Emma & Elise came in to this world a wee bit early…10 weeks early to be exact.  They just couldn’t wait to share the world with their parents & big brother, Max.

Once they both arrived home from the hospital, I finally got to visit them.  They were just wonderful.

I know a lot of times parents of newborns get frustrated or apologize that their children aren’t “cooperative.”  I usually tell them, “If they didn’t cry, I’d be surprised.”  I expect babies to fuss, to whine, to cry, & to HATE having me squish & pose & move them every so often.  It’s what they do.  The final images I show usually are the result of a lot of shushing, rocking, & patience.  So future newborn clients, take note!

And now, meet the new family of five!

Whoa!  Yesterday was one of the coolest birthday parties my girls have attended recently.  Brooke’s classmate was turning four and invited her to his pirate party.  Pirate party?  Yes, you read correctly!  Pirate Adventures on the Chesapeake gives an awesome pirate experience:  face-painting, dress up, sailing aboard the Sea Gypsy VI, water canon fights, and treasure hunting!  After all of these adventures, we came back for some Rocco’s pizza & birthday cake.  My kids, and me, slept very, very well.  Thanks for a wonderful party Blake & Pirate Adventure crew!

Last Saturday I got the  chance to meet with Pam Bolig & her sweet family on the Eastern Shore.  Pam and I had been communicating back & forth about having a session at a sweet park with awesome morning lighting near her home.  When we arrived there were about 4 deer with their heads peeking above the tall grass at the park.  I think we were in their territory because about half way through the session they returned with a buck – like they brought their “man” to shoo us off!

Despite the deer, & the thought of all kinds of critters in the tall grasses, we had a wonderful time!  Emma was such an angel & lasted very long for such a young model.  Thanks John, Pam & Emma for having me over.  Enjoy your photos!

Yesterday our dear sweet friend Jaime came over and gave Emma & I haircuts!  (mine included a little color too!)  Emma said she wanted a haircut like mommy’s so that meant short!  Here she is with most of it chopped off!  Now she really does look ready for kindergarten!

And if any of you moms dread getting your haircut because: A) you’ll have to pay for a babysitter too, or B) you just don’t have time, then get in touch with Jaime!  We met at our daughters’ preschool and in MOPS and she is certified, trained, formerly worked at Bubbles & comes right to your house!  It was great!  The girls played while she highlighted & cut my hair and it was such a relief!  Let me know if you want Jaime to come do your hair too.  She also does those fancy up-do’s for weddings & special occasions too!

Let me catch you up on the last 7 days of the 365 Project…

Emma could’ve passed for a fish during our vacation – she barely left the pool!

The seafood lovers in the family steamed crabs – poor little guys!

We had a family photo session on the beach with each family – here was part of the Rode family.  It was Maeby’s first ocean experience!

Our last day at the beach!

When I got home these little guys were waiting for me!  My new business cards from MOO!  They may have your pretty mug on them!

I think I have finally settled on my packaging.  Thanks to the boxes & ribbon from WHCC & the “OPEN ME” cards I made at MOO!

My latest find at the Target “dollar” bin – but these were $2.50 each.  Not bad for five bucks!

And we’re all caught up – until I photograph for today!