His wife also works on the team, and I LOVED seeing her on the days that she worked, because she would bring their sweet baby girl, Nazara. She was so quiet and entertained herself so wonderfully while her mommy and daddy worked. I fell in love with her eyes and sweet gentle spirit, and so I couldn’t help but steal her away to grab a few shots. Anthony, these are for you. Thank you so much for doing such a wonderful job. I’ll recommend you to everyone I know!

Here he is, a year later – growing up big and strong, just like his big brothers!! Happy Birthday, Sean!

We had a blast during this Session, ending in Duluth’s downtown fountain. It was the perfect way to wrap up the hot, steamy morning with a cold blast of happiness.

Here are pics from his first day. I drew a heart on his hand so that if he missed home he could just look at it and remember how much we all love him. I smiled when I noticed that he closed his little fingers around the palm of his hand while we walked to the bus stop. Grant stepped up as the Big Brother – stayed with him on the bus and brought him to his classroom all week. It was great for him to be the biggest brother for once – I’m so proud of the way he helped Cole feel comfortable at his new school.

It’s going to be a great year.

We weren’t sure we would (or should) have a third baby. Our older two were born a little early. Not terribly early, just 5 weeks with the first, 6 weeks with the second. Chris was afraid the third would come much sooner. I thought everything would be fine – it’s the way I am. I thought, I’ll take it extra easy this time. It will be fine.

I went into labor 14 weeks early.

I was put on bedrest and learned how to inject myself with a constant drip of medication that never did stop the contractions but made them much less effective. For 12 weeks I held on, with a 5 and 7 year old home for the summer. We had to hire a nanny, which we were not financially prepared to do. But we did, and I held on.

Cole was born only 2 weeks early. The strongest of the 3 boys. He was the only one I was able to come home from the hospital with – the other two were held back in the NICU. We were so lucky, and I count my blessings every day.

It seems like a lifetime ago, because I honestly can’t imagine life without him. But at the same time, it seems incredulous to me that he’s turning 5 already. He’ll start Kindergarten in just a month from now. And my heart will break into millions of tiny pieces. I’ll miss that one-on-one time with him. More than even I can imagine right now.

So tonight we brought him out for ice cream. He wanted “Superman” ice cream, because it had lots of fun colors. And that’s what he has brought into my life – colors that are brilliant and sparkly and light up my life.

I love you, Cole. Here’s what you looked like yesterday, with your best friends at your Birthday Party:

And here’s what you looked like on the last day that you were 4. Happy Birthday, Buddy.

Stay posted – I’ll be sharing a posting several times a week until I’m all caught up!

a. Dropped off the face of the planet
b. Quit Photography
c. Quit Blogging
d. None of the above

Yes, when in doubt, choose D.

Those who know me know exactly what I’ve been up to these past several months. Still photographing, still loving every moment, but crazy (well, I’m always crazy – so put some afterburners on that one). My focus has been on editing projects, running around with my 3 awesome boys, and oh yea – completely gutting the heart of our home!!! The kitchen has been something we’ve been dying to renovate for 13 years. Don’t get me wrong – white formica countertops that um… yes – wrap up and become a fabulous backsplash has it’s benefits. What is it again? Oh yeah – it stays shockingly white even after 13 years. The cabinets? Not so much. Started out white, faded to a dull yellow over the years. Oh – and the laminate was literally peeling off. Drawer bases totally sagging. Hinges giving out. So when our oven heating element caught fire (for the second time since we’ve been here) – the idea of renovation wasn’t just a vague “we’ll get around to it someday” kinda thing. No – it became an in-your-face-lets-get-to-it-and-make-some-decisions-already kinda thing. Because I was just not going to fix the oven, just to wonder if it would go up in flames yet again. Gotta buy a new one. But this clickin’ mama happens to LOVE to cook – always dreamed of a wide oven, 6-burner, fabulous stove so I can cook like the big guns (hey – I’ve got 3 growing boys!!). And does a 36″ 6-burner fit in my current cabinet design? Uh, Nope. And so the nightmare project began.

I’ve been without a stove now since February 25th. And it’s Mid June. And yes, we have a family of 5. It’s been a nightmare.

But it will be worth it in the end.

Thank God for Maureen DeRosier. She is my kitchen designer, and so patient with me as we waded through design option after option. Relocating appliances, adding all the special touches that I wanted. Shelves for my cookbooks. An extra pull-out pantry. Cabinets that go all the way to the ceiling. She’s AWESOME. Such a professional – works nonstop to make her clients happy. I can’t say enough wonderful things about her.

March into April – kitchen designed. End of April, kitchen gutted – down to the subfloor. First half of May new Cabinets installed. Last half of May into first half of June, kitchen breakfast area extended, trim work done, sheetrock mudded and sanded. New hardwoods on main level go in this week. Then the backsplash goes in, and THEN we can get our new stove!!!!!!

We’re gettin’ there.

Thank you for your patience with me! Soon I’ll be back to just my everyday crazy old self. I can’t wait.

xoxoxo Kristin.