David Marano Photography

Last year I really regretted not having family pictures done and swore that no matter what, 

I would build it into the budget, carve out some time and make sure that I have photos that actually include all three of us at the same time.

I came across David Marano Photography when he offered a Living Social deal in March and redeemed it the day before Thanksgiving.  

I know, can I possibly run any closer to the holiday card deadline?

This one picture made the entire shoot worthwhile.

I have so few pictures of the Peanut and I together and the look on his face and the sparkle in his eyes make me just melt.

I love the warmth in these pictures and would have loved to take more in the house but in order to get Peanut to cooperate I promised some play at the lake.

We walked down to the lake and tried to get Peanut to sit or stand still, next to mommy and daddy for a great deal of time.

It was quite exhausting by David didn't bat an eye.  

He just snapped away.

Peanut really liked him and so there are quite a few interesting expressions caught on camera.

He was also able to snap a few pictures of us while making sure Peanut didn't take a running leap into the lake.

Falling leaves and piles to jump in make a very happy boy.

The smirk and the mischievous grin.

I can't even put into words how happy this shot makes me.

Tickles and giggles.

and sweetness.

David was mellow and so easy going that it was so much easier to be comfortable in front of the camera.

Despite all the photo sessions we've had, this always remains the hardest part for me.

However, when you are chasing after a 2 year old, I find it's hard to think about the camera or whether or not I have multiple chins and fat rolls showing.

In the end we have tons of perfect, real, family photos to remember the year by.

Instead of the little blurs that I've been getting, 

I can actually look at these moments of love and laughter caught in perfect clarity.

We can't wait to use David again.

Oh and the personality and weirdness are all there.

Kelly Lombardo Photography

In just a few short weeks our little Peanut will be 2 years old.

It seems like just yesterday we were discussing bladder control during my pregnancy and 

I was having total meltdowns from lack of sleep.

Oh wait a minute, I'm still having total meltdowns from lack of sleep!

Remind me when I get to sleep again?

My dear friend and awesome photographer, Kelly Lombardo took Peanut's picture to commemorate his 2nd birthday.  We met at Central Park in Huntington Beach and walked around while she took pictures.

Of course, he was uncharacteristically sober-faced that day.

Seriously.

He would smile facing a different direction and 

would completely ignore us horsing around to get him to smile.

Even as an infant he was truly fantastic at ignoring me.

You see that look?

That look means, "I found some dirt and I'm going to make a big mess".

That look means, "I think I'm doing something I'm not supposed to be doing".

I see this look a million times a day.

I love these pictures.

I can hardly believe how grown up he looks.

I can hardly believe he's mine.

In this one he is yelling at me to pull faster.

I do hope he picks up some of daddy's patience in the future.

I don't have any to spare. :)

Always on the move.

and dirty.

and curious.

and dirty.

and smart.

and dirty.

and funny.

and dirty.

This kid is definitely a thinker.

You must check out Kelly's website at klycphoto.com.

She does awesome children, maternity, family, couple and boudoir photography.

It's the perfect time to take family pictures for those Christmas cards

 or boudoir pictures as a Christmas present!  

That smile.

It kills me every time.

Farmgirl Paints Thrive Project: Simplicity

Linking in to Farmgirl Paints Thrive Project here! Becky is taking a photography class and has been so kind as to share her information with all of us.



This weeks topic is simplicity. The focus is on keeping the picture simple and direct without background clutter.

I didn't have time to take new pictures but I found these and thought they fit the assignment.



If you'd like to learn or link up head on over to Becky's blog!