New website, new blog design, new post!

Well, as you can see, I redesigned my blog. I did this so that it would match my brand spankin new website that I absolutely LOVE!! I think it describes my work so much better and definitely represents myself more. I just felt it was time after 5 years to update things around here at Jessica Oatman Photography. :) So... here it is.

In the mean time, I went outside today in the pouring rain while my kids puddle stomped around and took some photos. I just love photos that are so natural and describe what children actually do. This is what mine do.

Emma. Childhood Cancer Photographer

While Montana battled cancer for 2.5 years, we waited in many waiting rooms, hospitals, doctor offices and much time was spent talking with other parents. Some hospitals were filled with children and parents going through the same thing you were, while other hospitals had parents and children who had no idea what you were experiencing. Montana received lots of stares and I received the questions. It really didn't bother me. I knew people wanted to know. They wanted to know why this adorable little boy was wearing a mask, why he had no hair, why he was eating bags of BBQ chips at 7 in the morning and I would always politely give my answer... he had cancer. Along that road, we have come to know so many wonderful parents and children who have battled and are still battling this horrible disease. They have been our life line in a world of words and abbreviations filled with ANC, steroids, DEX, punctures, "the white meds" or "the sleepy stuff". They understood when we cried and were fed up with seeing our child fight every single day for their life. They were there to talk and share similar stories. They are our best friends. We can still keep up and still reminisce. Some of these kids have lost their battle and earned their angle wings, others are cancer free and some are continuing this long and courageous fight. Meet Emma. She is so sweet and adorable. I'm honestly not really sure when we came to know them. I remember doing an Images of HOPE session for her about a year ago and then we met up at St. Jude when Montana was going in for his one year check up. Well, while we were in Missouri two weeks ago, I met up with them again. Her hair is grown back and she is looking GREAT!! They are coming up on their NO MO CHEMO day!! It's such a grand celebration that deserves so much hype and attention! She battled and she is winning! We love you Emma. Keep it up!