What's been up.

I feel like the days somehow just get busier and busier.  So here's what's on my mind, intermixed with the few shots I've gotten of Addison lately.


We moved into our new home 3 months ago, and it's been great! I couldn't be happier with our decision. I feel like this is where we will be for a very long time and I can make myself comfortable... and eventually decorate :) Anyone want to decorate for me?! Not my expertise!!

Cancun, MX 2013

Every year my family makes a trip to the beautiful beach of Cancun. This was my 12th year? I'm not sure why, but people asks if it gets old. No. It doesn't. It's become a second home. I love our villa, our view, the staff, everything.

Each year our family grows too. This year we brought alone six kids! Six kids sitting in one plane. Yeah, meltdowns occurred. But overall it wasn't bad. They are usually pretty good kids. They all had such an awesome time. Addison really loved the pool and the beach. She would stay in either all day long.

I am longing for warm summer days in this area....

Photography has been amazing, booming. Great news, yes. But it also keeps me constantly moving, planning, and on the computer. Which as much as I don't want it to- does take away some family time. I try not to let that happen by staying up late after Addison's bedtime. I truly love what I do. Every single family, newborn, child, couple is unique and that's what makes it fun and challenging. It keeps me learning, and on my toes.



Speaking of keeping me on my toes... Addison surely has that down packed! Put her down anywhere outside of the house and she will run in the opposite direction of you as far as she can get! But she is seriously so sweet... her "bless you dada/momma/auntjen/anyone who sneezes" and her very appreciative "thank you much momma" when I give her something she wants makes my entire day.  She counts to 8, says her abc's perfected to G, puts sentences together, and repeats any word.



She LOVES her puppies, baby dolls, barbies, stroller, BOOKS, and puzzles. Actually the girl is puzzle obsessed. You I guarantee she is yelling "MOMMA PUZZLE" at me 5-10 times a day. And her books are a close second.


She is an absolute comedian. She will say something and then crack up laughing at herself. She's pretty hilarious at the things she comes up with, even if it's gibberish. She even has new faces she makes at me...she will stop, do her half smirk eyes gleaming funny face, laugh at herself, stop in mid laugh and repeat.

We may really begin potty training soon. I think she's ready. She shows so much interest, I just have to get into a good routine. Meh! I definitely didn't think this time period would come so fast. I dread it, but I don't want to pass up a window of opportunity as she is amused with it right now. She has gone twice already, but those were just lucky good timing :)

She is going on 20 months and it's sad that I'm beginning to think of plans for her 2nd birthday. I have a good feeling the rest of 2013 will be awesome. 2012 was more or less on the rough side with my moms diagnosis and other I-don't-care-to-share downfalls. BUT early 2013 finally started to turn around. My mom's doing well, so good so far within her two year 'maintenance' chemo treatments.
 I really count every day as a blessing now. It changes everything to think you may lose someone you love before you ever expected. And I don't just apply that to my mom, but to all of my loved ones. It's so important to enjoy the littlest moments. We get caught up, and forget, often, about what matters most.