Catwalk for Kids

I know I've been talking a lot about the MUSC Children's Hospital.....but I really do enjoy giving my time up there. When you've stood over your baby in NNICU....whether the problem is big or small - it's huge to a mama. Sooo, I enjoy giving back to parents and patients up there.

This morning I was up there while Mary Norton (you may remember MooRoo handbags) helped local celebrities design handbags with the children. These will be auctioned off tomorrow at the Catwalk for Kids show for Charleston Fashion Week. There were a few cast members from 'Army Wives' ...musicians Edwin McCain, Darius Rucker and Dean Felber.....Darcy Shankland and Ayoka Lucas from Charleston Magazine...Brett McKee, the chef from Oak Steakhouse...Ovie Mughelli from the Atlanta Falcons and others. The children had a BLAST putting together feathers, jewels, fabrics and trim to make all sorts of beautiful bags. I'm excited to see what tomorrow's auction brings!

UPDATE: They made over $200,000 for the pediatric oncology department! Incredible!

Baby M in Palm Beach

I just returned today from a long weekend in Palm Beach, Florida. I went down to help celebrate and document sweet baby M's christening. I was there from Thursday to Sunday, so I got to experience the day-to-day with him. What a special little munchkin who could not be more laid back or happy.

Despite the inclement weather, his initiation into the church went off without a hitch - no crying. And, when the priest finished giving him his holy bath, he offered a little grin in exchange. The service was followed by a beautiful lunch which filled the house with great friends and family. What a great weekend! (Here's a sneak peek....not sure what's up with the two-toned text)

My new calling cards!!

I think you know you love what you do when you keep tracking the shipment on your new calling cards....(I mean really, business cards people!) But, I must say, I'm EXTREMELY happy with how they turned out. My new friend at pixelimpress was very patient with me and I am digging my new gift certificates as well (...kind of like a 4th grade love note "will you go with me, check yes or no")!! Thanks, again, Pam - I LOVE them!

Looking forword to tonight....it's off to the ballet with my daughter - Girls' Night Out!

On a funny side note - at least once a day I get a comment or confusion about my name. People are forever looking for the 'guy', Travis. I once had traded phone messages (yes, waaay back when a receptionist took a message on the pink little form "While You Were Out") with someone and finally, we connected on the phone and she was so taken aback that I was a girl...she got the giggles. Bad. She couldn't recover and had to hang up and call me back. I thought it was hysterical.

Then there's that time when I was serving dinner at the Children's Hospital....and this parent wanted to personally thank us so she asked us our names. It got to me and I told her....and she looked at me like she was scared. "FOR REAL? No way....come on, tell me your real name." This went on long enough for me to have to pull out my driver's license and for her to call her husband and tell him the big news that she had met a girl named Travis. And then she says, "No, I'm not gonna ask her that!" .....I pulled it out of her..."He wanted to know if you used to be a man."

So fast forward to today and I'm getting my haircut by this person with crazy red hair sort of bob length but frizzed out, hoop earrings and a headband.....and I notice her name tag says, "Anthony" so I'm j-u-s-t about to say, "Oh, you've got a man's name too?"....and I notice a little stubble, and just as quickly I catch the middle name on the cosmetology license which says, "George"....and then, as deep as Barry White, "So, what do we want done today?" I guess the moral is...don't judge a book by it's cover...or headband....

Randy and Dana - Engaged!

I went out today with Randy and Dana and had a great time getting goofy with these two. I think couples are surprised when I tell them we're going to head to a playground.....but it usually loosens things up for the two. We walked around downtown admiring alleys and doorways.....and we came across a lovely, little creature that I couldn't resist snapping. Eewwwww. And.....for the rest of the shoot.....any time a leaf blew by we were convinced it was a hairy, little varmint with a tail. Thanks for the fun afternoon!

Commercial Shoot

I don't normally post anything from my commercial shoots because many of them are personal homes. However, I do want to share the fantastic sunset view from this particular shoot. Incredibly peaceful, huh?

Prayers for Baby "M"

With mama's pleas and permission from the MUSC Children's Hospital....I post this update on baby "M" and continue to ask for prayers for this little family. I have kept in touch with "M"'s mama since I first met them just after her birth in October ("Sweet Baby M"). She was born with Trisomy 18 which is a terminal genetic disorder and can cause a myriad of issues. But, with prayers and support, baby "M" is fighting hard and is scheduled for heart surgery on Monday. As you start your new week, say a little extra prayer for this sweet pea.

SNOW in Charleston!*!*!*!

Our bedroom door.....how great to go to bed with this outside!
Not pure white snow....but close....excuse the palm tree, we're trying to make a snowman here!

A nice little snow ball in the face from little brother!

So last Friday I pick up my children from school.....only to deliver some really rotten news to my 12 year old that his youth group ski trip had been cancelled due to bad weather. Needless to say, the mood was....well, teenagerish and not good. So I quickly got to work on trying to coordinate him joining some friends at a movie.....and all was well within a few hours.

So, while he was inside the movie (in his short-sleeved shirt, because, "MOM, I'm Fine!") - the flakes started falling...and sticking....and falling.... So they came out of their movie to a blanket of white and I was especially excited for him. My husband and I were at home with the other two dressing them up and throwing snowballs! My youngest kept saying his face was cold.....so he made a homemade mask - paperplate, eye holes cut out and a rubber band around the head to keep it on. Fantastic.

We built a snowman the next morning, carrot-nose, scarf, the whole bit - and it lasted....for a couple of days - but the snow on the ground was gone by the afternoon. Perfect. The children had a BLAST.

Count your Blessings....

This little hand and foot belongs to someone who weighs less than most things in your refrigerator. Wow, a quick reminder that hard times could be harder......a bad day will turn over and become tomorrow......the stopped-up nose can be blown.....the laundry, the dishes and the dust bunnies don't matter. Remember to lean on God and trust His will.......even though it's tough sometimes. Kiss your children, your spouse, your family....and pray.

Yes, these little guys can snap it back into perspective for me. This really cool singer and great guy once wrote, "What can I do while I'm here to make someone's life better?" I hope that I'm able to capture and provide special moments for families who are struggling up in the Children's Hospital. Be good, be grateful and be happy.

Valentine's Day is coming!

I'm not a freak about Hallmark holidays.......but my sister-in-law once said, "Never miss an opportunity to give a gift." And....she's right.

It doesn't have to be much......last year, I helped my children write out a scroll of "100 Reasons Why We Love You" for my husband. I took the idea from something I had done for him when we were engaged. A good friend told me about encouraging her father to write her mother a love letter for her 75th birthday. Too cute. Men, listen up.....women love that stuff.

But...... I'm not going to be totally foolish and not take this opportunity to say that they love pictures of their babies....... and it's a great time to surprise someone with a gift certificate to have your children frozen in time.... Gift Certificates are available.....any amount.....just shoot me an email travisdewphotography@knology.net or give me a call 843-813-5184. You won't even have to wrap it up or anything....easy, breezy....uh, I mean, 'Whooh, you went to A LOT of trouble for your special someone!"

And if you're Jeff F., George K. or David F.......your wives have spoken.

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2-Week Check Up

I went back yesterday morning to visit sweet L and his big sister E. He is now 2 weeks old and it looks like everyone is doing great. Mama was nice enough to have me over to see everybody. I'm sure she's glad the holidays are behind us and life can settle a little bit.

L is doing great and sleeps and eats like most newborns....a lot in the daytime and not so much at night! I think my session went a little long and the fellow was caught yawning here and there. E is vivacious as ever and loves her new little brother. I caught some sweet moments on the bed where she got so excited she kept saying, "I just can't take it!" And....I got to see her super-cool ANT FARM that she got for Christmas!

Thanks, again, for letting me be a part of such a special time...here is a little preview.

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3 Generations

It's nice to get to capture some holiday time with families in from out of town....especially when there are several generations. I had a nice time out at Bishop Gadsden with some friends to visit their mother/grandmother. As for BG, sign me up now.....because that place is fantastic. I think my husband and I don't yet qualify seeing how she was calling the 65 year-olds "kids"!

I enjoyed meeting your family and seeing the place. Thanks for having me out....your pictures will be up soon!

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Charleston Children Photographer