23 weeks

This week was quite productive. I got toys cleaned, baby clothes washed, a closet somewhat organized, living room furniture rearranged--and now I'm done for a while. I keep thinking that I need to take advantage of the little urges to clean and organize because they are few and far between.

Weeks: 23

Weight gain:10.5 total. I lost a few last week--started going on more walks and eating better. Definitely eating lots and tummy is getting bigger, though!

Baby's size: A little over 1 pound.

Maternity clothes: Just been wearing lots of tank tops and comfy shorts--very attractive.

Changes: Feeling LOTS of movement and it goes across my entire stomach now. 

Food cravings: CHOCOLATE.

Food aversions: Nothing, really.

Best moment this week: Organizing his room and doing his first of many loads of laundry.

Worst moment this week: Haven't slept too great the past few nights but I don't think it is pregnancy related--except that I can't sleep on my stomach or back.

Missing anything: Eating normally scheduled meals--I am basically always hungry:)

Looking forward to: A friend's Bachelorette Party this weekend in Tahoe--I'm looking forward to the girl time and the beach time.

I have a sweet husband who kisses me on the forehead. I appreciate that.

Thank you for taking these photos of us, Kris!:)

Chico California Photographer::Adventure

You know those friends who just always seem to get you? They are truly genuine and tend to be the most encouraging in times of need. That is my friend Krissy. She listens when you need her to listen and she gives advice when needed. Her husband is equally as amazing. Not to mention their hilarious humor, gorgeous style, and contagious need for adventure in life!

These two are heading across the country in a few months to start an adventure--a farming adventure. When Krissy called me a while back to talk about this move, I remember saying "Why not?!". My advice is do it while you can. Besides all of us missing them like crazy, there is no reason not to go! I am really excited for them and know that this will be a growing experience for their marriage, their careers, and them individually.

While in town this past weekend for our dear friend's wedding, we got to sneak away with them for some photos and a little coffee date. I will be sharing more of their photos later but here is a sneak peek of our time spend together!

 We love you two--can't wait to share more photos. We had a blast(as always) and come back to Chico soon:)

Chico California Photographer::Nesting at 23 weeks?

Nesting: an uncontrollable urge to clean one's house brought on by a desire to prepare a nest for the new baby, to tie up loose ends of projects, and to organize your world. 

Yesterday afternoon/evening was really fun for me. And by fun, I mean laundry, organizing, and spending a lot of time on the floor in the nursery.

I posted this photo on instagram(mrsdla).

A few days ago, as you might've read in the last post, friends of ours welcomed their little girl into the world--4 weeks early. That, combined with some of our best friends having their nursery coming together(they're due in mid September), I think I got the itch to get our little one's room together. Yes, we are not even 6 months along but I have been spending a lot of my time thinking about how to lay out his room and moving furniture all over the house(Travis moves the furniture with a smile on his face). 

His closet seems stuffed because we don't have a dresser yet. I am really wanting to buy this dresser that will double as a changing table. It's from Ikea and we know it is on sale right now but trying to figure out some logistics of how to get it since we don't have an Ikea super close to us. (And not really wanting to spend $250 right now.)

We seriously feel overwhelmed with how generous people are. We have not purchased a single item of clothing for our baby boy--besides a few garage sale $1 items.

Every time we visit family, they have something for the baby. 

Friends have given us literally trash bags full of baby boy clothes(6mo to 18 mo), toys, and bottles. The family I work for gave us a Boppy, a Bumbo, a bottle warmer, and we purchased our carseat and two bases from them.

Anyways, jumbled thoughts on the blog today. 

I will definitely be doing a Nursery post once we have everything all together, which will probably be a few months!

Thanks for following and if you have any thoughts on Nursery dressers, please share:)

Chico California Photographer::In Awe

While visiting some of our good friends in the hospital after they had their baby girl, I was in awe. Of a lot of things, really.

I was in awe that she was a she! Our friends had decided not to find out what they were having and we were all thinking boy (the dad's family is all boys!).

I was in awe that she came 4 weeks early and was just so little and perfect. No breathing tubes or medical assistance needed, just wrapped in a blanket--dozing in my arms.

I was in awe that her little cries were more endearing than anything. Travis said as we were walking out "I loved hearing her cry. It's so cute". (I think that'll fade.)

I was in awe of this baby's momma (&daddy). We were in the room that she delivered in, just two hours after giving birth, and she looked amazing. Truly.

I was in awe of how real this all made my pregnancy seem. At the end of this there will be a labor and delivery--that has seemed like such a far ways away. But really, it isn't. It is just around the corner.

I was really in awe of how good God is. Seeing a newborn is proof that we have an amazing creator.

(that's my hand under her feet--just so you can get a feel of how preciously tiny she is.)

Chico California Photographer::Found some goodies

I found some goodies. I can't tell you how excited I was to find these photos while cleaning up some memory cards. I thought I had lost them. Last January we had some friends stay with us while in town for a wedding. We decided to go out in our backyard and take some photos. These put a serious smile on my face.

 I love everyone in these photos and their expressions. We were a crazy bunch that weekend and it was great! Jumping in one mile pool(a manmade pool of flowing creek water in Bidwell Park) at midnight when it was FA-REEZING--we felt like kids again.

So, this post is to you friends. Looking forward to doing it again!

22 weeks

Hi there friends! I officially feel pregnant now. I get these little smiles from strangers after I notice them look down at my belly. 

While at Travis' parent's house Friday night, I was laying on the floor while a few of us watched my belly jiggle and bounce from baby kicks. My stomach looked little,I thought--so compact and like a cantaloupe was under my shirt.

Fast forward to Saturday and all of a sudden I felt big. It could have partly been this dress that I was wearing. It was tightest right above my belly and then just flowed--it didn't form to my figure. However, even Travis' mom said that I looked a lot bigger than the day before! Ah!

I do have some pictures of my face in this outfit but we had just gotten back from shooting a wedding and my cheeks were still bright red from standing in the sun:)

Onto 22 week deets...

Weeks: 22

Weight gain: 12.5 (oops...we ate a lot the past week!)

Baby's size: About 11 inches long and weighing a little over 1 pound.

Maternity clothes: Tops are getting a little short but still work. I bought some yoga pants for $9, the dress pictured above for $12, and a high waisted skirt for $10 all on sale from Target. I was in need of some bottoms that were comfy.

Changes: I really think I've popped out--I also think I'll be saying that every week from here on out!

Food cravings: Sweets and carbs...maybe thats why I gained an extra pound this week. Need to be more disciplined.

Food aversions: Nothing really.

Best moment this week: Feeling him move so much is such a great reassurance that he is doing well--I enjoy it a lot! We also got to skype with our new niece and see our sister with her new baby! 

Worst moment this week: I am tired. I took a nap yesterday and it was amazing. 

Missing anything: Not really.

Looking forward to: Getting closer to November!

Chico California Photographer::Tom and Amber

We are excited to share some of Tom and Amber's Wedding photos. Their day was filled with people who love them and lots of smiles. Amber was a relaxed bride and ,of course, Tom was enjoying the party! Are there even grooms out there who get stressed?:)

This wedding took place at the Lakeside Pavilion in California Park. It was a hot day but was just perfect! 

I will mostly let these photos speak for themselves--check them out and don't be shy to share with Tom and Amber how great it was!

Chico Strings added a special element to the ceremony.

Amber walked down and aisle and Tom met her halfway.

I love spending time with a new bride and groom!

 The reception was held indoors and it seemed everyone was on their feet the whole time!

 The event proceeded with cake, toasts, and lots of dancing!

Thank you Amber and Tom for such a great day. We are so happy to see you as husband and wife! 

San Diego California Wedding Photographer::Quick Sneak Peek

Well, our short time in San Diego is coming to an end and I wanted to share a quick sneak peek of the new Mr. and Mrs. from today!

Abby looked so sweet and beautiful. Allen was very studly in his yellow bowtie.

We loved working with these two and it is always fun to be back in San Diego!

Chico California Wedding Photographer:: Moments

We all know that there are seasons to life--seasons where your mind seems to stay focused on certain things. 

Some seasons in life are tough--it seems that during these times we focus on survival, on getting through each day. When these seasons pass we are more aware of moments that showcase life, happiness, and laughter--in my opinion.

For me, in this season of life, I seem to be focused on special moments between people. Moments in my life, moments in friends and family's lives, and moments in our client's lives. 

I have to say that besides the time I get to spend with a freshly just-walked-down-the-aisle-couple, my most favorite moments as a Wedding Photographer are my moments spent with just the bride and her details. I truly enjoy photographing the glow a bride. Her details are icing on the cake--she has spent months and months planning how these details will come together. How can I possibly overlook them? 

These details tend to say a lot about the bride--her style does not go unnoticed. Her bridesmaids work hard to make sure she is happy with how things have turned out. I just know that when I was a bride, I would have been a mess without the help of sisters, friends, and family helping pull all of the details together on our special day. 

So, as I am finishing up one Wedding from June and gearing up for another this weekend, I am loving the moments that I am blessed to capture through my camera. And here are just a few sneak peeks at Amber and her details--full blog post by Monday.

Thanks for following!

21 weeks

This really is so much fun! I'm trying to savor every kick and roll. I'm also trying to be more aware of sweet moments between just Travis and I--we won't get these times back with it being just the two of us.

Again, this photo was taken closer to 22 weeks than 21 but I going to try to catch up this week! 

Weeks: 21

Weight gain: 10 lbs

Baby's size: the length if a carrot!

Maternity clothes: My shirts all still fit but my pants have to either be stretchy or maternity.

Changes: I'm starting to feel rolls and not just kicks--it's so fascinating!

Food cravings: CHOCOLATE.

Food aversions: Nothing, really.

Best moment this week: Seeing our baby boy at an ultrasound. This ultrasound was not as fun--it was more medically based. The tech had to check all of her boxes to make sure the baby is healthy. The tech was not super friendly but we loved just watching him move around on the screen.

Worst moment this week: Discussing Christmas plans with family--realizing we might be separated because he will be so little. Travis and I aren't driving to Tahoe in the snow with our newborn. We think it is what's best for our little family and that's what matters. Family might just have to come to Chico for Christmas!

Missing anything: A short bedtime routine. I feel like it has doubled--vitamins, lotioning up and spreading Biooil everywhere.

Looking forward to: Seeing family this weekend! It is always fun:)

It was also super exciting this past week because my Mom and I went and picked out baby boy's bedding! I'm so thankful that my mom is going to be making his bedding and a special quilt. It is going to be perfect!

20 weeks

Hello Halfway!!!
Alright, I'm getting a little behind--we are actually 21 weeks right now but these photos were taken at 20 weeks(+5 days).

Weeks: 20

Weight gain: 9 lbs. Right on track to gain 30 total.(Feeling large--I know, just wait.)

Baby's size: Length of a banana--that seems so big to me!

Changes: Feel like I've popped out. Although, we went garage saling last weekend with two other couple who are expecting and people didn't ask when my due date was--just theirs. I was wearing a looser shirt, though.

Maternity clothes: Same--bottoms yes but my tops still fit. 

Food cravings: Starting to crave sweets.

Food aversions: Burgers. Although, Travis is very happy that In N Out isn't sounding so gross anymore.:)

Best moment this week: Hearing baby boy's heartbeat again and painting the nursery. 

Worst moment this week: My stomach is getting more sensitive--hello TUMS.

Movement: He is so active right now. Friends and family have felt him and Travis and I just sit on the couch at night watching my belly bounce. He's getting stronger!

Missing Anything: Not really.

Looking Forward to: Another ultrasound this Thursday! Can't wait to see him!!

Chico California Photographer:: M Family

We had such a great time catching up with these two and their new baby boy. We photographed their wedding and now got to take photos of them as a family! Daddy is such a character and we think his son will be taking after him--making people laugh. Breanna is a natural at being a mommy.

Enjoy some photos of our time spent together in Chico--baby L is pretty cute.

 I just love his little hands in this next photo...

 Sweet kicks, buddy!