

At long last I’m getting around to blogging about my sister-in-law’s wedding from October!  When Jasmine asked me to photograph their wedding I was thrilled but also rather nervous as I had never photographed a wedding.

The weather was perfect for Jasmine & Kevin’s October wedding, the wedding was beautiful, and the city of Philadelphia was an amazing backdrop for photos.  Hopefully these photos have done the day justice!  Congratulations again J & K!

While back in Philadelphia visiting friends & family over the holidays, I got to meet Naomi – the newest member of our good friends’ family!  She is such a sweet little thing and was so good for the photographs.  Congrats again R Family – She is precious!

Holidays are a time for traditions.  Unfortunately this year it hasn’t been feeling much like Christmas because we just haven’t found time for any of the typical traditions – tree, lights, baking, parties, family, etc.  I think we might be one of the only homes without lights and a tree up at this point!

I have managed one tradition so far though.  When I was growing up, my family would always take time after Midnight Mass on Christmas Eve to drive around our neighbor and look at the luminaries that lined the streets.  There’s something about the quiet of a winter’s night combined with the glow of candlelight that makes it feel like Christmas.

The Metropark system in Dayton holds Luminary Walks every year at a few of the parks.  Volunteers line the paths with hundreds (probably thousands really) of candles and then light all of them at dusk.  I decided to go to Cox Arboretum on Friday night and although it was FREEZING cold (by the end of 1.5 hrs, I couldn’t operate my tripod – not to mention my fingers nearly froze to the tripod once or twice!!) it’s an amazing sight to see.  If you’re ever in Dayton in December, you should check it out – but in case you don’t make it, here are some photos of the event!

And don’t let the cold keep you away in future years – there are wonderful volunteers who keep the fireplace going and plenty of hot chocolate & s’mores to warm up with!