Kyler

The name "Kyler" is a dutch name that Chad and I picked to go with our last name. If Brynn was a boy, she was going to be named this. The name that we were going to use - as I mentioned when I did the session this summer with Wilson and his younger brother - was "Bennett." I thought of Kyler as "Bennett" for about three months while I was prego. In the end, we just decided to stick with our original choice.

Kyler eats, sleeps and snuggles. He is wonderful and I now know why people love babies. Brynn jaded us for a while there. I have renewed faith in the infant population.

I had a random memory come back to me a few days ago. During delivery I had my iPod set to play all Kenny Chesney to take me to a happy place. Well, ironically during the time the anesthesiologist came in to give me my much desired epidural, the song "Never Wanted Nothin' More" was playing. Sweet poetic justice.

I am headed back to work tomorrow for a wonderful wedding that I am so excited to be a part of. They are getting ready at the Herrington Inn in Geneva and the wedding and reception are at Boonies at Tanna Farms Golf Course. I have been missing shooting weddings! Can't wait to see all of the bride's creativeness (not a word?) come together.

I was fortunate enough to have my girlfriend, Dawn Bergeron, stop by and she grabbed these great shots of Ky and I. I am adjusting well at home and Chad has been a wonderful help this week. It will be hard to see him go back to work :(

A Whole New Meaning for 'Labor' Day

Phew, I am glad that is over with! My labor was fast and furious and we are thrilled to welcome Kyler Chad Vanderploeg in to this world. He was born yesterday at 10:11 am and he was 7 lbs. 6 ozs. (one pound heavier than Brynn) and he was 20 inches long (two inches longer than his sis). I was given the pitocin at 7:30 am yesterday morning and things progressed at a rapid rate. It was intense, but I guess it is better than dragging it out.

I thought I was going in to labor on Monday morning all on my own after having a few symptoms, but I had no such luck. So while we were killing time before heading to the hospital, we took Brynn raspberry picking...isn't that what everyone does the day they are getting admitted for an induction? ;)

Also, on a random sidenote, Brynn is having some huge life-changing events this week...new baby brother, first day of preschool tomorrow, and she started taking gymnastics all by herself. Just wanted to say how proud I am of her. This is her new "suit."

Anyway, this is what the nursery looks like with the real letter on the wall.

Proud dad.

Proud big sis...by the way, I am not naked here, I had just finished his first nursing when Brynn arrived to meet Kyler and did not have a hand to snap up my gown.

Ok, now neither Chad, nor I, nor Brynn had this much hair when we were born. We are not sure where it came from and had I not witnessed Kyler's birth myself, I would have seriously questioned the nurse if she brought me this baby from the nursery.

He is such a sweetheart and is a huge eater and great sleeper...so different than Brynn already!

I like that I can give him a 'faux-hawk.'

Thanks everyone for all the well wishes. Heading home tomorrow so tonight is my last good night of sleep. I slept so well last night that I woke up on my stomach...something I haven't been able to do in months!

Tomorrow, tomorrow

I took myself off bed rest this weekend and ventured out this morning to the Kane County Flea Market for some diversion. I only had my point and shoot with me, but I grabbed a couple of shots...I wish I took more, but I got so distracted by all the awesome stuff there. Faye and her little guy, Leo, came to meet us too. I was looking for new chairs for my dining room table, but there so many goodies that I was a little overwhelmed. Not to mention, everyone kept saying "Wow, you must be due soon" since by belly entered each building before the rest of me did. Yes. Tomorrow is the day. Chad and I are going in tomorrow evening to the hospital and I will be induced Tuesday morning. I can sort of see the light.

I am going to try to post some pics this week once the big guy arrives. I am really anxious to get this delivery over with. Until then...wish me luck :D

I could get used to this

Today I took my first nap in months. It felt wonderful. I am actually all caught up on my work, my house is clean, the laundry is done and Brynn is at her sitter's. Berkeley, my black lab, and I snuggled up and snoozed away.

The other thing I enjoy doing when I have free time, which is never, is blog stalking my favorite photogs and vendors and finding inspiration for shoots as well as new ideas for products, marketing materials, and seeing what the latest is in wedding trends. I came across some wonderful sites that made my head spin before I shut my laptop last night and crawled under my brand new comforter. Speaking of my laptop, I also just received my new laptop case/bag that I just ordered from Shootsac. (A huge Thank You to my clients Ashley & Marty for the gift certificate!!!! You rock!) This is not just for photographers. It is a fun, stylish alternative to a boring old computer bag:

You can order one here.

One brand new site I came across actually just launched. This site specializes in showcasing weddings and vendors in the Midwest. All I ever hear about are all these wonderful, amazing weddings that all take place in California, Atlanta, New York, the Carolinas...well now, us Midwesterners finally have our own place for inspiration a little closer to home. Be sure to check out Clover and Bee Weddings and their blog C&B Daily.

I know I have mentioned this one before, but trust me, it rocks. Snippet & Ink is not only a great resource in itself, she has millions of links and resources on her site for brides...you could spend days researching all the info on here.

Another great resource is the blog by The Wedding Chicks. They have everything here in one stop, including information on destination weddings. You can even click on your state and find the hippest bridal fashion, favors and accessories, photographers, cakes, floral designers, coordinators and invitations.
Enjoy!

Lady in Waiting

One week of bed rest :( Today is day one. My nesting instinct is in HIGH GEAR and I had big plans for this week, my last week, before my world, as I know it, is completely rocked. My living/dining rooms are in complete disarray and I was hoping to re-do them this week...new paint, new couches, new dining room chairs, a coffee table. I fully blame HGTV, namely David Bromstad of "Color Splash", for my inspiration. I guess that will have to be put on hold and I will have to live with the sunshine yellow walls for another couple of months. Good thing yellow is my favorite color ;)

One room I have completed is my baby boy's. With MANY, MANY thanks to my mother-in-law for her sewing expertise and for seeing my "vision" for my completely customized nursery. It all has come together quite nicely and my mom actually likes the "orange" walls....a/k/a "Flowerpot."

So no, I don't really have a big question mark hanging on my wall ;) I used a little photoshop magic to remove the real letter that graces that wall. Yes, we have finally agreed on a name!

Another big thank you to my mother-in-law, Nana, for the AWESOME diaper bag that I had my eye on at Pottery Barn Kids all summer. Now that I have it I am afraid to use it. I Scotch-Guarded it, but how long do you think I can keep it this clean??

One week and counting...