Today is my 26th birthday. Sure, happy birthday to me... but the real birthday surprise and celebration comes from the great news we found out today... the baby we are expecting at the end of May 2012 is a GIRL!

I told my husband as soon as we found out (in September) that if it is a girl, and we were able to find out before Christmas, that we would have a pink Christmas tree... he said okay, of course (because he loves me so much!), probably thinking the odds of finding out before Christmas were slim. Sorry hubby, and my dear son...

It's a girl!


So I went to Walmart, got a little 3.5' pink tree, pre-lit, and went down their ornament aisle (awesomely color-coded) and got lovely pink and purple ornaments! I bought pink and purple spray paint for a table (for the tree to sit on), and got some pink tulle for under the tree, to cover the plastic base. There was obviously a lot of glitter involved on the ornaments as well...

I came home, spray painted an Ikea side table, set up the tree, decorated it, and had a BLAST. It is honestly the prettiest little tree I've ever seen... as far as pink Christmas trees are concerned, anyways. Hubby agrees, says it's adorable.

Did I mention that this is how we announced it to family and friends? I thought it was a pretty cute idea... Also, all of this only cost me less than $50. I already had the side table, but if you want to count it-- no more than $70!

Enjoy the photos... our lovely little pink Christmas tree for our sweet little Lily Mae, expected at the end of May 2012!

Until next time...

...Smile!

This week, I want to focus on pride. Pride, by definition, is "a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired." Now, by that definition, I'm sure everyone has something to feel proud of. Your new precious baby, your marriage, a beautiful garden you grew, your classic 1970 Dodge Challenger, your family home, your place of business, or maybe even a family recipe that's been passed down to you. I'm sure you're wondering what pride has anything to do with my photography... would you be surprised if I said almost everything? Pride is so important to my photography, because that is what you want me to take a photo of!

Let's set an example up for you - Your adorable son in his Tee-Ball uniform, at his very first game... he smacks the tee, the ball falls to the ground... the coach and parents tell him to run to first base, and he starts running to third, the catcher doesn't know what to do and the pitcher is jumping up and down cheering him on. No one is touching that ball while the coach re-directs him the right way. He runs over, jumps square on first base, looks up and gives you the biggest smile you've ever seen, and says, "I did it!" So who is more proud, you or your son? Unfortunately, I can't answer that one for you. But here's a question I have the answer for: Who wants to forget that moment?? Answer: No one! That's just one example of how I can be there, capturing every little moment, ensuring you will never have to forget. 

Big or small, new or old, simple or extravagant... having pride in something is important! So tell me, what are you proud of?


...until next time,

Smile!

Today I attended a LeTip Luncheon with the Irvine LeTip Group, at J.T. Schmid's in the District. It was a really great experience! I met a lot of talented people who truly love their job. I also made a lot of great connections today... networking is always a plus! 50 business cards down. I am certainly aiming for success here. Many thanks to Tracey Plemon for inviting me! If anyone has any questions, please don't hesitate to ask!

I should also let everyone know, I don't just photograph people! I love photographing food, plants, homes, businesses, pets, and everything other than people. Let's just say I have a passion for photography. If you know anyone looking for a food photographer, or anyone looking for a real estate photographer, please let me know and/or pass along my information!!

Is anyone having a reunion of any kind this summer? Family/school/class/friend reunions are definitely a ton of fun... seeing people you haven't seen in quite some time can be quite exciting. All the squeals, hugs, laughs, high fives, and memories... well why not let me capture the fun? Candid moments are what make the memories that much better... contact me for a quote!

...until next time,

Smile!

Yesterday was a great day... I got my business cards! This is one of the most important things a business can have. It's a mini billboard for your company, and I am so excited to have them!

If any of you would like some, please let me know! Help spread the word of Melody Calvert Photography! Whoever brings me clients will get a discount! Just have them mention your name when they contact me!

...until next time,

Smile! 

Today was a great day! I met up with my friends Alicia and Ryan, a wonderful couple expecting their first baby very soon. We went over to Fairview Park in Costa Mesa to take some couple maternity photos. Fairview Park is absolutely beautiful. It sits on the bluffs in Costa Mesa which overlook Huntington Beach. It's full of lovely plants and wildlife, and is kind of a little nature sanctuary nestled in a busy suburb.

It was such a pleasure taking photos of Alicia and Ryan because they are a photographers dream... They absolutely love each other and are so completely at ease when they're together. The camera loves them, and feeds off of their happiness. Just by looking at the photos, you can see how truly excited they are to become parents... being a relatively new mommy myself, I totally understand how they feel.

Alicia and Ryan, I am so happy for you two and I can't wait until you get to experience all the wonderful new things that come with being a Mommy and Daddy. Thank you so much for letting me take your photos, and I wish you nothing but happiness with your little boy!

...until next time,

Smile!
 

Yesterday I went to the Costa Mesa - Newport Harbor Lions Club Annual Fish Fry & Carnival, held at Lions Park in Costa Mesa. It's a great non-profit event that helps raise money to give back to the community.

I have many fond memories of attending the Fish Fry as a child, and I know many stories of my parents attending the same event when they were children. I wanted to bring my son and husband to the Fish Fry to start a new seed of memories!

While I was there, I took quite a few great photos of the vendors, as well as the carnival rides. I also got some of the entertainment by LaRocco's Music and the crowd enjoying them.

I really hope I win that Camaro, and I definitely look forward to visiting the Fish Fry next year!

...until next time,

Smile!

Yesterday was my nephew's 3rd birthday! I made a cake for him and the immediate family went to my sister's house for pizza and cake. I think he had a great time, and it was good to see my little sassypants niece again!

...until next time,

Smile!

Very early yesterday morning, my niece Mackenzie Renée was born. She is my younger sister's second child, but first daughter. She went in to Hoag Memorial Presbyterian Hospital,  Newport Beach, on Sunday to be induced, and had her Monday morning, May 30, 2011 at 1:16am. Mackenzie weighed 7lb 12oz, and was 19.5" long. Absolutely beautiful, perfect skin, perfect round face, dark hair, and soft as a bunny. My sister did amazingly well, and looked beautiful.

I'm not going to lie and say it doesn't make me want another baby, because it totally does. But now I want a baby girl! I love my niece with all my heart. I've said it before, but if you don't believe in love at first sight, just be present when a baby is born. You will fall in love immediately, at first sight.

Congratulation to Michelle and Chris, and new big brother Connor, on your precious new addition. I love you all so much! 

...until next time,

Smile!

Today I had the opportunity to attend a baby shower for my friend. She has two daughters, but is pregnant with her little man. She has such a great family and awesome friends, and it was a beautiful baby shower! She got so many great things, including hand-made blankets and hooded towels, and a lot of sports-themed clothes (her family is full of Dodgers and 49ers fans).

Congratulations Rodriguez Family on your new little boy!


...until next time,

Smile! 

Finn's 2nd birthday party was a success, despite how blustery it was! Sure, it was breezy, but it was also very bright, cheerful, and fun. Close family and friends came to celebrate with the birthday boy, and everyone had fun playing at the park, kicking the soccer ball, and eating yummy pizza & bright blue Batman cupcakes. Finn didn't like getting the frosting on his hand at first, but shortly after he realized what it was, it ended up all over his face.

Thank you Smith family and friends for allowing me to photograph this special day! Same time next year?


...until next time,

Smile!