Merging...

After a lot of thought, I've decided to merge my personal blog with my photography blog. I will no longer be updating this one... From now on, you can read all about our lives HERE.

I'm embarrased to say I feel like I'm saying goodbye to an old friend or closing a big chapter of my life. It's now painfully obvious that I'm a BIG, blogging geek.

Sleeping Dog

I'm sitting here on my couch, doing some editing. My 70-pound lab is laying across my lap, sleeping. He just started dreaming, because he's shaking and twitching rapidly. It always makes me laugh, especially after coming across this video last week.

If you haven't seen it, it's TOO funny!!

12 1/2 weeks pregnant

I can't even count how many people have asked me to take a picture of my growing belly and put it on my blog. I'm all about documenting, but I have to admit, I've kind of been fighting this "gaining weight" thing. I may be living in denial, but I really think people are noticing "the wrong thing."

It's funny. My entire life, I've had "the pooch." The one that sits right below the belly belly button and protrudes a bit. But, it seems that it wasn't until I announced my pregnancy that the entire world seemed to notice. Unfortunately, right now, I can't tell where the "I eat too many burgers and cheese fries on a regular basis" pooch ends and where my sweet baby bump begins. My family says they can tell a difference, the scale can obviously tell a difference, my pants seem to notice a difference, but I'm still skeptical.

So- I guess I'll leave you to draw your own conclusions.

These are my first pregnancy pictures, taken at 12 1/2 weeks.

Sydney: An Inside Look

Needless to say, I am much more of a photographer than a videographer- something I hope to get better at. I always post pictures of Sydney that I hope capture her personality, but with a personality as large as hers, that's something that's hard to do. 

Sydney was in town for Father's Day Weekend. We had the BEST time- so much that I didn't have time to pick up the camera. It was nice to put work down and just enjoy time with the three of us. 

Fortunately for us, Sydney got a hold of our point and shoot camera on her ride back to Missouri with her dad. She found the video feature and was pretty much unstoppable. I just now took a while to look through all FIFTEEN videos, and could NOT stop laughing at her silliness. 

I posted a few of my favorites below. Also, just as a disclaimer... we took Sydney swimming before Zach and Syd left for Missouri, so try to overlook her wild hairstyle she was sporting. I'm about 100 percent positive she's going to hate me one day for putting these videos out to the public. 

This one cracks me up. I like to call this one "Theology By Sydney":

Sydney also LOVES to sing along to the radio... as well as she possibly can. Unfortunately, I don't know that she's ever taken time to learn ALL the words to this Britney song. I also like this one, because you get a good 30 second look at my husband's "dancing in the car" skills. 

And lastly, here is Zach and Syd saying goodbye to their video audience. It felt like a nice conclusion. 

Weekend in Guntersville

Zach's 10 year high school reunion was this weekend in Guntersville, AL. We're still trying to recuperate from the busy weekend, but it was SO great. We got to spend a lot of time with friends and family. We had a small bit of alone time (with our dogs) tucked away in a cozy cabin on a ranch. It was the perfect weekend, but we're definitely happy to be home. 

Baby Wiggs!

My first trimester has officially passed and it looks like Baby Wiggs is doing good- healthy and growing! We couldn't have been more thrilled! I have to admit, I was much more emotional than I expected when I saw his/her little body, fully formed. This whole process is still a little surreal to me.

Random updates from our 12-week appointment...
1. Baby Wiggs had the hiccups which was HILARIOUS. I wish I had the capabilities to show you what a baby this small with the hiccups looks like in the womb. I could NOT stop laughing. He/She reminded me of a really funny wii character.
2. I'm RH Negative
3. I'm NOT immune to rubella and I can't be vaccinated until after the baby comes, so if you hear any word of the measles or anything related to rubella- send me a big warning so I can go into hiding. :) (By the way, my mom SWEARS I was vaccinated as a child, but I guess in some small cases, the vaccinations can wear off)
4. So far, Baby Wiggs has long legs (which isn't surprising to either of us).

Other baby randomness... we've decided on names for a boy or a girl. If it's a boy, it will be Zachary Allen Wiggs, Junior and we will most likely call him Zachary. If it's a girl, she'll be Marlee Elizabeth Wiggs.

Vacation Help

Zach and I are planning a 4 day getaway in November, before the baby comes. Fall is our FAVORITE time of year, so we're looking for something kind of cool, with mountains and maybe even the ocean. We're wanting something nice, just the two of us... but have no suggestions.

I suggested Missoula, MT- a small mountain town where I spent a summer in college. We are also looking at Cape Cod. Seriously, we need help. Anyone have any ideas???

Behind on Blogging

I am SO behind on blogging. I have SO many things I want to update- Father's Day, Sydney's Visit, Etc...

Unfortunately, my busy summer schedule is keeping me from doing that. For example, tonight I blogged SEVEN shoots on my photography blog. The crazy part- I still have about 10 more family shoots and a wedding before I'm caught up.  CRAZINESS- but I really am enjoying it! 

I promise to update more soon.... even if I am talking about Father's Day in August. :)

I'm a PROUD big sister

Every day, I'm thankful for the relationship I have with my little sister. She is one of the most amazing women I've ever met. Although, I'm sure I'm a little biased, she really is one of the most tender hearted, compassionate people I know.

Personally, she knows everything about me. I can tell her anything and know that I will never be judged. She's THAT great.

Several months ago, she started working for Crossroads Hospice in Memphis. When she took that job, she lit up in a new kind of way. It is her calling to serve people... and when she is serving, she radiates. I've been SO happy for her and for the people she's called to serve. I can tell that even though her job is to help others, those special people are teaching her new things every day. It's SO great to watch her blossom. I've been SO proud of her, but apparently I'm not the only one who's been noticing the change she's making.

THIS was an article in today's Commercial Appeal, featuring Crossroads Hospice and my sister (Tori Smitherman). You can read it here.

I love you sis, and am SO proud of you!

Should I or Shouldn't I????

I've been deciding whether or not to post about this for awhile now, but obviously I've decided I will. ...

On Wednesday, Zach and I attended my first ever prenatal doctor's appointment. I am apparently a little more than seven weeks pregnant and have a beautiful, healthy baby growing inside me with a strong, healthy heartbeat. 

I debated whether or not to post about this since it's still so early, but after hearing the heart beat, I have already started to feel connected to the little guy... and I figured if something were to happen, I would need the support. 

I have our baby's "first photo" that I will post later, but for now, "I'm pregnant!" I feel absolutely perfect so far, except for having to lower my caffeine intake each day. My official due date is February 6. We're really excited and will post much more along the way. 

Random Things

It's been FOREVER since I've updated, for a LOT of reasons... mainly busyness. So, here's a very brief and organized update.

1. I'm privileged enough to get to have a three hour road trip this weekend with the most beautiful little girl in the entire world. Syd's coming into town and for the first time ever, the two of us will get some one-on-one girl time in the car when I go pick her up. No doubt, a cherished time.

2. I shot my first three weddings in the past two weeks, one of which was my grandmother's. The third was the night of Memphis's big storm. We lost power all night at the ceremony and reception, and it never returned.

3. I received a letter from the TN Dept. of Safety this week warning me about my number of "points" on my driving record. Apparently, I can't get too many more.

4. I'm now working part-time for my salary job, and working full time as a photographer. My last day at my salary job will be October 30.

5. My sister-in-law will find out tomorrow whether or not she's having a boy or girl. One of my best friends, Katie, found out today the sex of her baby- but she's being stubborn and won't tell me until tomorrow. It's KILLING ME!

6. I've fallen in love lately with taking naps. 2-3 hour naps. I try to take them at least 2-3 times a week.

7. Sydney and I are throwing Zach a birthday party this weekend at my parent's house. It's a swimming party/cookout... SO excited.

8. I've developed a crush on zuchinni... grilled zuchinni, brushed with olive oil, salt and pepper, to be exact. SO GOOD this summer!

9. I hate Memphis's humidity in the summer, but I'm LOVING the thunderstorms and cool breeze that follows.

Overall, there's not too much to report right now. A LOT of big changes in our life, trying to figure out what the future looks like professionally, personally, and spiritually. I'm really focusing on simplifying and worshipping. I've really been convicted lately about my "busy body personality."

I'm sure I'll have pictures to post from this weekend.

Fayette County's Farmers Market

Last week, I received the following announcement in an email.

Ribbon Cutting/Grand Opening
Fayette County Farmers Market

Wednesday, May 13, 2009
1:00 PM

Located in the Parking Lot at Dan Buckley Gym
Hwy 76, Somerville

Please join us as we celebrate the Grand Opening of the NEW Fayette County Farmers Market. Made possible by a USDA Grant, this will provide a permanent place for local producers to sell fresh fruits and vegetables in Fayette County, benefitting farmers, consumers and our community.

Hours of operation for the Farmers Market will be Tuesdays, Fridays and Saturday from 7:00 AM - 1:00 PM. For applications and policy/guidelines, farmers may go to the Extension office located at 302 Midland St. or call 465-5233.

I love all things fresh and locally grown, so I was instantly excited. I even twittered about it. I called my friend, Jennifer, who also lives in Oakland and made plans to get up early Saturday morning to drive into Somerville for the Fayette County's Farmers Market. She was as equally excited as I was. Before we left, Zach warned me not to get my hopes too high. He said "I know you're expecting lush flowers and tons of fresh food... but I would hate for you to wake up early and drive all that way, only to be disappointed."

I told him I would give whatever they were selling a chance... even if it was just one man selling fruits from his truck. Turns out- I lied. I did not give it a chance. I was too busy laughing hysterically at what we found when we arrived at the market. When I say I was laughing, I mean, I had to pull over the car because there were tears streaming down my face and I couldn't see straight. Of course, Jennifer had her camera and took these pictures for proof.

"The Fayette County's Farmer's Market...."

I'm hoping the market is still new and will continue to grow over the next few months. However, I think it is safe to say, I'll be waiting a while before going back and probably won't be waking up so early to get there.

My Family

I have this dream that one day my husband is going to love photography as much as me, and he's going to become addicted and start studying it as much as I do. In my dream, we ultimately both quit our jobs and run our own business.

There are a couple of problems with my dream, however.

1. While Zach appreciates a good photograph, he gets very bored with things like ISO, Shutter Speed, and Aperture. He also is overwhelmed at the editing process and the all the things photoshop can do.

2. I'm pretty sure if aforementioned dream DID happen, we would probably drive each other nuts. We do pretty well to have our own time with our individuals passions. It makes us better for each other.

All that to say- he is one of the most creative people I know and is always up for learning new and random things.

Last night was the first night in weeks that I didn't have work or some sort of plans. It also happened to be one of the most gorgeous nights of the year, with beautiful light. So Zach and I decided to grab our cameras and our dogs and go for a walk. My goal was to get a picture or two of each of us with our dogs (something that is not easily done). Bear never did cooperate with me, so as always- I ended up with a few sweet pictures of me and my baby... When I got home and looked at the pictures- I was OVERWHELMED by my husband's skills. Maybe there is hope for my dream after all?

Zach is always able to get the dogs to cooperate. I don't know how he does it.

Zach snagged this picture during our walk. I was so impressed with it (the light, the exposure), I've actually updated my website with it.

Thanks for such a great night, sweetie!

Happy Mother's Day!

Happy Mother's Day to you all!! Here's a few pictures from today with my mom on Mother's Day and her birthday! I love you, Mom!

Mom, with her new birthday/Mother's Day present.

Weekend With Sydney

There are really no words to describe the awesomeness of this past weekend. My husband summed it up best when he described it as "the best weekend of his life."

We laughed, we played,... we enjoyed every second of it.

A few things we did included cookie-making, swimming, wii-playing, a slumber party, movies, reading, ice cream, and cooking out. This weekend will be, by far, one of the most memorable of my life.


Yes, Syd LOVED her new room. I think she really feels like she has a place here in Memphis.


I decided not to pull out my big camera this weekend so I could enjoy every minute, but here are a few photos we took with the point and shoot this weekend. We also have a couple of videos, but I'm still in the process of trying to figure out how to load those, so hopefully I'll post those later.




I took Caleb's pictures this weekend at Faith and Jason's home. While we were there- Faith grabbed this picture of the three of us. Thanks, Faith!