Yes, these are all things I’ve done and will continue to do until Baby D makes his/her worldly debut! With the due date less than two weeks away, our excitement is intensifying and we’re trying to get as much prepared as possible! Our bags are packed, the car seat is in the car, and we have the diapers and wipes ready to go. I’ve recently been asked the question (on more than one occasion) if we have everything we need… my answer? We’re soon to find out! Wade and I are so clueless in the parenting department…

With the baby’s arrival due any day now (whether it be tomorrow or three weeks from now), I am organizing and finishing up all business related items, so that I won’t have some apologizing and scrapping around to do once we bring Baby D home. I have finished up conducting photo sessions and will soon be finished with post-production, orders, and deliveries. I plan to take time off through the end of June and possibly into the first week of July. With this in mind, I will not be scheduling any sessions prior to July 5th maybe even July 12th. HOWEVER, I am currently scheduling sessions for July and August until we head off to the hospital. I strongly encourage anyone interested in a summer or fall session to go ahead and book now! Booking now reserves and guarantees a date and time before the start of the new school year.

Because I’m hoping to having this little munchin early (yes, I’m fully aware that early arrivals aren’t common with firstborns, but a girl can dream, right??), I’ve decided to run a one week special! Details?! I’m so glad you asked:

Don’t wait to take advantage of this special offer! I accept a limited number of sessions each week to ensure the best possible experience for every client. Once I’m booked, the offer will no longer be valid…so, first come, first serve!

Over Easter, I was able to meet six-month-old Juan for the first time. Alicia and I have been friends for a few years now after we spent a WHOLE-LOTTA time together in 2006 on a mission trip to Miami, FL. We were both single, but dating at the time. Now we’re both married, she has almost a 7-month-old baby, and I have a bun in the oven! Crazy how quickly time passes because it definitely doesn’t seem like that mission trip was 4 years ago. Maaaaaaybe 2, but definitely not 4!

I remember as Alicia and I spoke prior to the session, she mentioned what happy baby Juan was. “Juan is always so happy and loves to jump [and] look at himself in the mirror…” He was so smiley during our entire session. He enjoyed playing with mommy and daddy and enjoyed having his pictures taken – how fun for me as a photgorapher! When we held the ordering appointment where Alicia had the opportunity to see every image in print, Juan admired himself in every image. He just looked around in “awe” of the beautiful baby in the pictures! Did he recognize himself? I say, sure! He was probably thinking, “Man, I am one handsome stud!”

Thanks, Alicia for allowing my images to become a part of your family’s memories. I hope I captured exactly what you wanted: Juan…full of life and happiness at this stage in his life.

  Toward the beginning of December, I briefly described Megan’s heart condition and the struggles she was facing. At the beginning of February, I upated you, and explained that she had been added to the heart transplant list. Today, Megan’s condition is worse and she is fighting for her every breath.

On the first of April, Megan was admitted into the Cardiac Care Unit at Barnes’ Jewish Hopsital for additional medications. The meds were to help strengthen her heart so it could pump blood to all of her vital organs. On April 3rd, a left ventricle assist device was inserted into her chest to temporarily function as the left ventricle of the heart. She spent the next few days resting. The past week and a half or so, Megan’s condition has been up and down. On good days, she was able to eat small bits of food and actually keep it down while bad days consisted of poor sleeping, little or no food intake, and no energy. However, blessings from above were poured out to her on April 9th. Four nurses decided she needed a better view and took 30 minutes to move her and all equipment to a suite overlooking Forest Park - best view in St. Louis. The same day, she received a call from American Idol’s very own, Danny Gokey. Danny was our favorite Idol from last season and we talked about voting for him throughout the entire season!  According to Megan’s dad, Danny encouraged her and lifted her spirits. Danny’s wife died of a heart condition three weeks before he auditioned for A.I.  So I truly thank him for showing Jesus’s love to Megan on this particular day.

Earlier this week, on Tuesday, the doctors informed Megan’s parents that her time was running out. They are giving Megan and the family until Monday to receive a new heart. Otherwise, she will receive a mechanical heart which will drop her out of the #1 status on the transplant list. As of this morning, her condition has worsened yet, and she is struggling for every breath. Doctors are in and out of her room, and this afternoon there will be a bedside surgical procedure to relieve fluid around her lungs & heart. In addition, her white blood count is rising.

From my extremely close friendship with Megan in 2004-2005, I know she is a Christian and follower of Christ. She is only 23-years-old and full of life! My prayer is that God will grant her a new heart and sustain her life for many years so she can live a long, somewhat healthy life. But the irony of praying for a new heart is the fact that the new heart has to come from someone else… do I want someone else’s friend or family to experience a death in the family? No! But I also desperately want to see God heal my friend. I’ve been asking that God definitely not take the heart from a non-believer who hasn’t given his/her life to the Lord. And I’ve also been asking that someone not have to suddenly and unexpectedly lose a life. Fortunately, I have hope in a God who has Megan’s life in His hands. I know there is a plan behind this mess and that He works together for the good of those who love Him. So ultimately, I must put my complete trust in Him…as Megan’s family is so faithfully doing.

Megan was interviewed earlier this week by News Channel 5 in St. Louis. She courageously shares her story with viewers and you get a glimpse at her sweet, sweet spirit. I hope you will take the opportunity to watch the interview here: http://www.ksdk.com/video/default.aspx?bctid=78093481001#/Health/23%2Dyear%2Dold+finds+herself+on+heart+transplant+waiting+list/48541678001/48340612001/78093481001.

Megan’s family is keeping a blog called Megan’s Story with at least one update per date on her condition. Through Megan’s blog, you have the opportunity to give to her family. I can’t imagine the financial stress a situation like Megan’s could cause; therefore, if you’re able and willing, I ask that you donate something…ANYTHING…just to show Christ’s love to a family in need.

THANK YOU, to all of my friends and family who have been praying for Megan. I receive encouraging words via Facebook often from the many people who are praying for her, and many of them don’t even know Megan! We serve a MIGHTY God – I know He LISTENS the prayers that are lifted up and will ultimately take care of Megan.

Thursday we traveled to Alton, IL to visit Wade’s family for Easter. I figured I’d make the most of the weekend and take a few pictures while I was there. Friday I had the opportunity to conduct both a 6-month session and an Engagement session (one of my favs!). I’m super excited about the images I’ve culled through thus far, and I cannot wait to finish enhancing each image! Here is a sneak peek from my weekend in Alton, IL:

Yesterday afternoon and evening, I spent 2 1/2 hours with my South Shelby High School senior rep: Sam Bode! I LOVE senior sessions. She brought one of her good friends along, and we just hung out and had a good time. Isn’t she stunning?!

I’m not going to showcase every image I’m excited about, but here is a sneak peek from the first session I did on Thursday. Thank you, Kelsey and Terrence, for workin’ the camera…

Last night, Wade and I were blessed by our church family as they threw us a baby shower. The wonderful hostesses opened with a few baby-related greetings that brought a huge (and yes, nerdy) smile to my face. One of the greetings they offered was Scripture verses following the acrostic of our names. I was told that “W” was a difficult letter for finding Scripture, but although COMPLETELY out of context (as this verse actually pertains to suffering in Hell), Matthew 13:50 was quite appropriate for the shower. We thought it was funny!

We are only 7 1/2 weeks from our due date, and Wade recently admitted that he keeps thinking we have an appointment on May 22nd to go GET the baby. Ha! If only it were that simple. Can I get an ‘Amen’ ladies? (as if I already know what its like…) Regardless of what the process will be, our excitment is growing and we are very much looking forward to meeting our little guy or girl in May (because we are so not prepared for him/her to unexpectedly pay us a visit in April).

With our anticipation growing each and every day, you can only imagine how gitty I was over little Natalie. I had the opportunity to spend some time with Natalie, and her amazing mom, Cindy (one of the sweetest ladies; she’s so full of kindness!), almost two weeks ago. On day 14 of Natalie’s life, I got to hold and talk to her while capturing some PRECIOUS images of her new life outside of mommy’s tummy. I’m told to cherish every moment (especially the early ones) with my new baby because time passes so quickly! For this reason, I am SO GLAD Cindy and I were able to get together for a newborn shoot. Babies are only that little for so long before they start growing up. Then, there is no turning back.

Despite this nasty weather, I was able to conduct a great natural light shoot of Baby Addison a few weeks ago. I went to their house one afternoon to find four month old Addison so quiet and peacful…until we layed her on the bed! She was vocal, but oh so cute. After a little more time with mommy, Addison was ready to go, and we ended up with some fantastic images! I am so blessed to work with people and capture life’s most precious moments before they slip away and are forgotten.

In only six months, Wade and I will have a four month old at home – YIKES!

During our time in Mississippi, Wade and I enjoyed spending time with his family. We had many good laughs remembering Granddaddy’s humor. Even in his final months and weeks, Granddaddy was still making people laugh. Through his battle with pancreatic cancer, Wade’s mom lived with and cared for him 24/7. In order to guarantee good care at all times, Luanne had a monitor so Granddaddy could call on her at any time throughout the day. Knowing Luanne couldn’t shut off the monitor, one night he decided to have a little fun. In the wee hours of the night, he sang “She’ll be comin’ round the mountain when she comes!” for an entire hour! Though Lu begged him to stop, she kept right on comin’. So it seems only fitting that a song would cause us all laughter during the actual funeral. Yep, the entire family almost lost control of themselves in the middle of a funeral service. As Wade wrapped up his portion of the service, we anticipated the sound of “Amazing Grace.” When the music played, we were caught off guard by Loretta Lynn’s “God’s Country.” If you haven’t heard this song, you MUST listen to the following clip: http://s0.ilike.com/play#Loretta+Lynn:God’s+Country:1173776:m3975757. It is a big ball of fun with an upbeat rhythm of country and gospel sounds! Oh how fitting it was for Granddaddy – as if he’d planned it himself!

Granddaddy will be missed. His kind and giving spirit along with his continuous humor and jokes will be cherished within our hearts. Today, I encourage you to cherish the moments with your loved ones. Time passes so quickly and how sad it would be if we didn’t take advantage of every opporunity we have to love on those we care about most.

And because the one I love isn’t here to strike a pose… here are a few other things that I especially love right now:

CADBURY EGGS: I eat at least one a day.

TENNIS SHOES: My feet are beginning to throb in anything other than these babies.

SUN: I believe I have now seen the sun 4 times in 2 weeks.

Only the 2 times this week have been late in the afternoon for only a couple of hours…….

I am ready for SUMMER!

www.emilydobsonphotography.com

I had the opportunity to meet tons of great brides, and even a couple of grooms during the bridal fair. I am so grateful to every bride, groom, mom, grandma, friend, cousin, and aunt who stopped by my booth and took the time to say hi. At the show, I gave couples the chance to register for a complimentary engagement session. I had such a good response that I decided to give away two sessions instead of the original one. Thank you to everyone who registerd, and be sure to contact me as soon as possible to book your wedding!

The winners of the FREE engagement sessions are:

JENNY CROOK and MICHELLE GALLAHER

I will be in touch with the winners over the next couple of weeks to discuss further details. Again, thank you so much to everyone who stopped by my booth. I was blessed by your kindness and interest.

Until then, I decided to find something enjoyable about the snow. I took one photo and edited it two different ways. I really love both edits, but I decided to go with this one simply because its different from my typical edit…and I need to start stepping out of my comfort zone every now and then.

Doesn’t it look gorgeous when you’re not outside suffering in it?!