Rainy Snuggles

Wren,
This morning you woke up around 7am and I took you to the potty. You're doing such a great job with potty training! It was a warm stormy morning which is unusual for January. So instead of going to the living room to watch cartoons, we went back to bed. I brought you into my bed to snuggle and listen to the rain and thunder. For about 30 minutes we snuggled on this dark rainy morning and I told you stories about a little girl and a horse. You especially liked the one about you riding a white pony in a field full of flowers while it rained. Then a rainbow came out and you and the pony smiled and you liked hearing about the colors in the rainbow. it was so great to watch you suck your thumb and twirl your hair next to me on the pillow. Your big eyes watching me as I told the stories. Maybe you'll be a snuggler after all.
Love,
Mama

8 weeks old.

Autumn,

You're such a sweet pink baby girl.
This morning you were squirmy probably from gas. I held you to my chest and rocked you as the snow fell outside on this frigid January day.
Now you're sleeping peacefully in your swing. The rhythmic sound of it swaying you is about to put me to sleep too.
Sweet dreams,
Mama

Pooh!?

This is my daughter, Wren.  I snapped these photos in our kitchen.  These were supposed to be her 18 month photos, but instead they're her 19 month photos.  Mama is a procrastinator, what can I say?
 She's the funniest thing.  We're on the verge of potty training so she's asking all the right questions about "pee" and "poop."  For example, when I change her diaper she points and says pee or poop.  Or when someone farts she enthusiastically points and says, "Poop!"   She's typically pointing at my husband...never me.
The other day she pointed to Winnie the Pooh and said, "Poop?!"   How do you explain the difference between "Pooh" and "poop" to a toddler?  These are the rocky roads I travel everyday my friends.

The Latest

So, remember when I said "family portraits are boring."  I've been brewing an idea for a few years now. I finally threw caution to the wind and launched an offshoot to my photography gig.  Sarah Wiley Photography
specializes in classic boudoir photography for women.  I'm keeping "Pink Pigeon Photography" for families, babies, seniors and such.  I do enjoy the babies (so sweet!) and the senior pics (not so hum drum).  With that said, let me explain.  When I turned 30 I wanted to have some tasteful photos done for myself.  It occurred to me that I wouldn't always be 30 or have the body of a 30 year old.  I wanted proof that I was once young and vibrant....proof that my 80 year old self could reminisce about.  Alas, there were only creepy male photographers. The photos never came to fruition.  Surely I'm not alone.  Other women must have some trepidation regarding a strange man shooting her half nude.  I've launched this little endeavor in hopes that other women will appreciate the fact that I'm a fairly normal, married, mom that happens to be a photographer taking implied nude photos for other women.  We'll see what happens.
So far I've had positive encouragement, one person said it was a "bizarre" idea...and the others that don't comment, I just assume don't approve.  You can't make everyone happy. And you can't live your life for others...otherwise you're living their life.

Expectations

What a sad state of affairs this blog is in.  My goodness, could it be true? I've only posted 9-ish times in 2010?  Ridiculous.  I'm going to blame it on being a mom and starting my photography business. Really, there isn't much time to squeeze in anything else.  Now that the snow has set in the photography is slowing way down.  That's what happens when you don't have a studio. I rely on Mother Nature to supply beautiful backdrops for my photo sessions. The snow is beautiful but there aren't too many families knocking down my door to have portraits taken in it.  I'm kinda glad.  In fact, family portraits are a bit boring for me. There, I said it.  I like that they bring in revenue, but the fact is they don't ignite the photography flame for me.  This year I've had a ball shooting the local foxhunting club.  I've learned quite a bit about the sport too.
So, I believe I'm still finding my niche.  All in good time.
In Wren news: she learned the word "clock."  She points to the clock and says the word. She's brilliant!  And if I ask her where Jesus is, she points to baby Jesus in the nativity.  She's very good at pointing to her nose, ears, eyes and mouth when asked.  Christmas is next week. That means Wren is only about six months away from being 2.  TWO! For crying out loud, where does the time go?  Mark and I have been discussing/planning the next baby. I think February sounds like a good time to start.  We've decided to put the house on the market in March. So, it could turn into a spring/summer jam packed with changes and excitement! 
Until then, I need to finish my Christmas shopping tomorrow. We're also decorating sugar cookies tomorrow, like that won't turn into a hot mess covered in red and green sugar.  All in the name of holiday fun :)  I'll be sure to take photos.

Wiley Christmas Greeting

With Love Blue Christmas Card

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Say Cheese!

Here's what I've been up to lately.  Last year I started a little photography business called "Pets and the City Photography" which was dedicated to pets and their people.  It was fun and I got to flex my creative muscles again (after a long period of muscle atrophy).  Here's the thing though...even though people are willing to dress their pooches in expensive gear, pay outlandish vet bills (I know!) and include them in final estate planning....they aren't so willing to fork over the cash for some nice photos.  I understand we're in a recession; or coming out of one depending on who you ask.  This mama is looking for consistent cash flow and the pet business just isn't cutting the mustard right now.  So, I'm expanding my services to include humans.  In fact I'm relaunching with a totally new name and website (coming soon).  I'm stoked about the possibilities and even have a surprise in store for you in a few weeks!  It'll knock your socks off!  For now I'm ramping up and that's eating up lots of free time so excuse my spotty bloginess.  So many ideas, so little time to develop them!