Still here :)

Wow, it's certainly been awhile now with no update here, sorry to keep you waiting. :)  We're doing well, I had a real kick in the pants from a not-so-dear friend named "morning sickness", and finally seem to be over that.  Thankfully.  I didn't even know it was possible to be that sick with pregnancy.  Let's just say I was very blessed with the boys and did not have that side effect while pregnant with them.  Speculation says that perhaps it's a girl?  We'll have to wait and see, actually we only have to wait until next week.  :)  We have decided to find out if we need blue or pink sleepers to bring to the hospital this time.  With the boys we never found out, and that was great, but truthfully it's purely practical reasons why we're wanting to find out this time.  I'd like to get things ready before baby comes and if it is a girl, gift all my boy stuff to my sister who just recently had a boy, after having three girls.  Having had two boys, we would love to add another sweet little guy to the family, on the other hand a girl would be unique, now wouldn't it?  Not sure yet if we'll be making a public announcement, but if we do, you can be sure it will be here.  This fall has been difficult for me since I've been sick, and photography has taken a back seat due to this.  I will only be taking limited bookings until baby arrives in May, and will also be taking a maternity leave of approximately 4-6 months (maybe longer) after that.  I've already had to say no to a few weddings for next year, although it pains me to do so, but I know that this time with a new little one is precious and an overextended mother won't be any help to my family.  Thanks everyone for your phone-calls, emails and well wishes, we are super excited about this big step to "family of five".  Your prayers and support mean so much to us.

And of course since no post is complete without a few pictures, here a few of the newest member of my family, my niece Meagan Elisabeth, who was born on Nov. 18, and baptized yesterday.  Such a precious bundle, so soft and sweet.

Jenaya and Matt: The Wedding

You may remember this
couple from their Engagement session, back in June.  I had the
distinct pleasure of capturing their wedding day, on September 5.  I absolutely loooove weddings.  To me, there is nothing more beautiful than two people joining themselves in the sacred bond called marriage.  As a photographer, there is nothing more special than capturing all the little bitty details that make up one gorgeous day.  I
know Jenaya (and Jenaya's Mom) are being incredibly patient with me
while I complete the final edits to their images.  So here it is, finally!  Your sneak peek, I hope you find it was worth the wait!

Drumroll please..

What's new with me?  Well, I'm positively giddy with excitement since we found out that we will be welcoming a new member to our family, the Lord willing, in May 2010.  It's also been a wee little distracting, please bear with me as I wade through the workload and emails.. :)

Justin Peter - 09/09/09

Was born to Brad & Rebecca at 2:02 am on 09/09/09.  8lbs 12oz and measured 20 inches long.  (Rebecca is my sister, in case you didn't know that).  After three girls, they now have a handsome little boy in the family.  We are thankful that God made all things go well and that Justin could be delivered safely.  Last night Rebecca called to let us know he does have a chest infection, so they will be staying a little longer in the hospital than anticipated.  Justin will be in an incubator and on IV antibiotics until he recovers.  Please say a prayer for our precious new nephew!

circa 1983

I have been thinking lately about the importance of holding on to old photographs, I was so excited when my Mom handed this one to me last night.  I know people often come to me and say my little guy Nathan looks a lot like me... well, see for yourself:

July Wedding: Amanda & Bryan

These two have an incredible connection.  When they look at each other their eyes meet with joy, contentment, and a mutual understanding unlike anything I've seen before.  With God as the center of their lives and their marriage, they positively glowed on their wedding day. They actually met at their church, when they both joined their Praise & Worship team.  Spotting each other from across the stage, they soon developed a friendship that would eventually turn into more.  Amanda has been waiting (ever so patiently I might add), to steal a peek at the photos from her wedding.  Thanks for being such wonderful people Amanda & Bryan.  It was a complete joy and blessing to be a part of your big day.  Much love to you both.  I hope you looooove your pics, these are just a few of my favorites.  :)
Amanda rocked it out in her red pumps!The dress..

 Amanda snuck up behind Bryan to greet him for the first time that day.

We were so excited when the fountains went off while we were in Central Park, I just love how these turned out.So at ease with each other... and of course love the blue wall!Gorgeous Amanda.

Victoria

We spent last weekend in Victoria.  The vibe was nothing but positive as we set off for the drive to the ocean.  A thumbs up from Nathan.

We left on Thursday evening.  Lucas and Nathan loved the idea of going on a ferry ride.  We had some time before we had to board, so we stopped at the terminal for ice cream. 

Their excitement was apparent as we drove on to the ferry in Tsawwassen.  Jaco had some business there on Friday, so that day I toured the city with Lucas and Nathan.  After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, we set off in search of Miniature World.  The perfect place, I thought, to bring two small boys who love train sets.  There was so much to see, and it was clear that a lot of time and effort has been put into each of these displays.

Love the window washers on the inside of the glass!

We picked up lunch at this fish 'n chips place called Red Fish, Blue Fish.  It was so delicious, I still think about the yummy halibut I had for lunch.  If ever you are in Victoria, you must try it!

Lucas and Nathan get along so well, (sure they have their spats time to time...) but, really their bond makes me stop and just gaze with wonder.  To be this blessed... I just had no idea it could be this amazing to have two little boys so full of love for each other.

As we were eating our lunch, Lucas pointed out a boat full of people waiting to go on their whale watching tour.

On Saturday we had the whole day to spend together, all four of us.  We visited the petting zoo at Beacon Hill Park in the morning.  Nathan just adored these baby goats.  He kept chasing them saying, "baa....by!"...  "baa....by!" 

We really enjoyed the petting zoo, it was a big highlight. 

Here is Lucas in front of "the bear" at our hotel, the Royal Scot.  It was a nice clean hotel with a pool that we were able to enjoy on the Friday night. 

Overall we enjoyed some great quality family time together in Victoria, such a beautiful city.