Royally Fascinated

I don't know when it happened, but I have become what my sister, Becky, likes to call a "movie crier." Meaning I don't hesitate to get all teary-eyed at even the sappiest parts of any cheesy chick flick. And it doesn't stop there. Last night, I struggled to hide a little sob when Meredith showed Derek the "I'm Richard. Richard's your husband" Alzheimer's post-it note on Grey's. (Poor Adele!) A few commercials have even gotten me in the past. What can I say? Those rescue pups on the Pedigree "We're For Dogs" spots just look so happy! To add insult to injury, I also cry at every wedding I photograph and am known to grow quite misty-eyed while editing sessions that contain adorable newborns and their incredibly delighted parents. Don't even talk to me when grandparents are involved. Gosh, I'm sniffling right now, just thinking about moments like that. Yes, friends, it's true: I've become a raging sap.

So is it a huge surprise that I spent the first few hours of my day today sitting on the couch with tears running down my face, watching the footage of Wills and Kate walking down the aisle of Westminster Abbey? Nope. Not at all. I, like the rest of the TV-watching world, have been royally sucked into the media frenzy surrounding these two fascinating lovebirds. I'm captivated. Finally something happy on the news. And hopeful. And beautiful. And real. Loved it. Loved every tearful moment.

Gold Stars this week go to:

*The Princess Bride: You rocked it out, Kate. Just perfect.

*Muscles I Didn't Know I Had: I finally worked up the courage to attend my first "sculpting" class as my gym on Wednesday. That. Was. Brutal. Having trouble moving from the neck down today. I think my grand workout gesture definitely calls for a celebratory plate of nachos tonight!

*Rain, Rain, Go Away: Wait. What's that outside? Could it be...the sun?! For the first time all week, Dorey and I made it through two walks without coming home drenched. There are buds on the trees and it's getting all green around here...Spring has officially sprung in Chicagoland. And Dorey, for one, is very excited.

Easter Best

I put off last Friday's Gold Star post because I was waiting for this picture. The picture I have been planning to take since my family made plans to get together in Chicago to celebrate Easter. The picture I forced my parents and sister to remove their coats and half freeze for. The picture that Mike, also dressed in his Sunday best, climbed up on a barrier down by the beach to snap. It's not often that we are all together, and in keeping with my resolution to take and share more personal photos this year, it means a lot to me to have this one. Thanks for a great weekend, family! Already can't wait until the next time we are all together!

Introducing Tess

These pictures made my eyes tear up this morning. Maybe it's that adorable little newborn, Tess, with her amazing, crazy head of hair that I just couldn't get enough of. Or maybe it's the joy that is just bubbling out of her parents, the love and happiness in their eyes as they look at her. Or maybe it was the cuddly pictures with her proud grandma, who just couldn't just contain her pride and excitement, that got me. All I really know is that Mike and I were so touched to capture this special time in this beautiful family's life. We had such a great time getting to know you, Erin and Stephen. Tess is just beautiful...congratulations again!

Ben and Molly

Ben's going to be a rock star when he grows up. Seriously. He and his parents, Katy and Jason, have a countdown until he's eligible for American Idol. He showed us how he played his little guitar and sang with his toy microphone...and then proceeded to show us all of his cool trucks and toys. And, of course, his brand new sister, Molly. How cute is she, by the way? She rocked her flower hat and several wardrobe changes, and even shared the spotlight with the family dog, Cooper. Neither of these little ones stopped smiling and laughing the entire hour we were with them. What a blast! Mike and I had such a great time getting to know your family, Jason and Katy. Thanks so much for all of the laughs on Saturday morning!

A boy and his giraffe

Tate's favorite toy (as is the case with so many of my little clients) is his Sophie Giraffe. Sophie made a cameo appearance in several of Tate's close-ups last Friday...he couldn't decide whether the clicks coming from my camera or America's favorite teething toy were more worthy of his full attention. It made for some pretty adorable photos! I couldn't get enough of this little city kid, rocking his Cubs cap and happily hanging at home with his mom and dad. It was so nice meeting you, Sandra and Brad! Thanks for a really fun time!