Late last week, after what was thought to have been teething causing long stretches of fussiness, discomfort, sleepless nights and finally loss of appetite, my friends admitted their daughter to the ER. After consulting with the doctors they heard the overwhelming word “cancer”. Eight-month-old J was just diagnosed with neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer and the most common form of cancer in infancy. A tumor had been located in her spinal cord.

As one would assume, the days that followed were long and emotionally taxing for my friend and her husband. They received an influx of love and support via the web, phone, e-mail, Facebook..practically every portal possible. I’m sure it was because of this that they have managed to remain positive and strong. They are adamant they will win this battle.

Baby J underwent surgery on Sunday and the most tumor was harvested. The mass is currently being biopsied and while we await microscopic findings on Thursday, it would be wonderful if you could keep this amazing family in your thoughts. Pray it is low-grade, low-risk, non-aggressive. Every bit helps.

I am confident that the best possible outcome will follow.

It is noon in Austin. For the past hour and a half, while my sweet baby has been sound asleep with her little diaper bottom in the air, I have been lounging in my PJ’s reviewing notes from last night’s meeting with the fabulous j* (on branding my business + branding me). I really need a good kick in the rear from time to time.

The photography industry is an amazing thing and I am so fortunate to be a part of it. I love that the wave of change is constant, which leaves very little room for if any complacency. I know that every thing I do might not be right for everyone but it feels right for me.  “If you can’t beat them at their game, get out there and create your own…”

The wheels are going full speed this morning and I will likely slam on the breaks in the next twenty or so minutes when I hear the sweet sound of a rising baby coming from a room across the way.

I might have sacrificed today’s shower for this (sorry, Hubby!). And I love it.

On the twelfth day of Christmas Santa gave to me, twelve creating memories.

Eleven minutes until sunset.
Bride and groom sniping.
Newlyweds dancing.
Eight brilliant feathers.
A duo’s love a-brimming.
A mother and daughter gazing.
Young lady graduating.
Four all aglow.
Three big grins.
Tender sister love.
and a branch full of purple berries.

That’s the end of my first installment of “The Twelve Days of Christmas”. I’m glad I made the decision early December to share these special moments with the world during the holidays as it forced me to update my blog when I would otherwise be doing a million other things in my PJ’s until noon. I was blessed in 2010 in many aspects-marriage, motherhood, and work- and since I do not keep a journal it was nice to be able to revisit the old memories.

Here’s a photo of our families on Christmas Eve after a long day of eating, shopping, sleeping and opening gifts.

Is it too soon for a little nostalgia? I look at Tulsi’s red Christmas sweater and I realize she will never be able to wear it on Christmas ever again.