My TWO year old.

  Posted on March 28, 2013 » Filed in birthday, black and white, candid, Events, family, newborns » Link

I was about 4 months pregnant and we were sitting on the couch at home in a complete daze. We had just found out that we were having a, UH, GIRL. “REALLY???”, was the first thing that came out of my mouth when I saw her little hoo-ha on the ultra sound. A GIRL. OK. So we sat for days trying to think of a name. We had a boy name all picked out and ready for pick up. But, neeeerrrr, not this time. I really wanted a name that meant something to us, like our boy name.

One night, my parents and I were reminiscing about old times where I grew up (Hobbs, NM) and my dad mentioned an old street that we had driven down everyday while we lived there. That street was named “Breckon” and at the mere mention, I knew it. I humbly, softly said to Dustin “oh, Breckon, that’s special. Lots of things special about that”. His sweet smile and answer was a quiet, long “hmmmmmmm…I love it”. And there it was. Breckon Dale. And the “Dale” comes from Dustin’s grandfather whom he never had the chance to meet but he for sure left a name that we hope to take with us generations down the line.

And GIRL, am I so blessed to have a GIRL. She is the highlight of my day, the sparkle to every “stawwwrrrr” (star) that I notice now.  She is the calm to my storm, and the STORM to my calm. Breckon Dale Raney, I have no doubt that God has you here for so many crazy, special reasons. You have changed my life for the better. I pray daily for your loud, spunky personality…and that God will give me the strength to raise you to be a thriving, intelligent, trusting, loving little girl who will touch every life that you encounter. I am in love with you my precious first born. HAPPY BIRTHDAY sweet Brecky Breck Brecks, Monkey Boo, doodoo head, munchkin eater, doll face.

Carson

  Posted on February 26, 2013 » Filed in black and white, candid, family, kids, newborns, people, Studio » Link

Well, he is here. Carson James Hicks has arrived and he is perfect as perfect can get. Most newbie babies look all the same. Scrawny, red, pasty, squishy, smelly (choose your favorite adj) little newbies. But not this one. I mean, look at his perfectly woven together little body and face? He is PERFECT. I’m so proud of Krecia and Patch for, basically, dominating parent-hood. I knew they would. What a lucky and perfect (have I said perfect yet?) baby boy.

 

Tiner

  Posted on November 24, 2012 » Filed in black and white, candid, kids, nature, newborns, outdoor, people » Link

This session was special to me for many reasons! Natalie Tiner and I were besties in High School, and yes mom, we did skip class a few times together. (It was time to get that off of my chest, whew). Although life took us down different roads, it did my soul some good to hear her laugh, see her mom’s old house (so nostalgic for me) and pick up right where we left off. But this time we have kiddos to talk about, not who the hotty boy is in our 3 period class or how much we love “aunts marching” by dave matthews. And is this little Tiner (named after her momma) not the cutest thing you have ever laid your eyes on? She definitely has her momma’s sweet spirit and laugh! I could not have been happier with the way these images turned out. Such a beautiful location at her papaw’s house and the carriage that you see Tiner in, her papaw MADE many years ago. It was also raining in 40 degree weather, but we were determined to do this, and Tiner was a total rock star.

 

Baby Sam and Case

  Posted on November 12, 2012 » Filed in black and white, candid, kids, newborns, people, Studio » Link

Meet baby Sam, probably the most calm newborn I have ever photographed. The longer I look at these images, the more I wish I had stuck him in my back pocket and kicked mom and dad to the curb. But seeing that he belongs to a prosecuting attorney (and Dustin’s close friends from college), I guess that scenario could have landed me in the slammer. Alas, I shall enjoy the memories by gazing at these images below. And big brother Case, I’m thinking Breckon might have a little crush, I know I do.

 

Baby Lulu

  Posted on September 18, 2012 » Filed in black and white, candid, family, newborns » Link

First of all, that name, are you KIDDING ME?  I just want to say it over and over again, baby LULU, baby LULU. Her name is Mary Louise, but they call her LuLu. Her mother and I knew each other way back in 1784, so it was a total blast from the past when she showed up at my front door with her husband and her first “littles”. This shoot was fun because I was able to hand down a few “newborn” tricks that were graciously given to me while we were in this newborn stage. And a few days later, I received some happy texts from Karen exclaiming that the “vent-a-hood” trick works. Call me if you’re interested in knowing!

Thank you Karen, for allowing me to capture these first precious moments of a newborn! She’s a doll. I almost stole her, but I figured I needed a good night’s rest….sooooo.

 

Meet this Sweet Pea!

  Posted on April 23, 2012 » Filed in black and white, candid, family, kids, newborns, outdoor, people, Uncategorized » Link

So do you remember Kerina?  Wel,l meet this cutie bug baby girl, Olivia, that was once tucked away, snug as a bug in a rug, in her mommy’s belly. Oh goodness, the sweetnest that this family has going on is enough sweet to sweeten all of the south’s sweet tea. Thank you, Gouchers, for allowing me into your home to capture all of the sweetness! Don’t you get a cavity now from enjoying these pics.

 

Meet the Etter Family

  Posted on April 6, 2012 » Filed in black and white, candid, family, kids, newborns, people, Uncategorized » Link

I had the amazing opportunity to shoot Michelle’s maternity pics this past fall, and then I had the amazing opportunity to shoot little Ms. Karoline who has since graced this world with her presence. And what a beautiful baby girl she is. Billy and Michelle are truly a couple that could be straight out of a Disney movie! They love each other with such amazing, unconditional love, and little Ms Karoline is the icing on the cake to make this happy couple a family! Thank you Michelle, for allowing me to capture your perfect family in a sweet moment in time!

Baby Cooper

  Posted on January 12, 2012 » Filed in black and white, newborns, people » Link

 

This little monkey is my new little Cooper -man-nephew who came into the world in October!  His mother (Jess) is married to my husband’s younger brother. Did’ya get that?  Jess is truly an amazing friend and sister to me!  I know that it’s rare when “in-laws” get along, and we go way beyond getting along, we talk for about an hour everyday, and that hour gives me alot of charge for the rest of my busy day.  She lives in Dallas which is the tragedy of this whole story.  But you will soon forget this tragedy when you see this booger’s sweet face.  I miss you Cooper booger.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blake Harrison Carlson

  Posted on December 28, 2011 » Filed in black and white, kids, newborns » Link

I’m pretty sure that Chad and Amy Carlson will never make an ugly baby….I mean seriously, look at his face? And look at how beautiful Julia is.  I cannot get over it. I also shot Blake coming into this world, and since I don’t do things in order, you will see some of those shots soon!! Enjoy this moochy gooey face.