The Wentworth's + 1

I've known Sherri Lynn (aka SLW) for 5 years and through those 5 years she's been not only a former co-worker and family interpreter, but a dear friend.  We met when my husband graduated USC, as she was assigned to be Ro's parents sign language interpreter.  Then 2 months later, I got a job at a Deaf non-profit organization in Sacramento.  While training, I saw SLW walk into the office, and quickly found out she was one of their full time interpreters on staff...and well the rest is history.

As long as I've known SLW, she's loved children.  She's amazing with them and especially with her own nieces and nephews.  The road has been more than bumpy for her and her husband, Lewis to conceive a child of their own.  I remember several conversations with her discussing adopting whether it was here in the states or from another country.  There were many drawbacks, which I won't get into, because that would be a post in and of itself, but lets just say it made it difficult, which lead SLW and her husband to think about potentially fostering a child.

Then one fateful day in the fall of 2009, it happened...all on its own!  SLW was pregnant!!!! I remember when I found out I actually started crying (which I don't think I ever mentioned to her).  You see, more than anything I always knew SLW wanted a child of her own and well as the years progressed it seemed that it maybe wasn't a possibility for her and Lewis.  It's so true what they say, when you stop trying, it just happens...case in point baby Wentworth will be born June 25, 2010!

I cannot wait for baby Wentworth!  I'm more than jazzed about this baby boy entering this world, and even more jazzed that SLW and Lewis are going to be parents!  Thank you for letting me document this special time in your lives!  I love you both =)

Kaila & Charlie Bigani

Over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend, I got to spend 2 of my 4 days off with one of our favorite friends, the Bigani's.  I not only love Jess & Rich, but their girls Kaila & Charlie are probably in my top ten of favorite kids to hang out with!  The girls are such a blast to be around, Kaila is so sweet and Charlie is so incredibly funny.  While I was helping Rich with their Christmas lights, Charlie kept saying, "Natalie can you swing my Mayflower (aka her boat she made with a plastic bin)!"  =)

Here are a few images from this weekend...

2nd Annual Wives Wine Tasting Weekend

These girls are amazing, hilarious, real, and genuine friends.  They each bring something unique and different to our clicka aka group.  Anytime we are together, we laugh like nobody's business to the point of crying!  The bond we have is beyond words and I believe we bring out the best in each other when we're together.

This past weekend was our 2nd Annual Wives Wine Tasting Weekend in Temecula.  It's a tradition we started last year on the 2nd weekend of November and will continue to do so, for years to come.  Here are some highlights of our trip.

The Evolution of Baby Almira

The development of any baby in a mothers womb is beyond amazing.  For me, it is such an absolute joy to document the weeks leading up to baby Almira's arrival.  This baby is going to be so well loved and cared for, and I know without a doubt Kristie is going to make an excellent mother! 

Here is the evolution of baby Almira & the bump.

 

week 14: baby Almira is the size of a lemon

week 16: baby Almira is the size of an avocado

week 18: baby Almira is the size of a bell pepper

week 19: baby Almira is the size of an heirloom tomato (we opted for a large peach instead)

*I'm a couple weeks behind in posting pics...more to follow! =)

The Bitler Family

My good friends, Don & Chris Bitler are beyond amazing and inspirational. Not just because they are absolutely in love with each other and their kids, or because they are people who are truly grateful for everything they have.  The real reason they amaze and inspire me and the rest of our friends is because they are proud and loving parents to 4 children, all within 4 years and a few months.  Yes, to me that is beyond words...because lets be honest it takes a great mom...and dad, to have patience, energy, and well lets be honest more patience!


Their children, Emma, Jackson, Noah, and Max are beyond adorable and pretty much inseparable...which is a blessing. You can tell they really rely on each other not just as siblings, but also as friends.  Honestly, I don't think I've ever seen any of their kids fight.  However, I was told prior to our photo session, a fight had ensued in their house between Superman and Spiderman because Spiderman wanted to wear Superman's cape.   :)  Oh to be a kid again!


Here are a few of my favorite shots from the day...more to come!

Thank you Don & Chris for a fun day & delicious dinner! =) xoxo

Kristie & Baby Almira

My good friend Kristie, decided that she wanted to do a photo session each week of her pregnancy to show the growth of her baby inside of her belly.  A website she receives weekly updates from, informs her of the approximate size of the baby and compares it to a type of fruit or vegetable.  More importantly it lets her know what parts of the baby are developing. 


This week Kristie is 19 weeks.  The website compares the baby to an heirloom tomato, however a peach seemed to be more appealing for the photos.  I decided to play around with the fact that the peach is basically symbolizing Kristie's baby.  


I love everything about the picture below, because although the peach really isn't her "baby" or "child", it shows the relationship they (Kristie & Baby Almira) will one day have...enjoying each others company and playing on the playground at the park.

Because I think they are adorable...Cardona's part deux

Eric & Desiree Cardona

Together a total of 13 years and on September 27th they will celebrating their 1st wedding anniversary. When you meet the Cardona's, they are warm and inviting. Eric is soft spoken, has an amazing sense of style, as well as humor. Desiree is warm, charismatic, and has an infectious laugh. Together the Cardona's share, and outwardly display a zest for life, laughter, love and dedication for one another. If I had to sum up what Eric and Desiree are as a couple, I believe I could speak on behalf of their family and friends and proudly state, "The Cardona's are all heart!"

When discussing their photo session, it was important for Desiree and Eric to have their beach cruisers. As Desiree explained, "They were the first items we bought as a married couple".

The beach cruisers are in a way a unique symbol of their love and life as a married couple, because anytime they are riding them they are creating memories. Therefore, the crusiers became a significant part of their photo session to honor their first year of marriage as Mr. & Mrs. Cardona.

Thank you both for an amazing day! Desi & Eric, I love you to pieces and I am so grateful for our friendship!

Happy Wedding Anniversary...and to many more! =)