Birthday Girl...

This little beauty was all smiles on her first birthday. She was full of energy and laughs!

Baby H...

I have known this little man since his days in the womb :) His beautiful momma did her maternity pictures on her farm this past winter. He came a little late but well worth the wait...

Lovely Family...

What a beautiful home and breathless views of the Mohonk Preserve. Spring is here but it was too chilly to spend too much time outside.

Sweet moment between mommy and son

Sharing secrets

Daddy's girl

Communion Time...

I remember the day I made my First Communion, a LONG time ago. These sweet young girls look like little brides in their beautiful dresses.

Easter Weekend...

Here are a couple pictures from our busy Easter weekend. We got to go see the Dinosaur exhibit at the Springfield Museum with Nana and Papa. Followed by a Easter Egg Hunt at Meme and Pepe's house.

I actually got in front of a camera and got a picture with Kieran.

Brayden was in mid jump from this bench as I snapped this. Too fast!

My niece and Brayden goofing off.

My beautiful niece.


Brayden enjoying his Easter Egg Hunt.


My nephew with the "get that camera out of my face" look :)


My adorable nephew who wasn't getting his way at this moment ;)

My Blog got a Make Over!

Thank you so much Nikki from Expressive Style Graphics for my custom blog make-over. I love it!

LOVE THIS STORE!!!

I swung by today to pick up a new pair of bumGenius diapers for Kieran's Easter Basket. While I was there I hit the jackpot and picked up a pair of Robeez for $6, they look like new! Amongst the consignment clothes on the racks you will find the likes of Baby Gap, Hanna Anderson, Children's Place, and Gymboree. Along with the slightly used, there is the new too. I am waiting for her Spring line of Stride Rites to come out so I can pick up Brayden a new pair of sandals. Raissa has a great selection of not only children's and babies clothes but maternity as well.

Some of the brands she carries includes Tea, Stride Rite, Pedipeds, NuBorn, Gnorasaurus, MiaLa, Dog On Fleas, tea, Sckoon Organics, Erbaviva Organics, Global Mamas, MP Tights & Socks, Dadz, Tuthilltown Tots, Jeune Girl, DustBunnies, LilyPadz, Imse Vimse, SIGG, Baby Rhino, Zutano, Lauren Celeste, and much more. She also features items for sale from local mommas, like Jeune Girl and myself ;)

If you head out her way, be sure to bring your gently used clothes, and be sure not to remove any tags off any unused new stuff. You know the stuff the in-laws give you :) She will do a trade for credit, it's like consignment, but you don't have to wait for your items to sell before you shop. Be sure to tell her Melissa sent you :)

Prices Are Going Up...

As I previously mentioned, my prices will be going up and it could be as soon as Monday. I am putting the final touches on my new pricing which will include better referral incentives. So you have until the end of the weekend to take advantage of my reduced rates.

My schedule over the next couple months is very busy, normally I ask to call me a month in advance, now I am asking that you call 2 months in advance to ensure you get the date you desire.

Expectant Mommas, it is never to early to call me to reserve your newborn and maternity shoot. Don't forget about my "Welcoming Me" collections. If you recently had a newborn and don't have a session booked, please call me asap to see if we can get you in.

My availability over the next couple months:
March-FULL
April 19th- BOOKED
May 17th- BOOKED
June- 28th BOOKED
July 5th- Available
July 12th-BOOKED
July 6th- BOOKED
July 13th-Available
July 19th BOOKED
July 20th-Available

Please don't hesitate to call just in case I have a cancellation or someone reschedules!

Thanks!

The Triplets...

I got to go visit the triplets again in NICU at Vassar. So sweet and small. I also met their fabulous nurses, one whom happens to be the mom of my "Fresh Face" contest winner. Small world. Speaking of small, here are some pictures of the babies:

Mom, Baby Alexis and Me

Alexis

Madeline

Timothy

Me and Alexis getting to know one another

A Benefit For Andrew...

For anyone who knows me, knows cancer affects me deeply. I lost my brother and grandfather to cancer within the same year. I have some not so nice words to say about cancer, but I will keep them to myself. I know there is little that I can do to help those affected by this disease but when feel I can do that little something, I try.

For those familiar with www.hudsonvalleyparents.com, know about Andrew. For those who are not familiar, here is his story:

Andrew Jenkins is a 12 year-old boy from Clintondale. In December of 2007, Andrew was diagnosed with a high grade telangiectatic sarcoma, a very rare and aggressive cancer.

Since then, instead of going to school, playing with friends, and spending carefree days with his family, Andrew has been commuting several times a week to the Children’s Hospital of Montefiore in the Bronx for medical care.

Because of the severity of his cancer, Andrew is on a brutal chemotherapy regimen. He will require reconstructive surgery of his right hand, as a large tumor is eroding his wrist. His immune system is compromised and he suffers from neutropenia, mouth sores, and daily vomiting. Fevers--a constant threat--require extended hospital stays.

Andrew’s health insurance doesn’t cover everything. Many expenses associated with his treatment (including lodging, transportation, and food while traveling) are not covered, and his family members are not able to work while caring for him. Please help us make a difference for this local family.

Join us as we support our cherished community member, Andrew.

ART THROUGHOUT THE ORCHARD
A Benefit for Andrew Jenkins*
as he battles cancer

Saturday April 26, 2008
(rain date April 27)

Liberty View Farm
340 Crescent Avenue, Highland NY 12528

Family Fund Raising Festivities begin at 12:00 PM

Featuring:
Live Music ~ Silent Art Auction ~ Children’s Art Gallery ~ Hands-On Children’s Art
Activities ~ Bake Sale ~ Yard Sale ~ Cookie Decorating ~ Penny Social ~ Raffle~
Frolic with goats and chickens at the Certified Naturally Grown Apple Orchard!

6:00 PM “Going out on a Limb” Awards Presentation
honoring community members and organizations who make Ulster County a better place
Sponsored by The Social Awareness Committee of the New Paltz Social Society

Suggested Donation:
$5 per person/$20 per family

For more information, contact:
Billiam Van Roestenberg (845) 883-7004 http://libertyviewfarm.biz
or Loretta J. Lynn (917) 607-6262 queenbee718@yahoo.com

I will be on hand on April 26th photographing the event for Andrew and his family. I will also be donating a session package for the raffle. Please join us for a day at the Farm for this great cause!

Baby Girl...

What a good little baby. She barely made a peek the whole time I was there. Mommy and Daddy are very proud of their little girl.

Spring Is Near...

We all got badly needed hair cuts today. After we got back we went out back to play with the "BUBBLES," as Brayden would shout. I look at this picture and realized how big my baby is getting.

My Email is Being Funny...

If you recently sent me an email and you didn't hear back from me, please give me a ring at 834-3241. The server I use is making some changes and it is delaying my emails. I am getting some of them forwarded to my personal account but not receiving others. I apologize for any inconvenience and hopefully this will be fixed soon.

The Triplets Are Here....

My good friend Debbie just had her triplets:

Alexis - 3lbs. 14oz.,

Madeline - 4lbs. 11oz.,

Timothy - 4lbs. 8oz.,

Congrats to Mom, Dad and Big Brother Nick!!
Pictures to come..

Getting Ready For a Change...

After being in my Portfolio Building stage for sometime now, I am getting ready to move on. I have been very lucky to have had some great clients who given me a chance, welcomed me into their homes and allowed me to document their family and lives. And for that, I thank them.

I have an exciting year ahead with some new ventures in front of me, especially the publishing of the Little Red Heads Across America book, in which one of my photos will be featured. I will also be introducing my own line of custom frames!!!

Now that I am moving on from building my portfolio and we are getting into the busy spring and summer season, my rates will be increasing. I have a small handful of sessions left in April, May and June. Those who have sent in their retainer fees will be locked into my current rates. They officially have not gone up yet, so please contact me if you interested locking in my current pricing.

I thank you all again for being apart of the Surprise Photography family.

Matilda Jane Trunk Sale Coming...

Super CUTE girls and woman clothing! These items are not available in stores, only trunk shows. I will be hosting a trunk show the weekend of May 30th. Virtual orders will be available for those who can not make the open house. There will be some great door prizes offered by Surprise Photography. More details to come but feel free to check out their current catalog: Matilda Jane

Beat the Rain...

I loved this little man. He is so sweet! We were able to squeeze in some pictures this morning before the rain came down good.
A little vintage look with some texture:

Back online!

Ok, I was only off for a day and a half but it was a LONG day and a half. I came home after a playdate and the power was out. When it came back on the only thing not to turn back on was the computer. I only had a minor freak out. I knew the hard drive was most likely fine and that is the only thing I am really concerned about. I am lucky my hubby is an IBMer and has some great computer geek friends. Thanks KEV!!!!

So for all of those who know about my run of bad luck lately, Karma owes me big time.

The Story Behind a Picture...

Why I am blessed to do what I do.

I posted this picture to the right in a previous post, from a recent newborn session. I took this picture while the couple was having a moment with their daughter. They did not notice that I had taken this Willow Tree statue off the top of their entertainment center and snapped this picture. Later at home, I was drawn to this picture and decided to post it as part of their preview. I promised the couple I would post some images online so that while dad was away on a work trip, he could show off his little angel.

The next day mom sent me an email that brought me to tears, and I am grateful she is letting me share this story. Sometimes we don't realize how a photo can touch someone and how deep its story really can go:

" So About the statue....we were really touched that you
took that picture of the Hope statue...and it was
amazing you included it, considering you had no idea
when you took the picture what the statue means to us.
In June 2006, Tim and I lost our first baby, our son
Patrick. I was 5 months pregnant at the time. My water
just broke for no apparent reason and I delivered my
son two days later. He was stillborn, and the incident
was devastating to us. We got to hold him at least,
and we are so happy we were able to spend that short
time with him.

We had a difficult time moving forward and it took us
awhile to get up the courage to try again for another
baby, though its what we both desperately wanted. That
statue of the little boy holding the hope sign reminds
us of Patrick so much. We actually bought it shortly
before I lost him. Its crazy how much he gives us
signs, and we definitely took that as a big sign from
him that things will be okay.

That picture moved us to tears, and we truly believe
our son was with us that day. It may sound weird, but
I sometimes feel guilty that I am experiencing all of
this with Madeleine, and that I never got to
experience it with Patrick. However, seeing that
statue in the picture really made us think he somehow
was a part of that photo shoot with us."

I was taken back by this email because I had no idea that they had lost a son. I was just drawn to that statue because I have several just like it. After taking some deep breaths I wrote back to her, "Ok, I have finally stopped crying. I had to take a deep breathe and walk away for a couple of minutes. What a touching story. I am so sorry that you had to live through that. In the long run, I think it will only make you stronger.

Please don't feel guilty at all in enjoying your special little angel. She truly is a gift."

Later she responded back, " Im sorry I made you cry! Thank you for writing such a
sweet email back to me :) You now know how much it
meant to us to see that picture---Patrick was truly
working through you when you took that statue
down!!!!!! We had no idea you even used that statue!
It made us cry, but made us sooo incredibly happy at
the same time! ....

...Its all crazy, and we are just so happy to have her
here safe and healthy. She is a joy to us, and truly a
gift from our son.

We don't care how little sleep we get, to hear her cry
is such a blessing to us.

Thanks again for the joy you brought us!"

Thank you for letting me share this story. I am glad talking about Patrick brings you comfort and I hope it brings comfort to those whom who have had the same experience. It truly makes me realize how blessed and honored I am to be apart of such an experience.

Favorite Item of the week....

From Jeune Girl, Children's Wall Letters. I was given a gift of these for Kieran's room when he was born. I loved them so much I bought a set for my best friend's baby girl. They were all customized to the theme of her nursery:

Favorite Store of the Week...

I get a lot of questions regarding clothing options and suggestions for up coming shoots. I have to mention that I was in Old Navy this past week and I am IN LOVE with their new Urban Explorer line. If you are looking for something a little more hip and trendy for your shoot, I suggest checking out their Boys and Girls line.

Baby M...

Thank you to little Baby M who had me in her home today. Mommy contacted me after seeing my write up in the Poughkeepsie Journal this past December. She was the perfect subject, Mommy and Daddy didn't do to bad either....



Thank you again for having me.