I'm an Aunt!!!

Before early June, I was only a quasi aunt. My BFF Brooke had her beautiful baby boy, Arlo in March and I bother their family enough that they afforded me the title of Aunt Courtney. But now, not only am I a still a quasi aunt, I'm a real-life, no denying it, aunt! My beautiful sister-in-law and her husband Freddie welcomed the prettiest little girl, Myra Mae Lamb, into the world last month. It has been an incredible experience to see this bundle grow in the past couple weeks, and even more incredible to see her the day that she was born.

Myra was born 7lbs 2oz and 20 inches long. She's a very long, lanky thing (just like her dad). And those feet are just about the cutest old, wrinkly-man, baby feet I have ever seen.

Now get this. Nora spent about 48hrs in labor. She had built such a good home for Myra that she didn't want to come out at first. Less than 24 hours after, Nora was already showered, dressed in her human (not patient) clothes, walking around, and taking visitors. I know I would be sayin' "give me that gift and get the h* out of here. I'll see you in a week", but Nora is a far too nice and put together for that. There isn't many people that have one day old baby/family pics while they are not in hospital attire. Way to kick major ass SIL (sister-in-law)!

What an incredible experience it has been to be an aunt (both quasi and within the fam). I can't wait to keep seeing how this family grows throughout the years and to be there for all Myra's future milestones.

Until next time...

Happily Ever After

A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to do a family photoshoot for a few friends. Nabil and I went to college with both Danny and Erin, and now they have been married for just over two years. I really like shooting engagement photos, but it was a good change of pace to shoot a couple that has been married for a little while. For one, they laughed harder at my (at times slightly inappropriate) marriage jokes. Instead of a "haha, we have to laugh at this but I really don't think it's that funny", I got more of a "HAHA, isn't that the truth"! Needless to say, we all had a good time traipsing about in the chilly, fall weather.

Becuase we are in Oregon, the winter weather is completely unpridictable. The first day that I met up with Danny and Erin it was cold, rainy, and muddy. They were troopers though and we all headed out to brave the weather. ...with a cute clear umbrella for some protection.

We got some great photos, but I wanted to come back when the weather was dry (or at least, not raining) so that we could have a little easier time milling around. So, I came back the next weekend and we got a few more.

I love this area where Danny and Erin live. I mean, you really can't beat that view. ...and those gorgeous, fall colors!

And where else can you find stacks or wine barrels that are being actively used for fermentation?! ...not to mention the cute couple standing in front of them. I love this sequence. Two years in the bag, and still giving cute little Eskimo kisses. ...I hope that term is still PC. :)

Thanks so much Danny and Erin for letting me photograph you and the pups. I had such a great time in such a gorgeous area.

Until next time...

Black Friday Snowshoe 2012

As some of you may know, Nabil and I started a tradition a few years ago to go snowshoeing the day after Thanksgiving. It's a good opportunity to work off some of that massive turkey dinner (which was delicious, by the way) and avoid the Black Friday lines while hanging out with the fam. Last year, the weather was perfect, and we got some great photos.

This year, there were a few more clouds, but we were still able to avoid the rain. We had a big crew this year. Family and friends galore. This is me with one of my BFFs Brooke.

My sister and "pops" were also visiting for the holiday. Can you tell that we like to annoy him when given the opportunity. All in good fun.

Nabil's mom and Ken were also visiting (I told you, lots and lots of family). This was the first time that we met Ken. The morning after he got in town, we forced him out into the cold and up the mountain, but I think that he had fun in the end. We make a great first impression, huh?

And of course, the official Zerizef family snowshoe photo.

I'll stop blabbing now and just let you gander.

 

And that's all she wrote folks. These holiday weeks have been so busy, but we are having a great time with family and friends out here in Portland. Not to mention, I have been slowly booking up all my free time with some great photoshoots, so keep checking back. Much more to come.

Until next time...

Mac-Town with the Sister in Law

On Saturday Nabil and I took a trip to McMinnville, OR to visit his sister, Nora, who just moved to Mac from Portland. Nabil and I lived in ol' Mac town for four years for college, so we know our way around. It was fun to not only see Nora's new digs, but also revisit our old stomping grounds. I brought my camera, and I had some time to get a few shots while wearing out the dog.

 

 Common' dad, throw it. I'm sitting so patiently, just throw it already!

 What a handsome hubby I have.

This is Nabil's sister, Nora. It's fun to shoot Nora because well, she's just so pretty!

Brother and Sister

 He could run to fetch all day long!

This is Nora being very impressed.

What sweet little boy smiling for the camera.

After the photo op, we took a walk around the campus for a trip down memory lane. The sun got a little too low for good pictures then, so this is where we stop. Thanks for checking up.

Until next time...