J Cooper Photography

I’ve always said this little one is a rock star.  She rocked her newborn session like none other.

Then we met up again for her 6 month session and she was all smiles and silly faces.

This fall we met for images for their Christmas cards.  She didn’t disappoint then either.  She has always known how to work those BIG brown eyes!

Now she’s 18 months old and FULL of PERSONALITY!!!  We caught lots of those awesome brown eyes…and a few other treasures too

I love how this image is the epitome of toddler hood…ready to venture out on their own to explore new things…with one hand still holding on!

So while I’ve always joked that she’s my little ROCK STAR, I really didn’t realize that she would take that nickname to heart!  And can she ROCK IT or what??

I was snapping away trying to capture her dance moves (I’m not sure this was even her best choreography…at one point she was even raising the roof!!)  when I realized I could just switch over to video and really tell the story!  One of the main reasons I upgraded my camera was because this model had video on board.  But I’m frequently so focused on pausing the moment through photos that I rarely remember to memorialize them through video.  So glad I caught this little moment!!!

And to prove that this girl has GOT SOME GROOVE…check out these adorable faces

Apparently, she is gonna change the world one dance move at a time.  She’ already started a dance revolution at her preschool…there’s no stopping this little ROCK STAR!

Wispy blonde hair, a couple of budding toophers, a bit of drool, and the bluest eyes I’ve ever seen!  This little gal is just as sweet as they come and I’m fortunate to have gotten to document her first year.

{maternity, newborn, 6 month here and here}

Is she adorable or what?  And don’t hate her parents…but I didn’t touch those eyes.  God gave her those sparkling blue eyes and the perfect lighting to showcase them

She’s a tiny little thing…like a baby doll on the GO!  She’s been walking since 10 months so there is definitely no stopping her now that she is over a year old.  Luckily she liked my props and was content to climb around on them for a bit!

There is nothing sweeter to me than watching a family enjoy each other.  And this family is one of my favorites…so laid back and fun.  They are always game to try anything.  And Mom knocked it out of the ball park with the fun, bright spring colors.

I always feel a little sad when our “grow with me” packages are over.  Let’s not wait too long until the next play date Miss A…I don’t want to miss out on all the fun!

P.S.  baby gladiator sandals…be still my heart!

1.  3 more days til summer.  Can I get a woohoo??

2.  We haven’t signed up for a SINGLE THING this summer.  No camps.  No activities.  I’ll probably cave and eventually sign up a for a couple of small things here and there.  But I am really looking forward to some serious down time with my munchkins just enjoying the simple pleasures of life.

3.  2 more weeks til my little dude turns 2.  We are keeping it simple this year with a family party…but that hasn’t stopped me from a few fun plans.  Anyone got any ideas for a cute monster tee?

4.  Mr. P and I have had quite the conversations lately about intentional living.  Have you ever just paused and really contemplated how you “do life”?  We are wanting to make some big changes on how we do life around our house….living and raising our kids with an intentional purpose in mind.  I’ll fill you in more as we figure out the specifics of what that really means for us.  But it does have us dreaming about the “what if we…” and wondering why we don’t?

5.  Ms. A and I did a bit of shopping this weekend and she picked out THIS.  I wasn’t completely sold until she put it on…but it is the CUTEST stinking thing on her.  It totally takes me back to my own rompers as a kid.  My Mom used to buy Hang Ten patterns and sew up little knit rompers for me.  The patterns even came with a Hang Ten label to sew onto the clothes so the other kids at school didn’t torment you because you wore “hand made clothing”.  Man was I cool.  And now my kid is cool too.  Rompers pretty much rock.

6.  I have lots and lots of images to share here on the blog over the next few weeks.  It has finally stopped raining and I’ve been BUSY BUSY BUSY with sessions this past couple of weeks!  Babies GALORE!!

7.  Today was my little man’s last day of Parents Day Out and I took little gifts for his awesome teachers.  I got them adorable garden stakes that were dragon flies…then attached a note saying “Thank you for helping me spread my wings this year”.  It seemed like such a cute idea earlier today.  But now looking back I’m pretty sure I win the award for the most cliche gift ever.  Oh well…it’s the thought that counts right?

8.  Today in the car J was lamenting that when she goes off to college she won’t be able to take her teddy bear….you know…cause all the kids will make fun of her.  She had herself all worked up about it.  I have no idea why she actively looks for things to get upset about but she does.  It is one of her “endearing qualities”.  After listening to her whine for a few minutes I said “well you have 15 years to get used to the idea so I wouldn’t worry yourself too much”.  At which point she said something like “Mom…15 years can pass in the blink of an eye.”  Thanks.  Now we’re both depressed.

9.  Ghiradelli brownies.  Seriously.  Go buy some.  Thank me later.

10.  Shoot.  Now I’m hungry…

HAPPY TUESDAY!

So sorry to leave you hanging on the outcome of the big dance recital   I’m sure you were just on pins and needles these past few days weren’t you?  My posting has been a bit sporadic as I am trying to come out of my post weekend stupor brought on by a dance recital, 2 soccer games, 3 photography sessions, teaching Sunday school, our church service, and our Sunday night Bible study.  Throw in a 5 year old that was too jazzed up to sleep after her stellar performance and you’ve got one tired mama!

But for those who’ve been wondering…Ms. Middle stole the show (for us at least)!  She didn’t miss a beat and she actually LOOKED at the audience (some of the time).  She was SO “noy-vous” when I dropped her off backstage I wasn’t sure I was going to actually get to sit in the audience.  But she overcame her fear and finally decided that playing backstage with her friends sounded pretty fun.  It was such a fun night for our family celebrating her accomplishments.  Dancing is the only “thing” that is ALL hers.  And she was our little shining star.

Miss A made us proud this weekend too tearing it up on the soccer field.  For a kid who runs like Phoebe it is amazing how she has caught onto this game.  She is a goal scoring machine!  Love this shot of her revvin’ up for some fancy footwork…and she dribbled it right past those girls and into the goal!

The activities are winding down and we are gearing up for a summer of lazy backyard fun.  Doesn’t that sound heavenly?

It’s a big week for Ms. Middle.  Her summer has officially started (which she reminded me of eagerly as she sprung out of bed today).  I’m sad to have the preschool days behind us for my girls.  This past year J has absolutely floursihed in her preschool class.  Gone was the apprehensive toddler who clung to my legs at the door to her classroom.   Her teachers were amazing with her and I am SO appreciative of the way they showed Jules her worth and strengths EVERY day of school.  J had the privilege of having Mrs. Partrich for 2 years in a row…and she has become very special to us (just as her other teacher Mrs. Hopwood has!)

The kids sang several songs for the parents in the sanctuary and then had a certificate presentation.  We spent most of that time chasing our wild man and trying to keep him quiet…fortunately we weren’t alone as the building was crawling with toddlers!  I wanted so desperately to get beautiful pictures of the kids singing but once again the red carpet, upholstery, and glaring back lit stained glass windows were too much for me to handle.  Since it has been such a rainy week we had to have the graduation picnic indoors but the kids didn’t mind!  We sat on the floor of the preschool hallway with her little buddies and ate our sandwiches….the kids ran wild…and the parents sat around feeling dumbfounded that somehow their babies had turned into school kids overnight.  It was a bittersweet day.  I’m so proud of the little lady my Jules has become and can’t wait to see how God uses her life for His glory.

There is something magical about preschool friendships….the make believe…the play dates…the special bond between two little girls who both love Polly Pockets.  This year I got together with a sweet friend and we traded houses for Wednesday afternoon play dates.  The girls loved having something special to look forward to each week and we loved getting a little break every now and then   I taught this sweetie in Kindermusik when she was just a baby…imagine my surprise when our girls ended up in the same preschool class 2 years ago!!  Ms. A, you are a very special little gal at our house.  We hope there are many more play dates in our futures!

The week of festivities continues…I’ll be back with more to share soon!

Ms. Middle had her spring dance recital dress rehearsal this week.  The BIG SHOW is tomorrow night…and the verdict is still out.  She’s not sure she’s ready.  She knows the routine but she’s soooo “noy-vous” that she doesn’t know if she’ll be able to look at the audience.  Last year she did the routine PERFECTLY but never once turned to face the crowd.  Maybe this year she’ll be brave enough.  Or maybe she’ll dance beautifully for the little girl to her side.  Who really cares though.  She’s so darn cute in that costume she could stand there and cry on the stage and everyone would love her.  (Hoping I don’t jinx ourselves by having just typed that -ha!)  She has come a long way in her dance class from the little girl who was too shy to even step into the studio.  Now she goes bounding up the ramp and right in to greet Ms. Marilyn.

When their teacher first told the class they were tapping to “take me out to the ball game” most of the girls were near tears…I mean…baseball players wear PANTS.  That’s breaking the Cardinal Sin to most 5 year old girls.  But their teacher pulled through with the most darling costumes.  J’s only regret is that her hair didn’t grow fast enough for braids

She was so shy at the dress rehearsal she’s barely even look at my camera.  And of course I was the most conspicuous mom in the group.  I REALLY need to invest in a pocket camera or a good camera phone.  Check out this image I accidentally caught of myself in the mirror.  The little girl’s face to my right is just classic…I about blew her head off with that flash!  The girls liked it though…they thought I was the Paparazzi and were all posing for me and asking to have their pictures taken

If you need a bit of nightly entertainment go ahead and watch the video   J is the queen of small motions…every movement thought through and calculated.  Check out the spunky girl right behind her (watch for the little one who bites the dust too…man are these girls so funny!)

Ms. Middle doing a little tap number

I really am so fortunate to have the opportunity to meet the nicest families in Kansas City.  Sometimes I have to pinch myself when I realize that my “job” is gabbing with amazing parents while I play pee-a-boo and red light, green light with their kids   This couple emailed a few months ago for a spring time session after a recommendation from a mutual friend.  We were instant friends.  As in…I’d love to have them over to dinner ANY time (seriously guys…we’d love to do that so we can continue our chat!)  The friendship was a done deal once they pulled this adorable little guy out of their car.  He was ALL smiles for me (ok…he was all smiles for DAD but Dad was standing right behind my shoulder so that can be our little secret).  I big fluffy heart little boys…especially when they can’t walk yet   And this little man was quite the poser.

It’s really unfair that a family should be this cute.  I did absolutely NO re-touching on these faces.  Not one wrinkle or blemish….just pure beauty (insanely jealous here!)  I am just wrapping up their session gallery but had to come share a few fun shots of our night together.   We scrambled to squeeze in a session between the rain storms!

This little guy was SO funny playing peek-a-boo with me!  As soon as I’d say it…he’d smoosh his hands on his face…then slowly peek one eye out to check on me.  What a little charmer!

See why I love my “job”??  They are pretty fabulous aren’t they??

1.  I am sitting here waiting for the right side of my face to un-numb from my 4:00 dentist appointment (it’s almost 10pm).  Answer me this….how can something numb hurt so bad?  That can’t be a good sign can it?

2.  This morning I handed A a bowl of applesauce at breakfast and said “try not to spill this on yourself” and then went into the bathroom.  Two seconds later she is wailing “I dumped my bowl, I’m a mess!”  at me from the other room.  Seriously.  She’s seven.  I think I’m going to have to invest in some big girl bibs for that child.

3.  I think my little dude is getting YET ANOTHER ear infection.  Loving these tubes I tell ya!

4.  I was reading tonight and read a quote about how confessing your doubt to God grows faith.  I’ve been in a period of faith growing for awhile now.  Faith growing is hard.

5.  Mr. P has started making me my own hummus.  I heart hummus in a serious way.  With my patheticly limited diet…hummus is one of my MAIN staples.  I was getting so sick of the processed variety (and the fact that Walmart was always out of it which made me grumpy) so he started whipping me up the homemade variety with the handy food processor I got him for Valentine’s Day (pretty smart of me, huh?)  Hey…the man loved his Easy Bake oven as a kid so what’s not to love about a food processor?  And I get fresh hummus.  Now we’re all good!

6.  J has her preschool graduation tomorrow and her dance recital Friday.  It’s a big week for Ms. Middle.  I love seeing her in the spotlight.  Today her ballet teacher told me after their dress rehearsal that she was in the front row because she had rhythm   I think it is funny that she knows the dance perfectly but WILL NOT look forward.  She’s too “NOY-VOUS” she says…so she keeps her head turned.  I guess she figures if she can’t see the audience, they can’t see her!

7.  Does anyone have any ideas of what to put on top of kitchen cabinets that doesn’t involve plastic ivy?  I think I’m going to relocate my globes to another spot (until I get more) and I need something “warmer” on top of our all-white kitchen.  Any suggestions?

8.  I can’t wait to showcase some of my recent sessions (my clients have been rocking it out lately!)   But that will have to wait until another night.  I just took 4 Advil and washed them down with a large Ghiradelli brownie and suddenly I’m not feeling so hot.

9.  I mostly really love our house.  I love the things we have done to it and how the space works for our family.  But sometimes I just CAN NOT shake that “old house bug” of mine.  What about you?  Are you a new house or old house gal?  Or guy I guess…although the only guy I know that reads my blog is my Dad (Hi Dad!) and he doesn’t really count.  Not because he isn’t important or anything but I already know his answer.  He likes anything with a project.  I wonder if that’s where I got it?  So…on the house project note…have you been to The Nester’s Blog?  Get lost for a few hours perusing all of the people who linked to her board and batten post.  I’m dying to try this now!  And then get lost for another few hours on THIS BLOG.  Be sure to check out all the posts about their house makeover.  Holy inspiration Batman.

10.  Getting ready to try to knock out some ideas for some new backdrops for a few upcoming sessions.  I need a project already!!!

HAPPY TUESDAY FRIENDS!

A few weeks ago we decided it was time to ditch the training wheels and give real bike riding a try.  And guess what?  THEY CAN DO IT!  I’m so excited for my little girls…there is nothing better than the freedom that comes from tooling around the neighborhood on your bike like a big kid!

Friday evening I pulled into my driveway after shooting a session.  As I glanced down the cul-de-sac, I could see my girly girls riding in circles.  My camera was sitting on the front seat.  It took me about 5 seconds to jump out of the car and run down to meet them so that I could document them riding FREE!

The little dude was entertaining himself by screaming “BBBAAAAAAAAAALLLLLL” and kicking this abandoned rubber ball all over the block.

This boys loves him some ball.

Then he started getting cheeky on me.  You’d think he was on the catwalk not the sidewalk.  What a little ham…he sat down, put his hands on his lap, and looked up at me with a big “CHEESE!”

Then he won himself a few bonus points by laying down with his hands on his head and flashing one of his “I’m to die for cute” grins.  Have I warped my kids or what?

All in all a pretty great Friday night.  SO happy I got home just in time to capture my girls and their bikes.  And other than a little incident with A and a black mailbox that seemed to jump out in front of her head…they are really both doing pretty darn good!  So watch out neighbors….we are letting them FREE!!!!