Changes

Sometimes you just know it's time for a change. Not long ago I chose the name Ella Rose for my photography business because I was inspired by my daughter and because I felt it conveyed beauty. But I've never been entirely happy with the name. I don't just strive to capture beauty--I try to capture beautiful moments to remind people of joyous times in their lives. So I toyed with other ideas and one day it hit me out of the blue that my childhood nickname should be the inspiration for the name of my photography business. Katie Joy. I find joy in life and I capture joyful moments through my lens. Hopefully, the work I do will help people remember the joy in their past.

So, before I get much more established, I am making the change. You can link to my new site here: http://katiejoyphoto.blogspot.com/ and check out some more pictures of this beautiful bride. And since I won't be posting again on my Ella Rose blog, don't forget to change your bookmarks, bloglines, or blog lists. Thank you for looking!

When Mom Isn't Looking

When mom isn't looking, here's one thing Ella does...

Can't forget the tummy...

Am I pretty or what?

Halloween

Ella was a great sport this Halloween. She let us dress her up like a Jack 'o lantern and even kept her hood on. I think she actually liked the costume and she knew we thought she was cute. The night before Halloween we went to a trunk or treat with Blair's sister and her family. We ate yummy food and admired some great costumes. I even dressed up like a witch for the event but I forgot to get a picture. Here are a couple of snapshots of Ella in her costume.

Ella got to hang out with her cousin, Luke Skywalker

On Halloween we went over to Blair's sister's house so Ella could go out trick or treating with her cousins. She brought back some great candy for us.

And while we were there she got to meet one of her relatives

Since Halloween, Ella has taken to dressing up. If any of her clothes are sitting out she wants me to either change her clothes or put something on over what she is already wearing. I shouldn't be surprised since I loved playing dress-up when I was a little girl. We sure love our little girl!

E's First Haircut

Some people call me rash, but I prefer spontaneous. I up and decided to cut Ella's hair on Friday. I've been thinking about it for a long time because her hair was getting longer in back and was pretty uneven. It's also pretty straight and fine so I figured a little cut would help it look a bit fuller. So Friday I just decided to go with it. I recruited Blair to help distract Ella with a book and an apple (though I was prepared to resort to a popsicle), got her hair nice and wet, then went to town with the scissors.

The Result

The difference is fairly subtle but I think it pretty cute and it should grow in nicely now, too.

By the way, if anyone ever says it's easy to give a toddler a haircut, they're either trying to trick you or impress you. And they're lying through their teeth. I'm lucky that it's pretty even at the bottom.