Luanne Rocks!

Recently, I had the pleasure of working with a good friend to take some updated pictures of the kids.  I can never get enough pictures of them, because as many women have told me (usually they stop me in the grocery store, CVS, the park - anywhere - to tell me this), they grow up - FAST. And to try to soak every minute of it in.

I try and try to soak up every moment, but sometimes, i'm SO TIRED from just getting through the day......the pictures I take will help me remember each moment.

Anyway - here are a few from my recent session with Luanne Kelly Photography.  She's local, she's also a Mom so she KNOWS how to work with kids (hence, get it done quickly, and make is FUN), and she's uber talented.  Here's her link:  http://www.luannekellyphotography.com/

1st Tooth, lost. Literally.

It's a rite of passage when your child loses their first tooth.  Toddler-hood, over.  Big kid, here to stay.

We didn't even notice Gemma had a loose tooth until the dental hygenist told us at the kids appointment in May.  She was, typically, terrified.  She didn't want to wiggle it, and didn't want to even think about it coming out.

So, it got looser and looser, and when Mimi and Papa were here a couple of weeks ago, we predicted that maybe it would come out in Kansas City when we were there late July - sort of like when Griffin lost TWO teeth there last summer.  One at a Royals game in some cotton candy (hilarious), and one at the airport while waiting for our flight home while drinking a bottle of water (it actually fell out into the bottle of water while he was drinking it, ha!).

But clearly we were wrong.  When I arrived at camp to pick the kids up on Tuesday afternoon, I saw Griffin first.  He was marching out for pick up with his  group with a big smile on his face when he saw me.  He kept motioning for me to come over, quick!

When I got there, he couldn't wait to tell me that he'd seen a drawing on the floor at camp that someone had made that said 'I lost my tooth on the playground, love Gemma.'  He was ecstatic for his sister!  Sweet boy.

Then, I saw Gemma.  Thinking she'd be jumping out her skin to tell me....I walked up to her and said, do you have something to tell me?  She said, very nonchalantly, 'Yeah, I lost my tooth on the playground, in the wood chips!'  I said, oh great, where is it?  We'll have to leave it for the toothfairy tonight!  It was then that I found out - it was quite literally, lost.

The way her story goes, she was running on the playground, and her friend stopped her and said, Gemma, where's your tooth?  LOL!

School's Out for Summer!

Last day......tears for this Mama as my kids get another year older.

Griffin finished up 2nd grade, and Gemma finished up Kindergarten.  The clock doesn't slow down......trying to soak up every moment yet keep my sanity as well.  If I haven't said it before, I'll say it again:  being a parent is the hardest and yet most rewarding job I've ever done, and will ever do.

I'm lucky and blessed to do it!

Here are a few pictures of both kids' class presentations:

Emoji leggings? But of course!

I recently discovered an amazing new company out of New York called Zara Terez.  They make super fun printed leggings - my favorite being their Emoji print.  

I have a bit of an obsession with using Emojis, you can ask my husband.  It's waaaay too fun and easy to be silly over text.  Anyway, along with the fact that they make these for adults (shop HERE), they also make them for girls (shop HERE).  

They come in sizes 7/8 (a girls S)  through 16 (girls XL).  I wish they came smaller because I feel like Gemma NEEDS these!  Look at this peanut below from their website!

Here are some of my favorites for girls, you can find them at Saks.  

Neon Sign Printed Leggings, $50

Emoji Printed Leggings, $50 

Donut Printed Leggings, $50

Street Sign Printed Legging, $50

Dog Printed Leggings, $50

Men Bow, Ladies Curtsy

My goodness.  My writing on this blog has almost come to a screeching halt.  Until today.

New Year's Resolution 2015.  To write on this blog about my kids.  Solely about them. Cute things they say, pictures, moments.  At this moment, my kids are at the perfect ages.  Griffin is 6, in first grade, and learning at the speed of light.  It's amazing to witness.  Gemma is 4, ready for Kindergarten next year, but still the sweetest little preschooler I know.  She isn't quite as worldly as her big brother, but boy does she want to be!

Today, it's all about being a princess.  Gemma watched Tangled this afternoon (she's got a cold, don't judge me sticking her in front of a movie!), and came upstairs from the basement telling me all about rules for princesses.

Here they are, in no particular order:

1. You must be a dainty lady and do all dainty things.
2.  Be nice to people.
3.  Eat dainty.
4.  Pinkies out.
5.  Curtsy.
6.  Marry.
7.  Kiss.
8.  You must do love and hugs.
9.  Always look fancy.

Some additions, according to Griffin:

1.  Wear your tiara, dress, and glass slippers.
2.  Always wear your cape.

The second issue we had after watching Tangled (and Rapunzel) was 'Mama, I want long hair.'  My response was, Gemma, you actually do have pretty long hair.  'No, i want LONG HAIR LIKE RAPUNZEL Mama!'  To which Griffin replied in a very exasperated tone:  'Gemma, if you want long hair like Rapunzel, you have to let your hair grow longer and longer and longer and longer and never get it cut.  Ever.  Even if you feel like it, you can't.  That's how you get long hair.'

My 6 year old truly knows the ways of the world.  At least the world according to Disney.

Can't get a decent photo of your kids? Hire Leathem Photography. You're welcome.

Chicagoland friends - if you are looking for a children's photographer, look no further.  I have found her for you.  Her name is Tammy Leathem, and she has taken pictures of my children since each of them were born.  After each and every photo session I count the days until I get my pictures back because I can't wait to see what special faces and moments Tammy has caught on camera.

Photography is a passion for Tammy, not just a job.  You can clearly see that in her pictures. I only wish she had pursued her passion just one year earlier than she did and she could have photographed my wedding!  Eeek - that was 9 years ago.

Anyway - wanted to share a few pictures from our session with Tammy in May.  The photos are stunning - and it's not just because I have cute kids (don't we all have THE CUTEST kids?).  

Leathem Photography

email:  tmlphotography@live.com

phone: 312-952-6974