My new Favorites

Here are my new favorites of my kiddos. Slowly, they are starting to realize that mom just loves to have a camera pointed at them frequently! Well, summer is starting to wind down, so here are a few summer pics to celebrate a wonderful season.

Braedyn, 3 months

Look at this big guy all grown up at three months! I photographed him while he was still in mommy's tummy and as a newborn as well. Wow, does time fly!







Hmmmm, have I ever told you I am obsessed with little baby feet?

Macy

Isn't Miss Macy a doll? She has the bluest eyes! I grew up with Macy's dad so it was nice to catch up with him and Macy's mom. Thank you so much for coming to see me, twice! (We had to reschedule the outside session due to rain)









Macy's mom made her hairpiece!

Miss Millie

Miss Millie was 14 days when she came to visit me. Isn't is she just darling? She decided she was going to stay awake for a few hours so it was nice to chat with mom and dad for a little bit. Proud aunt came along too!














I have been working on these next two poses with newborns so I was so excited that I got this cute little button to do this for me!




Did I mention I am obsessed with baby feet?

Precious Gifts

These two kiddos are precious gifts to momma! After hanging out with them for a few hours, I certainly know why. They both were a little shy at first, but the older cousins helped them come out of their shells for a little bit to capture their personalities. They also came to see me all the way from Las Vegas! Well, I wasn't the only reason they came to central Illinios, but it sounds really good!








Don't you just love his curls!












And the two beautiful cousins who came to help!

Flower Power

I have taken a little break from my blog! Since my triathlon I have slowed down the pace a little and haven't really done much except enjoy my family. I have a few sessions I can't wait to blog, so look for those in the next few weeks!

Daddy slipped a flower behind Finley's ear and she felt just like a princess! She even said, Mom, take some pictures. So, I had no problem grabbing my camera. I had to add a few of Landon too!

My Triathlon

In January, I signed up for a triathlon. Why? Well, there were a few reasons. One, to be healthy and somewhat in shape. Two, to lose the baby weight from my second baby. Three, to just do it. I have always thought it would be cool to do, but you know how it is, you say to yourself, well maybe next year or I will never be able to do that. So, I decided now was the time to do it. I do not want to sit back and wait for things to come to me, I must go to them. So I signed up and told everyone I saw for the next few weeks that I was going to do a tri. This held me accountable. For the past 6 months I have trained to be a triathlete. Surprisingly, I have really enjoyed my training. The variety of the three events kept my interest and I was never bored.

The sprint triathlon is divided into three events. Swimming 600 yards(1/4 mile), Bike 13 miles, and Run 3.1 miles. The swimming is the most challenging but once you get that out of the way, you got it whipped! I was so nervous that morning and almost thought about not competing. I got into the water to warm up and started having second thoughts! The water was cold and took my breath away and I didn't think I could do it. I then turned around to face the crowd and saw all these people here supporting us and cheering us on, especially my family, and knew there was no other choice but to continue on. Later, at Bob Evans filling up post race, I told my family this and my brother said, "I got up way to early on a Saturday morning to watch this, you were definitely going to do it!" But, he said there was no way he would miss it either which meant alot to me. It was awesome to have my mom and stepdad there, who did this same tri 25 years ago as well as Jimmy to cheer me on and keep me going.

Photos courtesy of Tim Marcum

The lifeguard going to their posts to watch us during our swim.



Last minute pep talk from Jimmy!



After my warm up swim. This is where I was trying not to throw up from nerves and deciding if I was really going to do this.



My last glance back, trying to find a face I recognize. I didn't see anyone, but yes, there were watching me!



And we are off! The first 100 yards were a struggle trying to get a space to swim!




Made it! 16 minutes and 30 seconds later I am out of the water. This is me transitioning from swimming to biking. I had to shed my wetsuit and put on my sock and shoes. I had a very generous friend loan me her race bike for this. It was sooo nice and now I can't wait to get one of my own!







Forty-seven minutes later, I am back from my 13 mile bike ride and off to run the 3.1 miles. There were some volunteers from Le Roy handing water on the run course so it was so nice to have some familar faces cheering me on. Thank you Heather, Katie, and Melissa!



30 minutes and 48 seconds later I cross the finish line! My goal was to obviously finish, but I had a time in my mind of 1:40.00. I finished in 1:39.10!!!!!!



I could not have done this without his support. He was willing to watch the kids when needed while I trained and/or help me with anything I needed.



And my fan club during the race. My brother, hubby, mom, and stepdad. Thanks for being there! I really needed you!



I had an awesome experience during the race. I would love to do it again next year. I encourage everyone to try something they have always wanted to do but have just put if off for various reasons and excuses. I have told my story, know its time to tell yours!