happy.new.year

I can't think of a better way to kick off 2008 than with a surprise newborn session. This little guy was 5 weeks early and, amazingly, is one of the healthiest premies ever.

Can't resist newborn belly buttons. ;-)

I know he's going to have sweet dreams in his room. Beautifully decorated and filled with construction vehicles (my son would be proud).

"Look, lady. What exactly are you doing?"

Important clarification: mom and dad are Aggies. But the horns were cool.

Vintage baby.

I like to call this one "American Dad." ;-)

You guys have a BEAUTIFUL little family and I'm so happy for your little early miracle.

sleep.mode.

Technically, I'm not sleeping (that may be part of the problem), but I am putting Pinkle Toes into sleep mode for a bit. There's lots of work to be done to get ready for the New Year, so I need to take some time to focus my energies on that for a bit. While we're in hibernation, if you do call or send an e-mail, please note that it may take a while to get back to you. Meanwhile, if you do want to get on the waiting for when I open up 2008 for booking, please do send me an e-mail and I'll add you in. Thank you and hang in there! We'll be back soon...

whew.

Can I open my eyes now? What a whirlwind Christmas! Bear with me...this post will be a hodge podge of many things, because frankly, my mind and our home is in a hodge podge stage right now (how long does it take to recover from Christmas?). I hope you all had a great one and I'd love to hear from you! What did you get? What was your favorite memory from this holiday? For me, there are so many to choose from. The first image is of "Santa Tracks"...what he left behind of the carefully laid out cookies and milk. Funny thing is, the kids never noticed Santa had eaten the cookies until I dutifully pointed it out to them.

This is a sampling of a few of the holiday cards I designed for my wonderful clients this year. Thought you'd appreciate the collection at a glance. So many bright, beautiful families!

For the first time in a while, we didn't have to go anywhere...all of the family came to us. I was quite proud of the dinner table setting (especially since I had nothing to do with the actual cooking of the holiday meal). While it was great to get to stay home, I am convinced it is MUCH more exhausting to host than to be hosted.

The boys' gift from Santa. The look on their faces was priceless. My gosh, they love this thing!

Couldn't resist. He looked so cute and pensive.

One of my favorite ornaments from my mother-in-law.

And now....for the best Christmas present ever! Remember our house was getting a face-lift? Oh, it needed so much carpentry work on the outside and I couldn't even fathom trying to paint it ourselves again. The above is the before...

And here it is now....

Soooooo much cleaner! Gosh, it feels like a new house (hence the bazillion pictures of it). Plus, I wanted to show off the great work done by Tim and the crew at Timberline Painting. E-mail me and I'd be happy to give you their contact info if you're in need of some painting, roofing, or siding.

Okay. There you have it. Now I'm off to finish up Pinkle Toes's face lift. The next time I post, hopefully, it will be to tell you that I've opened 2008 for booking and to reveal the new Pinkle Toes website! Take care!!!!

holiday.cheer.

Wanted to pop by real quick to wish you all the happiest of holidays! Not a day goes by where I don't pinch myself, wondering if this is for real. I'm so thankful to have met so many beautiful families and talented people. I hope you all enjoy this time and relax and snuggle up with those little ones and celebrate the lives you have created on this earth. We are all very blessed.

The above image is of the sweetest surprise from my sweet little mommy. We saw a special on this lady on the Food Network this summer and were just fascinated with the beauty and skill in her little business. The presentation alone makes my mouth water. Oh, they are the most beautiful chocolates ever!

And now, making cookies for Santa. My little sis, bless her, was bound and determined to make cookies with the boys this year. Little did she know how exhausting it can be to wrangle a two and four-year-old in the kitchen. But they had fun (and I'll bet she's thanking her lucky stars she bought the premade cookie dough.) Betty Crocker has left the building...

Life is sweet and I hope your holidays are even sweeter!

rock stars wanted.

No. For real. Trying my hand at something a little different on someone a little different. I'm currently looking for bands or musicians in need of publicity images. If interested, please contact me at michele@pinkletoes.com. Serious inquiries only from serious musicians only, please. {Note: this model is not currently a rock star, but I have no doubt he could be someday.}

since I couldn't justify the cards

I just dropped nearly $30 on a hat for a baby girl that I don't have. Size 12-24 mos. So the question is, who gets to be the first lil' cupcake to let me photograph her wearing it? Feel free to collect the matching accessories and outfits from http://www.gymboree.com/. I won't mind. Really. I won't.

(Still confused about the cards?)

As my son would say...

"My want these." Somehow I can't justify $4 per card. Or can I...?