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mother’s day

If there is one thing I have learned in my nearly 4 1/2 years of being a mom is that it’s hard work. Most days its controlled chaos, and some days I am just trying to survive. The survival days are few and far between these days.

Except yesterday. I was at my wits end at 10:30 am. Emma Kate has entered into the ‘I am going to whine and cry about e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g’. It’s lovely. Then after her 37th bout of whining to me about something she decided to go and color on the walls in the playroom! JT compared it to the cats peeing on the carpet when we first moved as a way to tell us they were pissed off (literally).

She sat in timeout for a long while (whining and crying, mind you) while I tried to scrub it off to no avail.

Sigh.

Anyways, our Mother’s Day this year was a fun filled day. I woke up to a giant card and new cups full of dark chocolate candy. Yum. Church where I got two pink roses, which then the girls deemed theirs, Nana and Bapa’s house to visit for a bit with them and my Aunt Linda who was in town for the weekend, then off to a delicious lunch together.

Emma Kate enjoyed herself.

Taylor did, too just a little more gracefully.

After our 4 course meal (really), and 2 1/2 hours past our normal nap time I wanted to attempt some group shot and we were shockingly successful!

And then one with my great mom!

Yesterday while I was in the car alone, I had time to really think and reflect on Mother’s Day. I guess since our day was so jammed packed I really didn’t have time to think. There are a lot of women out there hurting on Mother’s Day, for a myriad of reasons. Infertility, adoption waiting, a child passing. I have been so incredibly blessed to have two, beautiful, healthy girls. And even though like I mentioned above, being their mom is hard work they completely light up my life. Some days they drive me crazy, but they are mine and I wouldn’t trade them for the world. The coloring on the walls will stay there until I can get one of those Magic Eraser things, but in the meantime every time I walk past it I chuckle, shake my head and smile.

“Her children will rise up and call her blessed.” Prov 31

I am most definitely blessed beyond measure.

Posted by kcope | May 14, 2013 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: kids, mothers day, photography | 1 Comment »

big girl…really.

This girl is becoming quite the big girl these days.

Wants to ride bikes, play basketball on the big hoop, jump off the couch just like big sister…. heart attack! Everyone who sees her says how big she is for just turning 2 years old. She was born at 9.5 lbs and hasn’t slowed town at all.

She had her 2 year old check-up and tipped the scales at 32 lbs and is 38 inches tall. That’s a big girl for 2. My mom and I looked up my measurements at 2 yrs just for comparison and I was 24 lbs and 34 inches.

The doc quickly commented on her growth and how she is off the chart for height and almost off the chart for weight. He then stated how there is this unofficial formula that if you double a 2 year olds height, that is how tall they will be as an adult. I have heard of that and asked if he was accurate. He said, it’s just an estimation…. then said, ‘if you double her height she would be 6’4″!!!’

6 FOOT 4 inches?!

Whoa.

I figured both girls would be taller than my mom who is 5’4″, since they have both been on the higher end of the percentage chart and possibly even taller than me….but good grief EK would tower over all of us! Even her 6’0″ dad.

Now that’s crazy talk.

We doubled me heigh at 2 yrs, and you get 5’8″.

Well, I am 5’7″, so there ya go.

They grow up fast!

Literally.

Posted by kcope | April 29, 2013 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: 2 year old, kids, photography | 1 Comment »

wildflowers

Part of our land has a small creek, and just on the other side of it is overgrown grass, wildflowers and trees. JT wanted to have it all mowed over. I pleaded with him to leave it as it is and to just have a path mowed because it would be simply gorgeous for photo sessions.

He doesn’t really “get it”, and thinks I am crazy. That’s OK, he’s right I am a little crazy.

Just adjacent to our field, is another field that is more open and has tons of wildflowers. They are really weeds, but wildflowers sounds better.

Enjoy the onslaught of photos of the girls (and one of our cat, FeFe) at sunset in our field. (there is a lot more of Taylor b/c EK was holding a piece of food in her mouth, resulting in a weird face. why do kids do that???)

JT can call me crazy all he wants, but he canNOT mow it over.

Never.

Posted by kcope | April 23, 2013 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: kids, photography, wildflowers | 1 Comment »

our weekend

I left you all on Friday with a ‘something good’ post, and our weekend started off with something not so good.

A funeral.

A sweet friend of ours mom passed away. I had only met her once, and JT not at all, but we wanted to be there to support our friend. Ever since JT’s mom passed away over 2 years ago, we have turned into the couple that attends funerals. It’s kinda become who we are as a couple…Katie and JT – we have 2 girls, we used to be athletes, we have chickens, we attend funerals. At JT’s moms memorial it meant a great deal to us to have the support of family and friends there – many of them making the 2.5+ hour drive. We have become that couple that attends funerals to support our friends and family that are going through grief and loss.

I say all of this to not tout how high and mighty we are, not at all. But to encourage everyone to support friends or family going through the loss of a loved one. It’s a long, hard road and we can all help them just by showing up.

No one likes funerals. I cry like a baby at them. But we show up. Support those grieving. Shed some tears together. And offer a hug.

We are the couple that shows up.

You can be too.

Saturday morning was full of soccer! I was able to capture a short video of the run-through tunnel that Taylor loves so much. Her team is the 3rd one announced, wearing the black jerseys. Taylor is in the pink shorts.

Isn’t that awesome?! It pumps ME up and I’m not the one playing! As you can see, Taylor did learn the art of the high five everyone as you run through.

She did great in the game. Kicked it lots and even passed it to a teammate…. I’m sure it wasn’t a purpose but it sure looked like it.

And when it was her turn to take a break, she wrestled with her sister in the chair.

We actually ventured out of the realm of mexican food on Saturday night (shocking, I know) and went for pizza at a trendy place. Long wait equals get your phone camera out to entertain your 4 year old. Or your 32 year old self. You decide.

Once we got our table and meal, someone really enjoyed it.

Yes, my 2 year old is licking the plate clean.

Oy vey.

It was finally warm enough to fill the pool up on Sunday. The girls had a blast in it.

And my summertime job as lifeguard has been reinstated.

I will be investing in a SuperSoaker.

Mom always wins.

EK should too.

For those wondering, the chicks are doing just fine and are getting huge. Do you ever feel like you’re being watched?

JT is working on a separate pen for those we are using for meat birds. The coop is just for those birds that will lay eggs. It’s getting crowded in there!

Happy Monday!

Posted by kcope | April 15, 2013 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: kids, soccer, support, swimming | 1 Comment »

something good

Just a reminder

And my “good” yesterday was just me and Taylor in the car on the way home from soccer practice she says, “mommy, I sure do love soccer. I wish we had it every single day.”

We weren’t sure if she was really enjoying soccer, but last night I could tell she was really having a great time. Then her simple comment solidified it for me and made me smile.

And that was my something good yesterday.

Happy weekend.

Posted by kcope | April 12, 2013 | Categories: Uncategorized | 4 Comments »

rangers

Last night we took the girls to the Ranger game! Oh, it was so fun. One of the companies JT’s company does business with was holding a customer appreciation day at the ballpark, dinner was served at one of the pavilions with bounce houses, face painting, and all the cookies you could ever want. I told JT we don’t even have to go to the game because the dinner was so fun.

I got the girls dressed in their Rangers attire.

Pretty great picture, right?

Enjoy the many outtakes it took to get that one good one.

My favorite is the one in the middle. Hands down.

Sometimes the outtakes are better than the one good one.

OK, most of the time they are better and just make me laugh.

Cutest littlest Ranger fan I know.

They have done some fun improvement to the ballpark since I had been there. Like these…

Taylor had been to one game when she was about 16 months old (see that blog post here), but this was EK’s first game. Outside of the womb that is. Her ‘first’ game was the first Rangers World Series home game. They won that game, and I even got a batting practice ball. It was an awesome experience I got to share with my Dad. Check that post out here.

I even got to see some old friends from when I worked there. Hi Chad and Heather, so good to see yall!

In 2009 and now.

Sporting the same shirt. It’s my game day shirt, had it forever. (obviously)

And EK’s first game experience

I was pleasantly surprised how much of the game was got to enjoy. I figured we would spend most of the time out on the concourse or going up and down the stairs with them. We spent all 5 innings that we stayed in our seats taking in the sights, answering Taylor’s questions about everything baseball, and cheering on the team. It was a great game with lots of scoring. Can’t wait to go back!

Posted by kcope | April 10, 2013 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: baseball, kids, rangers, texas | 1 Comment »

typical taylor

Last Friday I had a photo session with one of my good friends from high school. She wanted some spring pictures of her adorable 18 month old daughter. Seeing that we were good friends, and our mom’s were good friends too, we all (including my girls) trucked out to the botanical gardens for a little reunion.

Taylor has been on several photo sessions with me, she helps me have kids look at the camera and is my model so I can get my settings right. When shooting in manual (meaning you control everything on the camera) you need to get someone (really anyone with similar skin tones) in front of the camera to properly expose for the subjects face.

Taylor is usually the chosen one for this. She is used to it.

This is a typical Taylor face.

She looks thrilled, right?

This is also typical Taylor.

Michael Jordan tongue workin. Dress is from last year, and sweatshirt from 2 years ago. I do buy her new clothes, I swear.

Anyways, that’s typical Taylor for ya… responsible, straight laced, rule follower, with a silly flair. She can’t let her silly sister steal all the spotlight. :)

I mentioned before how I always like to make sure my camera is actually working before I go out on a shoot. I don’t know why, I mean, it’s never not worked for me before. I guess I figure if someone is paying me, I want to make sure my equipment is functioning properly before I get out there.

Here are my ‘I hope my camera is working’ shots while we were eating lunch at Chipotle (which btw, has great natural light pouring in) before we headed out.

Yep, it works.

And these girls are hilarious.

Posted by kcope | April 8, 2013 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: kids, photography, silly | 1 Comment »

a few favorites

Kinda random post today, but here are a few recent favorites that I hadn’t shared yet.

More birthday celebrations for Emmy

Meet Donald. I must have had a temporary lapse in judgement when I let this happen.

I must have lost my mind when I agreed to letting Donald in the house. Rule was he (really, she) stayed on the wood floor or wrapped up in her shirt.

Taylor was in baby chick heaven.

Great Grandma Letta love.

More wackiness

We had a little visitor the other day. The girls were all a twitter.

Welcome home baby chicks!

I swear EK does wear clothes.

I am actually a fan of the diaper look. Less laundry.

Happy Friday!

Posted by kcope | April 5, 2013 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: chickens, chicks, kids, photography, turtle | 1 Comment »

soccer mom

I am now officially a ‘soccer mom’. Taylor had her first game on Saturday. Yes, BEFORE her sisters birthday party…it was a busy day. She didn’t seem to be ‘in the game’ at all, but I don’t think she really understood what to do. She is in the youngest age group (PreK and Kinder) and is one of the youngest on her team, which includes a couple of 6 year old boys. She ran around with the herd and got to kick it a couple of times. The only big smiles we got were when she got the lead the team out of the inflatable arc and during ‘warm-ups’. She loves practices, just not too sure about the games.

It must be genetic.

My mom told me once that I loved softball practice when I was very young, but hated the games claiming too many people were yelling. Got a point.

She said she had fun, stating her favorite part was ‘running through the tunnel with that dut, dut, dut music playing’ (jock jams). Kid likes an adrenaline rush.

Me too.

Apparently she didn’t get the memo to ‘high five’ those offering.

She was definitely excited, then I think just got confused as to what all was going on. Poor thing.

A few game shots

Reminding the team which goal we were kicking towards

Luckily, the kid with the headband on is some sort of soccer fanatic phenom and scored 6 or 7 unassisted goals so we won the game by a landslide. They don’t keep score, but trust me, I know who wins. But really, he’s astonishingly good. Glad’ he’s on our team

I think she will loosen up some once she understands a little more about what happens in the games.

No idea what’s going on here.

Soccer moms are pretty cool.

Posted by kcope | April 3, 2013 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: kids, photography, soccer | 2 Comments »

sausage cake and princess shoes

Emma Kate turned two last Friday. TWO! I don’t know how it came about, but we had been talking about my and her upcoming birthdays for quite some time. I started to ask her what she wanted for her birthday, implying a gift. This is how the conversation (with a 1 year old) would go:

Me: ”What do you want for your birthday?”

EK: ”SAUSAGE!”

I have no words.

CRAZY KID.

Over the course of a few weeks, she would say she also wanted cake. Sausage and cake. OK, we can do that.

Then, I am sure a lightbulb went off. We would periodically ask her what she wanted for her birthday and her genius idea is born and her response was: ”SAUSAGE CAKE!”

I have no words.

Well, we did not google ‘sausage cake’ because…well, to anyone except EK that is disgusting. But, we did have sausage on her birthday and had plenty of cake to go around.

On Saturday, we had a party – Hawaiian style. My parents, JT’s Dad, my grandma, and friends were able to come celebrate this special girl. I gave my mom the idea of getting EK some fun, wacky dress-up stuff. Her and Taylor love to dress up and thought a few weird, off the wall items would be right up her weird, wacky alley. And she did not disappoint.

If you don’t smile at that, nothing will.

Her favorite part was the “princess shoes”. She has hardly taken them off in 3 days and has two blisters to prove it.

She loves them.

Enjoy some scenes from the day

Strawberry cake – recipe can be found here. It was divine.

It was a great day. After our friends left, I wanted to get a self timer shot of the family.

My mom and dad, JT’s dad, MY grandma (girls GREAT grandma), and us. Think its a winner.

The girls had been dining on Cheetos all day and it continued even after the party.

Dad asked for some of him and the girls.

Sweet.

And this one just makes me laugh.

And some of us that I love.

Happy, HAPPY birthday sweet Emma Kate. You came into our world in your own special way, 8 days late and 9.5 pounds. You love anything silly and have a way of making anyone laugh. You think your sister hung the moon. You adore Nana, Bapa and Grandpa. You are a mama’s girl and have a sweet nature about you. You are a lover of cheese dip and shoes. We love you dearly.

Posted by kcope | April 2, 2013 | Categories: Uncategorized | Tags: birthday, kids, photography | 1 Comment »

Our Copacabana capturing life with our girls