Since I'm not ending with my last shoot (the one I posted a few days ago- the gupt family), it's just as fitting to end 2008's shoots with this family as these beautiful girls were my last shoot in 2007. So full circle.

And there will still be plenty of pictures up on the blog until Christmas. I have so much of my own stuff to post (oh, you are going to be so sick of my boys!) and I still have a Christening and a 2nd birthday party to edit which may or may not be posted prior to Christmas. The parents of the children in those shoots were very good to me and said that I could wait to edit and post until after the holidays. We'll see what happens. I still haven't done any christmas shopping so I am planning on spending some time doing that.

Back to the zawa girls…is it even possible that they became MORE gorgeous since last year? They are both still swimming competitively and doing really well. Love that long hair and sparkly eyes. Even though it was so cold out we did jump outside for a few- so worth it to get some pretty light. Mom (another gorgeous one, but I couldn't convince her to get in any pictures this year) said that we are doing a shoot earlier next year and at the beach. I'm looking forward to it already…

Went to Brooklyn on a freezing, dreary day to photograph this family. Little Miss A has her whole family (grandparents included) wrapped around her little finger and it's so easy to see why. She is delish and adorable and squeezable. I got a hug and kiss (unsolicited I might add) within the first 10 minutes of being there and another big one on the way out. Miss A wasn't much for doing anything that wasn't her idea, so we had to work fast and around wherever she was or what she was doing. Managed to get some sweet ones- really, how could you not? She was so smart, naming colors (love that orange is really called "pumpkin") and even started calling me by name. A-dorable!!

In all honesty, I have to admit that I REALLY wanted to save this family to blog as my last shoot of 2008. Especially since they WERE my last family for 08. And because they have such a special story with a little 'christmas miracle' type ending. But mom is freaking out that she won't have enough time for getting her cards out, I had to jump ahead and post them tonight. See, C…anything for you!

I have a real big spot in my heart for this family. I met mom when she took my scrapbook class way back when and got to photograph this incredibly blessed and happy family when the baby was first born and then again at her christening. They have the best story. In short, they had a surrogate carrier "cook up" their little one, so this baby is an extra special miracle! (*waving: hi to you firedept mom). There is no limit to how much she was wanted.

So here she is in all her christmas finery along with mom & dad who love her to bits. And grandma & grandpa even took the day off work to be at the photoshoot as well. Can't you just tell how much she's loved? Nevermind the fact that she's gorgeous. Love those huge eyes!

A little shout-out to my blog-stalkers Heather and Sara! Hi girls! So great to see you today, but unfortunately under not so nice circumstances. How about this Saturday night at 10pm @ Gabrielle's in RVC to hear "my" band and have a few drinks. As if I didn't get into enough trouble there this weekend!

And if you could all spare a little love and good thoughts or prayers for my friend Julianne. She just lost her dad this week. She's a fantastic person and although we are 'new friends' I really just love her. You can see how much she loved her dad and he seemed like a great guy from what she told me about him today. So please send a little love her way- she could really use it.

Some photos from my last weekend of shooting in 2008. Almost there…

First, the obri kids. A dreary morning outside but lots of fun and sun inside. A-dorable!! kids. The older girl was all into the shoot (for the most part and for a while) while the poor little boy had a cold and was not particularly happy about the whole thing. We got a few before he melted down to the point of no return. And then they were both DONE and the shoot was over. Hope you like the pictures, mom. I think we definitely got some keepers for the card!

Next, the conn family. You might recognize them from the wedding back in September as the dad is the bride's sister. Mom was way pregnant at the wedding, and they now have a happy new addition to their beautiful family. The big kids were so great with the baby and held him so well for the pictures. Of course, I had my usual crazy ideas- but mom & dad even got in on the act, asking to use the elephant table/bench which was a family heirloom. Love that! The kids were great and we all (i think) had a great time.

And I love my natural light…oh, how I've missed that. It's just so pretty!!