Complaining about Mondays may be so basic, but truly, they are my least favorite day of the week. Sasha is back in California for work (a department ski trip to Tahoe? Tough life, right?), so I’ve been entertaining Isla all day, trying to distract her from the fact that today is her first day with no binkie. She did relatively well, and only asked for it a few times during the day. At nap time, she cried for the “BINKIE! BINKIEEEEE!” And I repeated, as I had earlier, “Your binkies are all gone!” She paused for a second, looking deep in thought, then said, “PACI!!!!” I died laughing (probably didn’t help) because I have never, ever heard her call it that. These little minds are so funny.

The past week was a lot of fun. I hosted an Instagram challenge, which was my first but not last. I loved seeing the entries everyday (although I’ve lost faith in all photos showing up when you click the hashtag! I would see some days later!). You can see the pictures here.

Other highlights from the week included:

• Meeting Destiny at Discovery Green; Caroline, in the warehouse district; Molly, downtown, and Brittany at Uptown Park. Gorgeous gals! Isla got to play with Truman after our shoot at the park and Los Trompos exhibit. They wore matching rain jackets from The Monogram Shop – seriously too cute.
• Going to James’ 5th birthday party! His mama, Nina, was due days after I met her – cannot believe that was five years ago! Time is such a thief.
• Taking newborn photos for an adorable baby boy, Wes. His nursery is such a dream, and he’s cute to boot. I also photographed the most gorgeous little babe, Annie! She was such a cool little lady – so cute too!
• Meeting Meredith at Lauren’s house for some baby and beauty flatlays and lifestyle photographs. I got to meet sweet Ford for the first time! He’s precious.
• Going to church and then having lunch at my mother-in-laws! Isla was having cold symptoms, and we didn’t want her to get any of the kids at the daycare sick, so we dropped her at my in-laws beforehand.
• Playing at Donovan park and then eating dinner at Carabbas on Voss after a failed attempt to eat at Coltivare (a 1 hour 45 minute wait at 5:30pm??). 
• Running the 3 mi loop at Memorial Park and then going to Isla’s swim class and having coffee afterwards at Kraftsmen Baking with my sister, Karine.
• Eating lunch with Joy at The Dunlavy and with Leah at Adair Kitchen – love both these ladies AND the delicious restaurants. Definitely my favorites!

Hope you had a great week too! Happy Monday. xo

Happy Monday (and Leap Day!)! Today is Sasha’s first day at his new job at Google, so while he’s touring the Googleplex, eating free (delicious!) food, and learning more about what his role entails, Isla and I are in Houston wishing we had hopped on the plane with him. I told him the next time he goes to California, we’re joining – mainly so we can see our sweet friends, Kristy and Olivia! Sasha requested that we watch The Internship (Owen Wilson and Vince Vaughn movie set on Google’s campus) on Friday night, and we’ve had some good jokes since then about the culture shock he’s about to face. Let’s just say that old school Oil & Gas clients aren’t Googley.

On another side note, I’m hosting an Instagram photo challenge! You can find more details here! I hope you play along (especially since you can win a $20 Starbucks gift card for doing so!). 

The week flew by, busy with photos and activities – seeing lots of family and friends (which we love). Some of the highlights include:

• Going to Tiny’s No. 5 for this month’s #boxwoodsbreakfastclub (ironically at lunchtime) and getting to see some of my favorite ladies and meet others who are equally as sweet!
• Taking photos for Caroline and Destiny at Discovery Green – I love shooting downtown. It has such a fun street vibe.
• Photographing Alex for a Target swimsuit campaign! She just got engaged, and her ring is gorgeous! I am so excited for her and Rick.
• Meeting Lauren at Clinique in the Galleria for photos for an upcoming campaign. It is insane to think that she had her baby boy (Ford) just 14 days earlier! She looks amazing. It’s not fair!
• Meeting with Riley (I’m obsessed) of Papellerie to discuss some stationery photos I’ll be taking – seriously cannot wait!
• Attending a workshop at Renovate hosted by Emily Reeves Calligraphy and The Briar Rose – two talented ladies! It was so much fun, and I’ll share more details this week!
• Briefly catching up with Leah at The Monogram Shop – looking forward to our lunch today! I love her.
• Sipping wine with Meredith, Brittany, Michelle and Alyssa at The Tasting Room on Monday for Happy Hour. Brittany is the best cheerleader ever and made us all tear up with her amazing motivational (and Godly!) speech.
• Photographing sweet Charlie – a tiny newborn wearing grown up man clothing, which I have a weakness for. Babies in suspenders? I can’t.
• Taking sorority and sister photos at Hermann Park and Centennial Gardens with two gorgeous gals – I wish I had been a quarter that pretty and cool at their age! 
• Going to church and then eating lunch with my parents in Katy on Sunday!
• Remembering our sweet Uncle Toma with a memorial lunch with Sasha’s family on Saturday. We miss him so much and talk about him often – I think this Helen Keller quote is so true: “What we have once enjoyed we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.” 
• Going to a dermatologist appointment with Dr. Debra Chernosky, whom I love (and highly recommend!) on Monday, only to be told by my frugal husband I needed to wait to fulfill any medicine for a week until we get better insurance. I’m pretty sure it would have been a $10 difference! Ha. Crazy men!

How was your week? Can you believe it’s March tomorrow?