Ok I’m going to try to pack a lot into this post

I have to admit, My very very cute but active 2.5 year old and being over 20 weeks pregnant is wearing me down just a little!  So I have not been keeping up with my blog as I should but with the holidays over I am able to get back into the swing of things!

First - in May, we are going to be welcoming a BOY to our family!!!  I kind of had a feeling since this pregnancy was the opposite of my first, but still getting used to the idea of a lil boy, we’re very excited.  

Second - the contest.  Karen nominated the winner Hilary and I am very much looking forward to meeting them in the coming months.  To everyone else who nominated a family, those families will receive a free session if you wish and 10% off all prices (I can send you a gift certificate to give to them) and you will receive 50% off your session fee and 10% off your selections also.  

This is some of what Karen had to say about Hilary:

She has had tough times these last few years

She always maintains her strong send of self, despite what she has been through

She is both mother and daughter to her 7 year old daughter

She always has a sunny outlook

She is THE hardest working mother I know

She is a true and loyal friend

She is patient, understanding, and never judges

She is incredibly generous

She is intelligent and funny

She is artfully articulate

She is an AMAZING woman

And finally - a snapshot of my family Christmas Eve and one of Kayla and the tree.  Almost 3 years in this house and we still have those disposable window shades! LOL I am happy to say I finally ordered drapes and hardware woohoo!  We hosted our first ever holiday - it was really nice, used my fine china for the first time.  Being surrounded by family is the best part of Christmas.  My dad was in my heart, in all of our hearts and his presence was really missed.  

I met this wonderful (and gorgeous) family yesterday for my first session of 2009!  Newborns and sitters are my favorite models!  Mr B did a great job through all the hat changes.   

Stay tuned on Monday - we will be finding out whether Kayla will have a little sister or brother arriving in May!  I will also be posting a picture from Christmas and more about the winner of the contest.  

Hope everyone is having a wonderful start to the New Year!  

Ok when was the last time you could do this?

I told you they were gorgeous…

I really wanted to include some snapshots from our wonderful holidays but it’s been busy with family and an overexcited toddler  I haven’t even uploaded the pics from my point and shoot yet!  I will edit this post as soon as i have a few.

I have a wonderful winner chosen from the contest and they will be contacted this weekend and I will try to share some of her story!  

I resume sessions on Jan 2, 2009 but I’m always available for inquiries and of course newborn sessions before then!  I hope everyone had a wonderful holidays and will have a safe, healthy and happy new year!

I am happy to be participating in Giving is Awesome.  It is a simple effort by photographers worldwide to give back to their communities.

Here’s how it works -

You know someone. You know someone who’s experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can’t afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family’s spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography – free session and 5×7 custom 20 image album, to be exact. It’s in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $150 print credit. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. 

* The nominee must reside in New Jersey. Tell me who you know, what they’re experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story : aliciagould@gmail.com

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve — get nominating! I can’t wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season — and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,

Alicia

www.givingisawesome.com

*If you submitted an entry to the Thanksgiving day contest that ends in December, you do not need to resubmit.  This is the same contest extended to be included in the giving is awesome program*

How cute is this hat?  What better present could you ask for - look how sweet Miss M is!  

The holidays have become so bittersweet for me.  I am so very thankful for the 24 wonderful years with my dad, he was the best person I have ever known.  But the holidays make me miss him so much more.  I am thankful for my husband and beautiful daughter and my healthy baby growing within.  I am thankful for my mom, my sister and my future sister-in-law.  I am so thankful for everyone who supports my family and has been there through these very rough times. 

I am thankful for my wonderful clients and being welcomed into their homes to capture memories.  I am so incredibly grateful for my own memories, they are all I have in some aspects. 

I’m wishing everyone a wonderful happy and safe holiday season from my family to yours.   Hug your loved ones extra tight and enjoy making new memories.

This is the second time I am meeting Miss S, the first was when it was bright and colorful outside!  Saturday was full of rain, but nothing could put a damper on how beautiful this family looked.  I think Miss S looks just like mom.  They are quite the stunning duo. 

Miss E is about 9 days old here.  Seemed to be the magical number.  I arrived and she was sleeping and continued to stay asleep through all the posing!  She was one of my easiest models!  And dad - I am so happy to have a dad willing to go sans shirt for some beautiful skin to skin shots.  I normally don’t sneak peek this many pictures, but I just couldn’t help myself!  These were all the ones I pulled for editing last night.  I cannot wait to get the rest of this gallery over to you.  What a wonderful loving family!

Mom and Grandma oohed over this shot so I knew I had to show it right away!

I love how her lil toes peek out here