My Garrett

In my home I have portraits of my kids when they are about 13-16 months old. when I took Garrett's portraits a little bit ago, I was convinced that I didn't get anything, and I missed having that age to hang on my wall. Well going back through them, I found too many to choose from, and I had show my favorites to everyone. Garrett is one of those people who is going to melt your heart the longer you are around him. He cannot stand to wear a hat, but feels pretty accomplished when he can put it on himself. He can sign many words, loves dogs and airplanes, and thinks his siblings are the greatest thing in the world! I adore everything about him, and feel I couldn't be a luckier mom.
Can you guess which one I am hanging on my wall?

Mini Accordians

I just had to show how cute these mini accordian books are, because everyone who has a session should have them! And just think, all you have to do for them is have 10 or more comments on the blog from your session and you get one as my gift to you! If you don't earn a free one, I still have them availiable to buy. You can order 1 for $25, or two or more are $20. They are a great way to show off your kids, pets, family, wedding, just about anything, and they have a little magnet inside that keeps them closed. You can have one in your purse, one in the office, or out on the coffee table. They make great gifts too!

Start Spreading The News...

Last month I went to New York with my sisters and Dad. It was a blast. We went bike riding from Times Square to Battery Park. We saw Phantom of the Opera which I had never seen on Broadway, and I thought it was Superb. We dined at one of our favorite restaurants, SERENDIPITY, GRAY'S PAPAYA, and another one I had never been to called CARNEGIE, which had some of the best pickles and cucumbers ever! (which you can buy at Costco, and they are delicious) We also spent several hours shopping on Canal Street where we got our heinous matching sweatshirts, and may I say the 80's are coming back! Dad thank you again for a marvelous weekend, and going into every shopping store we wanted. Love you all, thanks for making that weekend so memorable!





One of the sights that really emotionally got to me was when we were on our bikes, and we came around a corner, and we were at ground zero. It was amazing to see how New York is still repairing itself, and dedication people have to show that nothing keeps Americans down. I love this country and I am so grateful for my freedom.

Happy Belated Mother's Day!

I am sorry for the late shout out but, I did want to tell all the amazing moms I know Happy Mother's Day! I had to post this image of my Grandma, because I don't think there is more of a beautiful mother than her! Margie is a lady through and through. She has amazing class, and poise, and is lovely at every age. I love you so much Margie. Thank you for letting me have this amazing session with you! I also want to say a special thanks to my mom. Thank you a million times over for all that you are! I love you Mom!

Time Flies, Whether You Want it to or Not...

It has been almost since three months since I last blogged! I knew I was taking a little break from blogging, but I didn't know it had been that long! I have been taking lots of pictures, so everyone be patient with me while I get a little caught up on the blog.

This nineteen year old was such a delight to be with (a month ago, sorry it took me so long R!) Some people have a great ability to make people feel comfortable just to be around them, and R is definitely one of those people. He is easy going, and has an air about him that is just comfortable. Even looking back at these pictures I think about how he makes everyone feel like his best friend, and I think that is such a wonderful talent to have! R and N it was a beautiful Saturday morning. Thank you for such a marvelous time! Also, don't forget comments for the blog so his girlfriend can have a mini book to remember him while he is gone for a couple years:)!

Mexico

January was such a crazy month, and I was gone for most of it, and for one week it seemed like I did a lot of firsts! I went on my first cruise, I went to Mexico, I saw whales, and I went snorkeling! It was awesome, and it was even more awesome to be with Adam for a week. I love you babe! Thanks for being my everything!

Having Courage

My cute little nephew was recently diagnosed with LCH. (Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis) Little A is just a couple of months older than my baby, and really completes our entire family. At Christmas he received this little car that he could drive, and I will never forget his smile as he pushed the button and sped off in a straight line!

These pictures were taken a few days before he went through his first chemo treaments, so his mom really wanted to capture that cute bright red hair before he loses it. With his determination and sweet disposition, I know if anyone can beat this, he can.

Happy Valentine's Day!

"Life is a journey, and love is what makes that journey worthwhile." -Unknown-







I love Valentine's day, and all that comes with it. I really love doing personalized valentine's for my kids, and being in their classes, and as much as it is a holiday for love, I think it is a great way for children to "party" in school. Valentine's was always my favorite holiday to celebrate in school, from making boxes (one year we made a giant watch, and a soda pop machine) to selling and delivering carnations for Senate in High School.
It was a great success, and I can't wait to try something new for next year!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY EVERYONE!

Vomit!

Now that I have your attention... When I started working in the photography business I was an assistant for English Photography, and one of my jobs was to make the little ones laugh, or hold their attention is some way. I did embarrassing things like pretending to be a clown, or dance around like a monkey, or pretend to be tickled by surprised. All of these methods worked great, and as many of you know I use them over and over again.
At the beginning of this particular session I asked the parents what one of their child's favorite things are and they told me Vomit noises. I have now hit a new embarrassing low as all of the beautiful smiles on those children came from me making Vomit noises! P family, you were all fantastic, and it shows in the picture. Thank you AM, for coordinating colors into to such a beautiful background. It was a lovely evening, and thank you for having me be apart of your family memories.
And don't forget the BLOG give-aways!!!

Blog Give Away!

I am curious about how effective blogging is. I enjoy it, and I enyjoy looking at others, but I want to know if it really works. So, to test this out I thought I would do a blog give away. If you have 10 comments on your session (on my blog)you will get a little accordion book to show off your family, designed around your session. Also, if someone books a session based on your referral to Cook Photography, you will receieve a calendar (again, designed around your session.) I am extremely excited about these new products, and I hope to give them away as often as I can!











I have been after the T family for quite awhile to take their picture. They are some of the truest people I have ever met. It was a wonderful afternoon, and I really pushed myself, so thank you T family for giving me the opprortunity! You guys are awesome!