Can't Say FFFFlowers

Arianna lost her top tooth this morning. She's lost a few teeth already, but this one seems so significant for me. I guess, because she looks like a big girl. How many moms can say that their kids take out their own teeth? I admire her determination. She sat there in front of the mirror twisting and turning that stubborn tooth until she heard the cracks. I've never seen a little girl so happy to see her bloody tooth hanging by a thread. The first thing she told me was that she looked like her big cousin, Mumi. Even she sees how different she looks. Then, she tried to say something that involved the word "Flowers" and started laughing, "I can't say flowers, ha ha ha. " Another few images to store in my long-term memory...

Under the Rain

It almost didn't happen, but luckily, we were spared and all that was left were overcast skies and a few minor puddles, PERFECT photographing weather! Here is the Ortega family...

The House That Built Me

I haven't lived in this tiny home in Village Green for 12 years now, but it will always be "my home". Every time I'm in the area, I can't resist the urge to drive past it and wave. The new owners haven't done much to it in all this time as if to preserve our history. The paint's the same, the walkway has the same old-fashioned dilapidated tiles, the once new awnings are collecting mold and yet, it still pulls me in each time I drive past it. See up until I was 21, I knew no other home. Those walls contain vivid memories of slumber parties in the living room, 25 people packed in a tiny kitchen clad with ducks, sleeping on the floor in sleeping bags in a nonmaster "master bedroom", backyard parties with records and tape players, 4 dogs, 1 cat, 1 hamster, 2 bunnies, lots of chickens and birds (you'd think we owned a farm or something), family reunions (some with us and some no longer), the list is endless. Resonating most within those walls was an intense amount of love. Luckily, we take the that along with the memories.
So I drove past this personal Heaven of mine and do what I always do: yell out to my girls "This is where Mami grew up!" and they always respond "We know, Mami." This time, I took out my iPhone and like a strange stalker in a moving car, I captured my little home. Here it is: 12251...

More of Miss Lia...

The whole family came back for a few more of their latest addition. She's still as tiny as ever. I had bought two beautiful new hats from etsy and they never found their way to her tiny little head. :( Still, with Dad's help ;), we were able to get some awesome hand shots!!!







Gigi made it into one. She and Logan are two birds of a feather...

And of course, my favorite trio...



And of course, my favorites are the ones with her brothers Lucas and Logan. I'm in love with this trio!!!

Ashton...

I LOVE chunky newborns! I guess I'm reminded of my little brother and how unusually large he was at birth (a full 10 pounds)! I was absolutely in love with him. Ashton was a sweetie pie. He hated the tummy poses, but we NEEDED to showcase his awesome hair!
Perfectly parted, lush, and soft, he's perfect for a hair commercial. :) Mom and Dad were so laid back and happy, made for a very enjoyable session. Thank you for signing on with us for Ashton's first year! I hope to create some pretty incredible memories for you!!!!


Can't decide whether I like the color or black and white more...

Look at Me Me Me, I'm 3 3 3!

I love how this age brings loads of energy, questions, and chatterboxes! Aiden was no exception. He is this gorgeous, vivacious boy who loves to PLAY! Who doesn't, right? I was in complete awe of his flawless memory as he recited the entire book "Where The Wild Things Are" in spanish. Incredible! Here's a sneak peek at all that energy!

Lia Nicole - 4 days

She's here and she's complete perfection! 10 beautiful fingers and 10 beautiful toes! I just had to come and photograph this sleeping beauty before I went on vacation. She pretty much let me do whatever I wanted and Mom (Cristy) would just walk away in fear that I would break her child, LOL! I am so enamored of this little girl and I'm so happy that my friend finally got her little girl. Now with my gorgeous sons-in-law Lucas and Logan, Miss Lia will be the perfect little companion for my Mia. There will be more to come as I can't get enough of her. All of her beautiful little flower head pieces are courtesy www.MIPetiteBoutique.com . Aren't they perfect?