A Snapshot
Nov 13, 2009
Blessed! Fortunate! Gr8phul! Love!The past 7 days haven't been perfect but they have been Gr*8! A new baby means more work, less sleep but MORE LOVE! More love in my marriage, more love for my firstborn, more love for our new addition and more love for my Mom, who has been with us for the past 2 weeks helping in any and every way possible. I am soooo gr8phul!
He very rarely cries, and we know that there is a reason when he does,
Look at the poor little baby foot and how many times it has been poked and tested.
This is what my heart looks like! These boys are the greatest gifts in my life!
My Mom has shown me a whole new side of herself. She has been watching Seasame Street,
and playing robots with Kai, she has cleaned everything in our house and loved on Baby Bryden
whenever she can. She has blessed us in a way that will not be forgotten-EVER!
A Re-Fresher...
Nov 12, 2009
I have been poked, prodded, cut open, and down right violated by the medical community lately and I am trying to take it all in stride. I did have a baby and that goes with the territory. But with Bryden having jaundice and him having to go through it all, well, let's just say it has brought my Mama Bear out in me---BIG TIME! He has had his heel stuck more times than a pin cushion, and had to go through light therapy (which I think Criss Angel must have endured as a child, it would explain a lot) The difference between Bryden and me. He doesn't really fuss and well, I kinda have a hissy fit. I get so upset when they prick his heel that it is hard for me not retaliate. So Bryden and I were having a talk about it yesterday and he decided that I needed a visual reminder of how to behave and so he modeled for me.
In just 6 short days Bryden has already started teaching plenty. And he said I am getting an A+ in Love :)
He's here!!!!
Nov 8, 2009
It started off as a usual Thursday night but then suddenly ended up as baby Bryden's birthday. It got a little "dicey" there but ended up being another one of God's miracles. We welcomed a 7lbs. 13 oz. COMPLETELY HEALTHY!! Baby boy on November 5th and I am excited that God picked his birthday :)
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Confessions of an Unrested Mind
Nov 5, 2009
Some people can have 6 children, but Angelina Jolie I am not. I can barely manage and parent the one that I have and I am up in the middle of the night thinking of all the challenges, anxieties and fears I have of taking on another. Aren't tabloids suppose to make me wish I was thinner and prettier and had more money, but now they have crossed the line-because they are affecting my view of Motherhood. That nagging thought that Angelina Jolie has 6 kids and is still so rockin', Jennifer Lopez has twins and Heidi Klum...well, isn't it enough that she is a Victoria Secret model?So, the sad humor in my current state is that I tell and attempt to teach a 3 yr old ALL day that selfishnish is a bad thing. But, the irony is what is keeping me up are my own selfish fears. I want to cuddle up in my selfish blanket and make it all about me. I am scared that I will disappear while caring for 2 small children. You are probably thinking that it might be a good thing for my "personality" be dialed down a bit and if it takes 2 children to do it, than so be it. Your probably right but it looks like a scary process. I am pretty nervous about being a waitress too two small children. One has me running ragged already. Am I going to become a complete domestic mess? I am already the inventory keeper, the grocery shopper, the uber scheduler, the occasional cook (I married well in that department), the picker upper, the stay at home Mom, the family researcher, and a lot of other stuff that I can't think of right now. These are not classes I took at school or skills I acquired in the working world. These are skills that I learned by trial and error and a certain amount of heartache. The school of hard knocks is hard and I don't want anymore homework.
I keep telling myself that I need to hunker down and be unselfish and after a few years I will be through it and I can snuggle back up in my selfishness. Sad but true. But, my Mom is a glaring example that it never ends. My Mom is here and she has been here for nearly 2 weeks. She is here being as unselfish as any human being can be AND being pleasant through it. Talk about setting the bar high. My stomach is churning just thinking about it. Oh, nevermind that is just the baby squirming. I am a few days from jumping off a cliff into a whole different experience of Motherhood and all I want to do is be a baby myself. That is not a good sign of what is to come. If their were standardized testing for Motherhood, I wonder how I would do. The SAT of Motherhood. It makes me smile just thinking about what sort of questions would be on such a test.
Well, I have to go shave my legs again. I am so nervous about going into labor and being that sad cow with hairy legs. Selfish and surface I know, but the truth just the same. I am considering carrying a razor around in my purse, so I have it “just in case”. Then the contents of my purse would be crayons, coloring book, purrell, lipstick, thank you cards, wallet and razor. Wow, that is kinda scary. Can you imagine if I get pulled over for a speeding ticket and I am trying to find my wallet and license and I pull out my Lady Shick. Would the cop bring me to the station or take pity on me?
I clearly need more sleep! :)but that won't happen because a certain 3 year old just woke up... I curse daylight savings time!
And here is a picture that Kai took of me yesterday. He even directed me and told me that he wanted me by the plant. He amazes me!
He's 3
Oct 29, 2009
It is official. Kai is 3 and I am too. I am a 3 year old Mom, I have 3 years of experience on my Mommy resume. That little baby that Travis & I brought home from the hospital--that flipped our lives upside down has now been an official member (central focus) of our family for three years. I am just not sure where those 3 years went. Oh yeah, they went to diaper changes, feeding times, laundry, driving to and fro and a long list of other things... And not much of went to sleeping or sitting still :) The common denominator of all 1,095 days is an unimaginable amount of joy from living and laughing and tickling and kissing and facebooking all his funniness. I am adding a few pictures from the past few years, partially because I am disbelief that he has grown and changed sooo much. And also because I am having contractions that make me want to crawl into a hole and die, so it helps to be reminded of why I am going through all this for baby #2. But Kai really has made it ALL worth it. I love that little cowboy more that I ever thought possible!
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Everything is about to Change
Oct 22, 2009
Kai and I have been having fun trying to imagine what the little man will look like. Kai wants to know about his feet and eyes and his questions about them are pretty priceless. But the truth of the matter is that as excited as I am to meet the little man, I am down right weepy about thinking about my first born baby being ousted into big brotherhood. I am the baby of my family so I don't know what it is like to have an younger sibling but my heart hurts for him. The fact that these are my last days with Kai as my only little guy is not lost on me. I just want to snuggle and cuddle him up and that is what I am doing. Our days have been filled with Play-doh, sidewalk chalk, lots of pretend games and so many kisses and snuggles (but somehow I never get enough).
I am so gr8phul to God that last week at church our Transparents group talked about learning how to live the moment and live IN the moment. I realized that I have been guilty of the thinking that "once I wasn't pregnant then I would _________." But the truth is this day is the only day like this one and I need to live it out for all it's goodness. I soooo needed that lesson, but God knew that ;)
My Mom will be here on Saturday from North Carolina and she will be staying all the way through the birth and bringing the new little man home. I am SOOOO gr8phul to have her coming. I can admit that I have been wanting my Mommy :) and the fact that she is going to be here through such special times really does get me excited! Plus, I NEED the help :)
Were getting there :)
Oct 11, 2009
I usually like to hide behind the camera but tonight a dear friend Rosie took a few family/maternity pictures. America's Next Top Model, I am not ;) but how sweet to have some pictures of us before the newest Willcox arrives!
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Wedding: Mike & Lisa, CA
Oct 6, 2009
I just saw that I haven't put together a blog post since August. Wow! I am pretty behind. September was FULL month for my family. And I am definitely slowing down now that I am nearing the end of pregnancy. Ok-All my excuses behind me and I still feel delinquent.So the update on the Willcox family is that we are up for a move with the Air Force and we still don't know where we are going. So for now, I am done being a photographer in California. I am kinda sad about that but I finished out my time photographing in Cali with one of the BEST couples of all times. The last post I did was of Mike & Lisa's Engagement pictures and they are going to be my last wedding post til.... ________? But I was major-ly blessed to get to work with them. They are such an incredible couple! During the ceremony I wanted to put the camera down and just enjoy two amazing people joining their lives together. They are so completely in love and their group of friends and family is comprised of incredible people. They are a perfect match and I know that the life ahead of them is going to be filled with love and FUN!
Lisa was already beautiful when I showed up. I didn't think it was possible for her to look any better.
Her dress was AMAZING! Lisa has such a stunning sense of style. She exudes class while still
staying true to her style. She was glowing all day!
Aren't these shoes the BEST!!! To say that I loved them is an understatement!
Her Mom is a SUPER cutie and it is obvious that she loves Lisa beyond words.
Lisa's bridesmaids were a BLAST and they were up for anything. Plus they were stunning :)
I worked with Aaron Thompson and he did a gr8 job. He got this shot of the boys while I was with the girls.
Aaron also got this picture of Lisa glowing while walking down the aisle.
Their smiles are infectious :)
After the ceremony we headed down to the beach to do pictures and these two were so sweet together. I could tell that they got married for all the right reasons. They are such an inspiration!
Their family portrait. There hearts are as beautiful as the rest of them. They are a special family. Maybe you can tell by now that I kinda like them :)
Aaron took this picture of us... and it makes me smile when I look at it. I am SO gr8phul that God brought these people into my life. They are so special and they were a gr8 way to go out of wedding photography in California.
So consider yourself warned, after this post, this blog is going to be more about everyday my life. So that will mean the chronicles of the last few weeks of pregnancy and the blessings and challenges of being a mother of 2. That might means talking about contractions and the ridiculous stories that seem to accompany them, swollen ankles and what ever delivery might bring... no topic is off limits :)
Engagement: Mike & Lisa
Aug 26, 2009
From the moment that I met this couple my smile got turned on. Lisa is so vibrant and her smile radiates all around her. And Mike's strength and fun vibe compliments Lisa perfectly. She and Mike have something very special between them. They have been together for 5 years and there is a bond between them, that is really inspirational. They also have a VERY SPECIAL little boy named Donovan. He is 5 months old and he was incredible that day. He didn't fuss a minute and even when he was starting to get tired he managed to stay chill. He gave me hope that my little boy to come might be as chill.
They way that they ebbed and flowed and laughed and enjoyed, made the whole experience a joy for me. I am looking forward to the up and coming wedding that is just around the corner. It is going to be a gr8 day with amazing people :)
An Ideal Guest: Andrew
Aug 11, 2009
My nephew left today and traveled all the way back to North Carolina. It is a sad day at our house, but we have a lot of gr8 memories. Andrew is SUCH a great guy at 16, I can only imagine what his future holds. I am proud of his accomplishments and thrilled to see what he is willing to try. But what I am most excited about is his heart. He is a good guy with a gr8 heart. He is patient and kind and he was a gr8 role model for Kai and for me. 
We went to Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach and enjoyed it. We made friends with a Shark, touched bat rays and feed the parrots.
Andrew's future is bright... and I couldn't be more excited to see where he goes!
J* Workshop
Aug 4, 2009
Today I am at Miss Jasmine Star's Workshop and I am enjoying all of her fabulousness. It is fun to meet other photographers and have the opportunity to ask questions. Plus it is nice to not have to worry about potty training and making dinner :) This is my first workshop and I would really recommend going to one if you are considering it.
I am looking forward to when she has a shopping workshop because she always looks Fabulous :) Plus I love a girl who can ROCK the boots! Just for the record- I don't think she will be doing a shopping workshop anyime soon :(
The models were past clients of Jasmine's and they looked beautiful no matter what they were doing. Vern and Melinda were fierce :) They have been married 2 years and she can still rock that dress!
Vivian Tran did the make-up and she brought her A game!!! She did a stunning job. I wish I could do my make-up like that... maybe I should have her do my make-up before giving birth..hee hee
The flowers were done by Carissa with JL Designs and she clearly is a talented person.
I also want to add that I was so touched to meet Jasmine's Mom, Milly. If you have ever read Jasmine's blog and how she got started, he Mom played an integral part of the story. Her Mom was battling brain cancer and wasn't suppose to make it, so Jasmine walked away from a full scholarship from UCLA Law School. Now that I have meet her Mom, I can see how she came to make that decision. Milly, has 5 children and that KNOCKS MY SOCKS OFF!! I am so inspired by Mom's. I have so much to learn and I am so touched when I meet a exceptional parent. Meeting her was worth the price of admission for me.
Jeremy & Alex: Wedding
Jul 30, 2009
Canada has such a special place in my heart and it is because of the people. I meet a special family last year and I was blessed this year for them to bring me back and shoot their wedding. Alex and Jeremy are an awesome couple. Watching them is so special because it is obvious that they feel comfortable with each other and they show each other a part of themselves that is sacred and vulnerable. They had such a beautiful day and it was so genuinely them. They were themselves and it was fun to celebrate them and their love.Now that I am a Mom, it tugs at my heartstrings to see a parent interacting with their child on their wedding day. I get all teared up just imagining Kai on his wedding day. So now a days I notice that I want to capture a parent and I feel so honored to be allowed to witness those precious moments.
Jeremy and Alex have a quiet presence but you can tell that they fill the space between them with love.
All 3 sisters had been given pearls by their parents. The way that these parents loved their girls brought tears to my eyes, more than once. I kept blaming it on the fact that I am pregnant :)
I love how much fun they were having while we were taking pictures. They really were footloose and fancy free. It was a gr8 time and I am now looking for a way to get back to Canada :)
Land of the Free and Home of the Brave
Jul 3, 2009
This July 4th I have the privilege to be in the land of the homesteaders and surrounded by God's beauty. In my opinion, one of the most stunning and awe inspiring places in our country. And to think of all the people that have fought and served and died to give us the freedoms and peace that I am able to enjoy, makes me really want to celebrate being an American this July 4th.
After watching how the election has been handled in Iran, I am gr8phul for a government who can peacefully go about their business. Even during the current recession, we live in the land of plenty and we have way more than most. Being an American affords us a LOT of privileges and opportunities and I will be extemely gr8phul for that as I bring my son to the parade or watch the fireworks go off over head.
God Bless America!
27 Years strong....
Jun 25, 2009
Some things get sweeter with time. Love can be that way and that is the case for Kelly & LeAnne in Canada. Their love is so sweet that it spills over and runs into the people that surround them. This past week I was blessed enough to be one of those people. Kelly & LeAnne celebrated their 27th year of marriage and they were just as cute as any newlyweds I know. I had the pleasure to do a little photo shoot with them in their back yard. Rather than trying to get them to loosen up in front of the camera, they had me cracking up. Their smiles are infectious and the joy that they have is palatable :)
Today is Trav and my 5th Anniversary and I have a heart full of hope that when we reach the 27 year mark, that we are every bit as joy filled as these two. I am so excited to celebrate 5 years of marriage! Thank God that I married my sweet husband, I doubt that any one else would put up with all my antics and craziness. And still love me :)
About Me, Kat
I have always been drawn to the camera. Photography is such an interesting blend of technical know how and capturing heart felt emotion.
The challenge is to flawlessly do both, in a split second before the moment passes.
Everyday and every moment is an opportunity to learn to live and shoot better.