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Someone I love needs a cure {Rogan's Photography, Mobile, AL, family photographer, child photographer, baby photographer}

rogansphotography — Mon, 05 Nov 2012 20:32:50 +0000

November is epilepsy awareness month. Seeing what my son and many other go through is so painful. As a parent, you want to help your child. When they are having a seizure, or seizure days as my son has, there is nothing you can do, but try to comfort your child. Some people are unaware during a seizure, but my son is not. He is very aware of what is happening. He also feels them coming on. This is called an aura and it is actually a sensory seizure. Then as the seizure spreads to affect other areas of the brain, other symptoms come. His seizures almost always have an aura, feeling of going down an elevator with with foot off the ground, buzzing/ringing, and emotional distress) They cause his body to HAVE TO MOVE. He will either pace the floor or rock himself. It is actually the brain’s way of trying to slow itself down and self-regulate. Then as the seizure progresses, he will lose control of one of his legs. It can vary which one is affected and a few times, it has been both legs. If he is walking or pacing, he will fall down. Then comes the worst part… the convulsions. His convulsions are only his lower half, but his arms sometimes draw up and his head turns. His pupils are so big you can’t see any of the beautiful blue of his eyes. He sometimes yells out as they begin. His muscles contract uncontrollably for several minutes, but it seems like eternity. It is hard to breath during a seizure. It is painful to have a seizure. AND, some people remember EVERYTHING! Tyler has described his seizures as “monster claws scratching up his legs” and “electric shock.”

After one year of medication, we still have not gained complete control of Tyler’s seizures. One third of individuals with epilepsy do not respond to medication. Some of these patients have the option of brain surgery. While others opt for extreme diets in hopes of reduction in number and severity of seizures.

Epilepsy affects about 2 million Americans. Ten percent of people will experience a seizure at some point in their life and 1 out of 26 of those individuals will receive a diagnosis of epilepsy. Epilepsy is expected to account for approximately 50,000 deaths annually due to status epilepticus (non-stop seizures), Sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP), drowning and other accidents during seizures. This number is totally unacceptable. Especially compared to 39,520 expected deaths from breast cancer in 2011. I believe that both of these numbers are too high. However, as breastcancer.org pointed out, the reduction in the number of deaths from breast cancer is due in part to an increase in awareness.

This is where you come in. I have been tring to increase awareness myself, but I can’t do it alone. Every day for the month of November, I’ll be posting an epilepsy fact. I’m asking all of my friends, family, and fans to share it. (You MUST hit the “share” buttom for me to see that you have shared. For every time you share an epilepsy awareness status you will be entered to win a free session with me. Please note that I can only give credit for one sharing per status. But, if you share each status for the entire month, you will have 30 chances to win. If we have more than 100 shares, I’ll give away 2 sessions!

Details:This contest is not endorced or in any way associated with facebook. Session will take place between January – June 2013. It can include up to 5 people (immediate family), and it must take place in Mobile county. Due to AL tax regulations, no prints or digital files will be given away with the session. Minimum purchase requirement waived.

It's a new day, it's a new life for me... And, I'm feeling good!!! {Rogan's photography, MS Gulf coast, Mobile, AL, child photographer, family photographer, epilepsy awareness, GARD living}

rogansphotography — Fri, 05 Oct 2012 16:12:12 +0000

Seizures are no fun.

They keep you up at night.

They ruin fun plans.

They cause you to lose control of your body.

They hurt.

Most people, don’t understand them.

And, they require lots of testing.

Tyler during his last eeg. Smiling even though he was experiencing back to back seizures all day.

When my son had his last seizures in August, he had lost all hope. The medicines had been increased until they were toxic to his liver with no relief. In fact, they were coming more frequently. As he prayed, begging God to help him stop the inevitable seizure from taking over his little body, I knew I had to do something. I had been told of a veterinarian who cured dogs of seizures by restricting certain proteins from their diet (glutamate and aspartate.) People had also claimed success on this diet. Sound crazy and far-fetched? Yeah, I thought so too. However, when you see your child in the desperate state mine was in, you are willing to try anything. I began researching and trying to find other people, REAL PEOPLE, who had implemented this diet with success.

I found her. She lives near me. Our boys are close in age. And now, the two new friends have something in common besides epilepsy. They are both finding success on the GARD diet !

What does success feel like? Michael Buble says it best…. It’s a new day, it’s a new life for me… and, I’m feeling good!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Edwsf-8F3sI

That’s not to say that seizures have stopped completely. We’ve only been doing it for a little over a month, but so far, we haven’t had a single seizure. As for my friend’s son, he still has them, but they have been DRAMATICALLY reduced. Something, that no medicine has been able to do for him as of yet. If you or anyone you know is experiencing epilepsy, I urge you to check out http://www.dogtorj.com and research the GARD diet for yourself.

As with any new diet, this one takes a lot of getting used to. I find myself making mistakes, but I try to correct them the next time.We have been pleasantly surprised by how good all of the new food tastes. We have tried so many wonderful and delicious recipes and LOVED most of them. Today we were craving one of our favorites… pumpkin bread. But our old recipe was out of the question. So, like so many things in life, we adapted. We were very excited that the new recipe was just as delicious as the first. We were so happy with it, that we wanted to share it with you!

Directions:

We prefer to use fresh pumpkin, so I buy two pie pumpkins and cook them together. One is enough for the recipe, but I freeze the rest for other recipes. just slice the pumpkins in half and scoop out the seeds and strings. Steam pumpkin for 12 minutes. Let cool a bit and then separate the pumpkin from the skin and puree it in a food processor or blender. Now it is ready to be used or frozen,

Ingredients:

2 cups pumpkin

3 1/2 cups all purpose coconut flour (I used gluten free mama brand)

2 tsp zanthum gum

2 tsp baking soda

2 tsp cinnamon

2 tsp nutmeg

1 1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp all spice

1 1/2 cups stevia

3/4 cup honey

4 eggs

1/2 cup water

1 cup coconut oil melted

Combine coconut flour, zanthum gum, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt all spice, and stevia. In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin, honey, eggs, water, and oil. Add the wet ingredients to the dry ingredients and mix. Grease two 9X5 loaf pans and distribute batter evenly. Bake at 350 degrees for one hour.

A face worth remembering.... (why I do what I do) {rogan's photogrpahy, Mobile, AL, MS Gulf Goast, family photographer, newborn photographer, maternity photographer}

rogansphotography — Mon, 01 Oct 2012 21:54:39 +0000

Today is October 1st. One of my most favorite days of the year. Why??? Because of the amazing memories I have of my mom and her absolute love for decorating. Each year, she would wait until October 1st to put up her fall decorations. She called it the first day of “decorating season.” That’s right, it was a season for my mom. First was fall/pumkins, with a splash of Halloween, then came Thanksgiving, Christmas, Valentine’s day, St. Patricks day, Easter, and then patriotic themed. She was so happy during this time of year and she always had a smile. The only problem was that she hid her smile. (at least from the camera) She never felt “ready” enough for a quick snapshot. Sometimes we would sneak one, but most of the time, she covered her face or turned around.

My mom was the most beautiful woman I have ever known. Of course, she wasn’t a supermodel. She was so much more! She was everything to her 6 children and her loving husband. We loved her uncondintionally. With or without makeup, in her best clothes or her PJs, it really didn’t matter. To us, she was mom. She was everything.

In Feb of 1998, she found out that she had lymphoma. Between chemotherapies, a bone marrow transplant, and many platlet infusions, she fought for her life for 6 years. There were good days and bad days, and plain old struggle to open your eyes days. We tried to make the most of the situation and enjoy all the good days. We went to Disney for the first time with the whole family. We invited all the family over for Thanksgiving, even though cooking such a big meal was hard on her to say the least. We had family grills any time we could find an excuse. Needless to say, mom still hid from the camera most of the time.

The girls in Disney 1998

The whole family enjoying Disney together!

My most favorite Christmas ever was 2004. Everything was perfect. We even had some snow! I truly believe God sent a gift for my mom, straight from Heaven, to enjoy on her very last Christmas here on earth. Even though mom was weak and tired, she managed to come to the front yard and watch her family enjoying the snow that she had always dreamed of.

Time passes, and sadly, memories fade. My son, who loved his Maw Maw more than words can ever express, was only 3 years old when she passed away. He talks about her often and recalls memories of time spent with her. But, he told me the other day, that he couldn’t even remember her voice or what she looked like anymore. I am so thankful for the few pictures that we have so that he can look back and remember her sweet face and feel the love that she felt for her family.

Unfortunately, I have found, that I too, hide my smile from the camera. Too many times, I cover my face and tell my husband, “I don’t have on any makeup.” Or, “my hair isn’t fixed.” But, I have made an effort to jump in front of the camera with my kids whenever I can. Won’t you join me? Because, God forbid, something horrible would happen to me, or you, and cause us to leave our families with only memories. Wouldn’t you want them to have these treasured photographs of you? If you are due for family photos, please schedule a session. If they just aren’t in the budget right now, take them yourself. Most cameras have an auto timer. Set it up and snap away! Or take a friend and let them snap a few pictures. However, you do it, just take some pictures of yourself and your loved ones. Hang them on the wall and hang them BIG! I have already scheduled our family portraits for this fall and I can’t wait! Yes, I am “hoping” to lose weight before then. But, I won’t let my size stop me from making wonderful photographic memories with my family.

To make it easier for everyone to have family portraits this year, I am offering a limited number of discounted family mini sessions. I urge anyone who hasn’t had family portraits this year to book your session. Whether you have them made by me or someone else, please just have them taken! Your family deserves it. Because, after all, yours is a face worth remembering!

The family Thanksgiving 2003

All business in my tie! {Rogan's Photography MS gulf coast newborn photographer}

rogansphotography — Mon, 16 Jul 2012 21:01:33 +0000

Mr. Dominic was such a little man for his photo shoot. He didn’t want to miss anything so he wasn’t going to sleep at all! He was completely chilled out in front of the camera and even talked to me!

After a while, he was done modeling, but we still managed to get some really sweet images of mom and dad consoling him. He is a VERY loved baby boy!

Thank you Courtney and Micah for allowing me to photograph your sweet baby boy. I look forward to seeing him again!

To see more of my work, please visit my facebook page!

schools out for summer!!! {Mobile, AL photographer}

rogansphotography — Wed, 23 May 2012 12:02:52 +0000

So, now that school is out, or nearly out as the case may be, what do you have planned for you and the children? I have been searching fun things to do here on the gulf coast that won’t break the bank. I’ll share a few of them here with you!

Who likes buttery popcorn and big movie screens???? THIS GIRL! And, so do my kids. Several theaters have teamed up to offer summer movies for the kids. Starting June 7th, they will be showing a $2 movie every Thursday. They are older movies that you may already own, but come on, for $2 isn’t it worth watching on the BIG SCREEN? I won’t see them all, but we will def make it for a couple. Carmike here in Mobile is participating as well as a few others in AL and FL.

http://www.carmike.com/Promotions/119

I may not be a bowling pro, but I do enjoy hurling heavy things every now and then, lol. If you or your family like to bowl, or just want a fun family night every week during the summer months, check this out. Kids bowl FREE! You just have to sign up at the link below. At the end of sign up (it’s just a few basic questions and email address to send the tickets each week) you will be able to purchase a summer pass for less than $30. It is a great deal and if you run into me out there is should also be quite entertaining

https://freebowling.amf.com/

If you enjoy getting out and enjoying nature, how about checking out Mobile Botanical Gardens. They have lots of shade and my kids love running around in the gardens looking for rabbits and insects (GROSS!) I frequent the gardens for photo shoots as well and it is a totally different place every time I go. Feel free to drop by for a picnic. You may even see us there! They don’t have admission fees, but they do accept donations. If you can donate anything, just drop it in the little box on the side of the building!

http://mobilebotanicalgardens.org/

Another gem here on the gulf coast is the Lynn Meadows Children’s Museum in Gulfport. We LOVE that place. Your imagination can go wild with all the creative play opportunities. From a train ride with fun dining car to a ship transferring cargo or a plane ride to Mexico, your child is sure to have tons of fun. WARNING: the fun is VERY CONTAGIOUS!!! Lynn Meadows has free Friday afternoons on the last Friday of each month. They also have discounted prices on Sunday and for military families! And, if you live REALLY close, you can take advantage of the $3 after 3 deal!

http://www.lmdc.org/

Of course there are beaches and parks all over the place. I’ll have to do a separate post on just the local parks. We love trying out new parks, so if you know of a fun park, let me know. We’d love to try out your favorite parks too!

Whatever you do this summer, don’t forget to bring your camera because good times are certain and you don’t want to miss the opportunity. I hope everyone has a blast this summer!

at the end of this year, filled with firsts and fun, my angelbaby Alexis is finally one {Mobile, Al MS gulf coast newborn and child photogrpaher}

rogansphotography — Tue, 08 May 2012 19:52:58 +0000

I have been planning my daughter’s birthday before her actual birth day thanks to my wonderful friends on pinterest. But, it is still hard to imagine that the day has finally come. I wanted her birthday to be a special celebration of all that she has done and all that she is. I created a special birthday announcement resembling a birth certificate with all of the first year milestones and when she achieved each one. I even included her first hand print and footprint. (I made sure they were printed at the actual size too)

Her birthday colors are pink and purple, so we wanted to use that same theme for her birthday photo shoot. I have also been planning this since before her birth. I know, pretty pathetic, but I have for so long, waited to do all things girly and now I finally can

I made the cake myself because I had in my mind exactly what I wanted. I think it turned out alright, although I’m not sure it was really worth all the work

Her birthday shoot went just as planned. She isn’t a big eater, so she really didn’t eat the cake, but she did lick her hand and make quite a mess with it after she fell head first into it, lol

Messy cake=perfect pictures!

Winner, winner, chicken dinner... {rogan's photography, Mobile, AL, family photographer, child photographer, baby photographer}

rogansphotography — Fri, 30 Mar 2012 13:27:58 +0000

ok, so there’s no chicken dinner , but the good news is, we do have a winner!!! I love all of the pictures posted and very much appreciate everyone who participated. My son, Tyler, felt really special too.

Wear purple for me!

I would have never been able to choose a winner. So, I thought it appropriate to let Tyler choose the winner. To make if fair, we put all of the names in a bowl and drew one winner. But, first I want show off all of the amazing friends who posted pictures to support our cause.

Now… drum roll please…..

The winner of the free session and complimentary 10X13 is…..

(Tyler thought it would be cool for his transformers to hold the winning name, so…)

Victoria!

But, Caiden felt left out. He wanted to help pick a winner too. So, Caiden and Alexis both picked out winners to receive a discounted session ($75) and a complimentary 11X14!

Johanna!

But, I couldn’t help myself, I just loved all of the entries, so…. I’m extending the discounted session fee of $75 to all of the participants.

Please remember, sessions need to be scheduled on or before June 30th and they are non-transferrable. Sessions must take place in Mobile, AL or Jackson county, MS. Limited to participants and immediate family only, (No extended family sessions.) To schedule your sessions, email me at rogansphotography@gmail.com

Royal beauty {MS Gulf Coast newborn photographer}

rogansphotography — Thu, 23 Feb 2012 21:46:00 +0000

This royal beauty is just as sweet as she can be.

And, so lucky to have been born into the sweetest family.

Sweet big sister got a turn to have her picture made too. She was playing so sweetly with her little baby. She is going to be such a good big sister.

My angelbaby

rogansphotography — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:25:14 +0000

I just wanted to share a peak at my daughters 8 month session. She passed out during the session, so I quickly took advantage of that (The benefit of mommy being the photographer)

Sweet baby J

rogansphotography — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 16:04:23 +0000

Sweet baby Joseph wasn’t really in the sleepy mood, so we got some adorable portraits of him awake.

Then when he finally gave it up, we got those sweet little sleepy pictures that everybody loves!

And, we had to squeeze in one of the beautiful new family! Congratulations mom and dad!

Before you were born... Mobile, AL newborn photographer

rogansphotography — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 20:27:37 +0000

Before you were born, I loved you

I always love newborn sessions, but when it’s my very own nephew…. I love it even more!

Momma's little man

Introducing Baby Nicolas! He was a little bit old for newborn pictures. I always recommend having them done within the first 10 days after birth. But, luckily, he was getting over a little cold and was pretty sleepy, so we were able to do some of the typical newborn poses with him.

Fresh

It also helped that he was teeny tiny. I could just squish him all up he is so cute. I can’t wait to hold him again. Although, I’m sure the next time I see him, he will be all over the place. I’m so glad that my sister was able to bring him down for a quick visit and I was able to capture these precious memories for her.

precious

You're gonna miss this... { Mobile, AL baby photographer}

rogansphotography — Thu, 04 Aug 2011 22:56:12 +0000

Pretty princess

I hear it all the time… “they grow so fast!” Sometimes, I wish I could just slow her down a tad. It is simply amazing to witness all the new things Alexis is learning and watching her grow. But, all I can do is absorb every minute of her (and her brothers too!) The first 3 months have just flown by. My sweet little princess just gets more and more beautiful each day. (Ok, I admit, I am a little biased!) I just wanted to share a few pictures from Lexi’s 3 month photo shoot. (I know she has mini shoots every day, but we got dressed up for this one!)

I love being able to capture developmental milestones like this. Is there anything sweeter than a tiny baby pushed up on her elbows, holding up a wobbly head and grinning? I think not!Then she fell asleep. No worries here. I like sleepy baby pictures!

Her serious face! I love my sweet little angel more and more every day!

For this child, I have prayed 1 Samuel 1:27 Mobile, AL and MS gulf coast maternity and newborn photographer

rogansphotography — Thu, 12 May 2011 18:35:01 +0000

When I found out I was pregnant with my first child in 2000, I remember praying as I was driving home one night. As I prayed, the name Alexis Haleigh just came to me, and brought such peace. It was as if God was sitting right beside me whispering, “don’t worry dear, you’re going to have a healthy baby girl” I went home that night, and like a little school girl, I wrote the name Alexis Haleigh over and over again on my notebook. I was so convinced I was having a girl, that I didn’t even believe the ultrasonographer who told me it was in fact a boy! But after a few ultrasounds of a very proud little guy, I knew I was not having an Alexis. Not this time…. My mom however, was not so convinced. She insisted that I buy a pink coming home outfit… just in case. I thought she was being silly, but I didn’t argue (too much.) Even though my baby was a boy, I kept that dress because it was “the” dress.

This is the pink bib momma gave me "just in case"

Fast forward a few years and we are expecting again. We were so excited that we shared the wonderful news with anyone willing to listen. We were moving into a new house and everything was going our way. Then it happened. The thing every expectant mom fears most…. we lost our baby. I never realized how hard it was to lose a pregnancy. As I mourned for the child I had never met, I thanked God for the healthy one he had given me, but I wanted more.

When we learned that we were pregnant again, all we wanted was a healthy baby. But, when the dr said, “it looks like a girl,” I got super excited! I was going to bring this baby home in the dress. This dress had become even more special to me now that my mom had passed away. Bringing my baby home in this dress felt as though my mom was somehow a part of this. However, at our next dr visit, we had another US. This time we saw something completely different. I still only wanted a healthy baby, but a part of me hurt that I couldn’t bring my baby home in that dress. I thank God each and every day for the wonderful boys he has blessed us with, but a part of me still hoped for a baby girl.

All because two people fell in love

In August of 2010, we found out we were expecting yet again. This time, I was not going to get my hopes up. I just wanted a healthy baby. When the ultrasound tech told me it looked like a girl, I wasn’t completely convinced. But after our 4D ultrasound, I knew this baby would be the one to wear the pink dress.

Alexis has been such a blessing to our family. I feel that our family is finally complete. Her brothers can’t get enough of her. Every time I turn around, one of them is loving on her. And, she defintely has her daddy wrapped around her tiny little finger!