It’s been a little over 3 years since I started working at Switch Creative in Dallas, TX.  Sadly, today is my last day as a full time employee at Switch, as I prepare to have a baby.  What a blessing this opportunity has been working at such an awesome place, and I don’t say that lightly.

Over the past 3 years I have:  seen Switch practically double in size, meet & exceed several goals dreamt up at our annual retreats, host more benefit concert series at our “Hoffice” than I can count on both hands, said hello & goodbye to various college interns, got married, moved into a new mansion/Hoffice less than 5 miles from our old hoffice (house/office), welcomed home my boss & their adopted son from Ethiopia, cheered on my co-worker(s) as they welcomed triplets into this world, watched 2 other co-workers as they each got married, cheered on my boss again when they welcomed a little baby boy into this world, witnessed Jamie kick down a door to rescue Pax (the dog) from the bathroom he locked himself in, celebrated 2 employees becoming Partners of Switch, eaten a good portion of Matt’s 18th & Vine Kansas City BBQ, photographed nearly every family that I work with at Switch, experienced several “Switchmases”, came together with the ladies of Switch to create The Southern Pickwick Society, witnessed my photographs grace the pages of beautiful big glossy magazines & national campaigns & well designed websites, traveled to various places in Texas for photo shoots, traveled to beautiful Colorado twice for annual Switch Retreats, and the list goes on…

The past 3 years have been such a whirlwind of blessings and trials and amazing times working with some seriously creative, fun  and talented people. I’m beyond grateful for my experience working at Switch. When you come work at Switch, you’re more becoming a part of a new family  than  going to “a place to work”, which I couldn’t have asked for more. Being a part of Switch has forced me to challenge myself creatively, constantly learn, think outside of the box, and always want to better my craft.  I will never forget my time at Switch and the relationships that were built and the many times I laughed so hard I cried.

Even though I will continue as a contracted/freelance photographer for Switch after I have my baby, I will still miss coming into the hoffice every day to whatever adventure may be at hand.  Since I could go on forever telling stories from my time at Switch, I’ll leave you with some of my favorite photos. Keep in mind this is only a small-ish sampling (even though it’s a ton of photos). You’re welcome.

 

 

HOW FAR ALONG? 31 weeks…. only 9 ish weeks left.

SIZE OF OUR SWEET BABY?  Weighs as much as 4 navel oranges (up to 19  inches head to heal, and about 3.5 – 4 lbs).

MATERNITY CLOTHES?  Yep. Still rockin’ them. And they’re getting a bit snug. I enjoy dresses and skirts more than anything tight around the bottom of my waist or legs. No thank you!

GENDER: BOY

SLEEP?  It’s been ok. I’ve been traveling so much lately that my sleep is lighter when away from home. I try to BE in bed for at least  8-9 hours with hopes of snagging at least 7 hours of “solid” sleep.

FOOD CRAVINGS?  Salads lately. Probably since I’ve been away from home and can’t control my diet as much, I just want to replenish with healthy salads/smoothies. I made a delicious Italian chopped salad for our Switch Family Feast the last night of the Switch Retreat.

WHAT I MISS?  Exercising outside at the lake. There have been more than 10 fatal cases of West Nile Virus in the area, so I’ve steered clear (and haven’t had time). Reaching my feet (thankful for pedicures).

SYMPTOMS?  This is the first week I’ve REALLY felt the physical effects of late pregnancy. Swollen feet (they’re only getting bigger), achey back and hips. Exhaustion. Lots of trips to the lady’s room since Brady’s kicking/laying on my bladder. Also, feeling a lot more emotional. I’ve been so even keel the entire time, but it hit hard this week.

BELLY BUTTON?  WAY stretched out.

BEST MOMENT(S) OF THE PAST WEEK?

1. Spending time in Colorado with my co-workers who I really enjoy. Good food, deep conversations, lots of fun & laughter.  One of my favorite “moments” of the trip was making a big italian dinner together our last night in Colorado and all 13 of us sitting around a big table sharing comical, as well as, sentimental moments with each other. I will miss times like this.

2. The day after my birthday (still in Durango), everyone went into town to float the river or rent bikes/hike and my boss surprised me with a mani/pedi at a local spa!  I was blown away. She even apologized that she wasn’t able to get me a massage since they were booked. What?! It was such a nice gift!!!

3. All of the sweet phone calls, emails, and snail-mail cards from friends and family wishing me a happy birthday. I always feel so loved by their thoughtful actions!

When I got home from work I pulled out the chicken we’d grilled & the onion I chopped the night before and compiled the rest of the ingredients to make my favorite, King Ranch Casserole. It’s kind of my “go to” recipe when hosting a dinner party. The casseroles were completed and ready to go into the oven. I put the charro beans I had slow cooked the day before back in the crock pot to heat up. They’re so yummy, I could have eaten them cold. Ok, maybe not.

I sliced some lemons and limes and plopped them into a large pitcher of ice water. Mmm… so refreshing. That was my “fancy” drink for the evening, seeing that I can’t indulge in a nice glass of wine or sangria for a while. I lit all the mason jar candles around the house and on the dining room table and made sure all the place settings were good to go before the girls arrived. Bethany and Ashaun arrived first with Sangria, 2 types of wine, and mini cupcakes. Michele arrived with Mi Cocina salsa (yum!) and warm chips. Kelsey arrived with ingredients to make a delicious salad that included a sliced green apple and dried cranberries. Christina showed up wearing oven mits holding a dish of sopapilla cheescake fresh out of the oven (oh my gosh it was so good). Then, Kimi arrived with her magical guacamole dip, which was chunky with tomatoes, corn, and other goodies!  All in all, it was a great gathering with terrific home made food and great conversation.

You may be asking, “What is the Southern Pickwick Society”? Well, that’s soon to be unveiled… for now I will just say it’s a group of ladies all gifted in various creative ways that work at Switch Creative who appreciate Southern Hospitality and hope to share our gifts with the world.

Here are some photos from the lovely evening.

George modeling Kelsey’s lovely necklace.