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.

Charleston Wedding Photographer

Charleston Children Photographer

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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Charleston Children Photographer

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!

Charleston Wedding Photographer

Charleston Children Photographer

9-Month Check Up

I was back this morning to see this little guy for his 9-month check-in. It's funny how I feel like it was yesterday that I was there....yet he has grown SO much. No more weeble wobble while he sits up....he's crawling around and exploring now. I like the way this age comes into their own little personality...and I think he was thinking: "Who is this lady that keeps showing up....and mmmm, what book should I pick out?"

He's probably tired of us putting him in that car but it's really fun helping keep the memory of his grandfather alive. I think Daddy enjoys these the most. Thanks, again, for having me out.....your pictures will be up soon.

Merry Merry!

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Charleston Children Photographer

Happy Birthday Big Guy!

I am so fortunate to have been able to be a part of yesterday's miracle. Baby L was brought into this world and I think, although it has not been confirmed, that he was in there eating Big Mac's before his arrival because he rolled in at a whopping 10+pounds and 22 inches long. Whooh. Head full of hair and hungry as a can be!

Grandma was there to comfort him through the obligatory routine of poking and prodding in your first few hours of life. He found his finger to suck on until the real deal....incredible how babies are....such little miracles.

I look forward to seeing you guys in a couple of weeks with big sis too!!

Charleston Wedding Photographer

Charleston Children Photographer

Blue Eyes...

For Real? The eyes, the drool....Ohhhh how I love what I do. I've been chasing around big boys lately and watching them wrestle and torture each other. This morning, I got to spend some time with a drooling, cackling, blue-eyed, chubby, 4-month old munchkin. His eyes are.....unbelievable. And, he gets them straight from his mother. I'm not sure who was more photogenic....the baby or mom!

I showed up this morning and he was in a GREAT mood and tolerated me just about as long as he should have and then it was time for a nap and time for me to leave. Perfect. Here is your cute, pinch-able sneak peek. And, as I'm editing.....there are so many more.....

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Charleston Children Photographer

More HANDSOME Boys!

I have always known.....but the theory has proven itself more than ever in this last month.....BOYS WILL BE BOYS WILL BE BOYS. This is why I don't invite the parents along on a shoot until the very end. I know how parents are...I'm one of them. For instance, yesterday, I was anxious in the pediatrician's office with my daughter quietly sitting on the examining table....and my youngest BOY hopping on scales, touching wet paint and trying to make basket's with used kleenex's!! Awful setting for me as a parent...but a fabulous setting for me had I had my camera. What makes a parent nervous....is usually the behavior I enjoy the most.

Check out these cute guys - "Hey, let's see if we can throw a football OVER the Christmas Tree!?" ....Wrestling, poking, climbing trees, throwing the football....I have to say, despite their nitpicking with each other (which truly was all in good fun and maybe even for my benefit), they could not have been any nicer and more respectful to me. Nice young men. We got some grass stains, stuffed wet leaves down a shirt, stepped in some doggie poo and yes, dipped a leather shoe right in the water. Sorry mom. I'm not that great of a sitter.

We tried, not successfully, to include the kitty. I had a blast...the rest will be up soon.

Charleston Wedding Photographer

Charleston Children Photographer