The doors we open & close each day decide the lives we live

The intent of this blog was not to only post major events & changes in my life. It was meant to share fun images of sessions & weddings & little interesting tidbits! Unfortunately, this last year had gotten away from me & I only posted BIG things & did not post them often... We are in the midst of many changes at Serendipity & among them, a new blog. And a new resolve to post more often! In the meantime, a post of a major life change for me:

Many of you know that I have been an RN for @ 18 years. When I first started dabbling in photography @ 11 or 12 years ago, I was a full time pediatric-neonatal RN. As I developed my business, I was able to cut back my hours at the hospital to part time and then to contingent several years ago. It was nice to have the flexibility to work occasionally while developing my skills & building the client base of my business. I have taken things slowly over the years & pushed "multitasking" to the limits.

Wednesday was my last day working as an RN. I recently made the decision to resign my position at the hospital. With so many changes on the dock for my business, I felt it was the time. I need to focus on the "business" side of things (UGH) and continually improve my photography skills. Having Courtney as a full time employee now & making so many changes in the business will take all my energies & focus. I feel so blessed to be able to do what I have a true passion for.

While I always enjoyed my work as a pediatric- neonatal RN, I recently felt like I wasn't doing the job justice. Working only 1-2 shifts per month, I wasn't feeling comfortable with my skills & abilities. I have such great respect for all the nurses I worked with - they are truly amazing & gifted at what they do! Their devotion & passion to the kids & families they serve every day is admirable & inspiring.

I look forward to the experiences my photography business will bring me - I Love my babies, brides, seniors & families that allow me to be play such an important part in their lives.
I will never, however, forget all the experiences I have had as an RN over the past 18 years. There are kids that hold a special place in my heart - those that were valiant & fought ridiculous battles with things children should never have to deal with, those that were just adorable & funny and those that, sadly, we were not able to save.

More so, I will always cherish the friendships I made over the years. My two "besties" in life are friends I have made through nursing school & working as an RN.
I have so many great friends that I have shared laughter & tears (lots of them, if you know me) over the years. I had the same amazing manager for the entire 18 years as an RN. Donna hired me as a new grad & had the faith in me that I could handle Pediatric ICU as a "rookie." I have so much respect for you all. Keep doing what you do!

Thank you for allowing me to share this wonderful life change with you all & most of all, thank you for your support & encouragement!

"The doors we open & close each day decide the lives we live."

Lonely Blog

Hello, lonely blog... I will get back to you one day. In the meantime, please visit Serendipity Facebook page for updates on goings on with us!
And, Mr. Hacker - bug off. I'm watching you!!!

Smiles

I posted a blog entry a few months back about our buddy, Zane. Zane was our sweet, loyal, 6 year old Dobe - well, he was originally our family dog, along with his special girl, Phoebe - our 6 year old female dobe. When Courtney bought her house, the dogs went with her - they are her babes!
Zane was diagnosed in late winter with cardiomyopathy. A cardiac process that enlarges the heart. He was in congestive heart failure at the time, but with the great care he received from Brannan Vet in Maumee, he was doing exceptionally well. He was eating well, playful & not in any distress whatsoever. Courtney had become very educated in this process & was well aware of the outcome - these dogs generally go into failure within 12 months or they have an arrythmia that suddenly takes them. On Thursday, this is what happened to Zane.
While playing in his yard with Phoebe, Zane collapsed. Thankfully Courtney was there by his side, along with Joe. They were with him & he went quickly. We are all heartbroken & miss him dearly, but have some comfort in the fact that he was spared the discomfort of going into failure & all that goes along with that. He was playing until the end & he was peaceful.
Anyone that knows Courtney is aware of her tremendous passion for animals & adoption of pets. She volunteers with the Humane Society & the Pit Crew & makes transports to take dogs to foster homes. She is more than thrilled when her favorite dogs are placed with loving families. A friend of hers & volunteer with the Humane Society left Courtney a message the other day. She was so incredibly sad to hear of Zane's passing on Thursday. She was then at the Humane Society on Friday assisting with adoptions. A family came in to finalize their adoption of their new puppy. While she was completing the paperwork, she asked them what they were planning on naming their new pup. Their reply - Zane. Speechless....
People all have different beliefs, different views. I guess I would say I believe in little signs, little whispers from the universe. Thanks, Z, we needed that one!

Jen & Gus

I had the pleasure of getting together on one of our rare, nice spring days to shoot the engagement pictures for Jen & Gus. They will be getting married next summer & Jen has been busy planning the wedding from Montana! She was in town recently, so we squeezed in their engagement session at Toledo Botanical Gardens. I'm looking forward to their wedding - it is sure to be a fun one!

Recent kiddo sessions!

Some quick shots from recent kiddo sessions - I love watching my babes grow - some are repeat customers & some are newbies! All cuties! Thanks for coming to see me

Over due Family session

I was able to fit in a family session this weekend between weddings (and storms!). These kids, who happen to be old friends of ours, bought their mom a Serendipity Gift card for Xmas (2009)! With the kids being scattered all over, work & school schedules, it's often impossible to get everyone together for a session. Glad we finally got it in - it was great to see you all again!

Fave Fam!

If you are a follower to my blog and or Facebook page, you have seen these faces around. I have photographed Ms. Bella since she was a newborn (she also happens to be the winner of my Facebook Cutest Kid Contest). We recently met up for a family/engagement session for Bella and her Mommy & Daddy. We had so much fun getting some shots of Erin & Jay and some with Bella.
I love capturing images of families playing & lovin'...naturally. The loving, fun nature of this family shines through in the images. I am so excited to photograph their wedding this September. They have such a great little, happy family - it will be fun to witness them become a great little, happy family on paper - and with a big party!!!