Landon is 1 year old!

I can’t believe it’s been almost a whole year since I first spoke with Jess about taking her little newborn baby’s photos.  I have had such a great time getting to know the E family, and watching sweet little Landon grow over the year.  They are such a kind, loving family, and I cannot wait to watch them grow!  

So, for Landon’s 1 year old session (which we did early so they could use the photos for his birthday invites), I headed over to their house for a little birthday session.  But first, we had to grab a few in front of the tree. Jess was even so good as to have a gift for him to open.  She’s always so on top of things! 

And then we went over to the cutest set up for his birthday photos.  

Jess had the whole thing so perfectly done.  She even made the cute cake!

And Landon went crazy when he saw the balloons!  

The cake…well, he was a little more hesitant with that.

But then he realized it didn’t taste so bad, and got more into it.  Still, one of the cleanest kids I’ve seen.  

And we ended the session with a few kisses from his mom and dad.  

Jess & Ryan, thank you so much for letting me be part of Landon’s first year.  I have had such a blast getting to know you and watching Landon grow!  Congrats on doing such an amazing job; Landon is so blessed to have such amazing, loving parents!

Pinning! Christmas Edition!

Man…these last few weeks have been crazy at our house!  Sickness and finals (for Patrick) have been all too common.  Plus, we went to Chicago on Friday and Saturday for some Christmas shopping.  It was a ton of fun, and we were so excited to bring Henry there, but it just happened in the middle of a lot going on.  

But, among all the crazy, there is ALWAYS time for Pinning!  It kept me sane while I was sick. So I thought I’d whip out some of my favorites from my holiday pinboard.  

You’re welcome.

(And as always, all photos are linked to their sources.)

Pears with goat cheese, pistachios, and cranberries.  What a great holiday appetizer!

Love these cute paper tree cut outs.  Such a great gift topper idea. 

Photo printed on velum and inserted in a glass bulb. What a great gift for a parent/grandparent!

I really am loving paper snow flakes.  

How to cut said snowflakes.

What’s not to love about glittery branches?!

I’m loving velvet for wrapping gifts.  So pretty!

Anthropologie does The Nutcracker.  Perfect.

I thought this was brilliant.  Spray paint glass ornaments through lace.  I would like to try this with some gold spray paint. 

Do you do the Elf on the Shelf thing?  This is the first year I’ve ever heard about it.  I think it is one of the cutest things!  I can’t wait until Henry is old enough to start this!

Lovely holiday greeting card.

I hope you are enjoying planning for your holidays!  Only 2 weeks until Christmas!

The Pyper Family

The Pypers are one of my favorite families…ever!  Sarah and I have known each other for years.  We met as teenagers when we worked together, and have been friends ever since!  She was the photographer for my wedding, and I did photos for her reception.  Then we both got pregnant and had babies just 6 weeks apart!  Sweet Olive is so adorable!  And one of Henry’s best pals.  I am so exciting to be doing family photos for the Pypers.  Oh, and Jarrod is making the new Katy O Photo website (coming soon)!  See?  Amazing family!  Us O’Dells love them lots, and I’m sure you will after you see these photos, just radiating their awesomeness. 

So, Olive was quite the trooper, but had just had it with the photos.  Such is the life of a 3-month old.  So, we took the opportunity to take some photos of Sarah and Jarrod.  I think it is so important that couples have photos together, and Sarah and Jarrod didn’t get a lot when they got married.  And I’m so glad we did!  Look at this smokin’ couple!

Andy & Erika Married!

A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of assisting my dear friend, Sandra as a second shooter for a wedding.  It’s been a little bit since I’ve done a wedding having taken time off to have a kid and all.  But I had so much fun!  I actually knew the groom & his family and a lot of the bridal party from a church I used to go to, so it was a lot of fun hanging out with everyone.  And though I had never met Erika before, I instantly adored her.  She was absolutely one of the cutest brides I had ever met.  I think 90% of my photos are of her laughing!  

Having a November wedding in Michigan is a little risky when it comes to outdoor photo opportunities, but we definitely lucked out with a very mild, and wonderfully sunny day.  Being a second shooter, I didn’t get all the shots I normally do, but I had a lot of fun being able to bounce around and get some extra ones here and there.  

Congratulations, Andy and Erika!  I can only believe that your life together will be filled with lots of joy!  

And thanks to Sandra DeYoung for letting me tag along!  You’re the best, girl! 

Happy Black Friday!

Happy Black Friday!

 I hope your Thanksgiving was wonderful!  We had the perfect day filled with great food, naps, wine, dessert, and Settlers of Catan.  Henry was so good—he slept through dinner so I was able to relax. (He seriously is the best.)    We just have so much to be thankful for, and yesterday was such a great reminder of that.  

I do have to say props to all of you who busted your butts to the stores at the crack of dawn this morning.  I opted for sleeping in and cuddling with my baby (poor Patrick had to work).  I prefer the online shopping.  Patrick and I have done the get-up-early thing to get some deals, and sometimes it’s really worth it.  But, this year I didn’t have anything that I was just dying to get, and sleeping just sounded so much better.

So, in the name of sleeping in, I figured I’d give you all an online deal!

Henry is 4 months!

Okay.  I’m way behind.  He’s 4 1/2 months now, but, better late than never, huh?  I did take the photos right around the 4 month mark.  Okay, fine, I was a little late on that, too.  Either way, it’s documented!  Here’s a little update on Hank:

We mostly call him Henry, but yes, we do call him Hank—mostly Patrick.  His other popular nicknames are Henny, Henny Penny, HP, and Hanky Shanks (I get it… it’s weird.  But we love it.)

Still happy.  All the time.  Like, ALL the time.  The kid is sweeter every day.  He loves petting our cheeks now when we hold him or lay next to him… gets me every time. 

He can roll from his back to stomach—rarely vice versa—which means he is now a stomach sleeper about 40% of the time.

He sleeps great in his crib.  And in our bed.  And in his car seat.  Really any of places we put him.

He likes to cuddle, but does not like being rocked to sleep, especially by me.

When he’s on his stomach, he reaches for things and brings his knees in.  I think he’s at the very early stages of crawling!

He loves playing in the exersaucer.  Impartial to the bumbo.  Getting sick of the bouncy seat.

He will watch anything on television if it’s on.  

Still exclusively nursing every 3-4 hours.  Sleeps maybe 6 hours at a time during the night.  

Still in cloth diapers and it’s going great!  

Favorite pastimes:  reading with his dad, bathtime, singing, being thrown in the air, bouncing on our knees, and laying in bed with us. 

Henry last month….

Henry this month…

These next two are favorites of mine.  Definitely framers. 

Love my dear Henry!

Mike & Ashley are engaged!

A few weeks ago I traveled east to one of my very most favorite cities, Ann Arbor.  It is such the perfect little college town.  Mike and Ashley actually live in Chicago, but spent much of their relationship in Ann Arbor while Mike was attending the University of Michigan.  They still travel back for home football games, which is why it worked so well for me to meet up with them that weekend!  

We started our morning with a bit of frost and a hike through U of M’s arboretum.  But, man, that morning light was well worth it!  This first shot is priceless.  They were such a great couple to work with because although they might not have been used to being in front of the camera, they definitely made each other feel at ease.  They were in their own little world, and I loved it!

Then we headed over to U of M’s Law Quad.  The buildings are fantastic, and I loved being on campus.

I love this next one.  Although a lot of these photos are a little more serious, there was no denying that they make each other laugh.

We ended at Argo Pond where Mike rowed for Michigan.  It was one of the last weekends of that perfect Michigan fall color and I loved it!  When I was setting up this next shot, Ashley said that this is actually how they were sitting when Mike proposed!  I’m just that good, folks!

And we had to get some on the boats. 

Congrats again, Mike and Ashley!  I am so excited for your wedding!

Alaina Jo

Sweet baby Alaina was only 5 days old when I had the privilege of meeting her.  She was so precious and did such an amazing job.  And not to mention, her first-time parents who were total pros.  They were so calm and relaxed—what a feat with a 5-day old!  And it never ceases to amaze me how a brand new baby who has never known this world, knows her parents in an instant.  Anytime she started to fuss, she would settle right down if she was with her mom or dad.  I have a feeling that her family is feeling awfully blessed by their new little bundle. 

Danni & John. Engaged!

It was really the perfect day.  It was beautiful out, and love was in the air.  I have known Danni for years now (since our awkward middle school years, to be exact).  I was so when I heard that John proposed, and was so excited to get to do their engagement photos. 

We first started our session at Robinette’s Orchard.  Being a gorgeous October day, it was definitely packed, but fortunately we were able to find a little hide out.  Danni brought some beautiful quilts handed down from grandparents, so they set those up to and settled in.  John lives on the east side of the state, and it had been weeks since they had seen each other.  They were more than happy to cozy up with one another. 

I love how much John makes Danni laugh.  

Then we headed downtown for a totally different feeling.  Danni and John love AMC’s fabulous little show called Mad Men.  Watching it together is a favorite pastime of their’s, so it seemed suiting to do part of the session with a little inspiration pulled from the show.  Danni pulled out a killer vintage dress and John did not let us down when he pulled out his 3-piece.  

And then they totally worked it…

Seriously, could they be any cuter?!

Stunning, Danni.

After a full day, we headed into the Lumber Baron Bar inside the Amway Grand Plaza for some drinks.

Favorite shot of the day.

I asked them for one last shot in the elevator.  They had no problem pretending I wasn’t even there. 

Congratulations Danni & John!  I had such a fabulous time with you!