Last Day

Today I am leaving from Bald Head Island to go home. And though I am sad to leave - it has been an incredible week - I am excited to go home and see my boys! I miss them! But I have learned so much and met some incredible women. I know I am a better photographer and person as a result of my week here.

A friend snapped this one...

This is what we did all week..

My old middle school buddy, Scarlett

Secret Spa night!

I can't believe it is almost over!

I can hardly believe my week here in NC is almost over! It has flown by! We've been really busy the whole time, which is good. We did another shoot with some models yesterday, but I am still working on the images so I don't have them ready to post yet. But these are shots of one of our meetings.

Our first shoot

This afternoon we went for our first shoot. We went to a country club on the island, and along with us were several models. It was a fast-paced hour or so running around trying to capture the perfect image! We have to submit one for a critique tomorrow morning. Here are a few of my favorites:

Love Affair!

So after a fairly uneventful (ok, so I ALMOST missed my connecting flight!) trip, I made it with all of my luggage (yay!) to the most beautiful island ever! Seriously - if it wasn't for Mark and Chris waiting at home for me, I don't know that you could ever get me away from here! It is just breathtaking. Think Pottery Barn, Eddie Bauer, and heaven all rolled into one. I haven't taken too many pictures yet - we have our first shoot this afternoon - but here's a few of what greeted us.

The view from our back porch

I am staying in the official "Party House." Check out the stash!

We all had these soft, furry robes waiting for us!

Everyone here is SO helpful, encouraging, and fun! They are quick to answer questions, and there isn't any "cattiness" or competition. Just a few minutes ago one of the girls plopped down on the bed next to me and gave me some great photoshop tips. I think I am in heaven... I have a great roommate, and have made several other friends as well. God is so good!

Much better

Ok, so after laying around all day and some Advil, I am happy to report that I am feeling much better!

Chris was really good today, thankfully. He played pretty well by himself most of the day, which allowed me to rest. So, I thought I would try to show my appreciation by taking him outside and letting him have his first lollipop... He seemed pretty excited when I handed it to him, but after touching it to his lips he promptly dropped it on the ground. Twice. So, I decided that he wasn't impressed with the lollipop and I gave him his goldfish crackers instead... and he was happy about that!

Ugghh

This couldn't have come at a worse time - but it appears that I have caught some kind of bug. Stuffy nose, chills, achiness, and a complete lack of energy - and just before I am supposed to get on a plane for what promises to be an amazing week! Not only that, but I am wondering how I am going to drag myself to Orlando this evening for a shoot I am scheduled to do. Please, please pray that I will feel better! Also, that Chris and Mark will be spared whatever this is.

Getting ready for baby Chase

Last weekend I went to a baby shower for my friend, Keenan. I actually knew her husband, Ryan, in college but lost touch with him until we moved here and discovered that he and Keenan lived in the next subdivision. Talk about a small world!
I have gotten to know Keenan well through a Bible study that we are both in, and it has been especially fun watching her throughout her pregnancy. Her cousin Lauren had a shower for her, and it was fun watching her open her gifts and try to figure out how to use them. She is going to be such a good mommy!

Modeling her "Hooter Hider"

What is IN that diaper?


What do you think is in this one? (hint: it's a candy bar!)

What a little man!

Here's a few pictures from playing outside the other day... check out his t-shirt! :)
On a positive note, he is doing much better. I decided to go ahead with the medicine that the doctor prescribed for the C. diff, because it seemed that the risk of the illness was greater than the risk from the medicine. Hopefully he's out of the woods now!

Please Pray

Please, please, pray for Chris. The doctor ran some tests to find out what has been causing his diarrhea, and it turns out he has something called clostridium difficile (commonly known as C. diff). It is a bacteria that lives inside the intestines of some people, but can also be passed around in places like hospitals or daycare, or anywhere that people don't wash their hands. But for the most part it remains dormant until the infected person takes an antibiotic, which then kills the good bacteria that has been keeping the C. diff from taking over. (Last month Chris had an ear infection, and I went against my gut instinct and allowed the doctor to give him an antibiotic.) I am really not sure how to handle this. His doctor prescribed a medication, but I am leery of giving him anything unless it is absolutely necessary, because of the side effects. (The medication that the doctor prescribed is listed as a possible carcinogen!) I am going to meet with the pediatrician tomorrow to ask more questions, and from there I may ask to be referred to a specialist. There is so much info on the internet that I am finding myself confused and overwhelmed. But I know that God is not a God of confusion and disorder, so I am trying to pray that He will lead me to the answers.
I am also searching for a new pediatrician - preferably a holistic doctor - who will help me deal with things in a more natural way. I am so tired of the medical community as a whole. Now, I know that doctors can do a lot of good when needed. However, our system in this country is so messed up. Mark and I have already decided that not only will we look for a new doctor for Chris, but for ourselves as well. Here's why: each and every time I have gone to our doctor, I have seen at least one drug rep. in the waiting room. The reception area is overflowing with pens, calendars, mouse pads, trinkets, etc. all bearing the name of one drug or another. Each time I have seen the doctor, he has spent less than 5 minutes in the office with me, quickly given me his diagnosis, and then written out a prescription for some drug. One time I went because I had a persistent cough, and I was told it was reflux. (it wasn't) I just wish I could find a doctor who knew that there are other ways of dealing with some illnesses other than an expensive prescription! Even at Chris's doctor, when I told them last week that I wasn't going to fill the prescription for a supposed ear infection, I was looked at like I have 3 heads! I just want what is best for my family. So please pray for wisdom, as well as for Chris's health.