Anticipation….

The presents are wrapped…..the tree/house is decorated….the candles are lit…the Christmas music is playing….it’s my favorite time of year!!!! I can’t believe that tomorrow is already December 24th! Where has this year gone?!? We haven’t had the easiest year in our family but we sure have been blessed! Today is a special day for me…exactly 6 months ago today I made a life changing decision (which I won’t be sharing the details of…) but I am so very thankful today. My life is so much better and I just can’t wait to celebrate the birth of Jesus with my family and friends! I am absolutely giddy…I don’t know who is more excited…me? or my 6 year old? haha

I’ll be taking some time off over the next 2 weeks to spend with friends and family, but will still check email and hopefully I’ll get a bunch of blogging done – I have TONS of sessions to share and I want to get caught up before I start my 2010 sessions! Response time to email may be a bit slower than usual, but all of the sessions are edited and pics are delivered…so you shouldn’t need anything anyway :) (But if you do…shoot me an email)..

Merry Christmas to you and yours from The Mathews Family!!!

Coming Up For Air…..And Ordering Deadlines…

I know I know…I have not blogged in like 3 weeks. Where have I been? Well right after Lillian was born my brother and sister in law were here for Thanksgiving and then on Black Friday….my husband started throwing up (fun) and by Sunday my son had it and by Monday I had it…it was an ugly ugly week…we were all so sick. In the meantime, I edited almost 30 photo sessions and shot about 10 more….and then we had more family in from out of town. Add to that…orders orders orders….and holiday cards and well…me and my new computer have been getting very well acquainted!! Oh yea and we did the PPD Holiday Party this past weekend too. Whew! I’m tired just writing about it all..haha.

So I have lots of sessions to share with you and plan to do that very soon, but in the meantime I needed to let everyone know about the holiday deadline(s) for ordering cards and prints.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 17TH is the LAST day you can order prints/cards if you want them here in time for Christmas!!!!

And because a post is no good w/out a picture….this one just cracks me up – here’s one from one of my recent family sessions.

She’s Here!!!!!! I have a niece!!

As most of you probably know, my niece Lillian was born yesterday! She kept us waiting and teased her Mommy (and the rest of us) with a lot of false labor, but when she decided to make her appearance, she did it fast and furiously. She was the talk of the labor floor yesterday the nurses told us. Long story short, (you can read more about it on her blog here) my sister and I talked at 7:40 yesterday morning and she admitted she was having some contractions…we decided I would go to my parent’s house where she was staying (because they live 45 min away – from the hospital)…. by the time I got there her contractions were 2min apart and very strong…we went to the hospital. We got there at 9 and she was still only 2cm (had been for a week). So they had her walk….yea she only walked for about 20 min and the contractions were so bad that they checked her again..she was 5cm! Moved her to a room…checked her a few min later…she was 7cm. Checked her a few minutes later and she was 10cm!! Time to push! And the poor thing didn’t get to have an epidural that she really really wanted because there was just no time. So yesterday morning was crazy, but so amazing. Lillian Grace Boso was born at 11:31am (remember, I said we didn’t get to the hospital until 9!!) God is so good and our family is so blessed! So turn up the volume, listen to the words of the song handpicked by my sister….and enjoy the photos. Thank you everyone for your prayers and support….  and now, I need to go to the hospital cuz Lillian called and wants me to come hold her… :) :) (Don’t worry, everyone’s pics/proofs will be ready in plenty of time to order for the holidays).

Lillian is here!

Oh and guess who won the baby poll??? My MOTHER!!!! lol

…And Waiting Some More…

Still no baby yet, but for those friends/family that are checking my blog for updates…Diana made one of her own….go check it out here!  Hope everyone is having a great weekend!

Still Waiting…

Well, it was looking like my niece was going to arrive today, but no such luck. My sis has been having contractions since 9:30pm last night…. they looked like they were getting a little closer together and then they got pretty irregular later this afternoon. So after lots of walking and a doc appointment….we’re hoping she still goes on her own…otherwise they will admit her to begin her induction on Tuesday evening. Keeping our fingers crossed and saying lots of prayers that she goes on her own and goes when the time is right (although at this point, I admit…we’re all anxious and hope it’s sooner rather than later!!) Even though there was no baby at the end of the day….it was beautiful outside here today and we got to take lots of walks together and have plenty of girl talk (Mom, Diana and myself)…so that was fun. I’ll post any new updates as I have them.

On the computer front, my awesome hubby has worked many hours to get my data transferred to the new computer. I’m now working on all of the little details…. finding the programs I use on a regular basis and re-downloading them…setting up different rules in my email account that got lost in the move…. etc etc….it’s coming along nicely and OMG…it is SOOO Fast!!!!  And now…this tired Auntie in waiting is off to bed………….

A Little Update....

UPDATE - Friday, Nov 20th... My sis is in labor!!!! Hooray! Contractions are not super close at the moment but we think today is the day so good timing since hubby is working hard on my computer transition! Pray for quick, painless (haha) labor for my sis....pics will come soon after she's born of course! :)

I wanted to post in case anybody needs anything in the next couple of days. I got a new computer – hooray! It’s going to double my productivity (at least – possibly more) because it’s going to be so much faster. Unfortunately there is no easy way to move the info over to the new computer and there’s no “good” time to do it. So soon as I finish this post, I’ll be shutting down my current computer and won’t be able to work (i.e. edit, place orders, etc) for up to 48 hours. The good news is..that once the new one is up and running, I’ll be able to edit much much faster and I anticipate being able to fly through my current edits. There is still plenty of time before the holidays, so no worries….everyone will get your proofs, holiday cards, etc in time. It’s like when your flight is delayed and they make up the time in the air..haha…hopefully when the new computer is ready…I’ll make up the time in the air! In addition, my sister is still pregnant so I will be taking at least a day off when she has the baby…but hopefully she’ll have the baby in the next 24 hours and while my hubby is working on my new computer I won’t lose any additional working time!

Thanks for your patience and understanding….this new system really is going to improve turn around from here on out….

Have a great night!

Katie

P.S. I will still be available by email (and phone), I’ll use the hubby’s laptop…so turnaround on emails will be a little slower, but I will still answer them.

And I have to include a pic...most of you have probably seen this but it's one of my favorite pics from a photo session I did with Anthony.....I'll share more later.

2009 Holiday Cards

I'm wrapping up my holiday sessions for 2009. I might be able to squeeze a couple more in, so if you want one, contact me ASAP. All prints/card orders need to be in by December 8th to insure they are here in time for the holidays. Keep in mind, payment must be made in full before I place the order(s).

I have some new holiday card designs for this year. Holiday cards are 5x7 and are really heavy duty (I love them! My print company does a great job!) Regardless if it is a one-sided design or two-sided, sets of cards are $45 and come with envelopes. You're welcome to pick a design from my 2008 cards if you don't find a 2009 one that you like. Most text can be changed, just let me know what you would like. Holiday card orders can be emailed to me directly. Include the card design number, quantity, text, and the pics you want. As always, feel free to email or call with any questions!

2009 Holiday Cards

Card #1

Card #2

Card #3

Card #4

Card #5

Card #6

Card #7

Card #8

Card #9

Card #10

Card #11

Card #12

Card #13

Card #14

Card #15

Card #16

The Baby Bump

As most of you probably know, my sister, Diana, is preggo with baby number 2 and it's a GIRL!! I'm so excited, I can hardly stand it. Last weekend, we finally got a chance to go out and take some pics of the belly. So I'm going to share some of my favorites, but I also want to have a little contest. Here's the scoop:

- anybody can enter
- you must include your name/email address so I know how to contact you if you win
- include your guess for the day she will be born, time, weight and length

Whoever is the closest to her actual date/time without going over (on the length/weight) will win a $20 GIFT CARD to Target or I-Tunes. (Perfect just in time for holiday shopping).

Here's a little info to help you out...

1. Her due date is November 21st
2. With my nephew, she delivered 4 days early
3. I drove her to the hospital at 8 in the a.m and she had him before 3pm
4. She's already had some real contractions (but they went away)

That's it! I can't wait to see all the guesses. I'll enter mine too (but obviously I am not entering my own contest!)

One other thing...you do NOT have to have a blogger account to enter....just put in your guess and click on "anonymous" (but write your name in the text of your guess). It's that easy :)

And now for the pics....

    Have a great weekend everyone!! I'll be shooting and editing.....this time of year is just a little bit craaaazzzzyyyy, but I love it :)

Happy Birthday Carrington!

I promised Michelle (C's Mom) that I would do a blog post today on Carrington's first birthday! A little over a year ago I met this really sweet couple and did some maternity pics for them....

Then on Nov 3, 2008, the beautiful Carrington made her debut. I went out to their house for newborn photos soon after.

This past Spring, we did another session when she was about 5 months old...

And today, on her first birthday, we celebrated with what else? A photo shoot! Mom planned the shoot....the outfits, the props, the cake and she wanted it all on a white back drop. I don't do a lot with back drops because I prefer the "natural" environment, but for first birthdays especially I think it works great!

Happy Birthday Sweet Baby Girl!

Happy (almost) Halloween!!

We are back safe and sound from our trip. Within 16 hours of getting home, I had to shoot a wedding..so I was pretty wiped out...but it was well worth it. This week I've been crazy busy editing, processing orders, responding to emails etc. Just a quick update...I've only got 2 regular sessions left for the rest of the year. In addition, I've got holiday mini sessions available next weekend (Nov 7/8), so if you want a session with me for the holidays, contact me ASAP!!!

Ok commercial announcement over.... since tomorrow is Halloween, I thought I would share some of the pics from my fall/halloween mini sessions. I had lots of little little ones this year...so cute! Unfortunately the first day we did sessions it was super hot - 90 and humid....and then the next day it was cold and windy...go figure.

Up first...Princess Leia and Yoda....they were not too pleased but they sure were cute! Poor babies were roasting in those costumes...who knew it was going to be so freaky hot?

And then we had our Sumo Wrestlers.... dressed more appropriately for the weather...again...who knew?!?

And then to torture them just one more time (haha) we got a pic of all 4 adorable babies...

Then I had 2 cousins bring their cute little girls.... I love the fall outfits...so cute!

And then....a monkey showed up..a very very cute monkey!!!

And finally Ms. Finnley came to visit...look at those blue eyes - love em!

Since I ended up going to MN....I had to cancel my 2nd day of mini sessions, so we squeezed this one in before I left and I have 2 more stopping by today....

I've photographed these 2 a couple of times before..they are always dressed so cute :)

And that's it for now....I hope everyone has a safe and happy halloween! What are you and/or your kids dressing up as this year??