2.  I love the unpredictability of newborns.  The newborn that started my trip to Chicago in August made her debut three and a half weeks early, and the newborn I am waiting here right here in RI is going to be about a week late.  Go figure.  Thankfully it shouldn’t (I reallllllly hope) affect their sessions.  I will get an extra young one (four days) and an extra old one (four weeks).  That’s all…I hope.

3.  I will have in my hands later this morning the delicious 135 2.0 lens.  I decided to rent something a little different for two shoots that are scheduled this week with older kids (14-21).  I cannot WAIT to get my hands on it.  I know that I am going to fall madly in love with it simply because Nikon has discontinued it for the moment and there is no word on when they are going to be releasing  new version of it.  Sigh.  Here’s hoping it is as magical as everyone tells me it is.  I know that I am excited for it!

4.  For an availability update, I have July 31, August 1 and August 28 left for summer weekend sessions.  I do have some availability during weekdays but those, too are disappearing quickly

5.  One from a newborn session I haven’t shared here yet…  Sometimes they can look *so* wise for just a few weeks old.

6.  I have three new baskets that I found at my new love, Hobby Lobby.  Sadly, Hobby Lobby does not exist here in RI so I had to buy them in NC and ship them north via UPS.  But I will add it to my list of pro’s for moving to NC.  Do I think it will really happen?  Probably not.  But a girl can hope.  I the meantime I will enjoy my new baskets.  I love love love them.  I have a bad addiction to baskets.  And the ironic part is that I don’t even use them that often.  I just have grand plans to…and carry them around in the back of my Tucson “just in case”  Makes grocery shopping interesting when it comes time to put the bags in the car.

7.If you were one of the people who got in on my mini-maternity sessions I have not forgotten you, I promise.  You will be hearing from me soon, I just need to get through the thick of things here which I can see happening in the next week.  I see the light wayyyy down there at the end of the tunnel of editing but it is definitely closer than it was a few days ago.

8.  Another of gorgeous Charlotte from last week.  I did three sessions with her over three days and ONE TIME I had to shush and soothe her.  That was it.  One time.  She slept like an absolute log the entire time for each session. It was amazing.  More of her photos coming probably Thursday.  I am a *little* behind on the blogging.

9.  Have I mentioned that I have two weddings coming up in the next month with the fabulous Kristina Young of Kristina Young Photography?  I love shooting with her and I adore her as a person so I can’t wait!  Both of the weddings are in Boston – a rooftop deck and then a tent wedding.  Should be SO much fun.  Tiring, and a lot of work, but fun.

10.  Last for this week – I am starting to book fall dates already.  The cutoff for holiday sessions is going to be November 15 so please be aware of that when you are scheduling you session, especially considering that I will be taking few and far between Sunday sessions after August 1.  So I encourage you to book early

2.  If you’ve been my client recently you might have noticed that my packaging is kind of “eh”.  That is because I have been winding my way through the remaining packaging that I had from my last order – well over a year ago.  Well some new packaging is on its way to me since I am now basically out.  The first thing in yesterday were my new stickers.  Yay!!  I love stickers.  (The tins are what my lab gives with them to organize them – SO cute!)

3.  Apparently Layne likes my stickers as well.  While I was wedged between the couch on my left and the rocking chair on my right I felt a little someone pushing to get through my legs and see what I had on the floor:

4.  We are thinking of a family vacation in January or February.  The first thought was a Disney cruise before I realized that I would be in a 240 sq foot room with both kids.  Constantly.  For four or five or six days.  I nixed that.  The next thought was perhaps a Disney World vacation package.  That looks like a good option for us though we aren’t sure of Disney with a two year old.  Any other ideas for where to vacation?  It will be us, a five year old and a two year old.  Probably 4-7 nights depending on where we end up going.  Of course if it is photographically beautiful that is an added bonus

5.  One from Saturday morning’s beauty – more to come tomorrow.  Is she not one of the most beautiful little babies you have ever seen?  Those eyes and cheeks!

6.  My summer part-time nanny / babysitter starts next Monday and I cannot WAIT.  I will have three days per week where I am guaranteed someone else taking care of the kids and I can work.  I can meet clients, I can do sessions, I can do editing, I can go get a cup of coffee, I can actually run my business like it needs to be run!  Yippee!!!

7.  One from the maternity Saturday evening.  This was the first from my belly casting call sessions.  Loved her!  Is the color fabulous or what?

8.  I have a few cool macro shots that I will share with you later this week on here.  Yes, it IS a spider for those of you who saw the FB page but it was so neat.  And come on – I got six inches away from it!!  That alone should make you look (this from the girl who used to clamber up onto the couch and use the floor lamp to attempt to kill the spider that was probably 1/2 inch across….)

9.  Speaking of the FB page – I have shot UP UP UP in numbers!!  As of this moment writing (Monday night) I am at 966 people!!!!!  WOW.  I do not know where they came from or how they found me and I find it so hard to believe that they all like me enough to follow me but only 34 away from 1000.  One THOUSAND people?!?!?!!!  Like my friend Lyndsay said, “It’s like xx number of people standing in a room looking at your work.”  I can’t imagine 1000.  I dreamed of getting to 500.  Now to be so close is so exciting.  No, it doesn’t mean anything but it is really, really cool.  To me.    And to Matt when I make him listen to me and gush about it.  I am trying to think of something fun to do when I hit 1000 but I have no idea what!  Any ideas for me?  Maybe a giveaway that people have to respond to on the page…..

10.  I am going to be a busy lady coming up here soon!  I have a session possibly Thursday, I leave Friday for Philadelphia, back Monday then possibly two newborn sessions next week along with a toddler sessions Tuesday afternoon.  Whew!  Then I take off for North Carolina on the 4th.  Going to be a busy, busy few weeks but I love it!!!  (I must admit though, three nights in a hotel by myself with no early morning sessions is reallllllly appealing to me right now.)

2.  June 25-28 I will be in Philadelphia.  It is primarily to do two newborn sessions for former clients, but I have opened three spots for family sessions.  Only three spots.

3.  July 4-7 I will be in Greensboro, North Carolina.  Again, primarily for a newborn session but I will be glad to consider family sessions as well.  I will take sessions in Greensboro, Winston-Salem and Asheboro.  I also would consider sessions in Raleigh and Charlotte.

4. August 6-9 I will be in the gorgeous city of Chicago!!  Since I am not pregnant this trip, I hope to have a bit more fun than I did last time!  I am (yes, again) going primarily for a newborn shoot but will make up to four additional sessions available in the main Chicago area.  Since I don’t know the geography, I mean not having to travel outside of the city

5.  I hope you all had a great Memorial Day weekend!  We were off to NYC to celebrate my mommy’s birthday (I won’t tell how old she was )  We spent Saturday and Sunday there, and drove back Sunday night.  We got to visit some family I hadn’t seen in, oh, 22 years, and take in a game at Yankees Stadium.  Before the locals start an uprising, it was my sister’s plan to see the Yankees – she is the fan, I promise.  I will say though, the stadium IS quite beautiful.  The game was quite fun even though it was about 95 degrees and we were in direct sun the ENTIRE TIME.  My sunblock, sadly, did not hold up too well for me.  Ah well.

6.  A hint of what is coming tomorrow…

7.  I am booking LOTS of newborns again recently.  I think Rhode Island is having a baby boom!  So expect to see some on here.  I LOVE my newborns

8.  A hint of what is coming Thursday

9.  Tonight is Nolan’s end of the year concert at his school.  I cannot wait to see their little program!  He has told me that they are singing songs and that we “have to clap after each song.”  I certainly will   I will also be taking pictures.  And video.  And figuring out if, in fact, I *can* survive the school concerts.  For someone who used to perform constantly, I have told Matt time and time again that i absolutely dread the school concerts.  The off key singing, the horrible instrument performances, etc.  I don’t even watch American Idol <gasp> because I just cringe watching people who are anything less than perfectly on key and talented.   But I have a feeling since it’s my kid, that will change   I’ll let you know.

10.  Jane Goodall pictures will be up later this week.  I hope!!    The Institute has everything they need from me and I believe they should have archived the shots by now so hopefully I can share soon here.

2. We should hear on Thursday this week for sure on one of Matt’s job opportunities.  Please please please.  I hate this state of unknowing….

3.  Finishing up my editing for my clients I found this photo which I ::puffy:: heart.  Baby A. was trying to eat Samantha’s chin.  Reason number #1 why I don’t have moms hold newborns during a session – mommy smell equals FOOD   But  adore this picture SO much.  We all remember those moments with our own kids. 

4.  I recently got onto the Photography board of TheBump.com (no I am not pregnant, it is just a board that I visit).  And due to some pretty seemingly-silly rules (ie you can’t say if you are a pro, can’t mention your biz or recommend people) I have been asked by several people on there if I am “really Amy Ro.”  First, I think it is hysterical that they don’t think I’m really me and second it is totally crazy to think that these women from all over the country even know who I am!  How did that happen???  And to that end, I am almost up to 600 fans on Facebook.  How did THAT happen?  Where do these people come from?  I mean I LOVE it, don’t get me wrong at all, but I am just overwhelmed and totally humbled (is that the right word) at the idea of people liking my photography that much.  Or maybe it is my awesome witty writing that gets them in?  And my cute kids? 

5.  I am officially coming to Philadelphia for two newborn sessions on June 25 and 26.  I will have time for an evening (5:00-5:30) family session on Saturday of that weekend, *possibly* Friday night as well if I can get into town during the afternoon on Friday like I would prefer to.  Let me know if you are interested.  Please note, previous clients will be considered first for this.  I am thinking some nice downtown / Old City shooting is called for!  While I don’t miss living in Philly, I do miss shooting in the city.

6.  I am also planning some other trips.  Woohoo!  I have mentioned them earlier but have a few more details now.  North Carolina is almost settled.  We are just trying to predict when my friend’s baby will be born.  And Chicago is happening at the end of July or first week in August.  I already have a newborn and two family sessions tentatively lined up, will let you know if I open more slots.

7.  My haircut is growing on me.  It really is.  It is still too short by about two inches, but it’s growing.  And it will certainly be cooler when I am in warm temperatures chasing after small children!

8.  Lest you think my child is always happy and always poses perfectly for me.  She is working on perfecting her two year old stink eye.  At 16 months of age.

9.  I am thinking about designing new marketing materials.  I had coffee with my friend Heidi from Heidi Hope photography last week (week before?) and her marketing materials are just gorgeous.  They gave me marketing materials envy.  Big time.  (And she has assistants!  I have assistant envy, too.  Nolan doesn’t count.)  Right now I do so many things “green” that I have nothing pretty to put in people’s hands.  Well, I do, I have my wall display guide, but that seems to keep getting lost in the children’s toy room….  So I might be looking at a new marketing materials project.  And that means shopping for templates online.  It is a sickness that they don’t tell you about when you become a pro.  There are always goodies, always *things* that you need.  Templates, lenses, actions, programs, hats.  Too many things to count.  The hidden secrets of being a pro…

10. Are you thinking ahead to Father’s Day yet?  I am.  Matt and the kids did a nice job for me which okay, honestly I wasn’t expecting.  My husband, whom I love to death and is my best friend in the whole world, is the man that stops at the gas station on the way home from work the day that a card is needed.  Or creates an excuse to go to the grocery store the day of the occasion.  This is the man who wrapped up and gave me for Christmas something we had bought at the store together a few weeks earlier.  You get my drift.  So I don’t expect much in terms of special occasions.   But they did a very nice job.  I got to sleep in, they made me pancakes and gave me a very nice day topped off by one of the most delicious steaks he has ever made.    So that brings me full circle.  Are you thinking about Father’s Day yet?   If so, I am trying to come up with some cute little packages to do.  What better than pictures of you and your kid(s) to give as gifts?  I am thinking something along the lines of a day of mini sessions.  Or a weekend.  Stay tuned!

2.  Today was Layne’s first haircut.  We decided we were tired of looking at Cousin It   The girl was, well, shaggy.  So we packed them in the car and took them to the local kid’s haircut joint, Snip-Its.  SUCH a cute place for kids.  Lots of bright colors, cute little characters, etc.  And at the end they put a piece of their cute hair into a machine that spits out a prize.  That is Nolan’s favorite part.   Nolan went first to show Layne how it works.  Layne, in the meantime could have cared less and was much more interested in trying to climb into the stroller with the baby in the next stall.  Then was Layne’s turn.  She sat there suspiciously, tried to take off the cape and was in general none too pleased.  Until the introduction of the bubbles.  BUBBLES!!!  From then on, honestly I don’t think she even knew she was getting a cut.  With Nolan’s first cut, he screamed bloody murder from the first minute the spray bottle water hit his head.  Layne – not a peep!  In the end, they gave her beautiful little bangs and pigtails with ribbons.  ::swoon::  She looks like such a big girl now.  We went grocery shopping afterward and with her sitting in the seat I swear she gained a year with that cut.  My favorite part, though, was that Nolan and Layne sat together for me and I captured some quick shots that make me melt.  There are some times you look at each other in a marriage and you’re like “Oh my God why did we have another??”   This is why.

3.    As I mentioned before I am accepting sessions through mid July right now.  No further news on our future yet but hopefully soon.  Just keep your fingers crossed for us! 

Yes, I slightly cheated with #3.  But it’s late and my brain is tired   See you tomorrow!

2.  I am one tired mommy photographer lady!  Over the past week, both kids have been sick, Nolan went into the hospital, and Matt and I have both come down with the kids’ colds.  Of course.  But as my friend said, you can’t say they never give you anything, right?  So I am trying to recover and feel better.  Hit by a truck is more like it in the morning.  As a result I had to put off both Sunday’s session and Monday’s newborn.  As a result I now have sessions Wednesday, Thursday (both newborns), Friday and then Saturday and possibly Sunday.  Want to see how tired I’ll be after that??    And by the way, Nolan is doing much better.  Thank you to all of you who expressed concern, sent good thoughts, etc.  He was released Monday evening and came home.  His breathing is SO much better and not scary anymore.

3.  My mom and dad are coming this weekend.  It is my goal to get pictures of them with the kids.  I don’t think I have a single photo of them with both of the kids.  And the “baby” turns 16 months old this week.  Eeeek!!  I hope I am not the only photographer who is horrid at photographing their own family…

4.  I recently added a new lens to my arsenal.  The Nikon 35mm f/2.0 lens had been on my list for a while and I got tired of throwing money away renting it so I bought it!  Yay!  It is a sweet piece of glass, nice and quiet, sharp and just gorgeous.  Because my D700 body is so big however, it looks like a littly tiny baby lens on it.    But it’s awesome.  And you will be seeing many pictures with it.

5.  I also added a new camera bag.  I had a Jill E small brown bag which I do love but my lens collection was making it bulge at the seams and I plan on adding more glass soon.  And with it being so pretty, it just wasn’t practical to run around a park or outside.  So I am now the proud owner of a LowePro Slingshot.  Not nearly as pretty.  Not nearly as feminine.  But incredibly comfortable and holds all of my equipment.  I love bags.  Since I don’t spend money on purses it seems I will spend it on camera bags instead.

6.  Have I mentioned that I am photographing Jane Goodall this weekend????  I don’t think I have.  With my work for the zoo, they wanted an additional photographer for her visit to the zoo this coming weekend and they asked if I would be interested.  Of COURSE I am!!!!!  How cool is that?  She will be here this Saturday at the zoo.  She is doing some visits with the regional Roots N Shoots (kids) programs and then giving a talk and then doing a book signing.  If you are in the area and want more information you can click here:  http://rwpzoo.org/calendar/goodall.cfm  I can’t wait!  It will definitely be one of the cooler things I have done to this point in my career.  And if you see someone that looks vaguely like my photo but with glasses, hair possibly up, a white top and pants and a camera stop and say hi!

7.  I am officially traveling to both North Carolina and Philadelphia in June which I am SUPER psyched about.  The North Carolina trip will be either the weekend of the 5-6 or 12-13 and the Philadelphia trip will be the weekend of the 26-27.  I am currently slotted to do newborns on both of those trips (the reason for the trips) but if I make other sessions available I will be sure to let everyone know.  I just have to think long and hard about the amount of energy I will have.  Newborns, while you don’t really DO anything are exhausting sessions.  So perhaps a newborn in the morning then nap and a family session in the afternoon?  Hmmm.  Have to think about it.

8.  If you are a Facebook fan you may have seen that I am currently only accepting sessions through mid July.  The reason for this is that Matt has decided he wants to be a generalist and has left his fellowship.  He is currently looking for a position as an OB-Gyn attending.  As RI is a bit of the small state, the job pickings here are pretty slim.  This means that there is the potential that we will be moving, though we are trying very hard to stay in the state or at least the area so that I can continue to serve the RI market.  It will all depend on where his CV gets shown and where he gets interviews and offers.  Of course I will be sure to let you all know as I know things.  Here is hoping it is a smooth and quick process!

That’s all for this week.  Just a few short of ten.  But I have a good reason, I promise.  It’s Monday night and I am the class volunteer tomorrow at Nolan’s school.  I have a long hour of bagel bird feeder making ahead of me so I need my sleep

2.  I am feeling the itch to do a giveaway soon.  I have an idea of what it will be but need to finalize it!

3.  To make you smile

4.  I am over 500 fans now on Facebook!  I have no idea where they all came from but I am so so thrilled that they are there.  I am pretty humbled by the fact that people even fan me to begin with, much less that over 500 people do!  Now begins the quest for 1000.  I figure hopefully (possibly maybe?) by the end of the year.  I will have to think of something fun to do to celebrate that milestone when it happens.  I haven’t thought of what to do for 500 yet though so that first…

5.  I have had two couples sign up with me for my “love shoots.”  If you are interested I am still looking for one more couple.  I am looking for happy, in love, stylish couples to shoot.  No kids, just you and your hubby, wife, partner etc.  The couples who sign up receive a waived session fee and 50% off of any purchases.  You must be willing to let me use your images on my website and in marketing materials and come dressed to impress (with one or more outfits!)  I have one shoot scheduled on Brown’s campus and another down near Narragansett.  I’d love to do something a little more urban and edgy (when I find that in RI??) for my third couple (or a day trip to Boston!).  If you are interested, contact me at amy@amyrophotography.com!!

6.  Going off of that, I am thinking of adding couples sessions and lifestyle sessions to my offerings.  I am just still working out what I would offer for it!  I already knew I wanted to work more adults into my work because I *so* enjoyed doing the engagement with Kristina and I really believe couples should still do photos of just them even after marriage, kids, etc (says the woman with no photos of just her and her husband!).  But spending three days shooting my cousin’s son really convinced me that I would *love* to do lifestyle sessions for a client.  Not three days because, well, that would be insane and I don’t know any strangers that like me THAT much right off the bat but a day in the life kind of a thing.  So I am hoping to introduce those sometime in the next month or so!

7.  In family news, my children continue to grow.  It’s getting a little crazy.  Matt and I noticed the other day that Layne’s head is actually above the top of the dining room table.  Not the whole thing but she is definitely taller than the table now.  Someone has to tell her that she is only 15 months and needs to slow down.  Her hair is out of control but someone doesn’t want to get it cut yet (hint: that someone isn’t me )  And Nolan, well he is just continuously getting bigger and bigger.  He grows when he sleeps I think.  I have also come to realize that he is going to eat me out of house and home down the road!!  Such are boys apparently, though!  One thing has become more and more apparent as well – he loves being a big brother and he absolutely adores Layne.  (Until she breaks something he built with his legos!)  He goes into her room in the morning and we can listen to him reading her a book and singing her songs and hear her beautiful baby giggles.  He runs ahead of us to get her from her nap and constantly plays and has dance parties with her in the living room to “Party in the USA.”  Fun times   Here are two total snapshots of them in her room from an afternoon nap wake up!  (See what i mean about the hair?!)

8.  I am starting to book sessions into May and June so if you’d like a summer time session, don’t wait too long!

9.  I am considering somewhere in the back of my mind possibly maybe doing a workshop on Photoshop.  Teaching basic editing techniques to people who use Photoshop or Photoshop elements.  Again, this is very tentative and very preliminary stages.  I don’t even know how I would do it but I was asked so I’m thinking about it, I promise!

10.  Sadly, my boys in Orange decided to fall asleep and stop playing lost in the Sweet 16.  I am very very sad about this, especially because I did not get to put Layne in her SU cheerleader outfit that a friend sent me.  BUT they did guarantee the second part of my March Madness special.  Everyone who has a session between now and June 30 will receive 10% off of their total print and product order.  I wish it had been more (trust me, I REALLY do) but 10% it is.  And the session fee for anyone booking by April 5 will only be $100 instead of $200.

That’s it for this week.  Hope you’re all having a great week so far!  Check back tomorrow for some more photos of baby C!

2.  The second Get Manual Workshop is this weekend and I am excited!  I had so much fun the first time, now I am only hoping that I can remember everything that I talked about the first time around!

3.  We have taken a big step forward in our house – Nolan has graduated to a big boy bike.  Lightning McQueen all the way, of course.  I can’t believe my boy is getting so big already!  It’s pretty bittersweet…

4.  I have officially planned trips to Pittsburgh and North Carolina this month so if you are interested in photos for either location, contact me.  I have super special (read: well-discounted) travel packages available.  I am also looking at Philadelphia at the end of April and then North Carolina again end of June and possibly Chicago in July!  Woohoo!  I love love love the idea of traveling for sessions.

5.  March Madness is almost upon us!!  That combined with the fact that my team just happens to be Syracuse (yeah for a probable #1 seed!!!!!!) means that I am thinking up a fabulous March Madness of my own for the business.  What it will be I am not quite sure yet but I have a week to figure it out.

6.  I just booked another newborn for April and I am really excited.  I seriously LOVE newborns.  If I could I would specialize in just them but in Rhode Island, well, there just aren’t that many people having babies!

7. If you are thinking about spring / summer sessions remember to book for a month in advance of when you need the pictures to take into account time for editing, proofing, ordering and lab delivery!

That’s it for this week    I am still recovering from a pretty nasty cold so my brain cannot put together a list ten things long!

2.  In a fun and different direction for my business, I have been hired as the official photographer of the Zoo’s Education Department!  I’ll be taking pictures of fun things such as their zoomobile, afterschool programs, etc that they can use in their brochures and website.  I am excited!

3.  If you didn’t see it yesterday, I announced the date for a second Get Manual Workshop.  If you missed it first time around, be sure to check out the details.

4.  I have two beautiful flush mount albums in the works for orders for clients, and I am VERY excited!  They are such a gorgeous product…the perfect way to preserve your photographs from our session!

5.  It’s not too early to start thinking about spring and summer photos.  Mother’s Day and Father’s Day will be here before you know it as will Easter.  While things are slow calendar-wise now, they will definitely be picking up so don’t wait to schedule your photos for too long.

6.  One more from my teeny bean yesterday.  Her real sneak peek will be up tomorrow…  I just love this picture – makes me smile   And for reference, that hat usually is slightly tight on newborns!!

7.  We went to Brooklyn last weekend to visit my sister in her new place.  (She just moved there after years in DC)  And while we were there I got to go to Adorama’s store in Manhattan.  I know this would probably only really appeal to other photographers but it was AMAZING.  It was just huge with photography equipment everywhere you looked.  And while I was there I purchased a new lens for my collection – the Tamron 90mm micro.  This lens allows me to get really close up detail shots – it focuses at less than 11 inches away from the subject and allows me to get things like the eyelash picture I shared in my last sneek peek and shots of newborn baby parts like these.  I LOVE my new lens!!

8.  As a side note to the Brooklyn post, I am looking at a few different travel dates and cities for this coming year.  Some areas up in the air include North Carolina, Arizona and New York City along with the RI beaches, though those aren’t *really* travel sessions for me.  I am also open to suggestions for other cities!!  Especially if Southwest flies there 

9.  As of Monday night I am up to 349 fans on Facebook!  That is SO cool.  I didn’t think I’d ever make it to 300!!  Now I want 500 – yes I’m greedy. 

10.  The “How to Pick a Good Photographer” post is in its final stages!!  I expect to have it up tomorrow or Thursday of this week.  So be sure to check back!

1. First, if you have an awesome nursery and a baby between 5-11 months old, you will WANT to check back tomorrow for an exciting announcement.  Promise!!  And even if you are not in the area, you will still want to check back because you might still be able to play.

2. I finally uploaded my picture of the Bellani display. Ignore the quality – this is an iPhone pic I will get back in there with the camera at some point! The prints on the left are 24×36 gallery wrapped canvases with a 15×30 gallery wrapped in between them. Then on the right, the left and right images are 20×30 canvases and the top and bottom images are 24×24. LOVE it!!! Covered window in between the two.

3. I just learned that SuperBowl photographers carry an average of $30,000 of equipment around their necks while shooting the game. I am now drooling with jealousy and want to be a superbowl photographer. Of course I don’t know if they would let me have the cart I would need to carry all of that – that stuff’s heavy!!  I always point out the equipment to Matt when we are watching.  Just what he wants, I am sure, as he is trying to concentrate on what is going on in the game. 

4.  On that note, if you watched the Superbowl, how awesome was that game?  Unless of course you were a Colts fan.  This was the first year in MANY that we were not at a Superbowl party or hosting one. It was a nice change though.  I found myself cheering for the Saints because they had never won even though I also liked the Colts.  But THIS moment with Drew Brees made the entire thing worthwhile.  I dare you to watch it and not get a little tear in your eye.  No clue how long this will be on the internet because I am sure CBS will pull it, but it is so adorable.

5.The first Get Manual workshop was this past Saturday and I had a GREAT TIME!!  We had nine participants and while my children screamed played in the basement with Matt, we got a good deal done!  Lots of talking, lots of practicing, pretty perfect!  I have decided that I am going to do another one, I am just settling on a date.  But it will definitely be in March.

6. I am announcing special North Carolina sessions! I will be in state from March 29-April 2 so if you would like some family photos done, contact me for information! Sessions will be available in Winston, Greensboro and the Triangle areas as well as possibly Charlotte.  I have no idea if I will book one, ten or none, so let me know if you’re interested!  As a side note, I am always available for a travel session!  If you don’t live near Providence but would like a session, you can always ask.

7.  Just to prove that Layne DOES cry.  This is what I got after I told her that no, she could not hit the camera.   She has developed quite the little attitude recently, and has decided she does not like to be told NO. About anything.  And why yes, I DO take pictures of my kids melting down and I’m sorry, I just cannot help but laugh at this series!!!!!  I think it’s the bottom left one that really gets me.

8.  Have I mentioned that a Cupcake Shop opened right down the street from me?  Literally, around a corner and down the street.  Every morning on the way to take Nolan to school I drive past the steamed up windows of the shop and imagine the deliciousness that tempts me inside.  We have eaten a few different ones and they are wonderful.  My favorite is the red velvet, Matt loved the Grasshopper.  And as a bonus each cupcake is a little work of art.  No slathered on frosting here – they are perfectly decorated with adorable little designs.  Extra nice for us, she carries both a vegan cupcake AND uses no egg in her chocolate cupcakes.  And to just totally top it all off, she also does cakes.  YUMM-O!!!!!  I *almost* stopped by to get one…you know…for the sake of photos for the blog   But I resisted.  Maybe next week for Valentine’s Day I’ll do a special feature.

9.  Want to ask me a question?  Anything at all?  Well, now you can!  Just click HERE. It’s totally anonymous if you want it to be so ask away, I’d love to answer!  Of course keep it appropriate.  My mother is watching.

10. One more from my last newborn.  I just edited this today and oh my goodness I just want to squish the cheeks!!  Have I mentioned I LOVE newborns???  And I have another one sometime in the next two weeks – a little boy so I get my wish to use my cocoon and hat!!!!

Annnnnd that’s all.  Make sure to check back tomorrow!!