New Blog? Ohhhh yeah.....

I'VE MOVED!

I've had this here freebie blog since 2008....and its seen me through 2 kids, my grandmother passing away, the start of Type A.....and lots of late nights. You've been a good friend, little buddy, but it's time to move on. I feel bad. Kind of feel like I'm dumping the not-so-cute but really nice guy for the hot jock with the nice car.

But, them's the breaks.....

Check it @

http://www.typeablog.com

Friday Fractured Thought | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

-This week I did my FIRST (and...let's face it, probably last) bridal show. Now, don't get me wrong...it was okay. I met a lot of couples and vendors as well. But, I don't think it's my thing. For one, putting together a workable booth is a LOT harder than it looks. I am no interior designer. I was just hoping I could come away with something that did not resemble a 6th grade science fair display. For another, because by the time I did the show I was nearly booked for 2011, I found I had to turn a lot of people away for dates....which sucked. Also, I had the booth right next to Simma's bakery....and they were giving away cake. Which was just mean.

I put together a little "Anatomy of My Booth" tutorial here.....enjoy.

- This week was also punctuated by illness. I was sick all last week and through the bridal show (I tried not to shake anyone's hand or sneeze on anyone...and if I sounded a bit looped, blame DayQuil). Then, Betty got sick.....and we got to experience our first "big girl" throw-up episode. TMI, perhaps...but there is a large, marked difference between baby puke and big girl puke. Large.

- We also had the Grammy's this week, which I watched in its entirety for, I think, the first time since high school. Gaga.....gotta love her. Music needs a little ridiculousness. However, I do not think music need Bieber.....I mean, I'm sure he's a nice kid and all...but I guess I'm old. I don't get it.

- Valentine's Day came and went (and while I'm on the subject, can we please stop calling it VD?). Typically the husband and I don't really celebrate this Hallmarky-ist of holidays. But this year I got candy...and flowers...and a pack of pacifiers. The husband sure does know how to woo a lady.

- How great was Ken Jennings back on Jeopardy....even if he DID get his butt kicked by a computer (I call shenenigans).

-The bridal world was all a-twitter (and a-Facebook) about Anthropologie's new bridal line. Where the hell was this when I was getting married? I could have escaped the lameness of David's Bridal!

- Did my taxes this week.....and that's all I'm gonna say about that. Let's just put it this way. I LOVE being self-employed. LOVE it. I wouldn't trade it for the world. But I miss getting tax refunds. Self-Employment tax is no joke.

- I have some major web-based changes in the works for Type A....which should be completed in the next month or so....a new look, a new space....and some birds.

- And speaking of Type A....I'm running a Smugmug sale now through the 1st day of Spring (March 20th)...so some of you folks can get a deal on art for your home! Just enter the code: SPRINGCLEAN during your Smugmug checkout.

- 2011 is fast becoming full for weddings. My goal was to only take 25 this year....but I will probably surpass that....especially if something super-awesome comes along : ). But getting your inquiry in NOW is heavily advised.

- Also, I'm opening up bookings for Spring portrait sessions. Booking those now assures that you will get today's pricing.....pricing will be going up this spring.

- Now, I would be pretty flippant if I didn't at least mention the historic protests happening in Madison this week. I will not, however, get all political on my blog.....it's not the time nor the place. I will say it is fascinating seeing it all unfold, and I have some friends who have taken some AMAZING images. I think, no matter what side of the political spectrum you fall on...when things like this happen it really is an interesting time to be a photographer. Especially if, like me, you're really into documentary photography. I wish I could have made it up to Madison to watch it unfold in front of my lens. Alas, sick kids and hubby's on business trips have kept me home...but I love that my friends have made the time to go out and document this historic event. Because, that is what is at the root of our jobs: documentation. No matter what our belief system, we can take that perspective and apply it to the art of photojournalism. How cool is that?

- I said I wasn't going to whine about it anymore...but I lied. A large portion of my pals are hopping on planes this weekend and heading off to Vegas for the WPPI Convention. I missed it last year.....I missed it this year....Next year I really don't care if my husband has to take 4 days off of work and sit with the kids...I am GOING. TO. WPPI.

- This weekend. I have a newborn session in Chicago, and I'm REGISTERING. BETTY. FOR. 4K. No way.

This week I also got a new seamless paper color. A little odd, because when I ordered it the color looked mint green.....when I got it....it's pretty grass green. But what-evs. Got a few shots of the kiddo.....enjoy : )

The Interrogation | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

When I was in grade school, I was that kid that would remind the teacher that she had promised a test or homework.....I was that kid who sat in the front row and shot my hand up at any chance...I was that really annoying know-it-all that hated group projects because I wanted to do it all by myself. Yep...I was THAT kid. (Yeah, my business name is beyond fitting, folks)

So, when it comes to sitting down in front of a potential client, part of that Goody-Two-Shoes kid comes rushing back. I WANT to answer all the questions right....so when the client pulls out some list they copied from Brides Magazine of "What to Ask Your Photographer" I get kind of giddy. Bring it on! I love being tested! Am I insured? Yes! Yes I am! Do you have back up equipment? Oh yeah! I do! A+!! GOLD STAR!!

It's like I'm that kid, all over again.

But, I have found that some of the questions the magazines tell you to ask are a bit....odd (especially if you're meeting with someone who is a professional....of COURSE they should have backup equipment!!). Unnecessary even. So, I thought it would be helpful to all the engaged folks out there to go over the "interrogation" portion of hiring a wedding photographer. What should you ask? What should they tell you? How should that meeting go?

1. Punctuality is Next to Godliness...Or Something.

Be on time...on both sides (client and photog). This is the first impression you're going to give one another...and you don't want that impression to be "This person can't show up on time....what if this happens the day of the wedding".

Picture: Disney

2. Talk Details.

The first thing I like to do when sitting down with a potential couple is find out about their wedding. The whole purpose of the meeting is to find out if you're a good match for one another. Hearing all about their plans, theme, etc. is a great way to lay that foundation.

3. One Size Does Not Fit All.

You want to get to know your photographer, too. You want to make sure that you both have a similar vision for your day. It could spell absolute disaster if your shooter is thinking "Classic Vintage Tinge" and you are "Modern Bright Saturated Color". The magazines like to use buzz words like "Photojournalism" or "Editorial" but you need to pick your shooter's brain and find out if they think those words mean what YOU think they mean. I've had some clients ask me what IS "photojournalism"....which is great...because it can mean SO many different things depending on who you ask!

Wedding Photographers or Photojournalists?? Depends on who you ask.....

Picture: Chemistry Daily

4. Are you a Bossy Betty or a Hands-Off Hank?

Some people are total naturals in front of the lens. They need little to no direction and all the photographer has to do is point, shoot, and magic happens. Poof! However....these people are few and far between. In MOST cases this will be one of the only times you've had a professional photographer following you around all day....which could make even the most secure person a bit squicky....You need to find out how your chosen photographer directs on the day of. Are they completely hands off? Are they WAY in your face? A great way to do this is not only to ask but to have an engagement session with your package. Having an engagement session done will allow you to get comfortable with your photographer and vice/versa.

Picture: Bakati.com

5. How Much, How Many, What Do I Get?

Now, getting down to the nitty-gritty of dollars, numbers, and expectations can be an awkward conversation. One way to AVOID it being awkward is to only make appointments with photographers that are in your price range. I've said it a few times before, but don't go into a consult intent on talking a photographer down. I don't care what the Bridal Magazines tell you to do (because I know they're out there telling you to go in there with your negotiation guns blazing!) . Most photographers are happy to share all of their pricing with you prior to a face to face meeting. And there are shooters in a variety of price ranges. Part of a shooter being a good fit for you is financial as well. We understand this. But, photographers are priced the way they are for a reason. Keep your budget in mind when setting up face to face meetings.

When it comes to How Many....it's often hard for a photographer to tell you how many pictures you will get. Each wedding is a different beast....and, as it is, some just have more moments to be photographed. Obviously, if I'm with you for 12 hours you're going to probably have more pictures than, say, someone who hires me for 4. Concentrate on QUALITY over QUANTITY. This will lead to happiness.

Talk to your photographer about "deliverables". If an album is important to you, seek out someone with great samples. If a DVD is important to you, seek out a photographer that is okay with offering this. Trying to talk a DVD out of a photographer that doesn't offer one isn't the route to go. Remember, this is ALL about "good fit"! Make sure you understand your deliverables...your rights and what remains with the photographer...and how you're able to use your pictures legally.

Finally, HOURS....try to understand how much time you need to allot for awesome shots. Giving your photographer 15 minutes to shoot your formals is just....oy...not very workable. It CAN be done....but it's all about expectations. If you want an awesome collection of shots, you need to allow time for the awesomeness to develop!

6. Keep Your Expectations in Check.

It's really important to KNOW your expectations, relay those to your photographer, and to understand if your expectations are realistic. This will probably be the only time you're going to hire a professional photographer for such a huge event so sometimes people don't know WHAT to expect. Be frank with your photographer when interviewing them, and expect them to be honest, open, and frank with you as well. This is the best way to establish a great, mutually beneficial relationship.

7. In Case of Emergency.

Most professionals have a part in their contract (and can I just say if there IS no contract...RUN!)...about what happens if they get sick, keel over, or if the Earth opens up and swallows them whole. Make sure there is an emergency provision in the contract, to protect yourself.

What it all boils down to is this: Don't be afraid to throw questions at your potential photographer. Any professional should be happy to answer your questions and to explain what to expect the day of your wedding. But, let the conversation happen organically.....you want to create a great, friendly relationship with your photographer.

But, if you want to bust out that exhaustive list of questions....I'm game! Just don't forget the Gold Stars : )

Friday Fractured Thought | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

Welp, I capped off this week with a cruddy cold....FAIL. However, the little screamy one (read: Molly) actually SLEPT through the NIGHT. This, I'm sure, is a complete fluke. I think the only reason she did it was because she knew, in her little baby subconscious, that my husband had volunteered to get up with her all night so I could Nyquil-up. Well played, Baby. Well played.

- The diet, for anyone bored enough to be keeping track, has been one big fat failure this week. I was sick, run a bit ragged, and just didn't give a crap to be honest. So I ate quite a few naughty things. Like Cinnabun Cereal Bars. And mini- Kit Kats left over from Halloween. Next week? Back on the wagon. Hold me to it.

- Thankfully, because lack of appetite has seemed to come along with this cold...I've maintained my weight loss.

- The husband and I are all set to rock for the bridal show this weekend. Well, set as I'll ever be for someone who has NEVER done a bridal show before. We've gone with a kind of "Grandma's House/Kitchen" theme with the booth. We'll see if it flows or is a major disaster. Either way, I'll be at the Wedding Show & Tell on Sunday (THIS Sunday) from 11 to 3:30. It's at the Schlitz Audubon Center in Milwaukee. Be there. Get fun swag.

- I haven't bought Photoshop actions in a REALLY long time, but on a whim picked up Jesh de Rox's action set. I LURVE this set....very much up my alley.

- Although I am far from a football fan (and quite glad the season is over), it would be pretty crappy of me not to at least acknowledge the epic Packer win this week. I actually watched the whole game (so did Betty....Molly cried). Not only is it kind of cool that our team won, the end of the football season signals to me that Baseball (and with it....summer!!!) is right around the corner!!

- Speaking of Super Bowl, how terrible was the talent? Holy cow. First Christina botches the anthem (too much concentration on her various vocal runs...not enough on the actual words, methinks).....Lea Michele gives a very "BAR-BARA" performance....not terrible, but not exactly fodder for football fans, and then Fergie. Oh good lord, Fergie. I mean...really? Sweet Child O' Mine. She should be booted from the music industry for life for defiling such a great, classic song. It would have been AWESOME to see Axl (even though he's all bloated and braided now) up there with Slash. AWESOME.

- In closing, I really learned this week the value of our local community, how beneficial it is to have like-minded folks you trust to bounce ideas off of, and how great it is to have friends who have a shared passion for shutter clicks and common sense business approaches. It's such a UNIQUE community, and that is why I love it. Computer hugs to all of you, you know who you are.

Molly, Betty, black blanket.....simplicity. (Betty has also mastered the art of the fake smile):

Brotherly Love | Milwaukee Family Photographer

Today I took a quick trip up to Milwaukee ('Stallis to be exact) to capture Kari, her hubby and their two adorable little boys Max and Henry. The two boys were natural as could be in front of the camera, which is always big relief (having a 3 year old I know how unpredictable they can be, mood-wise)

We even let the boys climb on their bedroom dresser.....

Enjoy the sneak peek! : )

This one slays me. How CUTE is this kid?!

Friday Fractured Thought | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

- First off, in super-exciting news, I've lost SEVEN (well hello there collarbone....long time no see!) POUNDS on a combination of the 30 Day Shred, the Last Chance Workout, and a low calorie diet. BOO YAH!

- The really big news this week? Snowmageddon of course....which wasn't really that big of a deal. We hunkered down in the house. Betty and Daddy played cards. I guess it's not THAT exciting if I don't get to miss work because of the weather. Just another day for me.

- The husband and I went and saw Ben Folds last Friday. GREAT show....very much subdued (and he did The Luckiest, very cool). However, BOO to The Riverside in Milwaukee for making the concert goers stand outside in sub-zero temps. You couldn't have let them wait inside? Really?

- We're currently on the hunt for a part-time nanny in the Beloit/Janesville area. So, if anyone knows any reliable nanny-type folks, hit me up on email. It would only be until May or so.

- In keeping with my New Year's Resolution (so far, I'm keeping ALL of them...which is nuts)...I signed up for the Flashbus Tour Workshop that is coming to Madison. Very excited.

- I had some major business related nuggets floating around in my head this week. A storefront space in Beloit that would be PERFECT for Type A opened up. I really really seriously considered it. A storefront is my main goal for the business....and I know it's all about pulling the trigger at the right time. After a talk with the hubby, we decided now is not really that time. Kids are too young and there will always be perfect spaces.

- This weekend I have a family session coming up, a few meetings, and next week I get to do my taxes.....fun for all! : ) I also heard a rumor that there is some sort of football game thingie going on this weekend, but don't know what that's all about.

A moment with Betty and Molly:

Molly looks super-duper thrilled here. Kind of looks like Betty is talking her ear off and Molly is thinking "I...DON'T...CAAARREEEE"

Ben Folds from the HTC Evo. I'm all techy now.

FormSpring-y | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

So, I'm hunkering down for the world-ending snow storm we're supposed to get....which leads me to trying to find new and fun things on the Interwebs to play with.

Enter Formspring......you can ask me whatever you want...I promise to answer...(well...I promise to consider answering)

Ask about photography. Ask about weddings.....ask anything that could be on your mind about me or Type A.

Could be fun!

http://www.formspring.me/typeaimages

98 Candles | Kindred Spirits Hospice Photographer

Celebrations are a part of life, and I can't think of anything more worth celebrating than 98 birthdays.

This sitting was part of the Kindred Spirits Hospice Program. If you know someone who is a patient with hospice, Type A Images offers free portrait and documentary photography to patients and their families.

Friday Fractured Thought | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

- Shot my first wedding of 2011 this week and I am really excited to get back into the swing of things work-wise. As I remarked to one of the wedding guests, I was just super excited to be having a conversation with someone that didn't involve talking about baby poop or sippies or "No, you CANNOT watch WALL-E for a 10th time today"

- With a lot of my friends gearing up to attend WPPI soon, I realize I have to concentrate on that as one of my goals: attend WPPI 2012...because lord knows by that time I'll need a vacation.

- I ordered some new stickers as a handout to visitors to my booth at the Wedding Show & Tell on February 13th ....they are SUPER cute...at least I think so. You'll have to come visit the Schlitz Audubon Center on the 13th to check them out.

- I am NOT a Football fan, by any means (I'm more of a baseball gal)...but that game on Sunday was pretty great.

- The wedding photography world (yes, we have a "world") is all "abuzz" with news that CPI, the company that runs the Walmart Portrait Studio and Sears Portrait Studio, has purchased the well-known and somewhat loathed wedding photography mill Bella. So, it's official...Bella is now truly the Walmart of wedding photography. So much for that high end feel of the Denis Reggie experience. Honestly, I'm not sure why any bride/groom/client would ever want to play Russian Roulette with the memories of their big day by hiring on Bella and taking a chance on who their shooter will be. Get to know your photographer, believe me...they'll be with you all day long. Last thing you want is to be stuck with some poor schmuck who is more concerned about how badly his parent company is treating him than capturing your day artfully and completely.

CPI isn't exactly known for treating their photographers well. And in the end, do you really want to book your wedding photographer in the same place you can pick up Preparation H and leggings designed by Miley Cyrus? I don't think so.

- I've lost a total of 4 lbs. of baby weight on the "Shred" so far....was kind of hoping for more as January comes to a close...we'll see how February goes. My husband...who has NOT been working out as much as I have...has apparently lost 6 lbs. He also gets more calories per day than I do. Shenanigans...seriously.

- I've watched two full seasons of The Biggest Loser in the last two weeks....serves as a bit of motivation in case I don't feel like moving my lazy behind off the couch.

- Tonight the husband and I are heading out on the town in Milwaukee to see Ben Folds. Really excited...not only to see Ben again, but to have a night out without the kids! Much needed!

- This week is shaping up to be busy, with a Kindred Spirits hospice sitting on Sunday, Molly's 2 month doctor visit (where hopefully we can try to get to the bottom of her screaming obsession), and a few bridal meetings to top it off.

Don't forget, photographers book up quickly...sometimes up to a year and a 1/2 in advance...2011 is nearly booked full so if you're getting married and haven't secured your shooter yet, email me and let's set something up! It's high booking season!

It's official...I have two Ginger Kids.....

Molly looks downright snooty in this picture!

Trip to the Dentist | Milwaukee Corporate Photography

I am one of those rare folks who really kind of likes going to the dentist. For one, nothing beats that "just from the dentist" clean teeth feeling. For two, I am one of those types that likes getting praise whenever possible...and I'm a diligent flosser...something my own dentist remarks on each visit. It's nice to be noticed : )

Today I headed up to Glendale to do some shots for Stephanie Murphy, DDS and her staff at her new office located at 7040 North Port Washington Rd Suite 410. I don't get the opportunity to do too many corporate type shoots so it was a nice change of pace. The office is GORGEOUS and I loved that they had TV's above the dental chairs. So, if you're looking for a new dentist to call your very own, I highly recommend giving Dr. Murphy and her staff a call.

The shots taken today will be featured on the practice's website @ http://www.milwaukeewidentist.com/

Enjoy!

Cheesy Copied Press Release | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

Beloit, WI 1/25/2011

WeddingWire, the nation’s leading wedding technology company, is thrilled to announce Type A Images has been selected to receive the prestigious annual WeddingWire Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 for Wedding Photography Recognition for the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011 is determined by recent reviews and extensive surveys from over 750,000 WeddingWire newlyweds. Our past clients are among those that shared their experiences on WeddingWire, the largest wedding review site in the nation. Type A Images stands among the top five percent of wedding professionals in the WeddingWire community, representing quality and service excellence within the wedding industry. Awards were given to the top wedding professionals across 20 service categories, from wedding venues to wedding photographers, and were based on the overall professional achievements throughout the past year. “WeddingWire is honored to celebrate the success of the top-rated wedding professionals within the WeddingWire community,” said Timothy Chi, WeddingWire’s Chief Executive Officer. “With the annual Bride’s Choice Awards™ program, WeddingWire has the unique opportunity to recognize the best wedding professionals across the US and Canada. We applaud Type A Images for their professionalism and dedication to enhancing the wedding planning experience last year.” We are happy to announce that Type A Images is among the very best Wedding Photographers within the WeddingWire Network, which includes leading wedding planning sites WeddingWire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Project Wedding and Weddingbee. We would like to thank our past clients for nominating us to receive the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011. For more information on the Bride’s Choice Awards™ 2011, please visit www.WeddingWire.com.

Come Away With Me | Madison Wedding Photographer

nd I want to wake up with the rain

Falling on a tin roof

While I'm safe there in your arms

So all I ask is for you

To come away with me in the night

Come away with me

-Norah Jones

So, it's a New Year and I'm kicking off the 2011 wedding season with a winter-centric celebration in Madison (that's right...winter-centric. I can make up words...because its my blog)

Page and Adam were married at the lovely Lake Windsor Golf Club in Madison. The room was absolutely stunning with branches, snowflakes, and candles adorning each table. Following their intimate ceremony we even managed to venture outside in the "so cold I couldn't think straight" night.

The reception held some great personal touches. Page's dad gave one of the most touching Father of the Bride speeches I've heard in a long time. But the kicker was when Adam got up and instead of giving a speech, sang the beginning of their first dance song ("Come Away With Me" by Norah Jones) to Page, before leading her out to the dance floor. It was beyond sweet.

Adam and Page, it was a pleasure capturing your big day. Thank you for helping me kick off 2011 with a bang! Enjoy your sneak peek!

"Luke....I am your cufflink"

Adam and Page elected to have a "First Look"...I HIGHLY recommend this. I know it goes against tradition in some sense, but it makes for beautiful images.

Everyone together now: "Awwwwwww"

Yeah....it was cold.

Ceremony and Reception: Lake Windsor Golf Club

DJ: DJ Magic

Friday Fractured Thought | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

Funny how things change.....and how something the size of a large meatloaf (that would be Miss Molly) can shift your schedule in an instant. It's 3:27 AM right now....and I'm taking the moment of relative silence I have while Molly fights sleep to quick write my blog (she's sitting here staring at me....as if to say "I DARE you to put me to bed.....go ahead....try it....."). I used to really pour over my Fractured Thoughts blogs and try really hard to at least make them flow well...and entertain people. Now, I'm lucky if everything is simply spelled correctly and relatively coherent.

- As you can see from my "intro"....yes...I'm still complaining about the lack of sleep. You can count on this to be a regular theme until this kid decides to get herself a pattern. If this becomes too tiresome for you, dear readers, I am glad to recommend some other blogs to read in the meantime.

- The diet is going relatively well...(as I sit here stuffing my face with a 3AM pretzel snack). I've lost 4 lbs so far on a combination of the 30 Day Shred/Last Chance Workout and a 1200 calorie diet. My vice? Sodium. I'm a salt JUNKIE. So....I've been trying to counteract that by drinking a ton of water....so we'll see.

- Wedding Season 2011 officially kicks off tomorrow with a Madison shindig. It's supposed to be bitterly cold this weekend so that'll make things interesting.

- I added a new member to my Type A equipment family....a D700. I've wanted to upgrade for quite some time but was holding out for Nikon's much anticipated D800...which has yet to materialize. So, I bit the bullet and decided on the D700. Haven't had a chance to shoot with it just yet but I'm pretty excited to give it a whirl.

- How great were the Golden Globes? Oh Ricky....so very funny. And I'm very glad the Social Network took home so many honors...much deserved. I've heard some folks were unimpressed by Jesse Eisenberg's performance but I thought he was fabulous. My one complaint about the Globes was the lack of award for Michael C Hall. Even though Dexter was a bit lackluster this season, he still deserved it.

- Just got the heads up that the next Jeopardy test is coming up....I try to audition online each time. Once I got all the way to the 2nd round of tryouts in Chicago before losing terribly to an incredibly smart man who knew a lot about Opera. If I had a bucket list....which I really don't....being on Jeopardy would be on it.

- I just found out that I will be registering Betty for 4K next month. This BLOWS. MY. MIND. My kid cannot be ready for school. No way.

- I finally got out of the house and had some adult interaction time with my fellow photographers in Madison last night. MUCH. NEEDED. let me tell you. We discussed goals for the coming year and it was great to hear what everyone wanted for their businesses. I think I'm well on my way to tackling my various business related endeavors for 2011. A lot of the women in the group spoke about balance and I wish I would have thought to write that down as well. I know right now balancing kids, home, and a full-time self-employment isn't TOO difficult because I'm not busy....but I'm anticipating some real soul searching come June when I'm starting the busy season. Juggling everything is going to be a challenge. One I welcome, but I realize I may need to start really prioritizing....better than I do anyway.

- And speaking of business related items, hubby and I will be at the Wedding Show & Tell show being held at the Audubon Center in Milwaukee on February 13th. I welcome y'all to come out and see us! Putting together my first bridal show booth has been a trip....mainly because I admittedly have no CLUE what I'm doing. It may end up being a design disaster.

- Coming up this week? Back to work! (THANK GAWD). Wedding on Saturday followed by a corporate shoot for a dental office next week. I am SO looking forward to getting back into the swing of things, even for a little bit.

And to top it off...here's the gals.....

Molly....chillin' in her crib

Friday Fractured Thought | Milwaukee Wedding Photographer

So, I'm a bit bleary eyed and not so bushy-tailed this week. In fact, I'm writing this blog at 2:16 AM while I listen to my kid grunt and spit and fight sleep next to me. Yes, I'm becoming one of those parents who can really think of nothing more than how little sleep I'm getting and the various issues with my kids. This will change, I'm sure (hopefully soon!) but it's all-consuming currently.

- Kidlet #2 has a nasty case of the colic. This has lead to blood-curdling screaming nightly from about 6pm until she konks out around 10pm....and then is up pretty much every 2 hours or so with more of the same. We're running the gamut of "cures" currently, from Zantac to wraps to new food to ColicCalm. Hoping against hope that one or some combination is the magic cure. It really makes you reevaluate your choices as a parent. For one, I used to be pretty anti-pacifier. I'm just not a fan, especially in older kids. But, if it helps the kid fall asleep peacefully...at this point I'm willing to buy stock in Binkies if it works.

- One thing I learned NOT to watch while up in the wee hours of the night? The show "Infested!". It's on some science-y channel (or animal-y channel, not sure). It's all about various infestations people have dealt with: mice, rats, bugs, snakes. You name it. It is straight up GROSS. But I was hooked. It was fascinating...especially the amount people will just deal with before packing up and moving.

- On a similar note, a mouse (which I consider to be the grossest creatures alive) took up residence in our garage for the winter....and scared the life out of the me the other night when I opened the door to our garage to throw out some recycling. He leapt (leaped?....ah, whatever) from our recycling bin after I startled him and I screamed like a little girl. I. Hate. Mice. So , I promptly went and got some mice-killing stuff. Goodbye mouse.

- The "Lose the Baby Fat by Wedding Season Kick-Off" Diet (yeah, that needs a shorter name) is in full swing. I've worked out 8 days in a row (alternating the 30 Day Shred with another workout from some lady whose name I'm spacing on right now). I've lost 3 lbs. since I started. I'm also on a low-calorie diet, which means no more stacks of syrupy waffles in the morning...and no more soda, which is a gigantic feat for the this girl. I never needed to diet before having kids. I also never worked out. I was one of those people who walked the Mile Run in grade school...out of shear laziness. So, the fact that I've been sticking to this workout routine is a miracle. Here's hoping it continues.

- I got all my studio light stuff in the mail this week. I haven't had much of a chance to play with it, but I did some test shots of Betty. I'm hoping to get more time with the stuff once we figure out the Molly-Never-Stops-Screaming situation.

- I took Miss Betty on a "Girls Day" to see Tangled....what a CUTE movie. Probably up there with a favorite Disney flick.

- Teen Mom 2!! Yes please!

- I took the girls out for our first "outing" yesterday. It was relatively successful in that Molly only cried on the way TO our destination and Betty didn't throw any massive tantrums. I even threw in a trip to Target to further test my abilities as a "Mom of two". Not bad....except I learned that fitting a 3 year old and a baby carrier into a cart and expecting to have room for purchases is...well..expecting too much. I had to squeeze everything I bought into the seat next to Betty....which led to her poking a hole in my goat cheese package. Fun.

- I'm still on maternity leave, for the most part, but I am itching to get back to work. I have a wedidng coming up on the 22nd which cannot come soon enough. Back to the land of the living!

- So, that being said, I'm taking bookings for portrait sessions...give me a jingle and lets set something up because if I don't photograph something soon I'm liable to freak out and start, oh I dunno, selectively coloring artistically tilted pictures of my kids.

- Wedding season 2011 is fast becoming completely booked.....which is early for me. I'm twice as booked as I was this time last year, which is surprising...so if you're looking to get Type A for your 2011 event I would contact me sooner rather than later. I'm looking to only take about 5 more weddings for the year.

- That being said, if you're a 2012 bride, hit me up! Plenty of space!

- Don't forget to vote! http://wibride.com/best-of

Up this week? Not a whole heck of a lot. Finding sleep where I can get it. I got 10 hours of housekeeping for Christmas and that starts next week and not a moment too soon. This whole housewife/mom thing is a lot harder than I thought....and I can't imagine how much I'll have to complain and whine about once work starts back up! Oh lucky readers!

Here's your moment-o-Betty and Molly.....enjoy!

My life at the moment. Good times!

The kiddo testing out the new studio lights.