Thank you everyone who has sent well wishes for Sadie. Now, in her 8th week of life, still about a month shy of when she was expected to be born, she is doing really well…weighing in at just over 5 pounds. That’s twice her birth weight! Yeahhhh! Her breathing tube has been completely removed, though she still has “spells” from time to time. Her feeding tube is still in, but she is breast feeding and taking bottles when mommy isn’t there.

We were in NYC this past weekend, so I haven’t heard from my sister about when she might be able to come home, but the hope is that it won’t be long now. Here’s the latest photo from my visit last week. She looks soooo good. Such a difference from when she was first born. She really looks like a baby now! And the older she gets the more she looks just like her big brother! It’s those sweet little bags under her eyes and that delicious little button nose. Judge for yourself…

A great big THANK YOU to everyone who has sent well wishes little Sadie’s way!!

Just to update all of you, we visited Sadie this weekend to celebrate her one-month birthday. It’s so strange to think that if she wasn’t so eager to join us, she’d still have two months before her due date. She has had a few set backs along the way, including two blood transfusions and a case of sepsis, a pretty serious infection. But, a spinal tap came back negative, so things are looking up. She was also taken off her breathing machine today and put on a low flow breathing tube. Apparently, the headgear needed to hold the breathing tube she had in place had caused a pretty nasty bruise on her head, so they wanted to let that heal and switched to something less cumbersome. The change is a little scary for her mommy & daddy since the previous times they’ve put her on the smaller breathing tube Sadie has had “spells,” which is a nice way of saying she’s stopped breathing. Preemies apparently often have trouble breathing because they’re lungs aren’t fully developed and it’s all so new to them they sometimes forget how to breath on their own.

The good news is that Sadie now weighs 3 pounds 10 ounces, that’s a pound more than she weighed when she was born…yeahhhh!!!!

When Andy & I arrived at the hospital, birthday cupcakes in tow (can’t hurt to butter up the hospital staff, right? Want to make sure they take good care of our little lovebug!!!) my sister, Kim, was holding Sadie. Kim & Eric, her husband, take turns as they’re only allowed one two-hour holding session per day. Here’s a photo of Sadie on her mommy’s chest. The necklace she’s reaching out for is one I had made for myself and my two sisters after our mom died. I designed it after a necklace she used to wear all the time growing up. It’s the symbol for Capricorn, my mom’s star sign. It just struck a chord with me that Sadie seemed to be getting comfort from touching the necklace. Kimmy says she often holds it….so sweet!!!

My sister, Kim, was just 27 weeks pregnant with her second baby when complications landed her in the hospital last week. Initially, it was up in the air about how long she would be there, but after a couple of days, doctors said she would have to stay for the duration. We all had hoped, with heavy hearts, that she would be there for 8-10 weeks to give the baby a bit more time to develop, but that little lovebug in her belly wasn’t having it. At 1:28 early Friday morning, little Sadie Abigail made her way into the world….feet first! It was immediately evident that like her momma, this girl is going to have some serious spunk.

Weighing just 2 pounds 8 ounces, she was a far cry from her big brother’s weigh in weight of 9 pounds 15 and a half ounces. She is in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit at the country’s leading neonatal center, so she couldn’t be in better hands. It’s definitely been a scary few days, but yesterday doctor’s removed her breathing tube and Saturday night mommy was able to hold her on her chest for the first time. Doctors can’t yet say what her prognosis is and we won’t know anything for some time. So, everyone is on pins and needles as we wait and see just how strong little miss Sadie really is.

Fortunately, I had already planned to go up to help out on Thursday and was there when my brother-in-law, Eric got the call none of us expected….”The baby is coming.” He immediately rushed off to the hospital to be with Kim. Cal & I didn’t sleep well. It was crazy, but I swear at just 2 1/2 yrs old he knew what was happening and that mommy & baby sis were in trouble.

Yesterday was the hardest day in Kim’s life as she had to leave the hospital and baby Sadie. I expect there will be lots of driving back and forth to Boston over the coming weeks. Cal & I visited with them in the hospital on Saturday and here are a few photos of our new little, and I mean LITTLE, lovebug:

Here Sadie gets a loving touch from mommy. It just kills me how tiny she looks in comparison to my sister’s hand. She could easily fit in the palm of my brother-in-law’s hand.

She was swimming in her diapers and had lots of bruising on her feet from coming out breach. But, like her mommy, she’s a fighter and will no doubt be dancing on those long graceful toes before we know it!

Cal checks out his new little sister with his dad, Eric. He definitely seemed worried about all of the tubes in her.

Cal plays with some window stickers at the hospital. Normally a rambunctious, sweet little boy, he seemed a little lost in his thoughts after visiting with Sadie. So much for a little guy to take in all at once. I think it was hard enough for him to have mommy taken away for a week, but then to have a sick little sister on top of it. It just makes you wonder what’s going through that sweet little head of his. I LOVE this little man!!!

Here’s Cal at home during breakfast. I know I’m biased, but seriously, does it get much cuter than that? It was definitely a different kind of event when Cal was born. Andy & I were both there at the hospital for his arrival and I was in the room when he came out. It was the most incredible thing I’ve ever witnessed and it gave me such a new sense of respect and awe for my sister. She is an incredible mom and all of the hard work that she & Eric have put in really shines through in this fun, gentle little soul!

Well, we hope to have some more images with Sadie looking a little less dependent on machines in the very near future! And to all of you moms and dads out there, our hats are off to you. It is the hardest, most scary job in the world, but the rewards are incalculable! And when all of the hard work and sacrifice produce beautiful little people like my nephew and niece, well, the world is just a better place for it! So thank you!!!

Inspired by the joy these and other little lovebugs in our lives have brought us we plan to add family lifestyle portraiture to our Bello offerings this summer…stay tuned for more info.

Usually around mid February, Chris and I like to get away somewhere warm for a bit to escape the seemingly endless New England winter. Last year, we explored the gorgeous country Nicaragua. However, this year brought about a change. A childhood friend of mine from home (that’s England, in case you didn’t know) Steve, is expecting twin boys in a couple of months - well his wife Sam is, but you know what I mean!

Living so far apart now, we don’t get to see each other nearly as much as we’d like, and with the little ones on their way we decided we needed to see each other before his life became consumed with dirty diapers and round-the-clock feedings!! So, we decided an action packed ski trip in the Alps was in order. It was a quick trip, just 5 days in St. Anton, a quaint ski town nestled in the Arlberg region of the Austrian Alps.

The big difference between skiing in the Alps and skiing in the US is that in the US you are typically confined to one mountain, whereas when you are in the Alps you have a whole mountain range to explore. For example, you can ski to a different town in the next valley for a mid morning coffee, zip over few peaks to another town for lunch, head to another town further up the valley for a afternoon hot chocolate, then make your way back to camp before the lifts close and leave you stranded somewhere in the middle of nowhere!! It really is an amazing experience. Because of the vastness of it all you never really have to ski any run twice in one day! And with our friend Owes in charge of the trail map we didn’t!

I started off my trip by flying into Zurich, Switzerland where I had the pleasure of spending the day before my friends showed up later in the evening.

Called the “little big city,” Zurich is a beautiful and very walkable city, which was great since I only had one day to spend there. After picking up a very helpful walking map from the tourist office, I headed to the popular and beautiful Bahnhofstrasse, or Old Town. My walk took me through picturesque alleyways, past beautiful churches, impressive 16th and 17th century houses, quiet courtyards and of course, the infamous shopping district, where some of the world’s finest watches are made.

Next, I headed to the Lindenhof, a peaceful square that provides a great view of the whole city and the very distinctive Grossmunster church:

The Lindenhof is a haven for serious chess players. These guys found it quite amusing when I lay on the floor for this one, although you’d never tell from their faces. Deep in thought!

Here’s a cool view of the Old Town. I just love the rickety bikes everyone cycles around on.

After Steve and Owes turned up we jumped in our car rental an drove over the border into Austria to St. Anton in the Arlberg region. And the next morning we hit the slopes bright and early!

I am the lonesome snowboarder on the lift!

Everywhere you look are mountains. It is so peaceful. These red arrows can be seen on several of the peaks. From what i gather they are to warn aircraft that there are lift lines crossing the valley. Now that would be frightening seeing a plane heading for you as you dangle from 500ft!!

One of the many cool little restaurants dotted around the mountains:

Morning coffee for Steve as he plans where we will be heading to next. Lech, Stuben, Zurs?

Taking a breather and soaking in the sights

If you are an extreme skier or boarder, which we are not, you can take a small cable car that holds about 4-6 people to the top of Valluga (9400 ft). If you feel like trying this crazy venture you must be accompanied by a guide. Fortunately you can head up to the top unaccompanied to chill out and take in the views and watch these daredevils! Thats what i did!

Steve and Owes ripping it up!

By the end of the first day, I was beat. There was more snow than I knew what to do with and trying to adjust my riding to off piste runs was exhausting. By the end of the day, it was hard to stay vertical…..

Ahh, thats more like it! The apres ski was worth the wait! And the Weis beer … lovely! Steve thinks he’s getting all three! Think again mate!

For those of you interested in seeing the trail map, check the Arlberg trail map here.

So today is Christine’s birthday. Can’t really tell you which one it is. That would be rude!!!

Right now she’s out pampering herself, so i thought i’d sneak this post in!

Happy birthday gorgeous!

Add on:

Okay, my hubby is the sweetest man ever! Thanks for the b-day wishes honey!!! What a nice b-day…had breakfast with Andy at our favorite greasy spoon, Betsy’s Diner in Falmouth; did some work then had a manicure and pedicure with my friend Pax followed by a glass of wine at the RooBar in Falmouth. A bit later, Andy & I shared a slice of cake with Pax & her hubby, Tim, before Andy & I headed out for a late-night dinner at Heather’s, a new restaurant in Mashpee. Yummmy!

Andy’s post inspired me to go dig out an old baby photo in celebration of my birthday. Unfortunately, our photos are packed who knows where, and this was all I could find handy. It’s a picture of me with my mom, just before my first birthday. My mom’s stylish clothes and the wooden high chair will likely give my age away slightly. The crazy thing is my mom was just 22 when this photo was taken. Needless to say, I’m quite a bit older than that now!!! Looks like I’m shoving food in my face and slightly irritated for the interruption of a photo….I guess some things never change!

Will & Andrea are getting married next summer at Andrea’s family’s summer home in Woods Hole and wanted us to take some photos of their family while everyone was here visiting for Thanksgiving. Will & Andrea live in Manhattan and the rest of Andrea’s family ~ mom & dad: Joan & Ed; brother, Jaime, and his wife Monica, along with their adorable son, Mazelen (sorry guys not sure on the spelling of that!) ~ all live in or around San Francisco so it’s not often that they are all together. We had the pleasure of being there with them last Friday. It was chilll-YY to say the least, but that didn’t stop us from having some fun with everyone and getting some great shots. A special shout out to Will who went without a coat…what a trooper!

Here’s the family snuggling in close to stay warm.

First grandchildren have a way of captivating their family audience. Mazzy was no exception:

Joan & Ed lead the way down to the beach for photos. Joan earns a big gold star for her participation in the day. She had recently underwent a massive chemo treatment and was feeling drained, but happily tapped her reserves to be there with her family for some holiday photos.

Three generations of Osborns:

Nana & Papa snuggle in:

The things parents will do to get a reaction from their kids….Jamie we loved your commitment!

While the rest of the family headed back to the house to thaw out, Will & Andrea took a few minutes for some fun portraits….just a little practice before our engagement session in the spring:

Love this angle focusing on Will’s engagement ring….how cool that he got one too!!!

sooo in love….

Auntie Andrea snuggling with her love bug:

A big thank you to the Osborn family (and family-member-to-be, Will). We really enjoyed getting to know you all a little and are looking forward to spending some more time together and to meeting Will’s side of the family at the wedding in July! Happy Holiday and warmest wishes, Christine & Andy

We got some sad news today. After a brief, but brave battle with cancer, our friend Paul Foxcroft passed away last Tuesday. We met Paul in September, when we photographed the wedding of his son, Simon, and daughter-in-law, Megan. We instantly clicked with Megan & Simon, who like us found love across the pond. Simon, like Andy, is English and Megan, like me, is American. But, it was more than that connection that drew us to them. They are such amazing people, with kind hearts, and an infectious love for life. So, we were devastated when we heard the news that Paul was diagnosed with cancer and might not be able to come to the wedding. Against the odds, Paul made it to the wedding and was there to walk his son down the aisle, with his wife and oldest son, Johnny, at his side.

It was a wonderful wedding and the love in the air was absolutely palpable. We felt so honored to have been there with both families on such an important day!

Unfortunately, Paul quickly took a turn for the worse upon returning to England. We heard today from Meg’s maid of honor, Hilary, that Paul passed away with his family by his side. Although we didn’t know Paul well, we feel the pain his family is going through and wanted to show our sympathy by putting together some images of Paul on that very special day.

Simon, Johnny, Kat, Andrea, Meg & Nora, please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. xoxo Chris & Andy

Two weeks ago we had the pleasure of meeting three generations of Thornton family members. Mom, Rita, hosted a gathering at her gorgeous Centerville home. Her kids were there, and their kids, as were here 3 brothers, one of whom came from California for the reunion. It was a wonderful afternoon and we thank you all for sharing some time with us.

Rita gets a big hug from her kids, Craig & Kristen. Kristen was one of our brides from this summer. A special Bello hug for you Kristen!! xoxo

Corbin cuddles up to mom. There’s nothing sweeter than the eyes of a child! It’s like you can see pure innocence in there!

Kristen & her niece Jamie share some love!

It took us two years to finally get together. But, last week, we met our friends Halley & Megan at Woodneck Beach in Falmouth for a partial family portrait session. Halley’s hubby, Matt, unfortunately couldn’t be there with us. Matt is the brother of Aaron, one of our groom’s from a few years back. Actually, Tuesday was Aaron & Jenna’s 3rd anniversary…Happy Anniversary guys! Hope you had a fabulous day!!!

Little Miss Megan was a bit shy at the start of our session. We remembered her, but since she was just a few months old, she had no idea who we were, other than perhaps thinking we were responsible for waking her from a perfectly good nap in the car. But, it didn’t take long for her to wake up and let her guard down. In the end it was a perfect evening. Thank you both for taking time out of your vacation here on the Cape to hang out with us on the beach! We had such fun and look forward to doing it again soon! Here are just a few of our favorites from our session together.

Here’s Megan feeling a bit hesitant

Testing the water

Megan decided to wear her favorite dress to the shoot, but after wading in the estuaries I think she felt her dress was far too nice for this silliness…

A giggle in the grass with mommy…

Peek a boo…we see you…

Carpe Diem…Life doesn’t get much better than this…

Running free..

This is my FAVORITE photo from the session. (Andy really blows me away sometimes with his ability to capture the simplest moment and make magic with it). Megan had gone through a few clothing changes, not for fashion so much as she just was having too much fun and got everything wet and then didn’t want to be in her wet clothes anymore. So, piece-by-piece she eventually got down to her birthday suit and enjoyed the beach as only a child can. We call this one, “The Little Mermaid.” What do you think?