sweet hadley joy | austin newborn photography

As I sit typing this, her monitor flickers on and off every few seconds like clockwork. She has hiccups again. It's a common occurrence. Her little body is so tiny that each hiccup shakes her whole frame. She barely seems to notice and certainly doesn't mind. It's so odd to think that just over a month ago, I didn't even know her. I didn't spend time everyday staring into her eyes, I didn't rock her, I didn't see Evan's face light up when he got home to see her, I didn't brush my hands over her baby soft skin, I didn't take her little feet in my hand in amazement and I didn't have any concept of just how much I would love her. And I still don't think I do. Here is our sweet daughter. We love her more everyday.  

BABIES!

Dear webfriends,

Guess what...Julie had a baby girl!! 'Tis true...believe it! Much like her mother, she is one of the most adorable little things on the planet.

Hadley Joy Prothro was born on July 3, 2011 weighing in at just 5lbs14oz. Mama and baby are doing wonderfully.

In addition, I had a niece (my first)! Sweet Maggie Beth Welch was born June 23, and has made this girl one very stinking proud AUNT!

So it is baby-ville around Everest Road.

You want to see pictures? Check out our personal blogs:

Hadley

Maggie Beth

life lately

Life for me lately has been a a lot about lists. I'm a list-maker by nature, generally at any point in the day I have about two or three different lists on my desk to help keep my thoughts organized. With a baby coming anytime in the next two weeks, my list making has gotten a bit extreme. All of a sudden my lists have categories and prioritization schemes and maybe its just nesting but it is certainly getting out of control.

Luckily, the lists are winding down and the day where we get to meet our precious baby is fast approaching! Evan keeps reminding me that we have done everything we need to do to bring a baby home, and all the things left on the list are icing on the cake which is very true. So in the spirit of embracing the icing on the cake mentality here is a list of all things I've been enjoying while waiting for the baby.

1. Frozen desserts--I've been figuring out ways to get at least a sno-cone, some frozen yogurt or ice cream almost everyday
2. Walks--Evan and I have been spending the evenings walking around the neighborhood at sunset
3. Crafts--I've started heat-embossing stamps, and lots of random projects for the nursery
4. Swimming--going to the pool makes me so happy
5. Netflix-there is something glorious about a lazy evening spent on the couch watching random tv shows

Our glider arrives tomorrow and then I'll take more nursery pics but until then here is one of the awesome bedding Evan's mom made for the baby. LOVE!

So our bags are packed and until then we'll just be sitting, waiting, wishing (and eating pineapple/coconut frozen yogurt!)

We can't wait to meet you little one!

julie likes....

Here is a quick sampling of some of my favorite things for the past few weeks. 

Reading-I've been ingesting books lately. On top of wanting to read all the good baby books and then decide what I think is the most valuable in each of them, I feel this need to finish every half-read book I've started over the last year. Generally, I have about six books going at one time. I'll open up a different one depending on my mood, so some books take me months to finish, while others take a day or two. To top that off, I've been heading to half price books too and getting "summer reading" books so my list keeps growing.

My nail polish- Last week Evan and I went on a vacation to the Lost Pines Hyatt where we relaxed in a lazy river, read by the pool, ate great food and I got a pedicure from the spa. This trip could have single-handedly summed up all my favorite things. Instead I'll pinpoint down my nail color-the pretty light coral makes me happy every time I see it! I may be confusing just how much I love my nail color with how happy I am every time I get to see my toes make an appearance from under my stomach but I don't think I'd be nearly as happy if they weren't such a great color. Also, had no idea how difficult it would be do take a picture of my feet, so ignore its sub-par quality. 

The Mavericks- I'm not the biggest basketball fan, I prefer football about tenfold. In fact, I don't think I watched any regular season basketball games this year but playoffs are different. Not only have both the games been really intense so far, but its also just more fun when you feel like you have a home team to support. (Any Texas team [except the Texans]=home team) So we've been watching all the games and I've even been wearing the giant foam finger I got when we went to the Dallas/OKC games while I lay on the couch. Thursday's game almost gave me a heart attack but it was well worth it. 

So those are my favorite things! Hope everyone enjoys their weekend and the Mavs game tonight!

life lately

For me, life lately has certainly been dominated by one thing: pregnancy. It dominates what I eat (or rather don't eat), what I read, what I wear and how much I sleep! It's also given us a lot of incentive to maximize pre-baby fun while still preparing for all the post-baby fun.

There's no better word for this time in life than transition. I know huge changes are coming soon and I'm doing my best to be prepared for them without being overwhelmed by them. I do better some days than others but I really am enjoying this season of life. Here is a quick post on what life has looked like lately.


My dad took my brother and husband on a guy's trip to Argentina, so I went to Arizona to spend time with my mom, my sister-in-law and my two adorable little nephews. We meandered around the local farmer's market, snacked on some delicious creme brule from a food trailer and enjoyed each other's company. Before I went to bed at night, my sweet nephew would come read me bedtime stories and give me goodnight kisses. Is there anything so precious? This is my newest little nephew and my baby's closest cousin.

One thing I've been excited about is all the nesting instincts you supposedly get when you're pregnant because truth be told, I've never had those. When I try to decorate, I get overwhelmed with the sheer array of options and get absolutely paralyzed to decision making. I feel the need to see every chair ever made before I can even think of choosing a chair, and since that can't happen, decorating doesn't happen. That's why I enlisted the help of my wonderful friend Liz to help get me inspired and moving toward a more decorated home. She gave me a new vision for a few different rooms in my house and gave me the confidence to actually buy things when we shopped together--which is priceless to a paralyzed shopper like myself. Here are a fre shots of my room, complete with handmade pillows from Liz, a dresser we refurbished and lots of happy mustard accents. I'm still waiting to find a mirror to hang over the dresser if anyone has suggestions!

We've also been making sure to fit lots of fun into our weekends our lately. We've been capitalizing on the gorgeous Spring weather by grilling out with friends in the backyard, frequenting the trailer restaurants downtown and hog wrestling in San Antonio. Yes, I said hog wrestling. We had some friends compete last year so this year we took a group trip to spend the weekend eating BBQ, swimming, playing dominoes and wrestling big nasty hogs. It's as absurd as it sounds and one of the most entertaining things I've ever watched. Basically, you and your partner are in a ring with the hog. You have to catch the hog, put the hog in a burlap sack, and run the sack over the finish line--best time wins. I have never felt so country in all my life. Here is my husband and his partner Chris bagging up their hog.

Our girls were the overall time winners! So proud!

So that is a taste of life lately. Today we're off to Houston to spend a fun-filled weekend with about twenty of our dearest friends. I feel so blessed. Have a wonderful weekend!

Claire Mommy | Lafayette Maternity Photographer

A weekend in Cajun country at Keith and Renee's is impossible to duplicate. I'm not sure if it's the chill of their beautiful brick floors, the memories I have from so many college visits or the ridiculous Louisiana food, but being in Lafayette is something I never want to miss.

When my dear Claire flew in from California for her first baby's shower, we were there without question. Being with these women is home for me. I know few people who celebrate better than us.

This sweet baby Elise is one blessed little doll. I literally cannot wait to meet her in two short months.  Joey and Claire will be the most fun parents I know. Elise is likely already partying in her mama's tummy. Living inside Claire has got to be a good time!

We were so sad not to see Joey that weekend, but I get excited just thinking about him becoming a dad. Rough tough Joey will be tied around his little girl's finger...but I'm sure she'll do anything to make her daddy happy - even if it means playin' football. Watching Claire's family celebrate LSU's victory over Tennessee that weekend proved that Elise will have plenty of support whatever she chooses.







Did I mention, this family loves football? Geaux Saints.









I sure do love you, my dear friend. I only wish there weren't so many miles between us. Can't wait to meet your baby girl!
js

Another Year

Blog post about my best friend/business partner/sanity keeper/ life saver's birthday.

Unoriginal - maybe.

Useful for letting you know just how valuable she is - certainly

As we explored Annapolis yesterday and watched the sunset out the airplane window last night, I thought of how many exciting events we've done together. I am so extraordinarily blessed to do life beside this woman. When I think of God's provision to David in Jonathon, my eyes begin to sting and the crocodile tears fall because of how familiar that feels to me.

If I could tell you how much I value Julie, I'm certain I would run out of words. Using up all the words I know wouldn't suffice. If I imagine my life without her, I get not only sad - but terrified.

Julie, you have this unique ability to make everything ok for me. When life feels out of control your steady, kind, love and presence bring me peace. So many areas of my life would be lacking without you, dear friend. I'm so so thankful that you and Evan love me so well. I know Jesus better because you're in my life. I love you tons and tons!


Happy Birthday to the half of Everest Road that never walks through autumn leaves without tossing a few!

happy birthday jessica!

To my dear, wonderful, business partner, mentor, sanity-keeper and friend,

There are few things in this world that can elicit a larger contented sigh from me that the thought of you. You are one of my greatest earthly blessings and closest friends. It's funny to look back at the short timeline of our friendship and see a common theme: struggle. We've struggled through the Forge together, through adjusting to real life and then through starting a business but we've never struggled with each other. You've always given me the perfect balance of grace and conviction to allow me to flourish. If ever there's a foxhole, I want you beside me. Period. I'm so thankful for you and the jackpot I hit by having you not only as a friend, but as a business partner. I hope you have an unbelievable birthday!

I couldn't love you more,

Julie

Since this was a sappy post, I'll end it with a silly picture. (Mwhahaha!)

editing mix | issue 1

One of the best things about sitting at a computer for large chunks of time editing pictures is that it provides a great opportunity to discover and rediscover great music. I loved the challenge of finding new music in college, but I've been far less diligent about it in recent years. Luckily, with sites like pandora and grooveshark it no longer takes diligence. Just time to listen.

And I have that.

So we're going to start a little segment of posts on our current editing mixes, just for fun. This week my editing mix includes:

Balmorhea (for when I'm in the zone and want no distractions)

The Glee Soundtrack (for when I get stir-crazy and need to sing OUT LOUD–don't judge)

Amos Lee (for when I need a little inspiration–his voice does that for me)

I think I could make a pretty good argument for music making me more productive by helping get me into the right mood.

sandwich satisfaction | austin sandwich shop

I got to go back to Avenue B Grocery in Hyde Park and this time it was open.

And......WOW!

Those sandwiches really are amazing. I definitely achieved sandwich satisfaction. I couldn't believe how simple such a perfect sandwich could be. Delicious bread, fresh veggies, quality meats, good cheeses, and specialty sauces (habanero mayo!)-all stacked into a wonderful sandwich and wrapped in butcher paper. It is the perfect lazy weekend lunch spot and I will go back often.

Happy Thursday!!

P.S. The honey mustard is out of this world.

Tortured

I'm being tortured.

Okay, that is a big word. What I'm being is a smaller word, maybe tormented. No, smaller still.

I'm being vexed.

Why this vexation you ask?

Well, I'll tell you.

Last weekend our amazing friends Michael and Danielle came to visit and Michael took us to one of his favorite Austin sandwich shops, Avenue B Grocery. It's this precious little store that sells a small amount of grocery items and makes delicious sandwiches in the back.

BUT IT WAS CLOSED FOR THE WEEKEND.

Everyday since, I've thought about how cute it was, how delicious the sandwiches probably are, and how much I want to go there immediately. I'll admit I've even added to my own vexation by looking up reviews online and reading things like:

"The store's garlic habanero mayo - WOW, so GOOD!"

"I like this little place with it's perfect park benches outside to enjoy you sandwich"

"The oldest operating grocery store in Austin"

"Frito pie."

"Fresh quality ingredients"

"Charming little mom n pop store"

I've been aching to get a chance to go back but the schedule has yet to allow for that, hence the vexation. (Nothing vexes me quite like unfulfilled food cravings.) So until I get the chance at a delicious sandwich with habanero mayo and a Dublin Dr Pepper, I'll longingly look at pictures and dream of Frito pies.

Isn't it just wonderful?

Thanks for the wonderful weekend, and slight vexation that will, no doubt, turn into sandwich satisfaction sometime soon. You guys are great! And now you have a picture together!

Why Everest Road?

If you talked to anyone who's climbed Everest, they'd tell you it was hard. They'd likely have a sizable list of moments when they wanted to throw in the towel. There are so many reasons a challenge like this is insane. The oxygen at the top of Everest is too thin to breathe on your own. It's so cold frost-bite is nearly inevitable. The death toll on Mount Everest is over 200.



Some might say anyone would be foolish to attempt such a task.



But they keep doing it...



Why?

In 1922 George Leigh Mallory said about climbing Mount Everest, " ...there is something in  man which responds to the challenge of this mountain and goes out to meet it...the struggle is the struggle of life itself upward and forever upward...What we get from this adventure is just sheer joy." 

The climb is motivated by the joy and reward of the summit, but the struggle and adventure that pave the road to Everest are what defines it.

So what does that have to do with photography?

Well, all of our lives are characterized by our own summits, those moments and relationships that give our lives meaning. From graduating, to marriage, to starting a family, we all have peaks. Much like Everest, the road can be hard but we are driven on by the joy and rewards ahead.
If you talked to anyone who's been married for 50 years, they'd tell you it was hard.

But they'd tell you the adventure was worth it.

That’s what we love about photography. It captures not only our time at the summit, but also our journey there. It gives us a tangible memory of our transition from optimistic, inexperienced climbers to veteran hikers wise enough to understand the challenges and devoted enough to face them each day until we ascend that summit. We delight in capturing the journey and joy of life's adventures. Whether it's a new life, the start of a marriage or a 75th anniversary, being able to look back on the journey makes reaching the summit even sweeter.