Graduating Senior

This is the most versatile senior I've photographed yet. He's involved in pretty much everything and these images show that. He loves to race his bike and actually travels all over to do that. He's a swimmer and also loves to play football. In other words I think he refers to himself as an athlete. He'll be graduating really soon and then heading off to college to go study and swim. I'm sure he'll continue to race his bike because that is something that his entire family takes part in. I on the other hand will not be getting on a bike any time soon. :) Congrats on graduating!!

A gorgeous wedding

It's official, wedding season has begun. Last weekend I got the privilage of shooting this awesome wedding. We did their engagement session about a month and half ago. What a great couple and wonderful ceremony. These two are just meant for each other. When you photograph a wedding you get to know the bride and groom really well. I guess you would have to because what you do during the day is follow them around, snapping tons of pictures of them being in love. They are a very relaxed, laid back, fun, and romantic couple. Every bride HOPES that on the day of her wedding everything will go smoothly and nothing will be forgot. But every bride KNOWS something will go astray. She had a few obstacles thrown her way and handled them with such a great attitude. Their ceremony was perfect, with perfect family and friends, perfect weather, perfect location, and most importantly the perfect love. Congrats on your marriage!! Hope you guys had a wonderful time in Jamaica.

Target House

Montana and I had nothing to do today after his visit to St. Jude this morning so we decided on taking the bus over to the Target House. It's the most gorgeous place first off and then on top of that they have the coolest kid areas. Montana was in heaven with the mini kitchen. We spent most of our time there where he whipped up some tasty treats. :) Luckily I brought my camera so that I was able to capture the little chef that he is.

This little cutie is just so sweet and adorable. She is our next door neighbor at the Ronald House here in Memphis. Montana and her have become quite good friends. Tomorrow they will get the chance to be honorary duck masters at the Peabody Hotel. I think they're looking forward to that. It'll be a special treat for them. She is also the very first person to take advantage of Images of Hope. (www.hopeconquers.blogspot.com) Little S was so easy to photograph. She didn't mind smiling and standing infront of the camera at all. It was such a joy to photograph her and hear her little giggles!

Being a tourist

Montana and I have been keeping busy here in Memphis. We have been able to do alot of the tourist type of things. Today we went to the Peabody hotel to see the walking of the ducks with a little friend from the Ronald McDonald House. I think they really enjoyed that. Montana actually got told to quit making the ducks swim around the pond so fast. He was sort of chasing them. That's my son! Afterwards, Lynn and I went to Habitat for Hope. It's a really nice place and a wonderful organization. They have about 50 acres of land out in the country. Montana loved being a boy, playing in the dirt and getting dirty. Plus, there were about 4 other boys there and he just ran around with them. It was nice to see him be free and act like a normal child. Beats the hussle and bussle of inner city life and the hospital visits all the time. Take a look at their website. www.habitatforhope.org

The house that love built!

This is the house that love built. We have been at the Ronald House in Memphis for four days. The first day we checked in, the second and third day were spent at the hospital and today we are hanging out. Montana has been enjoying the arts and crafts room along with the toy areas. This place is wonderful and does their best to keep these kids healthy and entertained. When it's not raining we spend alot of time outside at the playgrounds. We just have to make sure we clean his hands alot. We will be here until the begining of May so we try to make use of everything they have to offer.

Seniors Rock!

I did a last minute session today for a graduating senior. It's always a blast to take pictures of seniors because they are so excited to be done with school and on to new and bigger things. This guy, however, was done with school about 2 years ago at the young age of 15. He's already been taking college classes and knows what he wants to do. I didn't know what I was going to do until I was like a junior in college. This kid has a great head on his shoulders and is putting his smarts to use. He brought along his brother and a friend, which is a good thing because they make him laugh and from that I get good smiles. Congrats on graduating and good luck with all your classes!

The coolest couple

Yesterday I met with a couple to do their engagement session. I was a little worried about the weather because it was supposed to rain for most of the day but it stopped and held off for us. They are such an amazing couple and were so much fun to work with. With everything that has been going on with my son, the weather, and life, we didn't get to do their photos until now... their wedding is at the begining of May! Wow, that is like right around the corner. I am so excited to get to shoot their wedding. They are so relaxed, fun and in love. It really shows in their images. I fell in love with all of their shots and could not decide which ones to show. So here are a few in no order. Thanks Steph and Tim. Hope you enjoy these and I'll see you in about a month!

Ready for warm weather

Spring is trying to arrive... thank goodness. I am so ready for warm weather and a little sun. Montana is so ready. He wants to go outside all the time to play with his bubbles, sandbox, trike, and slide. It gets rather annoying when the temperature is 77 one day and 48 the other. Try explaining to a 2 year that it's cold outside today but not yesterday... not good! I let him out a little today so he could get it out of his system and he had such a good time. I know the next few days are to bring a lot more rain, which means more indoor activities. Uh! We are dying to go swimming and go for our daily walks. Until then it looks like more of mommy being the jungle gym.

Those days!

Yesterday was one of those days! Montana had a rough night of sleep because of the medicine they gave him the day before. He was complaining of leg, knee and jaw pain. We were up all night and then he was cranky all day. It finally got a little better later on in the evening. He gets in one of those moods where he wants what he wants when he wants it...typical two year old! But when he is medicated it gets worse. The doctor warned us of this so I knew what to expect. It just wears on you after awhile. I try to capture his whole experience with photos, so one day he can look back and realize all that he has been through. I think he will appreciate it later on down the road.

Images of HOPE

I have finally gotten my website ready for Images of HOPE. It is a non-profit organization that brings awareness to childhood cancers and illnesses through photography. If you know someone in the Springfield, MO area or at St. Jude that may be interested send them to www.hopeconquers.blogspot.com for more information. I have also had other photographers interested in starting an Images of HOPE in their area. If you are a photographer and you feel this is something you would be interested in doing in your area feel free to email me through my photography website at www.jessicaoatmanphotography.com.

There is HOPE in the face of a devestating diagnosis!

Crazy Weather

The weather here lately reminds me of when I lived in Colorado. One minute it was sunny and warm and by the evening we would have a snow storm. Well, two days ago we were taking Montana to the river and then today I was bundling him up and taking him on sled ride. We haven't really had any snow and the snow we did have we were in Memphis for. So, I can't complain and am just enjoying our winter wonderland. Montana had a great time eating, playing and falling in it. I just can't keep him out for too long because we don't want him to catch anything. I'm sure he'll get all bundled up later to go out with Chris one more time and make a snowman.

Exciting News!

Alot has and hasn't been going on since we arrived back in Springfield. First off, Montana is doing well and is still being the trooper that he is. He began his 6 week chemo course yesterday and will do that once a week until April. After that, we head back to St. Jude. He's enjoying his break here but he is not enjoying the medication that he has to take on a daily basis from us. To be honest... I don't enjoy giving it to him. He manages though and goes back to playing with his dinos or trains. I have been sick with the flu for the past 4 days and stuck in the room so that I don't give anything to montana. Can't wait for the summer to come and for the cold weather to be gone. We did find out some exciting news on Tuesday though. The doctors told us for sure that our second child will indeed be a GIRL!! yay! I think I have waited for a girl since I was a little girl. I always wanted to have my own daughter to take with me to go shopping and to the beach. I mean, have you ever taken a little boy shopping, UH!! My mom always said that boys are born to hate shopping and after having my own... I believe her. Montana will go to the mall, only for his chicken and fries. DO NOT take him in a store though! I believe at times he hates that more than his medications. :) He'll stand at the door with his hands over his face, like the end of the world is coming and start whining. That's when I'd tell myself... maybe the next one will be a girl. Now, I just hope she likes shopping.

Here we go again!

Last year in January we had a major ice storm that made us lose power for about 7 days. Everything in town was shut down and our house was freezing. We had only been living here for about 2 weeks at the time. Well, this morning I awoke to the same thing. Ice covering everything and me stuck inside. There are certain things that make me think of my husband when I see my son and then there are things that he does that remind me of myself. One would be his inability to sit still and stay in the house. We both like to be on the go and after two days of staying in the house we go stir crazy!! That is how we are right now. I was planning on taking him out today but I'm not too fond of driving in an inch of ice. So instead, I let him go clean off the car with Chris for a bit. It's really cold out so we didn't let him stay out for long. We can't afford for him to get sick. I would so rather be in Florida right now or the Bahamas. Some place nice and warm and covered with sand. I think Montana was thinking the same thing, because we turned around and was trucking through the house in his Mickey Ears. My mom would be so proud!

Love is in the air!

Not a whole lot has been going on here. We have been hanging out and enjoying getting caught up on all the little things. Montana and I have been doing some art projects, which he loves painting! I don't enjoy the mess but I let him do it anyway. We are leaving again on Tuesday to go back to Memphis for the week and then we get to stay in Springfield for 6 weeks. That will be our longest time at home since the begining of Nov. I think we are ALL looking forward to that! I haven't taken a ton of pictures lately but since Valentine's day is coming I thought I would try to get in the pink and red spirit. Speaking of holidays, we have spent all of them in Memphis this year. From Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, our anniversary, and now Valentine's Day. It's been a crazy little ride, but in the end, holidays don't really mean anything when it comes to taking care of your child. Here are a few images of Montana making a mess with his lollipop! Hope you all have a wonderful V-day!

Already February

We traveled to Memphis a week ago from today. It turned out that we were there for three extra days than we had planned. In turn, we didn't arrive home until yesterday evening. It wasn't what we expected, but Montana's chemo wasn't leaving his body at the rate that the doctors wanted. In long run, we just need to do what is right for him even though it may not be what we are wanting to do. Other than that, he is doing well and running around the house at the moment.

I don't think I have posted that I am pregnant and am 18 weeks today. When I was pregnant with Montana I didn't want any pictures of myself but I am trying to be better about that this time around and enjoy it a little more. I still don't enjoy being pregnant though but am trying to have more positive thoughts. The baby will be due at the begining of July. We're excited about number two finally being on the way!

Sweet little thing

Well, it's been awhile since I have last posted anything. Since then, we have gone back to St. Jude for a chemo appt. and will leave again on Tuesday for another one. In the mean time, we have been trying to get back to a normal life and get our house in order. What a mess this place is. I don't think it will be organized for awhile. Montana is doing good and being his old self. He has been wanting to play rough and have us chase him around the house. It's good to see him like his old self. My sister, Stef, came to visit last week for three days. It was a great trip with lots of shopping. I think I got my yearly dose! I also thought I would post some pictures from the last little newborn session. What a cutie this little thing is. He didn't sleep an ounce the entire time I was there.

We're leaving!

Finally, we have been checked out of St. Jude for the next 10 days. We have one more appt. tomorrow morning to get the needle taken out of his port and then we have the OK to go home to Springfield. Believe it or not, we can't actually leave until Friday because our car broke down on New Years Eve. Go figure! So we are waiting for Chris' family to get here and tow the car back to town. Hmm... so crazy! But it's all good. I know Montana is so ready to go home... if he even remembers it. We will have another Christmas waiting for us when we arrive. Santa stopped there too. It'll be nice to back in our own home and relax a little. By the way, Montana had surgery on Monday to get his new port put in, a bone marrow check and a spinal check. He did really well. When they went to access his port though they couldn't get anything through it, so into surgery he went again. Poor thing! He is doing great right now and is walking again, playing with his trains, and getting into trouble. I believe our little boy is back. It feels great to see him trying to run from us. :) My sister, Michelle and her husband got some adorable train PJ's for him that he loves, so I had to take a few shots of them. Hope everyone had a wonderful New Year!! Much love to all- Jessica

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas to everyone! I can't believe this day has come and is about to be over. We have had a wonderful day, cooking, eating, playing games and opening presents with our son. We have tons to be thankful for this year even though we have had many trials. Our family, friends, and even strangers are so caring, loving and helpful. I couldn't imaging going through this without all of them. Montana is doing much better and is actually walking around more and more each day. We are so blessed to be at this wonderful hospital where they care for each and every child as if they were their own. We just ask that you all pray for the many kids at St. Jude and for those that don't get to leave. There are many that still need transplants, are in ICU, or have infections. Because our son is doing so well, we tend to think that they are all doing well, but that's not the case. Many of them will be there for months to come. We are so thankful our son is improving and fighting his cancer with such strength. He is such an amazing little boy. We hope this Christmas was filled with much happiness and love for all of you. Thank you so much for everything you all have done. MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

"And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, 'Fear not: for behold, I bring unto you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.' And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God, and saying, 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.'"

That's what Christmas is all about! ---Linus Van Pelt, "A Charlie Brown Christmas" (Luke 2:8-14)

Love, The Oatmans
Chris, Jessica, and Montana

Quick Update

OH, We are back in Memphis to spend the holidays here with our little man. I went back to Springfield for two days to do a photo shoot and once again my days were jammed pack with tons of stuff to do. I was able to see some friends and spend a little time with my swimmers. It's good to see them again. Last week they held a swim-a-thon called "A Mile for Montana". All the swimmers had to get pledges and swim a mile for our little man. It was really sweet of them all and we greatly appreciate everything they did. Way to go guys!! We are getting anxious to bring Montana back home. It was a little weird walking back into our house again. I had no clue what to do with myself. I'll tell you that I did NOT miss the traffic there though. One trip on the road and I was ready to spend the rest of my time in the house. Lucky for me, all my shopping was done way in advance.

Montana is doing pretty good and actually trying to walk around a little. We have a train table for him in the room, which he loves! He tries his best to walk around that. His attitude has gotten better and he's becoming more like his old self. He's begining to want to play in the evening again on the bed like we used to before he got sick. It's nice to see him smile and giggle again. His counts right now are super low again but the doctors say that is normal. We have to be careful of infection and colds. We do tons of hand washing and he has to wear his mask alot. I believe we go back to the hospital on Monday and then we might get the rest of the week off. Not sure of that though. Anyways- Just thought I'd post a couple of pics. Some of them are from when my family came to visit at the begining of Dec. It was great getting to see them even though it was short. Hopefully soon! Right now, Chris' family is all here. Even his sister and her husband from Alaska whom we haven't seen in a year and a half. Well. just a quick update. Enjoy the holidays. Much Love- Jessica, Chris and Montana