Gigi Hill Bags

Courtney and I recently learned of a super cute new line of bags from our cousin's wife, Michelle, who just became a part of their sales team. You may recognize her from her family session we did this summer.

Gigi Hill Bags are custom made in practically every shape and size. They have wallets, make-up bags, diaper bags, messenger bags, purses, small and large totes, beach bags, and large rolling bags/suitcases. The best part is the fabrics and material designs are all up to you, and there are some great patterns to choose from. You can check out the collection here. It only takes 7-10 days for your order to come in.

To help Michelle get her business off and running, Court and I are hosting a party at my house on Thursday night, February 11th at 7pm. Even if you aren't in the market for a bag right now, we would love to see you for some apps and cocktails. On the flip side, if you can't make it to the party, but would still like to order something, that could be arranged too.

Please RSVP by Tuesday, February 9th to me or Courtney. Thanks so much! We look forward to seeing you!


Much love,
Kelly & Courtney

The Brynn & Kyler Vander"blog"

It was brought to my attention that I had not posted pics of my kiddos recently...well, aren't you sorry you asked ;) It just so happens I have a few I can share with you.

Ok, this is not Ky's best angle. Do you think the double chin makes him look fat?

But he sure is a happy boy.

And we can't forget Little Miss Sunshine. Her bangs are taking their sweet time to grow back. She continues to literally rock my world on a daily basis and I am wondering if I should have just started a separate Brynn blog a long time ago. The ideas she has and the things she says are just too much for me to remember them all.

We have been watching a lot of her favorite dark, scary movies lately...Harry Potter, Matilda, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, Edward Scissorhands, and Scooby Doo. She just loves movies with a little edge to them. I used to love the Scooby Doo cartoon when I was younger, so I don't mind watching the movie. Didn't everyone out there want to be Daphne? Not Brynn. She wants to be Velma for halloween this year. She loves the glasses and the orange turtleneck sweater. I used to "play" Scooby Doo with Courtney when we were younger and she would always complain when I would make her be Velma. Who really wants to be the smart girl??

Also, we were watching Cinderella the other day and she asked if she could get a "Cinderella" dress. Lucky for her, I thought, there was one in her closet. Every little girl wants a Cinderella princess dress, right? No, Brynn wanted the "brown" raggedy dress. Really?

Brynn just started ballet and so far so good :) She was the only student with tatoos on her biceps, however.

Homemade pizza night...

Ky is 4 1/2 months old now. Eating his cereal like a big boy. He learned a new trick and found his toes. Wherever he is laying, all you see are his feet in the air. That is, unless he has rolled over on to his stomach and is yelling for someone to come rescue him because he is stuck and he hates being on his tummy.

Is it the weekend yet???

A Welcome Addition

I am finally admitting I can not do it all. Being a small business owner means you have to not only be good at your trade you are selling, but also know the ins and outs of the business world...marketing, accounting, etc. Who has time for all that??

I am so excited to announce that I now have my sister helping me out so I can focus on what I do best and not have to worry about filing my quarterly sales taxes on time.

Welcome on board, Courtney, as Kelly Vanderploeg Photography's new CFO. I hope you are enjoying your signing bonus ;) (It was a sweet 3M calculator).

Your help will be invaluable to me.

Niko or Giana?

I was beginning to think I was all alone in this world. I thought I was the only one who did not enjoy being pregnant. I thought I was alone when I did not enjoy feeling fat and bloated and flabby. That is, until I met Lisa.

We instantly bonded over our shared sentiments. I had to laugh because she even curses those chicks on the Bally's commercials who "think they're so hot." ;D lol

Lisa and Steve met when they were 14 and they have been a couple ever since. They are just the cutest together and after a long journey of struggling to bring a baby into this world, they are now on their way.

She is so tiny, but thinks she is so big...she still has 10 weeks to go. Lisa, just wait ;)

They had some adorable little hats made with the names of their little boy or girl. Niko or Giana will be one lucky little baby to have Lisa and Steve as their parents.

Lisa, you have no idea how beautiful you are.

I wish you guys the best of luck and godspeed to the rest of this pregnancy! ;) Much love!!

Thank you, Bikram

I was not familiar with Mr. Bikram Choudhury, I only made his acquaintance last week. My sister-in-law introduced us. I wasn't so sure about him at first, but after 90 minutes, I gave him the thumbs up.

As I became acquainted with his philosophies, I struggled for breath. I felt my muscles burn and stretch and the sweat drip down my forehead, and arms, and legs, and back. In fact, I have NEVER sweat -or sweated? - so much in my whole entire life...combined.

The room was heated to a suffocating 105 degrees of thick, heavy air with 40% humidity. As I lay on my back in "Savasana," or Dead Body Pose, I could feel gravity pulling that stifling, hot, hot air down on my lungs. Mentally, I fought off the smothering feeling of claustrophobia creeping up on me.

I slowly turned my head to look at the door that would be my escape to the refreshing, cool lobby. I quietly willed it to open on its own. Even half a breath of fresh air would have sufficed. I could feel the sweat tickling down the back of my scalp. Never in my life have I had such an insatiable urge to take a shower. It was like an out of body experience and was a complete physical and mental challenge. I loved it.



Mary warned me beforehand, "I'm telling you it is like hell on earth, you will be so hot and feel like you are going to pass out and throw up all at once, but when you are done you feel amazing and want to do it again. Really, it's a vicious cycle."

I was so nervous before class, I could feel the adrenaline and butterflies flowing through my entire body. But, believe it or not, she was right. After class, I bought the 30 day unlimited class package for $39. Anyone want to come with me?

The Grand Finale

I can not believe that baby Addison is not a baby anymore. She is now a toddler! What a doll she has been at every session and I have truly enjoyed photographing her. She has always been a trooper and gone along with any kind of situation I put her in.

This time, I started off pretty easy and basic.

My fave.

Then we had to incorporate the damask chair since we used it in her 3 month old session. Her toes are much bigger now compared to the last time she sat on his chair.

She crossed her legs all by herself. She's a natural and always making my job easier.

Next, we started getting a little fancier.

Maybe even a little complicated...

but definitely beautiful.

Then we kept things fun by bringing mom & dad in for some laughs.

And finally, I made Addison wish she never had to see me again when I made her go outside ;)

I finally got to meet Addy's dad, Jeff, and got him in on the action and making it a fun family session as well.

Love, love, love how Addy is looking at her mom & dad.

Thank you so much for a fun conclusion to a great year! I hope you enjoy all these images for many, many years to come :D