Juxtapose This! by Kate Mefford

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Love,
Kate

We're Back!

Miss Millie was released from the hospital today after lunch.  Hallelujah!

Last night was touch and go...so much that I ended up getting to sleep for only 1 hour.  But the lack of sleep was worth it...I made sure Mills was propped up and watched that O2 sats machine LIKE A HAWK.  My inner OCD characteristics came out for a good cause last night!  I was dead set on keeping her airways open and hiked her trunk up again and again in that bed...no slumping allowed!

Since we never had to use oxygen, we were cleared to go home, and boy, it feels so nice.  We are still getting back in touch with our home routines, but just being in familiar surroundings is good medicine for us all.

As we completely catch our breath, we're snackin' on a big batch of homemade guacamole (Millie's favorite!) and watching the Wheel of Fortune and are marinating in the fabulousness of just being together in our home sweet home.

Thanks to everyone for all of your sweet words, thoughts, prayers, & patience as we recover.  I plan on knocking a bunch of work stuff out tomorrow, so hopefully I will get to you if you need me to! 

Much love,
Kate

Doctor's Orders

I'm home to take a quick shower (a "bird bath", as my BFF Sarah refers to them) and let Noopsy out, and saw that I had over 30 emails regarding Miss Mills...I guess I have some "splainin'" to do.

We do have to stay another night at the hospital because Millie's oxygen saturation levels dipped too low last night, and they had to put the O2 nose tubes in.  Even though she woke up with the darned thing on the side of her face and her levels at an acceptable number, the doctor insists that Mills must go ONE WHOLE NIGHT without the O2.  So, we will try again tonight.

Ever the precious superstar, Millie has been high as a kite and entertaining us all with bits and pieces from High School Musical (I know, she isn't even 2, and already is a stage diva) due to increased breathing treatments and steroids.  Imagine Millie.  Now imagine her after an entire box of Girl Scout cookies.  That is what I am talking about, people...CRACKED OUT!  At least the treatments and medication are helping break up the junk in her lungs, though...better to be CRACKED OUT FOR A REASON than to be JUST CRACKED OUT.

Just keep praying...I love you all...I am so blessed to be surrounded by wonderful friends and family, and so is our Millie!

Mills Has Pneumonia =(

We took her to the ER yesterday around 6pm, and she was admitted around 10pm to the pediatric unit for bacterial pneumonia.  Last night was hell...only slept 2 hours (both Mills and me) as we schnuggled in the hospital bed, and she had to have oxygen tubes in her nose all night.

27,000 breathing treatments later, we are spending our 2nd night at Medical Center of McKinney and are keeping our heads up.

Those who know me well know that I am not a very outwardly spiritual person, as I have a very private relationship with God (whoever he or she may be!).  However, if you feel so inclined, I would very much appreciate any prayers or good vibes you could send Millie's way this evening...if she doesn't have to have the oxygen thingie in her nose, she will get to leave tomorrow, and this mommy wants her precious girl to come home so she can get some rest (Mills, not me!)!

Catching My Breath After Catching Hers

...that is the job of a mommy!

After 2 breathing treatments and a shot of something I can't begin to pronounce, we are home and Millie is in bed sleeping like the little angel she is.  She has a horrible ear infection (who knew???  she never once cried or complained till last night!) and the infection is contributing to her breathing issues.  She is to start antibiotics tomorrow, and can take Albuterol several times a day to ease her wheezing and coughing.

I will attempt to get a few things done today, but if you are awaiting something (package, email, phone call, blog post, quick laugh, hug), know that I will definitely be back in commission tomorrow! 

Thanks for your patience and love!

Lots of Updates!

Just wanted to let you all know that I will very soon be updating you with a SENIOR SESSION, a BABY SESSION, a FAVORITE VENDOR SESSION, and even some from MY OWN FAMILY'S WEEKEND FUN, but for now, Millie & I are headed to the doctor's office.  Not a great start to our week...sick Millie, our precious nanny, Sara left for Texas Tech, and I need a lot of caffeine because this workin' mama is T-I-RED. 

Mills was coughing all through the night and woke up crying around 5am and was gasping for air and hot and sweaty from fever.  After a ton of rocking and Mommy schnuggles, I put her back to bed at 6:15 or so, and she is just now waking up...we've got to get our girl bettah first, and then TONS OF POSTS ARE COMING YOUR WAY!!!

I Got Served...I Mean Tagged!

I got DOUBLE-TAGGED by my photographer friends, Dustin Steller and Kelley Walker Chance!

Here are the rules:
I tell you 8 things about me that you may not have already known, then I tag 8 other bloggers!

8 THINGS ABOUT KATE MEFFORD:

1)  Before I became a photographer, I was a psychology professor and a counselor at St. Edward's University in Austin.

2)  I have a major thing for metallic shoes...for my high school graduation, I wore silver Mary Janes, and I currently rock a pair of gold wedges.  I have my sights set on these bad boys!

3)  My grandmother passed away almost 3 years ago, and every time I see a butterfly, I know it is her coming to check up on me!  =)

4)  In high school, I showed cattle, and was the Texas Polled Hereford Queen...yes, I won a LOT of belt buckles, people!

5)  Sweet Niblets, I love Hannah Montana, even though I am 30 years old!

6)  I absolutely 100% abhor rice.  I attribute it to a certain scene from Lost Boys with Coreys Haim & Feldman.

7)  While I was in labor with Millie, The Price is Right was on the TV in the delivery room...come on down, Millie Mefford!

8)   The reason I have a FLEUR-DE-LIS in my logo is because I am a total francophile...studied abroad in Paris and Lyon, but most importantly, got engaged to my Bobby in Paris!  As I work on weddings, the fleur-de-lis reminds me that I am a romantic at heart!

I AM TAGGING THESE 8 KICK-ARSE BLOGGERS SO THEY CAN TELL US SOMETHING ABOUT THEMSELVES:

1)  Stacy Cross

2)  Gabe from PerspectivEye

3)  Rudy Arpia

4)  Julie C Butler

5)  Denise of Matilda Jane Clothing

6)  Ed Atrero

7)  Erin Kate

8)  Lindy Weiss

If you comment on this blog, please tell me something interesting about YOU!!!

Just Loverly!

Somebody has a 1st anniversary coming up and somebody wanted to surprise her husband with some photographs of herself...but we aren't saying who that somebody is.  Mum's the word.  We'll just post a few to leave something to the imagination...what a surprise it will be for somebody's hubby! 

Workin' Man

The dad of this little angel that I photographed last March wanted a new look for his promotional photography.  I was so honored his family chose me to be the one to help him flesh out his vision of a photojournalistic approach to the J-O-B.  What a blessing it is to be hired by clients who get that commercial photography can be art as well!

Here are just a few of my faves...

I just love love love these first 2!

Yep...we know who the real boss is!  =)

Scheduling, Pricing, & The Like

We've got some changes goin' on over here at JP.  I am almost 100% booked for 2007 for weddings and portraits, thanks to my fabulous clients for getting the word out!!! 

My portrait prices will be changing as of August 20, 2007, so if you have contacted me about scheduling and have not yet paid your deposit, you will be subject to the price hike...get those contracts and deposits in asap, because I am booking first come first serve!

Also, I know a lot of you are hoping to get in to have your family portraits done for Christmas cards...I have VERY LIMITED space this year.  Check out my availability, look at your calendar, and if we have a match, book it now.  I will not be taking ANY appointments in December other than wedding related sessions, and I do have ONE WEDDING SPOT AVAILABLE FOR DECEMBER.

Here is what I have open for portraits:
September 15th, 9am or 5pm
September 16th, 9am
October 13th, 9am or 5pm
October 27th, 9am or 5pm
November 10-11 (possible B-Sessions...Brenham & Bryan-College Station)
November 24th, 9am or 5pm
November 25th, 9am

That's all folks!  Have a great rest of your Monday, and I'll be back tomorrow with some kick-arse corporate images to show you guys...very fun and different!

The Perfect Way to Wake Up Is...

hearing Millie sing "Happy Birthday to You" at 7am via her baby monitor.  If someone could find me an alarm clock that could record that for me to wake up to every morning, SIGN ME UP!  And by the way, it is not the birthday of anyone we know...she just digs the tune.  =)

I Love My Job

I love it mostly because I can take two opposing photography styles (posed portraiture and photojournalism) and juxtapose the hell out of them and come up with a group of images that makes me feel so blessed to be able to do this period...much less for a living.

I love that the people who find me and ultimately hire me "get it", and the resulting images are a collaboration based on trust, friendship, and are reflective of who they are.

I love that I have clients that can finish my sentences.  I asked John and his groomsmen to go behind this bus and give me a little bit of...and he filled in the blanks...."Smokin' in the boys' room".  I could not have asked for more!

I love getting to meet the guests at the events I shoot, and trying to capture their zany personalities (like Tristan, below...the host with the most, hangin' out with his sippy cup)!  I guess that is the social butterfly part of me creeping out.  This career is the perfect blend of getting to be creative while also working with people...PER.   FECT.

And I love being a camera ninja sometimes.  Sitting back and sensing which emotions are about to manifest and then clicking the little round button...oh, let me tell you...that can be oh so powerful.  I always feel very honored when I do capture those moments...I feel honored that my clients hired me to be the one to capture it all for them, like I got to touch a little piece of their souls.

So, thanks to all of my wedding clients, especially, who are allowing me to be a part of this very special time in your lives.  I love it...every second of it, and I am so blessed to be working with you!  May the sun continue to shine down on you not matter where you are.

Courtney + John :: Big Day

OK, remember how I told you this couple was up for anything...any time...any place...or more so, whatever I cooked up?  Well, they were! 

Courtney & John had a blast of a wedding with a warm family and the most hilarious wedding party I have ever met.  I could have hung out with these kids all day and night, they were so fun and just ready to give their all so that Court & John could have a rockin' good time.  Court put together a very laid back summer backyard wedding that was so refreshing and relaxed.  What came to the forefront alongside the splashes of yellow and dainty daisies were rich emotions, moments to remember, and a pair of white Jackie O sunglasses that will forever be immortalized!

Best wishes to you, Mr. & Mrs. Wilson!!!

Look at this flawless skin on Mrs. Courtney!

After the ceremony and family formals, I snagged the bridal party and we went for a little trip down a DIFFERENT kind of aisle...at Kroger!

And here's one more, just before we barely escaped security!

Had to get a little school bus action for our teacher, Court!

Off to the reception!

John MUST be thinking, "Damn, my wife is fine!"

Courtney + John = Anticipation Station

Tomorrow is going to be here before we know it, and we will get to celebrate the wedded bliss of Courtney & John!  I am so excited to get to photograph their wedding because these 2 are up for anything...any time...any where.  Stay tuned!

My Wedding :: Part Two

OK...you realize this is TOTALLY FAKE & JUST FOR FUN, right?  I already have a HUSBAND, & he didn't get it when I tried to explain.  It is a girl thing.  We never stop planning our weddings...even after we have them.  It involves way too much estrogen for him, I suppose. 

OK...with unlimited resources, here is what this girly-girl would do:

Bobby & I would fly about 30 people to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico during early summer.  We would pay for our guests to stay at Casa Schuck and Casa Cordelli and upon their arrival, they would be greeted by an abundance of Corona beer and a rainbow of Reef flip flops in every size and color.

There would be no rehearsal...only a fun little social gathering the night before of the big day.  Everyone would sleep till noon, and then we would SLOWLY begin easing our way into the getting ready portion of the day.

With a profesh MAC Cosmetics team in place for my homegirls and me, we would be oh so glam.  My girls would don their chocolate J Crew numbers, and coral and turquoise jewels from Turq Jewelry, while I would be happy as a clam in my short Melissa Sweet "Nell" dress and snakeskin Manolos and triple strand pearls.  Bobby and his boys would wear tan suits from Brooks Brothers with white shirts and chocolate ties (with little lounge chairs on them!).

Our ceremony would be very sweet and simple with vows written by us, and photographed by JMC.  Then we would move on to our par-tay....interior Mexican food, margaritas, GUACAMOLE, mariachis, GREAT LIGHTING, and kick-arse musicians like Ben Folds (my fave), DMB (Bobby's all time fave), Mark Ronson, Snoop, and Willie Nelson.  We would stay out till the sun came up and hit up the nearest restaurant for a bloody mary fix and some good grub!  What a wedding!

Check it out!

Images are from Melissa Sweet, The Knot, San Miguel Guide, Turq, Brooks Bros., J Crew, & Fancy Cakes by Lauren.  Muchas gracias!

My Wedding :: Part One

Some of you know that Bobby and I are coming up on our 5th wedding anniversary.  We were married in Las Vegas at the Bellagio on September 7, 2002.  Fifty of our closest friends and family members flew out to Sin City to help us tie the knot.  It was luxurious and easy to plan and perfect for us, at that time. 

Fast forward five years later, and you will find us renewing our vows...but not at the Bellagio.  We are going fake-Elvis tacky this time and we are so excited!  We have even arranged for the one and only freakishly creative photographer,  John Michael Cooper, to take our portraits while we are in town.

As we are looking forward to our anniversary, and since I am so entrenched (read:  addicted) in my work in wedding photography, I thought it would be fun to redesign my wedding as if I were planning it alongside my clients.  Bobby and I have changed a bit here and there, and if we were to host a wedding again, we might do things a bit differently.  Of course, since this is PRETEND, we will have no budget (what's that?), and no limitations.  FUN!

For the first part of this series, I need to take you back to square one...our wedding at the Bellagio.  I'm about 12 lbs. lighter and a whole lot blonder, but surprisingly (lucky ME!!!), Bobby looks the same...minus the fauxhawk.

Here's a picture of pictures since we don't have any digital negs of our photos...DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME, people...dirty noisy, and blurry images are all you will get in the end!

So, there ya are.  Pink roses and peonies for flowers, $1500 dress, vanilla cake with raspberry filling and fondant for the cake...hmmm.  Can't wait to show you my "new" wedding plans...stay tuned.  I'll have them up tomorrow!

So...anyone like me better blond?  Let me know...I am debating whether or not to ditch the brunette and go back to my roots.  Wait...what color ARE my roots???  =)