Sunday, May 18, 2014

Len & James Engagement Photoshoot!!

On a sleepy Sunday morning in downtown Austin, I made my maiden voyage as a photographer.  My dear friends, one of my firsts down in Austin are saying their "I Dos" on July 11th this year in Mexico.  Matt and I won't be able to make it to the wedding, so I was honored to have had this morning to witness and capture the love between these two.  Congratulations Lenessa and James!  Thanks for being my guinea pigs. 
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Several shots from my time with the happy couple!














Some homeless dude that wanted his picture taken - I obliged!



I don't know why I had them squat





Why I like to be behind the camera!



Monday, May 12, 2014

Love and homemade bagels

A little late with this post but it's because I was being showered with love and homemade bagels yesterday.  I was going to write about the sentimental feelings of what a mother is or what is feels like to be a mother, but I decided a quick trip to reality is a lot more fun to read. I was never a girl that dreamed about my future child(ren) - I think in my heart I always knew I wanted a kid(s), but it wasn't what I thought I was "destined" or "made" to do.  Now, that I am mom, I love it, it's great - I've never loved like this.  But - Shit, it's hard.  It's not as dreamy as it looks in movies and it's not as horrible as it seems from online discussion boards!  It's real. 
I'm responsible for a human life - not only do I have to make sure she is healthy and happy but for societies sake I have to make sure she is a loving, caring, responsible person. That's the kicker.  Yes it is fun to dress her up like a little doll but if said doll acts like "chucky" then I failed...miserably!    I probably put too much pressure on myself and Grace at times.  I mean what 15 month old is going to act perfectly all the time?  I'm almost 31 and there are plenty of times where I act like a fool.  There are days when I have to pause, capture the moment, tell myself mistakes will be made, tears will be shed, tantrums will be had, blood will be spilled - but that's what makes it real.  That's what makes me a mom.

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Moments from yesterday:

 
 

 
 
 










Tuesday, May 6, 2014

From you, I learn

This weekend I received my Master's Degree - and although its been three years in the making, I'm so happy Grace was there to share that moment with me.  I decided to write a quick letter to Grace so one day she could understand how having her at the graduation meant so much to me.

Dear Grace,

This past Saturday you sat with Dada, Cici and Pop to watch me get my Master's degree.  While I sat in the sea of graduates, I kept looking back to see where you were.  I knew you were to young to remember the moment, but I wasn't.  Having you at the ceremony, hearing them call my name and watching me walk across the stage was one of my proudest moments.  I started the master's degree for myself - for my future.  I finished the degree for us - for our future.  Everyday you inspire me to be better, to strive for more, to not stop, to do my best.  From you, I learn.

I love you,

Mama