Introducing...Ella Grace!!

Just as I thought, baby Ella Grace came into this world as few days early. Poor Court was up all night on Tuesday night with contractions, but toughed it out until the morning and finally went in to the hospital. It has been said that my family "travels in packs" so it was no surprise that her delivery room was full with all of us hanging out. I think it helped to take her mind off of the pain and help the time pass...at least, I think. Well, she is too nice to kick us all out.

Court is giving me the stink eye -- can you tell this was before her epidural? ;)

And here she is after her epidural...all smiles :)

But we took the hint and let her rest as Ella came closer and closer to entering this world.

She held out as long as she could, but ended up having to have a c-section. It was just in time too since Dr. Rao said the cord was wrapped around her tiny neck twice.

Welcome Ella Grace Wilkison, 6lbs 11 oz, 20 inches long, born at 4:14 p.m. at Delnor in Geneva, IL.

She has her mom's smooshy face and squinty eyes and her dad's dark hair and little forehead (or 'two'-head, if you will).

She was so alert and kept looking at all of our faces pressed up against the glass while she was getting cleaned off and checked out.

Brynn was ready to play with her new cousin. She wanted to go "in there" in the worst way to see her. She didn't miss much and had lots of questions. "Mimi" was all smiles.

Auntie Lisa and Grandpa Earl were checking out the action too.

Adam could not be prouder. He couldn't take his eyes off of her.

Congratulations Courtney and Adam on your amazing miracle gift from God. You both will be great parents. Court, you have always loved babies - even since you were a baby - and now you have your very own. You were born to be a mom and you have finally found your calling. Enjoy every minute with Ella, they grow up fast. I love you guys and promise to spoil my little niece and love her to pieces.

Baby Gracie

My good friend Carrianne had the best idea for a baby shower gift for our friend, Maura: a Kelly Vanderploeg Photography gift certificate for a photo session. I packaged it up real nice with a pretty ribbon and sent it on its way. I almost forgot about it until Maura called me last month to set up a time for her session.

I finally got a chance to do the shoot and I am so glad I got to spend some time with Maura and Eric and their sweet baby girl.

Can you tell that dad had a little input with the nursery decorating?

Gracie refused to look at me and instead kept looking at something to my right. We were trying to figure out what the heck it was.

Eric was such a good sport about getting his photos taken...he can be a little camera shy ;)


She is such a pretty little girl.

A more traditional family portrait.

I love baby skin...and rolls.

Gracie is such a happy girl.

Maura & Eric, I hope you enjoy these images as much as I enjoyed taking them. It was great spending time with you guys and seeing Gracie again. Carrianne, thanks for thinking of me for their gift.

Jon & Alexis

I had an engagement session with Jon and Alexis almost one year ago, but I never got to blog about it because I started my blog after the fact. We had the sunniest day when we were shooting and all of our eyes were watering.

This adorable couple got married this past spring in Puerto Vallarta with just their family and close friends, so Jon's mom planned a wonderful reception to celebrate with those who could not attend their destination wedding.

The reception was at the Geneva Golf Club in Geneva, IL and was a beautiful venue. Jon's mom did a great job eyeing every last detail. It was a gorgeous night and a good time was had by all.

I went to high school with Jon so it was great to see some familiar faces and catch up on old times with many of the guests.

Congrats Jon & Alexis :) Thanks for including me in your special night.

A Warm Summer Night

When I say "warm," I mean humid, muggy, stifling hot and buggy. Even through the swarm of killer horseflies, these kids managed to stay cool, calm and collected. You would never guess the elements that I made them endure during our session because their images turned out amazing. They were such troopers.



Apparently good looks run in this family :)

I had such a good time getting to know them and I especially enjoyed this session because they were totally up for anything. I love it when my clients trust me to try fun stuff.

It was so great meeting you guys and spending time with you all. Thank you!! I wish you guys all the best ;)