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      November 27, 2018

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      November 19, 2018

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      December 19, 2018

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bluebonnets

They Paved Paradise And They’re Putting Up a Parking Lot and A 7-11 – The End of Bluebonnet Hill
Dallas/Ft. WorthParenthoodPhotography

They Paved Paradise And They’re Putting Up a Parking Lot and A 7-11 – The End of Bluebonnet Hill

by Jill April 26, 2016
written by Jill

R.I.P. Bluebonnet Hill. As of today, it’s totally leveled. The developers think a 7-11 is what we need. Never mind that we have a Walmart and a gas station literally across the street. The people need Slurpees, I suppose.

A photo posted by Jill Krause (@babyrabies) on Mar 23, 2016 at 6:53pm PDT

If you’ve been reading for more than a year, you know that Bluebonnet Hill is one of our (okay, MY) favorite annual traditions. I’ve been dragging my family out there for photos for 4 years, and they’ve been some of my absolute favorites ever of all time.

2015

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Easter Day 2014

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2013, months before Bruno (0ur first English Mastiff) passed

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2012

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It’s also yielded some hilarious outtakes and stories, and some of my favorite blog posts. It all started with that first year we took Leyna to a big field of weeds and nature.

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She still makes ALL. THOSE. FACES. EVERYDAY.

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She was not feeling it the next year, either…

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She finally started getting the hang of it after Lowell came around.

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And she was a seasoned pro at dealing with those “icky flowers” by last year. You can see why I had so much hope for this year!

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Then again, nothing will ever top the T-rex chase down the hill, so maybe some things are best leaving on a high note.

We still haven’t found a new spot this year, and honestly I don’t really want to. It’s too soon. Too soon to replace my beloved Bluebonnet Hill. Also, it’s a lot of work to get to another spot that’s not practically in our front yard.

So no new bluebonnet pics this year, I’m afraid. My deepest apologies.

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April 26, 2016 19 comments
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The Official 2015 Bluebonnet Post- Because That’s  A Thing
Dallas/Ft. WorthPhotography

The Official 2015 Bluebonnet Post- Because That’s A Thing

by Jill April 22, 2015
written by Jill

After years of anguish (see here and here), it seems Leyna has finally come to terms with the reality that is the field of bluebonnets every year. She not only willingly participated this year…

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Dare I say she even posed?

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I am sorry if you’re here to see her losing her mind. This is simply not funny.

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My condolences.

Even Kendall gave me a few good shots.

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Though his only real smile was reserved for when I made him reenact “pooping on bluebonnets.” Such a magical age.

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Lowell’s little personality really stole the show, though. Unlike his sister, he wasn’t disgusted or scared of the bluebonnets. There’s not much that really gets to him. He’s a go with the flow, happy dude.

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Stay here?

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No YOU stay THERE!

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Look at how the other two have been tortured into submission over the years. That pained smile on Leyna’s face, the result of years of hard work. Meanwhile, the littlest obliviously picks flowers…

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And generally gives no fucks. WE ARE IN A FIELD OF FLOWERS, YOU GUYS! WHAT IS THIS LIFE?!

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Leyna’s gentle squeeze around his neck, urging his cooperation. Look how far she’s come!

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It’s all fun and games for LoLo until he trips on a weed.

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Of course, if you keep shooting long enough, you eventually wind up with some that look serene and magical.

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This was a crop of one of the Bluebonnet Dino Apocalypse pictures. GOD BLESS THE CROP TOOL.

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And while this was the reality of what our family photo shoot looked like…

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I was able to work some magic in Photoshop and stitch together this lie…

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Did you see that I have free downloads of hi-res, non watermarked bluebonnet pics (without my kids in them) available? 

April 22, 2015 6 comments
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I Want To Give You Some Bluebonnets
Dallas/Ft. WorthPhotography

I Want To Give You Some Bluebonnets

by Jill April 19, 2015
written by Jill

I never really thought I was attached to Texas when I lived here the first time (actually 2nd time, I couldn’t really remember being born here). Junior high through high school, I did what I could to not let this state define who I was. I was an ex-Navy Brat who couldn’t shake her wanderlust. I felt suffocated in our small, conservative town. When I left for college at Mizzou, I didn’t think I was ever moving back to Texas.

To keep this blog post short, let’s just jump to the part where I DID move back. And I brought my husband and my tiny 8 week old first-born with me. Turns out, I missed it. And now it feels like home.

I still don’t feel comfortable saying we will be here forever, and I don’t really align with a lot of what people think this state represents, but I love it. I truly do.

The people are nice, the tacos are a plenty, it’s casual, the houses are gorgeous and cheap, and the bluebonnets bloom every spring.

A lot of people from other states tell me they wish they could come take pictures of or with the bluebonnets, so I thought I’d put a few images up for you all that you’re welcome to download (free!) for PERSONAL use. Print them, frame them, gift them, make them your phone background.

They are all printable up to 8×10. (If you’d like a larger size, email me – jill at babyrabies dot com, and I’ll give you pricing info.)

Now, THESE pictures below are not the images for download. They are sized and sharpened for the web with my watermark on them.

You’ll want to click on the link below each picture to download that particular one. Look for the download icon in the bottom right corner (an arrow pointing down over a line). The pics available for download will not have a watermark on them, though I would appreciate if you send people my way if they ask where you got it.

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We found one very rare white bluebonnet in a sea of blue!

#1 Download here

Free hi-res downloads of bluebonnet pictures, suitable for printing up to an 8x10, no watermark, for personal use only | BabyRabies.com

#2 Download here

Free hi-res downloads of bluebonnet pictures, suitable for printing up to an 8x10, no watermark, for personal use only | BabyRabies.com

 #3 Download here

Free hi-res downloads of bluebonnet pictures, suitable for printing up to an 8x10, no watermark, for personal use only | BabyRabies.com

Then I had some fun with my Lensbaby Spark. This is kinda what it’s like

to be drunk in a field of bluebonnets. I’d imagine.

#4 Download here

Free hi-res downloads of bluebonnet pictures, suitable for printing up to an 8x10, no watermark, for personal use only | BabyRabies.com

So spinny!

#5 Download here

Free hi-res downloads of bluebonnet pictures, suitable for printing up to an 8x10, no watermark, for personal use only | BabyRabies.com

#6 Download here

Free hi-res downloads of bluebonnet pictures, suitable for printing up to an 8x10, no watermark, for personal use only | BabyRabies.com#7 Download here

I’d love if you help me spread the word by pinning this! xoxo

Free hi-res downloads of bluebonnet pictures, suitable for printing up to an 8x10, no watermark, for personal use only | BabyRabies.com

April 19, 2015 5 comments
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PhotographyPopular PostsSchool Age Days

9 Times Leyna Just Could Not With Me And My Camera

by Jill April 16, 2015
written by Jill

Every now and then someone will question or comment about why I don’t write and share more about Leyna.

Listen, I promise she’s not some poor, neglected middle child.

I try to be careful about only sharing what is my story to share, and as my kids get older, the story becomes more and more theirs.

But mostly, she’s just… not putting up with my shit, not having any part of my Instagram game. Every now and then I’ll luck out, or I’ll literally PAY her to take pictures (when it’s part of a blog campaign that I’m getting paid for, which I think is only fair).

She really just doesn’t enjoy posing for me, or modeling, or showing off stuff. Or standing still. Or looking at me if I’m holding a camera.

As evidence, here are 9 times Leyna just could NOT with me and my camera:

1. Just this past weekend at A Day Out With Thomas…

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Can you… not?

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Oh, I’m sorry. Were you trying to get us to all take a picture? TraLaLaLaLa! After I finish this jig. Maybe. Prolly not.

2. At the pumpkin patch

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Meh

3. For this project that I PAID HER FOR

IMG_9463That’s right. It was a PAID gig. Not bribery. There’s a difference. Okay?

4. At her birthday party

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Yeah, if you could just not mess up the makeup… mmmmhmmm… air kissses! Are we done?

5. Basically every normal day of her life

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Um, it’s a cup? With a straw? I’m drinking water? Is this.. worth documenting?

6. When she just wanted a freaking cupcake and everyone was doing the Chicken Dance

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7. That Easter she just wanted to eat her Peeps in private

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8. When I brought her to her brother’s football practice

A photo posted by Jill Krause (@babyrabies) on Sep 25, 2014 at 5:31pm PDT

9. Every. single. time. those damn bluebonnets bloom

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No, but really, you need more of that bluebonnet protest in your life. Go read this classic post now. 

April 16, 2015 21 comments
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BabiesPhotographySchool Age DaysThe StoryToddlers

Bluebonnets 2014

by Jill April 22, 2014
written by Jill

We live in Texas. It’s bluebonnet season. I’m a photographer. I have children.

This is inevitable. Bluebonnet pix 2014, y’all. Here they are…

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I plugged Lowell into that Radio Flyer little wagon, and he couldn’t move. Thank God, because the other two were like feral cats.

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After Scott snapped the pics of me and the kids, he sighed, “I don’t think I got any good ones.” To which I sighed back, “I never expect to get good pictures with the kids.” And then I saw this one and I was like, “Well, that one is FANTASTIC!”

And then I saw the children.

But whatever, because when mom looks good, we all look good.

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It wasn’t the same with Leyna this year. I mean, she wasn’t exactly cooperative, but she wasn’t horrified either.

Granted, this was a very quick shoot on Easter. Only about 15 minutes, on our way to brunch. I may try to go back out and take my time with Kendall and Leyna, even if only to see if I get more classic reactions from her.

Truly, you must check out her tiptoes through the bluebonnets (also known as fields of blue terror) if you haven’t in the past.
2013
2012

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Oh, yes. You may notice that Scott is sporting a dashing green teething bracelet. I let Leyna accessorize with it before we left the house because she was losing her mind over not getting to wear my wedding ring (toddlers are the most irrational ever).

Scott took it from her when we got there, and I guess he liked the way it brought out the specks of green in his brown eyes.

Or he forgot.

(Also, Lowell in those little tractor overalls and gingham shirt? I mean, I can’t even stand it. I want him to live in this outfit, like a uniform. JoulesUSA sent it to him.)

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And finally, not only one of the very few, but also the VERY best picture of the 3 kids together to date!

It all came together with gorgeous composition, lighting, and the joy that lights up my children’s faces….

Or maybe composing to keep the throngs of other people out of my shot, full sun, lots of work in Lightroom, and an entire swap of Lowell and his wagon from another picture (with the help of a talented photographer friend).

Technology is my favorite.

I’m off to take more pictures tonight, but this time for a friend and her children. It’s sure to be immensely more enjoyable because other people’s children listen to me so much better.

April 22, 2014 6 comments
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2 is Tough When You’re Stuck In The Bluebonnets
PhotographyThe StoryToddlers

2 is Tough When You’re Stuck In The Bluebonnets

by Jill April 17, 2013
written by Jill

2 is tough. You’re still just so dang adorable that your parents want lots and lots of pictures of you…

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But you want snacks…

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And you want a nap…

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And you hate these shoes…

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And you hate the grass touching you…

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It doesn’t help that your big brother is turning on the charm…

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Doesn’t he know you want to leave this vile field of weeds?

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Show off…

IMG_2292Daddy’s boy…

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You’re fed up…

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Out of here…

IMG_2252Being 2 is tough when all you want to do is snuggle at home with mom on the couch, but you’re stuck in a field of bluebonnets.

******

Leyna’s never been a big fan of the bluebonnets.

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Check out last year’s bluebonnet post for more terror.

April 17, 2013 13 comments
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PhotographyThe Story

Less HaHa, More Awww: Bluebonnet Pics Take 2

by Jill March 31, 2012
written by Jill

Okay, so not all the bluebonnet pics are worthy of hilarious commentary. I did manage to salvage some.

Most of these were processed with Clickin Moms Film Art Presets in Citrine in Lightroom after some basic adjustments. This was one of the first shoots I did in RAW!

This last one came together with a TON of help of the Clickin Moms forums. I didn’t use any presets on it, just some adjustments in Lightroom and a couple small tweaks in Photoshop Elements.

 

March 31, 2012 18 comments
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Tiptoe Through The Bluebonnets With A Terrified Toddler
PhotographyPopular PostsThe StoryToddlers

Tiptoe Through The Bluebonnets With A Terrified Toddler

by Jill March 30, 2012
written by Jill

Hey, mom… dad? Did you mean to leave me in these…weeds?

Kendall? Where are  you going? Please take me with you!

Daddy? Really? 

Oh! Wow! Lookout… they’re everywhere.

Come on, seriously? You guys, there are totally lots of bugs out here and, like, these flowers are really itchy!

Ew! God! Make them stop TOUCHING me!

 

Oh, look. Now mommy has her mean hands out and is yelling at us through her clenched jaw. Okay, lady… sure… yeah, we’re REALLY going to do what you want now.

Dad, I don’t care what you say, they may be “pretty” but I don’t want to touch them.

I said I DON’T WANT TO TOUCH THEM!

That’s right, big brother, you tell them HELL NO, WE WON’T SMILE! Thanks for coming to my rescue, man.

OMG, Kendall, PLEASE DO WHAT HE SAYS SO THEY DON’T LEAVE US HERE!

HELP! Nature is GROSS!

Leyna is 15 months old, and I guess she doesn’t love “wowers” as much as her brother did.

March 30, 2012 40 comments
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BabiesThe Story

Belated Bluebonnet Blog Brag

by Jill July 29, 2009
written by Jill

It’s 100% my fault that it took me so long to get my hands on the beautiful photos that Dallas photographer Amy Columbus took of Kendall back in April, but alas, I have them, and I wanted to share a few with you all because it’s my blog and I can brag if I want to.

Bluebonnet season is a pretty big deal in TX. We don’t get multicolored foliage in the fall, our grass looks like shit most of the year and there’s not a cherry blossom with big enough balls to dare to bloom in this heat. What we do have, though, are our precious bluebonnets. They are with us for only a short time, but they are magnificent when they are out in full force. It’s not uncommon to see fields so thick with bluebonnets on the side of TX highways that they look like rippling seas. Although, I think it’s safe and sad to say that those fields are becoming fewer and more sparse. 

While bluebonnets were at their peak last year, I was at my peak of pregnancy. I sat there in Virginia, all fat and swollen and pregnant, and looked at the amazing pictures people were taking of their babies in the fields of bluebonnets back home. It made me terribly, TERRIBLY homesick. I consoled myself by making a silent promise to have Kendall’s pictures taken in the bluebonnets this year.

Credit Amy Columbus Photography

 

Credit Amy Columbus Photography

Kendall is shy of 15 months old. He was 11 and a half months old when these were taken.

July 29, 2009 10 comments
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