My little boy turns FIVE.

It seems surreal as I sit at my computer on a chilly February morning, the sun just barely peeking through the clouds, that I dropped off a very happy Thomas at preschool today, where he declared, "I'm much more than four!"

Five years ago I didn't think this little guy would be with us, and today I am counting my blessings. One. Two. Three. Four. Five. It was five years ago today that I went in for a "routine" doctor's appointment at the tail end of a very difficult pregnancy. We almost lost Thomas at 20 weeks due to a placental abruption. The we did injections to build up his lungs, knowing he'd likely come early. Then at 33 weeks, I could barely feel him move, and Dr. Garnass's wonderful nurse, Gina, could not pick up a heartbeat. My heart dropped that day, a day before Valentine's Day, wondering if he was gone. I was at the hospital ten minutes later and his faint bud-dumph was picked up, but was fading in and out so quickly. An Angel arrived in the form of Craig McCoy (who is married to a dear friend of mine), and an emergency c-section was planned. Our scrawny little guy was born at 9:51 pm, weighing 3 pounds, 7.5 ounces, and a hulking 17.5 inches long. After a month in the hospital, he finally came home to roost, where he presently rules.

(photo below by Tony Rizzuto of Sandbox Studios, Missoula, MT)

Happy Birthday to my BEST Valentine's Day present. Ever. I love you, Thomas.

Friendship

I have some amazing friends. By the jokes and taunts I get on my Facebook page, some would say I have too many friends. But as we all do, we have friendships with differing levels of intensity, intimacy, social function, risk. I have been amazed at the number of people I've reconnected with in the past two or three months on Facebook, and while I will agree that it is an amazing time-sucker, I would not trade these past few months for the world. I've rekindled relationships with people I haven't talked to in twenty years, opened new doors, relied on the expertise of the careers of my classmates, and healed some very old, deep wounds. I can't condemn something as a time waster when it's been such a powerful thing.

My friend Carel sent me this link by Kelly Corrigan, author of "The Middle Place", from YouTube today. If you have a moment, watch it. If you have a half hour, watch it several times. It's based on the strong friendships of women, but I'd like to say that I know a few men who would rank right up there with her amazing list and tribute. Think of your friends today. Write them a quick note, or an email, or a text. In the long run, you will be very happy that you did.

Where did January go?

I cannot believe I haven't posted anything in A MONTH?!??? I guess I can chalk that up to being very busy this past month. January has been a great kick-off to the New Year. Ed and I finished the last of the painting at the studio (Joyce, Ed's wife, was INSTRUMENTAL in the project. She likes to paint. We don't.). We now have white walls again, and a crisp clean look. Ed took this photo once we'd finished the job.


I had a wonderful shoot with the Wanberg family--all fourteen of them-- just before Christmas. I can't think of a better way to close out the year than spending it with this family. All four sons, their spouses and children were all home together for the first time in TWELVE years! Now THAT is cause for celebration!
January started off great with headshots for MCT's production of Bang the Drum Slowly, followed by performance pictures, several portrait sessions, and a headshot session with the Honorable Mayor John Engen. What a super person he was. We ended our session so he could run up to read to the elementary school children at Chief Charlo--his choice, "The Stinky Cheese Man". I have a fondness for Mayor Engen, who has a big heart and is always willing to lend a hand to help agencies, causes, and individuals in Missoula. My father was also a mayor, so it was so cool to me to be asked to do new photos of "the new John". Thanks for the opportunity (and the laughs!), Mayor Engen!



I have also spent the past month deep in design with my absoultely FANTASTIC, STUPENDOUS, WONDERFULLY TALENTED graphic designer, Sara Lindquist, of Sara Sunshine Design. Sara took my vague concept of wanting a logo "that looks something like this, or maybe that, or maybe even a little of this and that" and hit it out of the park! Stay tuned to this blog, my website, and perhaps even your mailbox for the first of many promotional campaigns. And if you need any kind of design work done, contact Sara at (406) 544-0202. She's the best!

Today I had the honor of doing a family photo shoot for the Archibald family in Hamilton (though they came from far and wide). The family had gathered to honor the passing of Cynthia Archibald, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother. The family knew they weren't likely to get together again for a long time, and hired me to do a family portrait for them. Thank you, everyone, for allowing me to participate in your day this way. May peace, healing and blessings be with you at this difficult time. Thanks, also, to Eileen Keenan, who assisted me with the shoot. Eileen is masterful at getting large groups of people configured quickly. I could not have done it without you :)

I also want to note that at the Archibald portrait shoot, I had the distinct honor of meeting Carrie Spradlin Fields, blogmistress and QUEEN CUPCAKE, of Fields of Cake. Carrie makes amazingly delicious cupcakes, but sadly lives in MAINE, so I don't get to be her taste tester. If you live anywhere near Brunswick, you'll need to look her up.

Eileen and I are finishing up some last touches on our new wedding website. We are still booking dates for 2009 so if you'd like to book a complementary consultation, give us a call. Our wedding photography phone number is (406) 370-9307. As soon as it goes live, I'll have the link posted here.

WHAT IS UP WITH THE GROUNDHOG? I'll accept six more weeks of winter in Missoula, but if I have to put up with winter, the least Mr. Groundhog could do is SEND SNOW.

We did bask in the glory of a Pittsburgh Steelers win yesterday, although my husband definitely chewed his fingers down to the second knuckle with two minutes to go in the game.

Thomas has been very much into Legos these days. On Sunday he revealed his newest creation--Mr. Manyheads. Mr. Manyheads consists of every Lego with a face, all stacked on top of each other, and topped with a Lego baseball cap. He was very proud of Mr. Manyheads, who now sits proudly on the bookshelf...that is, until the next creation comes along. I'm not sure about you, but these heads remind me of propane tanks for my BBQ grill.


I will be exhibiting at the Missoula Women's Symposium on February 14 at the Hilton Garden Inn. I attended the symposium as a participant last year and learned some great information at the workshops. The workshops range from business planning to personal growth and development, so there's something for everyone. The Symposium is produced by the Missoula Businesswomen's Network, a fantastic group of amazing, accomplished women in this wonderful city. If you live in Missoula, consider joining. I've made some wonderful business contacts and friends through this network and I'd be happy to host you as a guest for one of the monthly luncheons.

More posts to follow--I promise!