Courtney and Chris. Maternity.
She’s the GLAZE on his donut. He’s the TWINKLE in her eye…
She’s the SPRING in his step. He’s the BLUE in her sky!
Courtney and Chris, you are going to make AWESOME parents! I can’t wait to meet your baby girl!
More on these first time parents…
Tell us something fun or unique about your relationship.
We have had such a busy yet very exciting year! We have both stayed so calm, happy & thankful for everything that has been going on. We are so lucky to have married each other last summer and found out we were expecting a few months later. Now, we are in the middle of moving into a bigger home to start our family and Courtney is a month away from graduating from grad school. Whew, it’s been a busy year, but we both couldn’t be happier!
Tell us how you found out you were expecting.
Chris told me twice before I actually took a test that he thought I was pregnant. I was not convinced. One day at work I didn’t feel like myself and took a test when I got home – it was positive. Funny thing was, his sister was staying with us for the week so I had to secretly tell him without her knowing at that time.
What’s your favorite thing about being pregnant? Least favorite?
Favorite – when Chris and I both can feel her move
Least Favorite – just about everything else haha
A baby is coming! What are you looking forward to the most?
Being able to meet this little girl that has been such a mystery for 9 months! We can’t wait to be a family and share all these upcoming special moments together (even those sleepless nights hehe).
How did you find Crystal Jo?
She photographed our wedding in June of last year!
Project 52
Week 10 of 52: Resolutions
Sometimes I make a New Year’s Resolution. Sometimes I don’t. This year, my resolution was this photo project. I’m still hanging in there but some weeks are later posts than I plan.
Along with this hefty project, I took on some more personal, intimate goals.
More fun.
More dances.
More walks.
More focus.
More change.
More creating.
More laughter.
More evolving.
More moments.
More love.
More risks.
More gratitude.
More books.
More energy.
Today is the day.
And I’ll start it off with one of my very favorites… more moments.
Canon 5DMkIII, 70-200mm f/2.8
ISO 1600, f/2.8, 1/60 sec
To see Michelle’s resolutions, click HERE.
Chanden. Two Years Big.
Chanden was all smiles when he saw that “photo session” meant a trip to the playground.
Chanden has a beautiful family and take a look at his AMAZING blue eyes!
“Chanden Parkway” where red tricycles rule!
Kisses from Chanden…
What a happy guy! I LOVE his smile!
Mom and Dad answered some questions about Chanden…
What is your favorite memory during his second year of life?
Daddy’s favorite memories from Chanden’s second year are hanging out on Saturday mornings watching cartoons. Mommy’s favorite memories are getting to watch him experience and discover new things like the animals at the zoo, the playground, bounce houses, Mickey Mouse, trains, and balls.
Do you have a funny story or something that happened in his second year that you’d like to share?
Chanden discovered his booty, thanks to his Aunt Holly. If you ask him where his booty is he points to it and laughs!
What age/month has been your favorite and why?
All of them. He’s always learning new things and it’s exciting to watch him grow and develop a personality.
One word to describe your toddler is…
Fearless
Favorites…
Animal: his favorite at the zoo is the elephant, but he does love his dog “Nee-Nee”, aka Snickers and the baby deer in our back yard
Food: he eats pretty much everything, but he has mommy’s sweet tooth
Toy: choo-choo’s
Sophie. One Year Big.
Sophie is a living doll.
That adorable face, those sparkling eyes… could she be any cuter?
I love her tiny curls!
Reflection. Reflection.
Watch out Cinderella… there’s a new princess in town!
Sophie’s parents answered some questions about their little princess…
What is your favorite memory during Sophie’s first year of life?
When she started walking at 9 1/2 months, she was so proud of herself.
Do you have a funny story or something that happened in her first year that you’d like to share?
Dylan, Evan and Sophie love each other so much! The boys are patient and take really good care of her. She loves to follow them around, play with and learn from them.
One word to describe your baby is…
Happy!
Favorites…
Animal: Our dog, Bauer
Food: Whatever the boys are eating
Toy: Blocks
Project 52
Week 9 of 52: One Second
Pixie’s a fast girl in one second. She loves to jump on the bed. She says, “No more monkeys jumpin’ on da bed!” After all, beds are made for jumping, right?!
(Full disclosure: Daddee was tossing her in this photo. She kept begging to do it “A-GIN” and “A-GIN”.)
Canon 5DMkIII, 16-35mm f/2.8
ISO 1600, f/2.8, 1/200 sec
See another take on this theme from Miranda, HERE.
Beginner’s Photography Class.
A few months ago, Crystal Jo asked me to help with her first ever photography class. I was excited! Working meant I’d be picking up lunch for all the students and helping Crystal Jo with anything she needed. As if that wasn’t awesome enough already, I’d also get to hear some of Crystal Jo’s nuggets of wisdom. I love photography but my DSLR camera, with all its functions, has always intimidated me. A few days before the class, Crystal Jo suggested I bring along my camera. This was going to be even better than I thought.
The class took place on February 3rd and it was awesome! Crystal Jo had so many tips. She really knows her stuff and she’s an excellent teacher. So many things clicked once Crystal Jo explained them. The relationship between ISO, shutter speed, and aperture finally made sense. You could see light bulbs turning on in everyone’s head. After lunch, we were all shooting in manual mode and two beautiful toddlers arrived just in time for us to practice our new skills. We had full control over our cameras and we had real models to shoot. I was in heaven!
Chipotle for lunch. YUM!
Crystal Jo showed us her baby magic with beautiful Brynleigh. Brynleigh’s mom, Amanda, was also a student.
Crystal’s daughter, Pixie, in action. Shooting toddlers was challenging but so much fun.
Do we look like the paparazzi?
What a beauty!
Crystal Jo, thank you for letting me particpate in this class. I learned so much and I’m gaining confidence behind the lens. I have a long way to go but I feel blessed to have such a great teacher in my life. XOXO Tonia
Great News! Crystal Jo Foto is offering another session of the Beginner’s Photography Class on April 21st. Email crystal@crystaljofoto.com for more deets!
Project 52
Week 8 of 52: It’s not always a good (hair) day.
Isn’t that the truth around here. I’m trying, and trying VERY hard, to grow my hair out. It’s been a real DISASTER. And, speaking of disasters, I cut my daughter’s bangs because I really thought I could do a good job. Pfft. I really thought a two year old would sit still for thirty seconds as Momma came closer and closer with a pair of scissors. Not! And now her bangs are a real DISASTER. It’s not always a good (hair) day.
Canon 5DMkII, 35mm f/1.4
ISO 1600, f/1.4, 1/320 sec
It’s not always a good day at Michelle’s. Click HERE to see why.
Drumroll, please! Best of 2012…
With 139 votes, in FIRST PLACE is Meg and Dom on the swings! Enjoy your free session and disc of images. You guys surely deserve it!
In a VERY close second place, with 116 votes, is Becky and Janjan! A special gift for you… a $75 print credit for your very close second place win. Thank you so much for all your efforts! SERIOUSLY, you guys ROCK!
Thank you everyone for your HUGE support with voting and “liking” Crystal Jo Foto. It truly is an honor to photograph and document your lives. I know how important these are to everyone in them. Memories that will last forever. Thank you all for the Best 2012. I really am forever grateful.
You are ALL winners in my heart!
Here are the other photos I’ve selected as my favorites of 2012. In no particular order…
Project 52
Week 7 of 52: So in love with… friendship.
Though our lives are SO extremely busy, we do try to get together with our dearest of friends. To spend time together. Laugh and cry. Share stories and vent. Friendship is such a beautiful gift. And for this, I am SO in love with it.
Pixie and Fiona were born into their friendship and it really is such a joy to watch. Pixie is a little copy-cat. She soaks it all in and adores Fiona and every move she makes. She seriously asks to “pway wif No-nuh” everyday. I only hope they will grow up to be as close as their momma’s.
Here they are decorating Valentine’s Day cards. Fiona wanted white paint so Pixie wanted white paint. Of course!
Canon 5DMkII, 35mm f/1.4
ISO 2000, f/2.8, 1/50 sec
What’s Destinee in love with? Click HERE to see.
Claire. 9 Months Big.
Oh my goodness! How cute is this baby?
Claire’s mom, Roberta, wanted to have these pictures taken as a Valentine’s Day surprise for her husband, Steve.
Claire, You are absolutely adorable and I hope these pictures will steal your daddy’s heart.
My two year old monkey, Pixie, is sitting in the high chair eating her banana. She wants to be Claire when she grows up. 🙂 (She really says this when we ask her what she wants to be when she grows up… “CARE”)
