The randoms!

Last week was that kind of week....crazy busy and then ending with complete exhaustion.

The bulk of what we've been filling our days with is tackling and going through loads of this paperwork. The kind of paperwork that makes you feel like a rockstar with the endless signatures and initials needed. But when thinking of the paperwork, I just want to crawl into my son's crib in full fetal position.

Thankfully, through all the what nots of the stress last week...I have three cuties that make me laugh.

My baby...or I guess not so baby anymore...has a sweet tooth for oranges. It's pretty typical to find him walking with an orange in hand missing a huge chunk from the peel and him gnawing on it. After he gets the finger sweep and the orange taken away...he'll flash his HUGE smile and then run laughing. I'm thinking he thinks he's funny!

AND, yesterday I discovered Easton's figured out how to climb up on my bed. Which is pretty high off the ground I might add. After telling the girls to stop lifting him on the bed, my Cash told me they weren't that he's doing it by himself. I wouldn't have believed it if I didn't see it myself.

Easton's changed nicknames from "chunk" to "monkey"!
Of course there's countless things I don't want to forget about my babies...but the sleepy eyes after they wake up is what I would love to learn how to bottle up. For now, I'll photograph them.

And, I even want to remember this sweet, sad look.

The other real sweetness getting me through the week. This little treasure from the Easter section in Target. Lucky for me, they were 3 for $5!

I'm not the hugest fan of Whoppers, but add the candy shell and they become the popcorn at my favorite movie! Thankfully I had a few friends over this week to share my sweetness and help spare me a few pounds from my BOOTY!

Let's just say...I've entered the 12 step program in resisting Sweet Tarts gummy ducks! And not to mention Starburst's jelly beans! I use to buy stock in those to get me through the spring when I was teaching.

Even when I'm running around trying to micromanage the laundry, dishes, meals and teeth brushing...sometimes I have to force myself to stop and giggle with my kids.

But, it's not too hard when they do the funniest things at just the right time.

Tonight when I was putting the girls to bed, Cam was begging to not go to bed. But then had me bursting in laughs when she got to her 4 year old defiant point.

Cam: Mom, I'm NOT going to sleep. I'm going to keep my eyes open all night.

Cash: But mom, sleep helps our body grow.

Me: That's right Cash. Cam, let me know how that works for you.

Cam: But mom, my room's just too small. I need a t.v. and a toilet!

Me: {Giggled outloud and didn't try to hide one second of it}

I couldn't even begin to think of what to say! Seriously, a t.v. and a toilet!

Then I thought of the 500 sq ft apartment I lived in when I was teaching. So, it is possible but maybe she'll have her dream in 20 years.

My Cam, she literally is a barrel of laughs. There is never a dull moment with her. She's my giggle maker, snuggle girl and all around everything perfect!

[side note: it's hard to believe these were taken almost a year ago! }
Now...while the 4's has brought on another level of independence. I honestly want to bottle it up...

Celebrating 8 months! |Scottsdale Family Photographer

It's hard to believe, 5 months ago I met sweet Scarlett and her parents. I remember when I first spoke to her mom...shortly after hello was exchanged, the tears began. And before I knew it, we were both crying.

Her mother had shared with me the story on meeting the love of her life, their engagement, wedding, the blissful discovery that they were expecting and then 3 months after delivering their sweet baby girl....devastation came.

After a series of tests....exactly what they didn't want to hear DID come. The news that their daughter was being diagnosed with the leading genetic killer in infants....Spinal Muscular Astrophy Type 1.

My heart is still breaking.

Along with this news...they were told that they had maybe a few weeks but to go home and enjoy the last few days with their daughter as the SMA was rapidly progressing. They were also told that she most likely wouldn't make it to 8 months and if she made it to 2 years old, than she was beating ALL the odds.

Well, guess what....Scarlett just celebrated her 8 month birthday. I LOVE IT! And her celebration came with balloons and a very frilly, girly tutu!

While all parents look at their child with pride...their looks of pride are filled with thankfulness.

They're proud that she's beaten odds and celebrating her 8 month birthday. Proud that they can hear the doctor say she's in the 95th percentile for her age in height. They're proud of her strength. And, they are thankful for each day they have to kiss, hug, and laugh with her.

I love this little warning label! Although, the germaphobe in me thinks it should be a bit larger.

Scarlett's family has been blessed with many helping hearts through donations in helping to care for Scarlett. Through the help of others, Scarlett has a new stroller that is designed specifically for babies with neuromuscular diseases. This stroller has made life MUCH easier for her. And the best part, she can use this stroller until she's 3 and it doubles as a car seat.

That's right...Little Miss Scarlett is geared out!

Happy birthday sweet Scarlett!
Scarlett's family created a website...but before I provide you with the link, I want to post a little background about her.

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Newlyweds, Annie and Ryan Landefeld, were delighted to discover they were expecting a baby just weeks after sharing their marriage vows in September. On June 20, 2009, they welcomed a healthy, beautiful baby girl, Scarlett Rose, into the world. Scarlett passed all newborn screenings with flying colors. Beginning around 10 weeks of age, they noticed that Scarlett wasn’t moving her legs, arms and head as much. She appeared to be floppy. They knew that something wasn’t right so they decided to seek the help of a Neurologist. On September 11th, after extensive medical testing, they were given a devastating diagnosis of SMA Type 1 (www.fsma.org), which stands for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

SMA is the leading genetic killer of infants. It is a rare, genetic disease affecting part of the nervous system that controls voluntary muscle movement due to the loss of nerves in the spinal cord. One in 6,000 babies is born with SMA, and 1 in 40 people are carriers. Ryan and Annie are both carriers and unknowingly passed their copies on to Scarlett.

Scarlett will never be able to walk, stand, sit, eat, breathe and even swallow without assistance. All of her muscles are extremely weak, with the weakest muscles being the legs, upper arms and neck. Her mind and spirit are no different from that of a healthy baby. She has a bright, expressive face and eyes.

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Each time I'm with Scarlett's family, I'm speechless from the overflowing happiness that fills them. However, things have changed since the last time I photographed Scarlett. While there are many changes, the biggest was seeing how she can't swallow...leaving her to easily choke on her saliva. Her mother had shared that they have to suction her every 3-5 minutes. The machine you see in the background is one of the biggest helpers in her day to day life.

The other biggest helper in her day to day life is the donations that have been made to Scarlett. Her mother strongly believes it's from this help that they've been able to give Scarlett the medical care required to help her live, celebrate each milestone and to be one day closer to receiving a cure.

And from these donations, Scarlett has grown to be a very happy baby as she's receiving the care needed to live with this disease.

Now, while this session was to celebrate her 8 month birthday...I plan to photograph her on her 2nd birthday celebration. AND I WILL!

AND...is a celebration not a celebration without a GIVEAWAY! Yep...the first give away of the year!

Here's the prize...a mini session valued at $350.

And, what this prize includes:

one 30 minute session (location disclosed at the time of scheduling)

a minimum of 10-15 digital files, with copyright release

one 11x14 print, mounted on styrene

And....what is needed to win this prize you ask!

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Here are the details for entering:

Make a donation to Scarlett (funds used for uncovered medical expenses)

1. Click HERE to make the donation.

2. After making the donation, leave a comment on my blog with your name.

If you'd prefer to be anonymous, that's fine...still leave a comment but them email me at tamiproffit{at}yahoo.com with your contact information, name and reference with the comment you left so I know who to contact.

*side note: all donations are tax deductible

*******This contest will run until Monday, March 1st! I'll contact the winner on March 2rd.*******

I have one time slot left for the March mini session, so you could get your mini session as early as March or you can save it for another mini session in the months following.

Thank you and help Scarlett's parents continue to help there daughter. I'm loving being able to help Scarlett's family. And just a quick note, Scarlett's mother had shared how thankful they are that Scarlett still has the muscle control to smile. I'm praying she'll have this smile for the many months to come.

Ahhhhhh!

Well, where have I been! Let's just say this week has been the most exhausting week since I can remember last.

Here's little run down of what's gone on!

1. Two back to back days with well child Dr. visits filled with vaccines....still suffering two days after! WARNING: the 4 year visit is BRUTAL...brutal! And their arms are SORE!

*also one crying mommy during my twins visit, those vaccines kill me! Thankfully my husband was there for support

2. Started a new sports class for my twins

3. A YUMMY tamale dinner with friends

*tamales courtesy of the master maker of all mexican food...my FATHER!

4. one night where I got 4 hours of sleep...thanks to a couple girls who weren't feeling to good after vaccines! Needless to say, my day literally began at 4 am. My poor babies!

5. A FULL afternoon filled with tax preparations

6. A FULL afternoon going over fun PS stuff with a friend.

7. Dance class

8. Preschool registration

And here I am today....EXHAUSTED! I actually just woke up from sleeping with one of my girls! I'm cooked....like fried...can hardly keep my eyes open. And the worst part of this...I don't feel like I got anything done! Well, except for getting tax papers together...THAT was a huge check off my list!

And....of course a picture is in order!

And....while I can stand it...I've got two sweet surprises coming up! You're gonna love it!

I {HEART} this family! |Scottsdale Family Photographer

Okay...I don't just {heart} this family...I big puffy SCARLETT RED {heart} this family!


I've been laying low this weekend...and made myself not edit...no matter how bad pictures were calling me!

But I couldn't resist and had to process and post a teeny tiny sneak peek from a family session I recently had with my FAVORITE baby who is proving she can beat the odds by celebrating her 8 month birthday!


There will be oodles more on her sweetness!

Really, truly love it!

Baby cocoon courtesy of Cricket Creations







At first I thought I'd leave this post with only pictures as the pictures speak for themselves...but I can't resist writing how much I love each of my clients.


I met this family almost 2 years ago...back when the twins turned 3, Miss L as a baby and before baby P wasn't even a thought.


And here I am today, capturing the family finally complete with their newest baby girl.


This really does leave me speechless. Without words for my appreciation that they've continued to trust me to capture their children and their family as they are....simply beautiful.


While my hobby turned into a job...it really isn't a job to me. I get to know each of my clients, remember them, their words, and personalities. I take each clients invitation to capture them personally and with all seriousness. I put great thought into planning their session and selecting their pictures for processing.


This newborn session was beautiful...simply beautiful. I think what was the super helping hand during our time together was there was no "getting to know" me stage...it was, Miss Tami's here and we're ready.


To the H family...thank you for an incredible time. Each one of your children is beautiful and I'm thankful I've gotten to know each of them. And I'm beyond thrilled to finally have all 6 of you in front of my camera.


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While on the topic of loving my clients...today I photographed a family that has me by the heart. And if you've read my blog for awhile...then I believe they've had you by the heart too. Here's a hint...a sundae was named after their sweet baby girl. Whom actually will be turning 8 months in a couple days. There will definitely be a sneak peek from their cuteness.

Only 3 once! |Scottsdale Child Photographer

I'm going to start with, other than photographing my kids birthdays...I've never photographed another's party. On Valentine's Day...I photographed my first birthday party and loved it.

This past weekend, my friend Sarah Goodman asked me to cover a birthday party for her and I was more than happy to do it. Also...had fun being a little fly on the wall capturing all the sweet little moments that get forgotten during a party.

Meet Mr. J....celebrating his 3rd birthday with a circus themed party.

One thing I learned about Mr. J is he LOVES cars!

These two cars were presents...how cute is it that he's shoving them in his shirt pocket! And he carried them there.

LOVE it!

Hello....birthday happiness....presents!

And of course, sneaking some cake loving!
Oh to be 3 again! Have a fabulous year Mr. J!

And....it's done! |Chandler Baby Photographer

My baby boy turned 1 and I've finally captured this stage that's flying by in one blink.


Sadly, I've been procrastinating Easton's 1 year pictures....but then when I chatted with one of the two proud owners of these gorgeous pieces of vintage goodness...I couldn't put it off any longer. The big motivator is when she told me...if I didn't do it now, I would regret it. And she was right. I looked at Easton after that chat and saw how he's already changed since he turned 1...and I couldn't let any more time go.


My baby...he's one and I'm in complete denial!

His little photoshoot was, well um....exhausting! He is FAST! I'm definitely a firm believer that having a helper when photographing a 1 year old is a NECESSITY! There are one too many cute pictures out of focus since I was running back and forth entertaining/keeping him in one spot and trying to photograph him...my songs, animal noises and random hyperness just wasn't cutting it when he was so done with his mommy's antics!
And...random note...

Sweet Mary, hope this sneak peek from my time at your beautiful lot leaves you with a happy eye full of my sweet sugar!