We did it! I survived my first busy Christmas season as a mom (although I still need to start shopping). Lots of amazing photo sessions, sweet families, beautiful babies and tons of unique Christmas cards designed, while still enjoying lots of important moments with Norah. I have to give special thanks to my fabulous office manager, Kristine and super amazing husband, Dave.

I promise you will see photos of the weddings and shoots from this fall soon. New web site and new blog to be coming with the New Year (eventually).

For now....stay warm...!

I took this photo this morning in 15 degree weather. And Gabe still smiled! 

We are SELLING our beautiful home. Pass it on! View the link for more details:

Nellie and David Gould | 309-229-0880      5617 N Stephen Dr, Peoria, IL Charming, Recently Updated and Move In Ready Ranch with Fully  Finished  Basement on Private Wooded Lot. 3BR/2BA Single Family House offered at $159,900              Year Built Unspecified Sq Footage 1,134 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 2 full, 0 partial Floors 1 Parking 2 Car garage Lot Size 0.6 acres HOA/Maint $0 per month    DESCRIPTION Charming, modern ranch on large wooded lot in quiet cul de sac, conveniently located near shopping in Peoria. Recent updates including new floors throughout house, paint, and new garage door. Fully finished basement with beautiful wood floor office,  family room and spa bathroom as well as wet bar plumbing. Cozy three-season room on private, wooded setting.    see additional photos below    PROPERTY FEATURES - Central A/C - Central heat - Hardwood floor - Tile floor - Family room - Living room - Office/Den - Dishwasher - Refrigerator - Stove/Oven - Microwave - Attic - Basement - Washer - Dryer - Laundry area - inside - Balcony, Deck, or Patio - Yard      OTHER SPECIAL FEATURES - Recently Finished Basement with Office - Three Season Room      ADDITIONAL PHOTOS Photo 3 Photo 4 Photo 2 Photo 1 Photo 8 Photo 9 Photo 10 Photo 11 Photo 6 Photo 7 Photo 5 Photo 12 Photo 13 Photo 14 Photo 15 Photo 16   Contact info:         Nellie and David Gould 309-229-0880 For sale by individual owner Equal Opportunity Housing Posted: Nov 19, 2009, 6:39pm PST

I love fall. I love being a mom. I love photographing life.

So lets just say I have been super happy these past few months...but a little behind on keeping up with everything. I can honestly say that I do not feel stressed though. Maybe that is because I have so many wonderful friends and clients and because I have the sweetest baby girl to hang out with everyday.

I have lots of wonderful weddings and family photos to post, but it may take some time to put them all up here. Keep checking back!

First, a few photos of Norah from the past weeks....she is now 10-weeks-old

And my adorable nephew Liam Patrick...

We are so excited to welcome a new cousin into the family today! Liam Patrick was born at 11:45 am, 8lbs, 4.5 oz, 20 inches long. Perfect! And he has the best big sisters, Grace and Clare.

It is such a gift to have so many babies in the Gould family this year (3 total). Liam is a perfect little miracle and only 6 weeks younger than Norah. 

I have been loving every second of motherhood. It is the most wonderful gift in the world and I feel so blessed to be able to experience this love.

And these first four weeks have flown by so fast. She is growing and eating and sleeping all the time. I need to thank all of you, for your support, friendship and love. Thanks for all the gifts, prayers and visits (we love visitors). Norah is excited to meet all of you.

I will also be posting an update on here soon about our fall bookings and Christmas deadlines.

Congratulations to five winners: Chris, Amanda, Molly, Kara and Annette, who guessed Norah's birthdate and sex correct. Because we have so many winners, we did a drawing for the free session and $200 GC, which Amanda is the winner of, and everyone else will have a free session and $50 GC. Thanks so much for all your guesses!

The story of Norah's brith began on August 23rd. I woke up with back labor, but was not sure it was the "real" thing, so Dave and I went on a walk and a trip to Barnes and Noble. When we got home, I called the DR but wanted to wait it out a little longer before heading to the hospital. I still was not convinced they were real contractions because I was able to talk and walk through them.

I called my mom who started driving up from KY and my close friend, Stefanie, who is a Labor and Delivery nurse at OSF, driving home from a weekend in Chicago. Dave and I decided to head into the hospital around 5 in the evening and everything seemed to flow from that point. Stef made it, my mom made it and my wonderful midwife, Sheri made it. The labor was so beautiful and peaceful and Norah arrived at 1:07 am on Monday morning. Perfectly healthy, a gift from God.