The Peter Family | Noblesville, IN Family Photographer

First, let me just say - I hate eye strain ... or whatever this is that has been happening to my eyes the past few months about 75% of the time I sit down to work on pictures. The only way I can describe the feeling is that it's as though my eyes are trying to cross or they're jittering around ... I'm hoping that soon I can figure out what it is and how to fix it because while I might have the stamina to sit through a 2-3 hour editing session, this thing that happens, whatever it is, cuts into that.

In this case? I could have edited all night and shared with you far more photos than I'll be able to tonight - and that's because the session probably only lasted about 20-30 minutes! Furthermore, this was a really, really special session.

A few months ago, I befriended Megan through her blog, And Baby Makes Three. Then, I found out that she and her husband Micah ran a photography business! They're from Alaska, and during their trip to Tennessee, Megan had the very, very bright idea of stopping in Indiana to hang with us for a little while on their drive back to Chicago to catch their flight.

It was the most fun hour I've had this week next to opening Christmas presents! Besides little Caleb's cold, everything went beautifully and I am so excited to complete this set ... as well as Heather's, from a few weeks ago!

I'm so excited to hang with you guys again - perhaps on warmer turf next time! :)

Dear Abby | Muncie, IN Child Photographer

The snow has not stopped for very long at all this weekend - which I love! Having only lived in Indiana for about a year and a half now (I'm from Texas) this whole snow thing is still such a novelty. Sure, it's no fun driving in, but regardless - it's just so soft and pretty.

One of the greatest challenges of trying to start a successful photography business while still working a regular forty-hour day job, is that for all the ideas flashing through your mind, you only have weekends and evenings to bring them to life, to develop marketing, to work on your site. But that time is shared with housework, family time, and, well ... some decent rest! Still, I've learned that I must really have a heart for this, because for someone who loves and cherishes her rest as much as I do, I find myself willing to make dozens of (reasonable) sacrifices to see this little dream of mine come true.

Without further ado, here are my favorites from Saturday's photo session with my husband's darling, wee little cousin Abby and her parents. It was truly hard picking a favorite! Above all, however, it was just lovely to spend time with some family - and I have to admit: it was just the sweetest feeling in the world to hear Abby say, "Melissa, will you hold my hand?" as we walked through Minnestrista in the snow.

The lovely Lindburghs!

That last one there just sends my heart over the edge! Pure perfection. What an awesome little girl. You two need to make one of them to match ... !

Have a good week, and I'll be updating you with some pictures of the gorgeous Heather Davis and her pretty sister soon, soon, soon!

Busy Day! Sneak peak... | Muncie, IN Family Photographer

Today, I hung out with Austin's cousin Abby ...

And then, I hung out with Heather and her sister Jillian ...

Shooting in the snow? Very, very physically taxing. But totally worth it.

I just posted these out of sheer excitement, but there are dozens more to work on. But for now? A Christmas party!! And somewhere during that time, I do hope my fingers and toes thaw out ...

Check back soon!