Best Laid Plans

SO - my friend and I had this fabulous vision -try out a new set for next year, a fun hat, our 2 15 month old babies.... fun right?

I think we both stopped thinking the moment we added 2 15 month old babies ;)  This is THE only photo we got that didn't include tears and the hat - no one liked the hat for some reason

And even scarier is that our babies are 15 months already! How did this fly by so fast? (actually - in 3 days they will be 16 months....wow.) 'tis the season! :)

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My Sparkie ~See Shel's Photography~

I don't normally stick my kids in the studio for "mommy" photos - but it was already set up from a session that morning --- and full of pink so really, how could I not? ;)

Last night was my daughter's final "Sparks" (girl guide program) -- I can not express thoroughly just how much she enjoyed the program - a HUGE thank you to her leaders for making this such an amazing opportunity for her.  She adores her badge scarf and can not wait to fill another one when she returns as a brownie next year :)

If you're thinking of this program for your little girl - info can be found here --- I believe when we find something in life that is awesome we should shout it out --- and this is one of those things! :)

www.seeshels.com

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Happy Valentine's Day! ~See Shel's Photography~

I hope you have a fabulous Valentine's Day surrounded by those you love - there's excitement in the air around here as the kids prepare for class parties and all the fun (and sugar) involved! :)

I will be closed February 16 through 20 - all email and phone calls will be returned the morning of February 21! (coincidentally my birthday --- so I'll be sure to work hard that morning so I can enjoy my evening)

There are a lot of wonderful things coming -- if you've been following along on my facebook fanpage you may have seen a teaser here or there of a special limited edition session coming up soon - details will be announced the week of February 21 - I am very excited! It is the first of a few fun things I have cooked up for this year - I can't wait to share!

Have a wonderful week,

Shelen

See Shel's Photography

Saskatoon Photographer

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Holiday Greetings!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all! I hope you have a most wonderful holiday season with your family and friends - I know we're keeping ourselves busy here, squeezing every last moment out of the holiday break :)

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Grandkids ~See Shel's Photography - Saskatoon Family Photographer~

Remember last week-end when the weather was GORGEOUS - and really, REALLY hot? Like above 30 hot?

That was the day we ended up doing fall photos with my husband's family --- and had to convince 5 kids to dress in warm fall clothing, and look happy --- all at the same time. ;)  Us adults felt bad --- and all ended up promising them something different without the others knowing so the kids actually made out really well - this photo only cost us:

• A trip to the playground
• An ice cream cone
• A special craft after supper
• S'mores for dessert.......and a firepit to sit around ;)

It was WELL worth it though - they did fabulous despite the very hot weather! :)

So here are the darling loves of my life! My children, my beautiful nieces and my fabulous in-laws!

Saskatoon Family Photographer

www.seeshels.com

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Our Little Monkey ~See Shel's Photography - Saskatoon Photographer~

We've been slowly adjusting to diapers and no sleep again over the past 3 weeks - and it's finally feeling like life is getting back to "normal" (as normal as it gets with 3 children I suppose!)

I'm slowly gathering my brain cells as well and working on a plan for the remainder of 2011 - I'm hoping to be up and running in the near future with limited available sessions - once I have everything together I'll be sure to announce it on here and on my facebook group when I'm open for bookings!

Thank you for your understanding during this transition time - as much as I love snuggling my teeny little monkey I really miss being in the middle of it all and seeing everyone's families so I very much so look forward to returning to the game soon!

Have a great week everyone!

Saskatoon Newborn Photographer

www.seeshels.com

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My cuties ~See Shel's Photography - Saskatoon Family Photographer~

Well - what to do when you're 41 weeks pregnant and the evening light is perfect? Grab the kids and head on out! They each got to grab something from the prop room and away we went for fun - no real purpose - they got to do their thing (including kung fu moves and silly faces) and it was great! :)

I had a great time with them! :)

This pregnancy has thrown us for a loop - from 30 weeks on we were told I needed to be on a modified rest schedule as baby made strong indications they were planning on joining us (too) early. And now here we are at 10 days "over due" - none of us ever expected to have me still waddling around, LOL!  So hopefully - the next blog post will be a birth announcement! ;)

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Still here ;)

Still here, waddling along, enjoying the long week-end! I've been enjoying my time off, being "just a mom" for the past 2 weeks before my mother duties increase by 1 very shortly  - it's been a nice break of not having to run and answer emails, phone calls, check the weather for upcoming sessions, get galleries posted, and albums created - but on the other hand I also miss it quite a bit. ;) I'm looking forward to finding our new "normal" around here!

In the mean time we're just trying to enjoy every last second of our newbornless days - we've been to several splash parks, jumped at Crickle Creek, had picnics in many different parks, visited Kinsmen Park, had numerous playdates with friends and neighbours, caught up on some little projects (like making our 2010 yearbook and backing up the photos - whew), checking out the Fringe Festival, taking advantage of the fun Playground Programs, being regulars at the local library and timing contractions.

Whew.

I'm ready to have this baby and have a break. ;)

I hope your summers are fabulous - enjoy this wonderful weather and soak up that sun!

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Summer is here! ~See Shel's Photography~

You KNOW it's really, truly summer when you can go and thoroughly enjoy Saskatoon's Kinsmen Park!

We are completing our "summer vacation" this week - we had to get it in before this baby made an appearance - so we just finished off a few nights camping at Pike Lake (don't know if I recommend that activity at 35 weeks pregnant, just for the record) and now 2 days of a "staycation" - today we hit up Kinsmen Park - we had a picnic lunch, played some Bocce Ball, jumped from rocks, took full advantage of the great playground and of course - had to end off with the rides. :)

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Whirlwind ~See Shel's Photography~

I feel really weird blogging a photo of myself....... ;)

I did a quick mini-session when my studio was set-up for the last time a week and a half ago - this is the only photo I've processed so far as I'm frantically trying to complete all of the sessions and product orders before this little guy or gal makes their appearance! 

I get a lot of emails and calls about what's going on in that big old belly of mine (I have such wonderful clients!) - so I figured I should just blog it quickly before I forget! 

When I first found out this sweet little girl or boy will be joining our life I hemmed and hawed, and hawed and hemmed about what date to continue shooting until - I wanted to make sure I could fit everyone in who wanted to, but also knew after doing this a time or two before how huge and waddly (and TIRED) I would eventually feel - and as I see these beautiful evenings filled with gorgeous light my heart hurts a bit not being out there ----- but the rest of my pregnant body yells out "YOU MADE THE RIGHT CHOICE SHELEN" - I completed shooting my final session on Saturday evening and I ended it on a huge bang - can't wait to share in the near future!

This was supposed to be our "easy last baby" - which every mother who is reading this right now is laughing and can probably predict what's been going on. ;)  We've gotten to know the wonderful nurses at the RUH labour and delivery floor quite well as this little turkey has been giving us a few reminders of just who is in control already - but so far so good - just lots of rest (ha ha!) and we should be good to go for the next 7 weeks!

So though I'm done shooting sessions for now (and I WILL be back soon - I'm not gone forever, I just know how unpredictable these babies are and want to make sure everything's in order before returning full time) I'm still here, I have a tonne of sessions to blog about, a few sessions to finish proofing and present and a HUGE list of ideas I can NOT wait to implement when I return! My idea list has grown long over the past few months!

I will most definitely let you all know when he/she makes their grand entrance - maybe even share a photo or two (hundred)

Have a wonderful week everyone!
~Shelen





Saskatoon Maternity Photographer
www.seeshels.com

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My Little Guy ~See Shel's Photography - Saskatoon Photographer~

Once in a while I actually do get around to photographing my own sweeties. ;) And more than once in awhile it involves some sort of bribe --- there's got to be some sort of perk right?

So without further adiu - my darling little "baby boy"! (anyone know a secret to stop them from growing so fast!?)

In the land of Shelen - I'm alive and kicking - and so is the baby in my belly - pretty sure I'm growing the next kung fu panda in there! Time is FLYING by - I can't really believe that in 3 months I'll have my own sweet baby to snuggle (and photograph once or twice.....or 23 times).  For the most part it's been a pretty great pregnancy, a few little issues here or there but I'm "taking it easy" and it seems to be working! :)

I would like to take a moment to thank my clients, family and friends for all of their support and kind words over the years - I am truly blessed and thankful you let me into your lives, let me snuggle your babies and watch your families grow - it is a huge highlight in my life to see the teeny babies go from sleeping (or not sleeping) newborns to full on walking, talking children!

I have a huge list of "post baby belly" ideas that I am just ITCHING to try and run with - I am very excited to get back into the full swing of things after the baby comes - I can't wait to share all of the ideas - there's a lot of fun things coming up!  (I AM returning - cross my heart!)

So again thank you! I'm looking forward to the next 2 months of sessions --- and really looking forward to my maternity leave. :)

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Sweet Craving ~See Shel's Photography - Saskatoon Photographer~

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I think it's the Elementary Teacher in me - it's ingrained, you have to celebrate all of the holidays. And not just the major ones - even the obscure ones that no one really knows exists - except for teachers. Like Earth Day. And Grandparent's Day. (really - it's on September 11 this year).  My kiddies are at school tomorrow for the real St. Patrick's day, so we held our own festivities today - we crafted it up, played in the snow and finished off with some cupcake making - though I'll admit the cupcakes were born out of a pregnancy craving (thank you cupcake girls on tv - I need to watch less food shows while pregnant!)  I even made my own icing from scratch - which if you know anything about me is HUGE. I'm not very refined in the culinary arts. ;)

We had a fabulous day - I had a well needed break from my computer for a few hours. Hope you all have a wonderful day - don't forget to wear the green!

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Skate it up! ~See Shel's Photography~

Skate it up! ~See Shel's Photography~, originally uploaded by See Shel's Photography.

What a fabulous winter day in Saskatoon today!!

This morning I had the honour of doing a super maternity session, followed by a newborn session with an amazing couple in the early afternoon! After that we were off to the river to enjoy some skating and sunshine! The weather was gorgeous and we all enjoyed some well deserved fun family time. :)

And now my incredibly tired pregnant self is off to bed to re-charge for another sweet newborn in the morning!

www.seeshels.com
Saskatoon Family Photographer

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Exciting! ~See Shel's Photography - Saskatoon Maternity Photographer~

a
Exciting! ~See Shel's Photography - Saskatoon Maternity Photographer~, originally uploaded by See Shel's Photography.

I've been struggling to find the energy to post - it's been a whirlwind of things around here!

I am incredibly happy to announce that my family will be welcoming our third child into the world this summer! We are very excited to meet this little bundle!

This wonderful news brings with it some changes to See Shel's Photography, the first being that obviously things will be slightly limited this year - I have limited sessions available now through June 11, 2011. As of right now I do not have an official return date - I encourage you to check back on this blog and my facebook page for up to date information on this! I will be back in the full of swing of things for sure for 2012. :)

So I am here, I'm around, I have some really fun sessions lined up in the next few days - I'm just conserving energy when possible. ;)

Have a wonderful week everyone!!

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A huge thank you and update

A huge thank you to all of the phone calls, emails and comments over the past few days - I am truly touched and overwhelmed with all of the words of encouragement and sympathy - they are very much appreciated, thank you so much.

My uncle lost his battle to cancer Friday morning - it still seems incredibly surreal as we were supposed to be visiting him in Regina just a mere week earlier - we knew what the outcome was to be but it still stings.

The photo above is the last big family photo we have - taken at my grandfather's funeral last summer - it's not perfect by any means at all - but it's us. As usual I urge you to not delay and put off photos - there is always an excuse or reason to not do it - you can always re-do it again the next year or two. ;)

Heaven has a new stampeders fan in it today - and I know it's the big Calgary/Saskatchewan game but in honour of Uncle Giles I'll have to say - just for this one day - Go Stamps! :)

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Bear with me

Bear with me, originally uploaded by See Shel's Photography.

I struggle with "do I put personal things on the blog or not"? I try to keep things See Shel's Photography oriented - but then it always comes back to.....but *I* am See Shel's Photography.....so I guess every now and again it is about me in some weird way.....

(why the ramble Shelen - get to the point!)

I love so much about my job - there is one pitfall though - I don't get to call in sick or take a personal day, especially September through November. I have no co-workers to cover for me or an understanding boss to fill in - just me and a wonderful husband who loves to cook. ;)

I mentioned the other day my mom is in the hospital in Regina - she's still there - this weighs heavily on my mind every moment I don't get to be there for her. And if that wasn't enough her baby brother is living out his last couple of days in Calgary where is appears Cancer will win again.

And to add just a touch more fun to everything, my 2 aunts (their sistes) were driving to Calgary to see my uncle when their vehicle flipped and they were taken to hospital. (so if you're keeping track, all four of the siblings were actually simultaneously hospitalized today.......hmmmmm........) My one aunt is ok and is on her way home - the other has broken her neck.

My mind is all over the place, not sure who to think about or worry about first - on top of being a mom, wife and being in my busiest time of the year photo wise.

So again I will apologize if I've seem a bit distracted or have forgotten to attach a file to your email - I am trying very hard to stay on top of it all, but i'm just human and I do realize that i have limits as well.

And thank you for allowing me a personal ramble on my photo blog. ;) I assure you my clients are a very high priority to me and I will do everything possible in my power to make sure everyone has everything they need when they need it! Just please cut me a little slack if I appear as if from another planet - it's been a really long 2 weeks!

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5 Years!

5 years ago the most magical little creature came into my life and forever changed it - she has taught me more than she will ever know!

Happy Birthday sweet girl!

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That Time ~See Shel's Photography~

That Time ~See Shel's Photography~, originally uploaded by See Shel's Photography.

Every now and again I like to remind myself what it's like to be on the other side and the emotions my clients go through while preparing for a family session. The pure joy of convincing your 4 year old daughter to not mess her hair up in the 15 minutes before you leave. The wonderful fun of reminding your 3 year old son to please not drink the purple kool-aid as he wears his new nice white shirt and vest.

The awesome time reminding your husband of how much fun this family bonding moment will be.

Then to top it all off the thrill of getting yourself looking just spectacular and reminding yourself this is supposed to be fun. ;)

I actually split my family's session over 2 days (I know the photographer - she's quite nice and accommodating) - my children are super wonderful and terrific listeners but the fun of having a mom who is a photographer has worn off.

BUT - I can say this was hands down the easiest year so far, everyone was finally old enough to understand "look at the camera! The quicker we do this the sooner we can go play". So we did the family shot one day (and then re-did it the next, LOL!) and the kid's photos the next day.

We did it, we survived and I can once again say I really, honestly do understand the emotions behind everyone getting ready and looking pretty. ;)

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