Hello Old Friend

I knew when my 365 ended that I wouldn't post here every day, but I didn't mean for it to be this infrequent.  I've had my hands full lately with lots going on.  Between the holidays, a little health scare, a 2 month long trip out of town,  getting my business up and running, and keeing up with two very busy little people we've had our work cut out for us.

As for us....everyone is doing great.  Three is really agreeing with the big kid.  He seems to listen better than ever before and is so much easier to reason with.  He's as social as they come and is constantly making new "friends" on the playground.  The energy with this kid never quits....he wakes up early and stays up late and naps....phew....he gave those up at 18 months.  The little kid just turned two and is completely obsessed with airplanes and helicopters!  He's so polar opposite from his brother.  He's such an observer and just the kind of kid that you can tell is just taking it all in.  Until recently he called airplanes 'boom boom' and that's all we heard out of him.  He's finally talking a bit and I'm loving hearing new words out of his mouth everyday.  He's quite, and sweet, and can climb like no other.  Nightime has taken on a new normal since the little guy started climing out of the crib last week.  And, man am I tired!  The boys are playing together more and more, giving hugs to each other, and yes, beating the tar out of each other on occasion too.  And, as much as we love them, they have their moments like any other kids.  I recently read somewhere that the 'hours are long but the years are short' and I couldn't agree more.

On another note, we ran with Reds idea and started a business and I'm loving this new photo gig.  It's such a challenege to walk into someones home and find the light I need, find the best spot to take photos, guide people to be posed properly, keep the toddlers entertained and interested.  But, it's such a good feeling to deliever photos that preserve a moment or evoke a memory.  I'm learning so much and loving every minute of it.  Find my website here, and like me on Facebook here.

Happy Valentines Day friends!  Here are a few favorites from recent sessions as well as a few from around my house.

And, how could I not post this crazy hilarious photo of my mom.  Makes me laugh everytime I look at it.  Thanks for being such a good sport mom!

Red's lost his mind

This is an old picture but one that I really love.  This is the little kids baptism and I just love the emotion on our faces and how you can see my dad between Red and my sister.  My sister-in-law, well....one day she'll be my sister-in-law, took this one.  So glad she did.  It's a keeper in my eyes.

Over the weekend Red and I drank a few beers and were hanging around after we put the boys to bed.  He had the computer and I was mindlessly watching tv when he starting asking me some funny questions.  Like, 'what's your social security number'.  Finally, I asked what he was doing.  His response, 'I've had enough talking about you starting a photography business, so I'm setting up your LLC.  We're just gonna do it'.  Ok.  I guess that's a good idea.  I'm so glad he's around.  If you know me, you'll know how indecisive I can be.  It may be a little overwhelming to think about the to-do list of things we need to get done to get this business up and running, but we're gonna give it our best go and hope for success.  Since he made the decision to get things going we've been glued to our computers hard at work.  Domain name purchased.  Hosting company secured.  Website template purchased.  Needless to say Katie Ramey Photography will be rolling before long.  Can't wait to show you what we're working on.  As soon as it's all up and running you'll be the first to know.  Hope Red's not lost his mind!

Maybe not for everyone

I've been mildly obsessed with these images lately that are super blurry but there's just one small part of the image in focus.  I knew that could be done with opening up your aperture, but these photos were different.  So, I'm definitely still reading up on all of the deats, but it looks like you need this super expensive tilt shift lens.  Since I don't have 2k laying around - nor would I ever spend that much on something I'd use so infrequently - I tried the next best thing.  Photoshop.  Here is what I came up with.  But there's just something a little insincere about a photo that's so photoshoped, or different than what you shot.  Right?  Maybe one of these lensbaby getup's would do the trick for a lot less money.  

I know, it's probably not for everyone, and could likely be very overdone if used too much, but once in a while seems fun to me.  And, in this picture, I love that the big kid was reaching back for the little kids hand.  It seems like this type of processing really highlights that moment.  I never crop square either.  Look at me livin' on the edge.  I'm so wild.  So, give it to me.  Love it?  Hate it?

Preschool and Mimosas here we come!

The big kid started preschool today.  And, he did great at drop off despite the persuasion techniques he employed this morning to not go or for me to stay at school with him.  While I really enjoyed having him home for the summer - let's be honest - thoughts of mimosas and a nap are overtaking my head this morning.  Mimosas will be in store next year when the little kid joins him at school, but for now, I'll just soak up some time alone with the little guy!

ps - If you are around us at all, you'll know how appropriate this hands-on-the-hips pose is.  This kid is all about his hands on his hips these days.  Not sure where he gets that!

Great friends and lots of vino

Last week Red and I took some time away and met a few great friends, who we don't get to see nearly enough, in Napa for the week.  This being the first time we've left the kiddos behind, we were a little nervous.  But thanks to some super sweet grandma's, the kids were in great hands and didn't miss us a lick.  We managed to do quite a bit while we were away.  Vegas for a night, a drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, lots of wine tasting in Napa, a visit to Healdsburg and Sonoma's town squares, a kayaking adventure down the Russian River, a trip to Armstrong State Park to see the ginormous Redwood trees, and a few brewery stops too. We had such a great time with great friends who are so fun and easy to be with, but my waste line, liver, and two little boys are so happy we're home.  

We missed those little boys like crazy, but it was so nice and refreshing to get some time for just the two of us.  It felt like such a luxury to go through security with just myself and a purse.  Without having a stroller, a million sippy cups, and kid or two trying to b-line it through the metal detector to look after.  Oh, the little things.  And, it seems that everyone benefited from some time away.  The little guys got some good time with both grandma's and we came home to one of the best surprises ever.  The big kid slept in his own bed, all night long for nearly the entire week we were gone.  Did you hear that?  All.  Night.  Long!!  I shouldn't type this, but he's done it every night since we've been back.  What a treat.  Hope he can keep it up!  We took this same trip with the same friends in 2008.  Here's to hoping we can do a repeat in 2016!

Glasses, an apron, and some finger paint

Can I just say I'm love with that little hand in these pics.  It's like he's a real cocky, official artist and is just slapping the paint on that canvas.  He was too cute.  And, much different than his brother when painting.  When the big kid paints, you can count on it being in his hair, all over his face, up to his elbows, the table, the floor, you get it.  But this kid was really serious and meticulous.  All business when he was painting and not a lot of smiles although I know he was having fun.  And, the glasses.  I think they're hilarious!  They've been lingering around our house since Halloween a few years back from the big kids Clark Kent costume.  The kids dig them out once in a while and it always makes me run for the camera.  I mean, little baby in funny glasses, an apron and some paint.  Yes please.

A Superhero Turns Three

The big kid turned three last weekend.  Since superheros are all the rage at our house we had a superhero birthday party with a bounce house and all.  We made capes and masks for all of his little buddies and those kids looked so freaking hilarious all suited up.  He got to celebrate with all of his friends.  Cackie, Uncle Boogs and Aunt Meg even made the trip.  What a fun day!  Sunday he was pooped.  Happy third birthday big kid.  Wish we could slow down time because you're pretty stinkin cute these days.

Next year I'm giving my camera to someone to take pictures at his party!  So bummed at how few pictures I took.  But, I never want to miss real life to stop and take a picture.  Ya know?  I had high hopes of getting a family picture at his party.  Next year for sure!

PS - I was daydreaming today of starting a biz.  So, I made a watermark and tried it out on the last few images in this post.  Pretend I have a business.  Do you like this one?  It might not be super legible, but I like the design.  Yay? Nay?  Help me out people.