The kids were fabulous, it wasn’t too windy and it didn’t rain! Could you ask for a better spring outdoor portrait session than that in Grapevine? Here’s a little sampling of some of the kids.

Thanks so much to Shana Woods of Ivey Photography for taking out first family photos and some of Nate because I was not able to after a c-section. I am forever grateful to you.

And I even got to get a really special one for me. This is my son and his best guy friend. They are a month apart in age and have known each other since birth. It’s amazing how they have grown!

When we are outside, layer it up. It adds contrast and interest to the portrait and you can take off some layers to have a totally different look. Women, if you can, wear a little heal. They give our bodies just a little more movement and length. Have jewelry on but don’t let it overwhelm you. A great pair of earrings or a fabulous necklace or great scarf may be all you need.

Here are some examples of fall and winter portrait ideas for the family. A lot of these can be found at Old Navy, Gap, Piperlime, and if you shop early, Zulily.com and theMiniSocial.com will have some great deals on fabulous clothes.

I’m almost 6 1/2 months along now and I “think” I’ve got the nursery for the new little guy pretty much planned out. I’m really liking how its all coming together so far. I’m not really a “theme” type person – more on colors and feel of the room. His room is white, navy blue, and chambray blue (really just a lighter blue). The crib is new from Pottery Barn and I’m using my other son’s old changing table from PBK as well. The crib picture below is the exact crib and bedding.

We installed a high chair rail in white and below that it is a dark blue and above is a much lighter blue. It really sets the white furniture off. His drapes are the chambray color and have the texture of corduroy pants. There is a white fluffy rug under the crib and out a bit in the room from HomeGoods (love that store) and a to die for pendant light from Ikea that casts the most beautiful shadows on the walls when turned on.

The super comfy Little Castle Cottage recliner is on order and should be here in about 4 weeks. I’m so excited for that – could totally sleep in that baby. It is white basket weave with chambray blue piping. I still need a little table and a white comforter and decorative pillows for the daybed that is in there as well. And I would absolutely love to have this gorgeous medium size basket for his dirty clothes (for toys later) displayed  in his room from Serena and Lilly. I just haven’t convinced myself of the price yet.

And the walls, goodness. What to do, what to do? Obviously I need to have room for portraits, but I like to mix in other things as well.  Hmmmm. Just not quite sure yet. Maybe Pinterest can lend me some ideas (that place is addicting!)

So another day and another post, I’ll put up some real live nursery pictures so that you can see the progress of the furnishings and the decorations on the walls. And of course we had to do my 6 1/2 year old son’s room at the same time. Its WAY cool and coordinates nicely with the little bro.

Until next time . . .

Meet, baby Noah