Saints vs. Patriots: My Dilemma

As most of my friends and long-time clients know, I'm originally a Boston girl. And that means a Patriots fan. I remember when the Patriots weren't so good. I remember when we all cheered "Squish the Fish!" (And they didn't.) So I've watched with pride and excitement as the Patriots have risen over the past several years and transformed into a powerhouse team. I've watched Tom Brady turn from a little-known back-up quarterback into one of the best quaterbacks in the NFL. (It doesn't hurt that he's drop-dead gorgeous either. ;) And I've rooted for them all along the way.

Then six years ago I moved to New Orleans. I adopted the city and its team, the Saints. Even though the Saints weren't very good back then. In fact we had season tickets when they weren't very good - go figure. (I wish we had them now!) But we still rooted for them. And in 2006, when we were all still feeling bruised and battered post-Katrina, all that love started to pay off. Our boys were playing like a whole new team. They had heart and drive and they gave us all something to root for. Something to be proud of. And we loved them all the more for it.

I've been lucky. For six years I've been able to root for both of my teams without conflict. After all, the Saints and the Pats are in different divisions and rarely play each other. But all of that changed this season. This season my husband and I immediately noted the big match-up on the schedule. This year I have to choose. And I've had the questions pouring in from friends and family both north and south.

Would I be rooting for my Patriots? The team that I have more than 30 years invested in. The team I grew up with. The team that still represtents my beloved hometown.

Or would I be rooting for my Saints? The team that I adopted. The team that I've rooted on to a 10-o record so far. The team that's done so much for the region that I've laid down roots in. Built a family in.

The answer is......

Sorry my northern loved ones... I promise I still love my Pats as much as ever and I'll be rooting for them in every other game they play this year. But the way I see it, the Patriots have kicked some serious butt these past several years. They've won championships and brought home rings. And I love them for it. I'm so glad they've succeeded. But now it's time for the Saints to have their share of the glory.

WHO DAT!!

Sneak Peek: Marion [New Orleans Baby Photographer]

Yesterday morning I met up with funny little Marion and her parents who were in town for the holidays. I'm so glad that it worked out this year. They actually emailed me for a session this time last year, but I was out of town for the holidays.

Marion was a little lady on the go, full of mischief, a little mayhem and a mind of her own. And she was oh so beautiful. This first shot is one of my recent faves. I love the serious expression. I love the big brown eyes. I love those adorable pigtails. I just love it all.

Sneak Peek: J Family [New Orleans Family Photographer]

One of the hardest things about being the photographer in the family is that you're never in any of the photos. I know that from first hand experience. So I could totally relate when a fellow photographer, the lovely and talented Jill Jones, contacted me for a holiday session for her family.

As moms our concern is documenting our children as they grow and hit various milestones. That's our gift to ourselves. To capture and preserve those moments so we have them to look back on when our children are grown. But the the photos we get in with our children... those are our gift to them. And while they may not appreciate them now, they'll treasure them down the road.

Sneak Peek: G Family [Metairie Family Photographer]

I'm running just a teeeeensy bit behind on this sneak peek, but hopefully it's worth the wait. I got to meet with the G family last week as they prepare to expand their family once again. With three lively kids, there's plenty of love and excitement to go around in this household. It will be one lucky little girl joining this family.

a boy and his dog

I am knee-deep in editing, ordering, designing, packaging and backing up tonight. But I had to take a moment out to post this image of my Dylan and our Nola. I just love everything about it.
And boy does he love his dog.

Sneak Peek: Camille [River Ridge Newborn Photographer]

One last sneak peek for tonight and... surprise! It's a newborn. :) I recently had the opportunity to meet sweet miss Camille. She was a bit older than most of my newborns but mom and dad worked really hard to get her sleepy for our session and it worked! Camille was a perfect little angel for us.

Sneak Peek: Blake [Luling Baby Photographer]

Another sneak peek today - and it's not a newborn! But I did take Mr. Blake's newborn photos. And now he's back and 6 months old already! What a happy, smiley little guy he was for us too. Just look and see...

Sneak Peek: Shane [Algiers Newborn Photographer]

Welcome to another edition of newborn mania here on the blog today! This sweet little guy is Shane. He was 7 days old and soooo good for our session. He was wide awake (but oh-so-alert and content) for the first half of our session. And then he fell fast asleep, right on cue!

Sneak Peek: Isabella [Hammond Newborn Photographer]

I've known Isabella's mom, Crissy, for years... way back to when we were both planning our weddings on a "little" website called The Knot. So it was extra special to get to meet her new baby girl last week and photograph sweet Isabella.

Sneak Peek: Austin [Metairie Newborn Photographer]

Little Austin's sneak peek is a teeeeny bit late, but hopefully mom and dad won't mind too much. It's been a newbornpalooza around here lately! M + J - Enjoy the sneak peek. Your gallery should be ready right on time! :)

Sneak Peek: Jay + Evie [New Orleans Child Photographer]

I recently got the chance to spend an afternoon with Jay and Evie to capture some fun individual portraits, as well as the elusive sibling shot. Sibling shots are never easy... at least if the siblings are under the age of 18! ;) But with a little perseverance and some bribery I think we got there.

J- I hope you enjoy the sneak peek. Lots more to come... very soon!

Sneak Peek: C Family [New Orleans Family Photographer]

Over the past several years I've had the opportunity to watch the C family to rapidly expand from a family of three to a family of six. I have to hand it to L + G. I don't know how they do it, but they are raising four beautiful, sweet and spirited children - all age six and under! Considering my two run me ragged most days, I can only imagine the time effort and love they they put into their family. But the rewards are clear. Just look at this gorgeous family.


And sweet baby Adam, just couldn't stay awake for the entire session. :)

the busy season...

Just a quick note to ask everyone for their patience and understanding. November is my busiest month of the year and I have tons of sessions going on at the moment. I have a few galleries to release and a few sneak peeks to get up, but so far I'm keeping up pretty well. If you've called r emailed me and I haven't responded yet, I promise I haven't forgotten and will be getting in touch soon! Thanks!

Sneak Peek: Lola [New Orleans Baby Photographer]

Look who's 9 months already! Yup, little miss Lola is getting bigger and more beautiful everyday. And she's mobile! Look out world! :)

And this one cracks me up... There goes Lola. I guess the session is done, huh? ;)

Sneak Peek: "S" Family Maternity [New Orleans Maternity Photographer]

I recently had the pleasure of meeting the S family at their home for some maternity pictures. And what a lovely family of 3 - soon to be 4! - they are. Being new to this area and still settling in, I'm so impressed that they even found the time to do maternity pictures. And flattered of course that they chose me to capture this special time of their lives.
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And check out the beautiful soon-to-be big sister!

Sneak Peek: Chapman Turns One! [New Orleans Baby Photographer]

All right... I am on a roll! I've been a busy little bee editing all of my sessions. I have several ready to release and even more to sneak peek so hold on and get ready for the ride!

Here's little Chapman. What a sweet funny little guy he is. He gave me lots of this silly face:

But lots of of smiles and sweet expressions too. :)