Today my babies turned 18 months old.  There really isn’t much “baby” left in them – they are toddlers in every sense of the word.  The average observer would never even know they were preemies.  But I know.  And I will never forget how scary it was in the hours after their birth, wondering if they would be ok, wondering if they would be healthy.  Then they are home and you think you can breath again, but around every corner there is a new challenge.  They have fought so hard for every milestone and in some ways are still fighting.  My sweet Charlotte, 4.6 ounces at birth, has been labeled as “suspected mild cerebral palsy.”  She has fought to learn to swallow, to learn to sit, and just recently learn to walk.  She is currently receiving therapy through our state’s early intervention program and will be getting braces soon to help strengthen her ankles.  But every day she amazes me in her sheer determination and will.  I have no doubt that she will do whatever she puts her mind to.  I am so incredibly proud of both of these sweet girls.  They truly are my heart.

Please consider making a donation to our March of Dimes Walk for Babies team.  Without the research they have funded, our story could be so different.  I want to see a day when there is no more premature birth.  Help this dream become a reality by making a donation.

**Sisters bunting available from local artist Elizabeth Hutchison via her etsy store**

Beethoven  - such a sweet boy!

Betty – Betty is in extra special need of a home.  If she doesn’t find one soon, she will have to be put down

Buddy – isn’t his fur just to die for??  He was so, so soft and super friendly.

Casper – His eyes are breathtakingly beautiful!  He was also a shy and gentle love!

Digger – I think this guy may have been incorrectly named!  I saw no evidence of digging but he did love, love, love to play!

Princess – I think her name was actually Princess Mia, but I can’t quite remember.  This poor girl has prematurely aged from malnutrition before coming into rescue.  Don’t let the grey food you!  Her teeth were those of a young pup!

Rex – This was another big, playful hunk of love!

Shilo – She got her name because she is a shy little girl, but I know if you adopt her she will be curled up in your lap in no time flat!

And last but not least Sophie.  Sophie is not quite ready for her forever home.  She is still recovering from mange, but she is well on her way to getting better.

Yes folks, I’m getting back on the bandwagon of hosting an image of the year contest.  But really it’s image of the last two years since at the close of 2011 I was in the midst of surviving twinfants.  That should give this year’s winner double the bragging rights  Below are my personal favorite images that I’ve taken over the past two years of some seriously amazing clients.  It warms my heart to look back at these and remember each couple’s special day.  A huge to thanks to each and every one of you who had me there to capture your moment.

Voting instructions:

-Leave a comment on this blog with the image number you are voting for.  You may only vote for one image and multiple votes by the same IP address will not be counted.

-You may vote again by pinning the photo to pinterest and leaving the link to your pin in a separate comment.

See, simple!  What does the winner get?  A 16×24 print of an image of their choice from their wedding (i.e., it doesn’t have to be the one I’ve chosen).  Contest runs between now and 9pm Friday January 25, 2013.  Good luck!

*Image 12 taken by the lovely Emily T Photography while I was out on bed rest.

Vendors who made this day possible:

Venue:  St Vincent DePaul Catholic Church/The Hutton Hotel

Planning:  Fete Nashville

Bridal Attire:  Karen Hendrix Couture

Cake/Cumbtinis: Crumb de la Crumb