Look Back at 2010 and Look Forward to 2011

2010 was a great year for the Wright Family! In the first week of January, we welcomed our son, Declan, into the world. He made quite a dramatic entry into the world, the week in the hospital was a total blur but he truly is the best thing that has ever happened to us. We all went through a lot of emotions that week but honestly, things turned out to be not so bad. We are so lucky.

My heart explodes with love every time I think of him.

38 hours of labor before he was born via c-section

2 weeks old, hangin' and bangin'

4 months old, first trip to the park

5 months old, meeting Triple G (Great Grandpa Gene) in Colorado for Tom's graduation.

Loving his Bubba Blanket (Made by my friend Jessica, check out her site!)

Kyle is such a good dad!

First bubble bath. Lesson learned.

2010 Chicago Marathon Finishers in the HIZZIE!! From April to October, Kyle and I ran more than 200 miles for our training.

He loves the snow! Can't wait to get that baby on a snowboard.

What else did we welcome in 2010? The official creation of Something Blue Images in July!! It has been a completely crazy and wonderful experience. My clients have become friends and I love seeing them! I cannot wait for 2011 and what it has in store for me.

To follow tradition (since 2007) I have compiled my Bucket List for 2011

1. Polar Plunge, January 1st. What is the Polar Plunge? Along with a couple hundred of my closest friends, I am going to jump into Lake Michigan. In a bikini. Hot, right?

2. Complete 1/2 marathon with a personal best. Haven't decided which one yet, probably one in later spring.

3. Go on 2 vacations. First, going to Florida to see my besty Blair! Second, haven't decided yet but I really, REALLY want to see the Redwood Forest.

4. This year, my sisters and I are all celebrating our golden birthdays. Today strange, I will be 27 on the 27th, Sarah will be 26 on the 26th and Allison will be 24 on the 24th. Sister weekend is already in motion. (Kyle predicts we will kill each other before take off)

5. Get in front of the camera more. Looking through photos of 2010 and there are less than 10 of me. I would like to change that.

6. Don't kill my landscaping. I never water the plants, here's to keeping my flora alive and well!

I wanted to thank my family, friends and clients for making 2010 a fabulous year. Can't wait to welcome 2011!! (Who am I kidding, we will probably be sleeping. But I will welcome it bright and early tomorrow morning!)

Never STANd Alone

I am not sure what to say. This was a very special family session. Recently, I hopped onto the Riff Raff Express and rode my way down to Quincy, IL, where my mom's side of the family lives. We had a wonderful and completely crazy weekend of family fun. My Aunt Julie made a special request for a session that I couldn't say no to. I am so glad I got use my powers for good. I love you guys. I am so honored to have been apart of these memories.

Good looking bunch, wouldn't you agree?

This is one of my most favorites.

There are no words.

Here is your selective color Julie : )

Fabulous Friday!

First, I have had a great week! Super busy with some really exciting things for Something Blue Images for 2011! Keep an eye out for those. Look at all of my notes from Wednesday alone, perhaps Post It's aren't the way to go?

I have been struggling to choose a holiday card photo for the fam so Declan and I (and Carmella too!) had a mini shoot this morning.

Ding Ding Ding! We might have a winner!

We had a snow storm (? It was only 4 inches, is that "storm" worthy by Wisconsin standards?) so I am going to take Declan outside now that is he is up from his nap. This weekend I am looking forward to another bridal meeting and an album delivery. We have promised Grandma Ne and Grandpa Jay a video from swim class, so look for that tomorrow.

What a Great Weekend!

I had a great weekend! Allison, Francisco and Dani came up on Friday here is Dani's Blog post. She is so sweet and it was nice to catch up with my sister and her family for a while.

Saturday I participated in Help Portrait Milwaukee and met some great people. I was stationed at St. Anne's Salvation Campus. It is a retirement home and assisted living facility. The other photographers were wonderful to work with and were eager to show me how to work the fancy, schmancy portrait lights. They weren't as scary as I thought they were!

When I got back, we ran to downtown Port for their Christmas celebration. Declan sat on Santa's lap. Yes, I know about what I said before. Germ Factory. I got it. I thought we would be in the clear because it was only 3:06 and it started at 3. I can't imagine that too many kids were there before us. We saw some carolers, pirate carolers to be exact, only in Port...and some reindeer but I wasn't about to pay $10 for a picture with one! We stuck around for about 30 minutes because we were all cold. AAAAAAAAAAND Kyle finally got his first piece of annoying parental advice from a passerby. Whatev to the max.

Saturday night, Kyle and I headed up to Kiel for the 5th Annual Christmas Tree Game Night with some dear friends. We had a great time but Mr. D did not. He was horrible for his sitter. We felt awful when she called us in a panic. Big shout out to Millhome Supper Club, your cookies are THE BEST EVER!! Awesome frosting to cookie ratio.

Sunday morning came and we had a relaxing breakfast at Alterra, ran to Sendik's and then I was off to my bridal meeting. They are a great couple and they booked me on the spot. I could not be happier! Can't wait to see them again for their engagement session!

Who is this guy?

Happy Holidays from the Wright Family! (Thanks Thomas Jefferson Middle Schooler for taking this picture and not dropping my camera!"

So Thankful-Milwaukee Portrait Photographer

A few days before Thanksgiving, a new little person was born. Danielle, Dani, Elle, she has a ton of names for someone so small. This is my goddaughter and niece, Danielle. My sister and her husband (Dani's parents, weird...my youngest sister is a parent. Mind blowing!) came up to my house today for a newborn session with Dani. She was perfect!

Enjoy your preview!

This is a crate I got out of my dad's garage. He was mad that because I took it, he didn't have anywhere to store his rusty cables. I'm completely serious. I think I have given it a better purpose.

Big Al and Little D

Want to give Kerry a shout out for the awesome hat! You are the best!

Love this little girl!!

Trying to Embrace the Christmas Spirit

I do not like Christmas. Crowds stress me out, so my weekly run to the holy land (Target) is now ruined. I just want my paper towels, I don't want to be bombarded with decorations and knick knacks, my mom sends me enough stuff from Hallmark ("If you buy 12 cards, you get this dancing Snowman for $12.95!!" I don't see the bargain but I accept it. Love you Mom) I try to avoid the Christmas aisles and get what I need and get out. This can be a task when Kyle is with me because he always thinks of something he neeeeeeeeeds.

It is that time again. When my daily (shhhhh, don't tell) runs to the Bayshore Alterra are assaulted with Christmas Cheer and no parking. The mall Santa has waved to Declan and I several times but I have yet to let my kid sit on that germ factory's lap. But Mommy needs her tea to be sane so off to the mall we go.

I do tend to enjoy Christmas movies, Love Actually makes me cry like a baby every time. I could watch it over and over, which I usually end up doing. One character goes to a magical place called "Wisconsin" too! I mean, look at this scene. Let's be serious.

My in-law's watch National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation every Christmas Eve. We all laugh hysterically and usually are sleeping by the time Margo and Todd get into their fight..."Why is the carpet wet, Todd?!" Just kidding, I am awake because that is one of my favorite parts.

This time last year was I getting to the "hugely" pregnant and praying the baby would come on Christmas so I would have a reason to like it. This year, we aren't really decorating the house as curious little hands could cause serious damage!

Here is your dose of Mister Monsieur, man alive, I love this baby!

One thing I do love...seeing my photos on client's Christmas Cards! Thanks to everyone who has shown me and I fully expect to see some more!

www.somethingblueimages.com to get my photos of your family!!

Little Miss Fashionista

Little girls dance their way into your heart,

whirling on the tips of angel wings,

scattering gold dust & kisses in our paths.

-- Author Unknown

I finally got to use some of my backdrop fabric! Ashlynn was the perfect model to start them out on. Lauren, her mom, had a bunch of outfits for her to wear and the most adorable shoes ever! They made me squeal "I want a little girl!" My production assistant, Kyle and set designer (destroyer), Declan, also came along. Ashlynn and Declan played for a bit, it was mostly just Declan trying to shove a fruit strip wrapper into her mouth, but hey, they both seemed to enjoy it!

Grandma and Great Grandma were also at the shoot, trying to do everything they could to get her smile! Daddy just wasn't cuttin' it today! Just kidding Dave : )

Enjoy your preview!

Yummy!

So sweet!

I just died of cuteness.

Quickie-Family Style!

Well, I have to say this was my fastest 2 outfit session EVER. The family featured is my sister Sarah, brother-in-law Jesse, niece Chloe (Buzi-pants) and nephew Aidan (Deuce-e-poo). They have been down in Texas, where Jesse is stationed on Fort Hood so I haven't seen them in almost 4 months. I missed them so much! We met up in Crystal Lake at Veteran's Acres Park (thanks Lauren, Lauren and Shannon!), it was so beautiful, cold and wet, but beautiful. Here is your preview!

I had to include this one, don't hate me Sarah

Love this little girl, this is when she told me she wants a pink or purple Barbie Car, Mimi is on it! Oh wait, Kyle asked if it was a big one or one for her Barbie. Sarah-details!

Da Bears!

Fall Fun at the Urban Ecology Center

Today, after my bridal meeting (they booked me!!) I met Shannon at the Public Market and we headed over to Urban Ecology Center with Declan and Sophie. I haven't seen Sophie in FOR-EVER and I cannot believe how big she is! We had a great time catching up before we headed outside. Man, it was cold. My shnazzy, sporty coat is not going to cut it anymore, I was a popsicle!

Can I say "GO BEARS!"?

Coming up next weekend...a wedding on Friday and two family sessions on Sunday!

So sweet : )

They played so well together!

"Wait, this isn't a bathtub?!"

I think this is Declan's first cheesy "Cheese" face!

Not a cloud in the sky

On Sunday morning I met with the Radtke family. We had to reschedule after 'the storm of the century' brought rain and wind into the area a few weekends ago. Although a tad on the cool side, the sun was shining and it turned out to be beautiful. Originally, we were going to meet at Hummer Park but decided on Graue Mill. Good choice Meghan!

Daylight Saving Time had kicked in full force in both of our houses, I apologize this is a tad late!

Enjoy!

Finally managed a smile out of Mr. Ben

Norah was so sweet. All girls born on March 27th are : )

Family fun at the mill

Cupcake Princess

Here is my favorite pink princess Chloe. I love you Buzi.

Chocolate and Marshmallows

On Saturday morning, I was off to meet the Anderson family, one of my first real clients. This is the third time I have photographed them, the first time was when Kim was expecting Logan, second when he was born and now he is 1! I cannot believe how fast time is going or how much the kids have changed since the first time I met them.

The girls met me at the door with huge smiles and anxiously led me through the house and to the backyard. Emma and Jillian are so adorable, with all of their little poses and silly faces but Mom and Dad busted out the big guns when it came time for 'the money shots' with chocolate and marshmallows! The girls were freezing but one mention of the sweet stuff and they were all business.

Logan woke up from his nap and he was ready to go too. He is so big, he is walking and looks like a little man. (Made me realize that Declan truly looks like he is in the 5% for his age!) Enjoy your sneak peek Anderson's and thank you again for having me come out!

Look at those eyes people!! So handsome : )

The family!

This was when we were letting the girls be silly.

Fun on the swings with Mom and Dad