So for the past week I have been working a "temporary consulting" job  so for the first time since July of 2010 I have had to get up at 6am, get dressed (in dress clothes) and drive to an office!  I was really dreading it, and am still dreading doing it again this week, but it hasn't been that bad.  Would I rather be home in my studio?  Absolutely, but I think the worse part has been having to wear shoes!  Seriously, I hate shoes unless they are my old ratty flip flops and I'm thinking they don't make the "dress code" in the office.  To be honest I've been in a pretty bad mood all week  because of it and probably took it out on my husband and kids when they really didn't deserve it. 

All in all the week went pretty fast and as the week came to a close, I received a call from Riley Hospital of a family requesting the services of NILMDTS.  Because I was working, I tried to find one of our other photographers to take the session; but I was not having any luck and time was running out for us to get there.  So I ran home, got my camera and went back to do the session.

I don't give details of NILMDTS sessions because it is a very emotional and private expereince for the family and the photographer, but as with the other 19 beautiful babies that I have had the honor to photograph, this little angel takes a special place in my heart along with his beautiful family.  I spend a very short amount of time with these families, but in that brief time I feel a connection that runs very deep as they allow me to share and capture some very special moments with their child. 

As I have spent the  past few days editing their images and getting them ready for them; that process puts me into a complete and total different mind set.  As with every session I take for NILMDTS it brings me down to earth and back to reality about how precious life is and I step back and look at my blessings. 

As we start a new week, this family prepares to lay their first child to rest and my thoughts and prayers are with them hoping that they have peace and love to guide them through this difficult time in their lives.  And as I start this new week, I will do so not with dread of having to "go to work" but with thankfulness for my family and all the wonderful things that God has given to me.

I'll leave you with a picture that brings a smile to my face every time...this was drawn at Disney this summer of my two kids...and it's fitting, the artist captured it perfect...JT is always looking at Lauren like "what the heck are you doing?" and she is always smiling that little onrey smile!  Have a wonderful week :)