Kevin loves helping with certain chores.
    He insists on arranging my bedroom pillows each morning,
    mopping {with the Swiffer}, and his favorite… cleaning the toilet.
    He is not really into cleaning his room, which explains why I have not seen the floor all week.

    When life settles down again {after today} we will be all over that.
    For now, I will just pretend the rest of my house looks this peaceful. ♥

    * My husband spent almost three weeks gutting & rebuilding this bathroom. A Before & After will definitely be posted someday… he worked magic in that little room. Magic.

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    Today was full of work, frustrations, and a lot of cleaning. We tried to enjoy our weekend, which meant we woke up on Monday morning to a messy house, no groceries, & a “to-do” list longer than my patience. So I decided to clean. It’s what I do when I’m angry. When I’m sad. When I’m worried.

    I know it doesn’t take any of that away, but it sure feels good to have a pity party in a clean house.

    A few hours into it, I noticed Damian’s lips pouted in determined concentration.
    Something he gets from his dad.
    Then he just took off.

    Sometimes cautious.
    Sometimes {almost} running.
    Some tiny spills.
    Some wobbly steps.
    Some very big smiles.
    He’s been walking in little bits for a month, but today he just decided that he’s a walking man for good.
    Just like his brother did four years ago.

    These boys have a way of making us forget whatever it was that we thought was so important…

     Daddy came home shortly after the walking bonanza began & celebrated Damian’s achievements with us.
     
    I will need to get used to the necessity of putting shoes on his little baby feet.
    I love taking little walks around our neighborhood. There are lots of Grandmas who grow beautiful flowers & share their puppies with Damian.
     He just turned eleven months on Sunday. I want to weep and reminisce about the baby that I am losing, but I was so proud & happy for him… there wasn’t really room for that today. Those feelings will return & I’ll allow myself the luxury of giving them my complete attention. I’m sure there will be many tears & plenty of chocolate involved. ♥
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    • Katie Stratton - June 7, 2011 - 9:53 am

      oh my oh my. are we ever in the same boat! so many milestones along the way. this is one of the most beautiful ones.
      <3
      p.s. i'm so happy you started a blog!!

      <3

    • Andrea Dozier - June 24, 2011 - 11:06 am

      Thank you Katie, YOU are so incredibly inspiring! I really hope I meet you soon, I think we would be great friends 🙂

    I am contemplating re-naming this blog to Andrea Dozier: Previews.

    It seems that is all you are getting lately! With a rush of warm, beautiful weather, I’ve had to overlap several sessions into a short amount of time that had previously been rained out. I’ve also continued to work with some gorgeous brides & can’t wait to continue sharing in full what I’ve been up to. I love being able to shoot so much more, {even though I’ve somewhat abandoned this blog}. I am excited that I am doing my favorite part of my wedding photography job- working with happy couples & capturing genuine dreamy moments.

    Many of you follow my work on Facebook and have been able to see these previews first.

    This is an engagement session in Troy, Ohio with a couple who loves their pups & loves to go fishing:

    This wedding was also in Troy, Ohio, with the wedding & reception held at the lovely & historic Troy Hayner Cultural Center.

    Finally, even though I have not been able to continue to do family & baby sessions, I have made a couple exceptions lately. Here is one of baby Adalay who’s mama was the first person I ever photographed as a “job.” She saw something in my personal work & design projects that I didn’t see… I’m so grateful for people like her who encouraged me to do what I am doing now!

    Our little house is also coming along and also sports a fresh coat of paint. It just seems that spring has been full of growth & change. Two things I welcome wholeheartedly. ♥

    P.S. After a very busy month, I am taking tomorrow off to hang out with my family at the Troy Strawberry Festival. Will I see you there?!

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    • Victoria - June 10, 2011 - 12:51 pm

      Lovely photos, the shot of the newborn is gorgeous, I love the fluffy blanket!

    • Andrea - June 25, 2011 - 12:19 am

      Thanks Victoria! Me too! Her mommy was actually holding her on her lap & it covered her. So funny what pictures don’t always show 😀

    Ally & T.J. met me at Aullwood Farm this past weekend. Finally, for once, a Dayton engagement session didn’t get canceled! We have had a very cold & rainy spring, but Saturday was gorgeous. Ally chose the perfect location to have her pre-wedding pictures taken, there are a lot of photographic backdrops at Aullwood. Her Grandma works in the herb garden, so she had a personal connection with the farm. It made shooting there feel so much more special.

    Brides, if you are having a hard time selecting an engagement location then take inventory of what is meaningful to you. Even if it seems unexpected or ordinary. Pretty places (mansions & parks) are wonderful, but somewhere you have a history or connection with can be so inspiring & unique.

    My mama always had dried herbs in her kitchen…

    My Grandma’s recipe for waffles include a strong flavor of Anise. I must grow this in my garden this summer, it is one of the most recognizable smells of my childhood.

    You might have noticed that Ally & T.J. are holding dandelions. I have to give credit to Alayna, who came along & styled portions of this farm engagement session…

    The beautiful Alayna made some cameo appearances when she wasn’t busy exploring the farm & following cats.

    Last year I shot this DIY Teacup Centerpiece inspiration at the Audubon section of Aullwood. This time I enjoyed the rustic & organic farm as a change of scenery. There is a lot of construction at the entrance, so if you plan on visiting or having your pictures taken at Aullwood, then don’t be afraid to enter even though it looks like you shouldn’t. Ally, thanks for picking the perfect Saturday morning for an engagement session! You are both so sweet, it makes me even more excited to capture your wedding this fall! ♥

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    • Kristen Gray - May 29, 2011 - 2:51 am

      Ally-

      The pictures turned out so good! Can’t wait for your wedding, you are going to be bueatiful!

    • Andrea - June 25, 2011 - 12:20 am

      Thanks Kristen! Me either, it will be such a wonderful day! 😀