Mommies & Their Little Girls

Mommies & Their Little Girls
Originally uploaded by NmB Photography

This is one of my favorites of Elsa & her mommy, Emily, from a recent session in Iowa City. Elsa didn't want to lose sight of her Mommy (or even lose touch) but we managed to get some awesome shots anyway. This was to celebrate Elsa's first birthday.

Nic and Jason's Sports

We went to Ohio on Mother's Day weekend so we could see Molly and Mark's new (circa 1903) house. We were also dying to see the boys play Lacrosse which is totally new to us. Jason's got rained out but we got to see a basketball game. They have improved so much by this time (six grade) and Jason pretty much lives for sports. When we got to the LaCrosse field, we were afraid it would also be cancelled since there were tornado warnings and the siren was even going off. Thank goodness it went on and it was super exciting to see Nic make a goal.

Later that evening we went to a funky restaurant and had such fun at dinner for Mother's Day. They live in Delaware which is a town about the same size of Freeport but they have a very thriving downtown business district.

Mully

Mully
Originally uploaded by NmB Photography

We have been looking for a long time (rather Jim was looking) for a dog to keep our Bogie company. We decided on Mully, a 10-month-old miniature Schnauzer. Talk about opposite personalities. She's laid back, extremely affectionate a good car rider and somewhat of a "barker".

We had the opportunity to have her stay over night a couple of weeks ago to see if Bogie would accept her into his own home. They seemed to get along so great. However, as soon as he decided she was here to stay, he wasn't that happy. They are growing on each other day-by-day and have some great times racing around the back yard.

She has been absolutely perfect about staying in the yard, too. Jim put up the flags again and made her too scared to go close to them. She even comes when she is called. That is totally the opposite of Bogie.

We have had a name picked out for a second dog for a long time. She was going to be named Birdie. But, then we get this 10-month-old with the name of Molly. Since our oldest daughter's name is Molly, that just wouldn't work, would it? Jim substituted Mulligan and we call her Mully for short. Mulligan is a golf term for "do-over". She's doing over her life with us!

Six Hours Old - New Baby Girl

Our friends, Ian and Amanda, called at 5:30 am to report the birth of their new baby girl. They aren't sure of the name yet but is she precious. She was very sleepy at first but then really got down to business and chugged a full OUNCE for me. Too funny. That newborn stage that is so very fleeting is just amazing. Their wrinkly and flaky skin, unfocused eyes and bendy legs couldn't get much cuter. I hope to see much more of her and big brother, Dillon, in the coming months - and photograph her and her brother.

Mary Before & After

Mary Before & After
Originally uploaded by NmB Photography

This is a photo I took for Highland that I found to be pretty flat. On the left is the photo sooc and on the right is the result of three of Pioneer Woman's actions. They are free and just wonderful. What a difference. I also used my skin-softening action and then sharpened for the web. Whew - really it only took a few minutes and despite a great camera and L series lens, digital photos always need some help with contrast and white balance.

By the way, if you haven't discovered how much fun the Pioneer Woman is, jump over there RIGHT now. She takes gorgeous photos of horses and ranch life in Texas, shares (and photographs) recipes and food AND now has a section totally devoted to photography instruction. I'm telling you - you can learn alot.