Jersey Shore Air Freshener

Last night when I got home, my husband greeted me at the door and said "welcome home, I got some Jersey Shore air freshener today." I was a little confused until I walked in and was hit in the face with the strong smell of cologne. He had knocked a brand new bottle of cologne off of the counter and it shattered all over the floor. Our home was fragrant for awhile but luckily it broke on the tile and once we got rid of all of the pieces, scrubbed, and took out the trash, it was tolerable. That was an expensive bottle of "air freshener" but thank goodness it didn't get on the carpet, that would have really smelled for awhile!

Pink or Blue? Drum Roll Please .....

It's a GIRL! We found out this morning that we are having another girl and we couldn't be happier. I knew it would be fun either way - having one of each or having sisters that can play together and be the best of friends (unless they're fighting). From a practical standpoint, this works out well because we have an entire wardrobe of fabulous clothing already waiting for her as well. Now that I am feeling better and we know there's another little beauty headed our way, I am feeling more excited every day!

Big Sigh

I haven't blogged in a few days so it's safe to say I failed at NaBloPoMo. However, I was on a much needed break this past week at my mom & dad's house. I got lots of rest, ate lots of good food, and I think I'm the only person who actually wished to gain a few pounds over the course of the week (being sick for so long has made my weight go in the opposite direction this pregnancy which in my case, is apparently frowned upon by my doctor). I shot my first wedding yesterday (my sister-in-law) and although it went SO much better than I anticipated, I am definitely not becoming a wedding photographer. Too much pressure! Plus, it was freezing cold, windy and on a lake - my fingers and toes were completely numb. I have lots of things to blog about, but tonight all I can say is that I feel like heaving a big sigh. I already miss my parents & siblings a lot. Addison misses them even more, which makes it harder. She was spoiled rotten last week and has been asking for "Nana & Papa" all afternoon. Tonight, it makes my heart hurt to live away from my family. I am thankful we'll be back in just a few short weeks for Christmas. After that, I don't know how I'll reconcile it ...

On a more positive note, we find out in the morning if we're having a boy or a girl! Stay tuned!!

The Truth About Black Friday

This week I've discovered the truth about Black Friday. I've been paying close attention to the barrage of emails I have received this week, from "pre-Cyber Monday" sales to "first look at Black Friday" and today's shopping trip confirmed my suspicions- most of the sales are already going on prior to Friday. We went to the outlet mall and regular mall today and every store we went into already had their promotions posted and were giving them early. We got 40% off entire purchase at Banana Republic & Ann Taylor Loft, 50% at Carters, and so on. Sure, I know there are doorbusters like cameras, video games and toys that people are willing to literally kill each other to get, but I tried it out a couple of years ago and I don't see much benefit in getting up that early and fighting the masses unless there's one particular item that you are hunting that happens to be on sale. Today we shopped in virtually no crowds, got great deals, and were able to enjoy the day. I'm sure I'll feel my usual fear of "missing out" on Friday morning but it won't last long. I've already gotten my deals and Friday I'll be lounging with family and enjoying the peace.

Happiness is a banana popsicle

In Addison's world, happiness is a banana popsicle. I think my parents house is the equivalent of Disney her 16 month old eyes. From the time she wakes up, she's on wagon rides, eating cinnamon rolls & banana popsicles, swinging, and basically doing whatever her little heart desires. If she wants to go outside, there's always someone willing to take her (or to do anything else for that matter). I do believe we're going to have an interesting week re-adjusting to life at home where the popsicles do not appear on command and there are no "big dogs" for her to play with. Until then, I'll enjoy watching the joy continue to unfold around me.

A good gift is hard to find

I really like to give "good" gifts. I don't necessarily mean expensive (although I'd love to be in a position to buy gifts with no thought to the cost), what I mean is that I really try hard to give gifts that are personal and mean something to the recipient. I had a big fail this summer with one gift for a friend (long story but I thought she'd love it and her response was lukewarm at best) so I feel like I've been extra careful lately. My mother's birthday was yesterday and I gave her a blog book from this site. As soon as I saw this idea on someone else's blog I knew I wanted to do it but they can get expensive, especially if you are a frequent blogger. A few months ago I saw a Groupon for a discount on one of these blog books and I snapped it up. I decided to order a book of all of my mother's blog posts for 2009. She loved it! The book is extremely well made and the printing is excellent. It features a table of contents which makes it easy to look through and quickly find something particular. The fun thing is that it makes it easy to look at back and I don't know that some of those posts would ever be re-read if they weren't in this format. I definitely want one (or one for every year) for my own blog. I just need to wait for another discount code to come out now ...

If I Only Had A Brain

I used to laugh when people referred to "pregnancy brain." I thought it was an excuse for being a little scatterbrained. Well, I am truly a believer that it's a real thing now. I didn't have much trouble when I was pregnant with Addison, but this time I feel like half the time, my brain just isn't working. In the past several weeks I have forgotten about 2 meetings (thanks to my Outlook calendar I made it to both without a minute to spare), lost my keys more times than I can count, and had a variety of other mishaps that have made me doubt my sanity. The latest was the fact that while packing for my 10 day trip to my parents house, I failed to pack a coat, or hardly any clothes for that matter. I have plenty of tops but I only packed one pair of jeans and some yoga pants. My daughter on the other hand, has a wardrobe for any occasion while we are here - sweaters, dresses, play clothes, she has it all. At least one of us will look good ...

Keeping an eye on things

I missed another post yesterday, I didn't have anything interesting to say by the time I finished editing photos last night and since I already fell off the NaBloPoMo wagon I figured it didn't really matter. We leave the day after tomorrow for a wonderful week with family and I couldn't be more excited! In the meantime, I've got a little person underfoot who's been helping me keep an eye on things ...


She was "bird watching" at school this week and they made binoculars - how cute is that?!

I survived

I survived today! I took the day off of work because I had so many photo shoot requests that I just could not accommodate them all before Thanksgiving. Luckily, I had some days I had to "use or lose" so I was able to take a day off for photography. I had 3 photo shoots today and I am exhausted! The first one consisted of a family portrait of 6 week old twins, a 3 year old, two English Bulldogs and the parents. Yes, it was as much fun as it sounds like (thank goodness the mother had realistic expectations for that one because it was insane). Next, I went to take 3 month photos of a baby I saw as a newborn in August. The house they live in is a photographer's dream - perfect lighting, perfect decor, perfect in every way (I want to live there). The baby was a doll and the parents are ridiculously photogenic. It was much better than the first shoot. I finished the day with a maternity shoot that felt like a breeze after my past 2 months of chasing little ones. I am exhausted, but SO relieved to have all of these shoots behind me. I said I wasn't going to book anything for after Thanksgiving but I already have 2 requests ... what to do ...

I wish I could share some pics but I don't think it would be fair to do it here before I send them to the families. Boo :(

Spoiled Rotten

I didn't post yesterday so I guess I didn't make it through my post a day challenge but I have good reason. I was kidnapped. Yesterday I thought I was going to a spa day and then lunch with some friends. We had a great time at the spa and a fun lunch, and on the way home I got a BIG surprise. We detoured to the Ritz Carlton and checked in for a girls sleepover! I have the best friends in the world. We were greeted with champagne (water for me) and escorted to a wonderful room which the girls stocked with my favorite foods, magazines and fun activities. They had even arranged matching pajamas with our names on them! It was relaxing and wonderful. I feel SO loved! We finished the weekend this morning with brunch at the Ritz Beach Club, it was a perfect weekend. If this is any indication of what 30 is going to be like, I'll take it!

I would post more pics but since I was being spoiled, I let one of the girls take most of the pics and just put the camera down and enjoyed! Luckily I have pictures from her birthday so I can bribe her to make a trade with me and hopefully I'll have more soon.

I have arrived ...

at 30! I had a great day - lots of loving birthday wishes, great gifts, flowers from my sister, cupcakes from my parents, dinner with friends, and an outing with Crazy Betty. What more could a girl ask for?!? Tomorrow brings even more fun (spa with my besties!) and although this blog is in dire need of photos and a "real" post, I need to go to bed. I'm sticking with this "post every day" thing and I am claiming an exemption for posting such a short (lame) post because I'm the birthday girl. I'll do better tomorrow I promise! So far, 30 is fabulous :)

On the eve of 30

Tomorrow I turn 30! I am looking forward to this weekend because there are lots of fun things planned. The number 30 doesn't scare me like I thought it would. I feel like I have such a wonderful life - an amazing husband, beautiful little girl and another baby on the way, great friends, a job I love ... there's no reason to be anything but happy! My mom has never worried about aging and she told me once that when she was young she decided she was going to age joyfully and gracefully. I think I am going to embrace that mantra and make it my own. Remind me of that next time I start talking about getting botox ;)

It's Beginning To Look A Lot Like ...

Christmas!! Is it just me or is the Christmas stuff out waaay early this year? Macy's is already decorated, Target has their displays up, even the fast food restaurants are displaying holiday signs. There have been years that I found it annoying that holidays are promoted early, but this year is different or maybe it's just that I love Christmas so much. I don't mind it one bit! In fact, we are leaving for our Thanksgiving vacation in 10 days and I'm thinking of putting my tree up before we leave. That way we can enjoy decorating it and have everything looking festive when we get back. Call me crazy but I am loving it. I wonder if Addison is going to try to dismantle the tree this year? Should be interesting ...

Are you feeling the cheer yet?

In a Flash

I was looking back through my posts from last November and it seems like it was just a couple of months ago - not a whole year! Last year on this day I posted this picture ...

Now she looks like this (sorry it a little out of focus). She looks similar but boy has she changed! From tummy time to running around, it happened in a flash.

Behind the Scenes

I have been editing client photo galleries like crazy for the past couple of months. I have one more left to finish this week and then two photo shoots next week. Then I am finished for the holiday season (I think)! I have a hard time saying no so I'll let you know how that works out for me.

This past weekend I had a fun shoot - the mom brought fabulous clothes, we had fun props, beautiful weather ... But this was a re-shoot because the first time we tried the baby melted down completely about 5 minutes into it and there was no consoling her. As I edited photos tonight from another particularly difficult shoot with a 2 year old I got to thinking that the behind the scenes of a children's photographer would make good blog material and even better video. We sing, we dance, we make faces. There are bribes (not recommended but it happens) and there are little boys who tell me to "go away!" It's quite chaotic almost 80% of the time. The funny thing is that I'm totally used to it and while the parents are often apologizing to me, I feel more sorry for them because they seem way more stressed than I am. I think the dynamic shifts dramatically when kids reach about 5 years old and then you can get those relaxed family shots of everyone having fun. Until then, the rulers of the day are usually the little people. So for now, I'll continue to dance on my head and hope no one records my singing to post on YouTube. I hate posts with no photos but I'm doing it again. I've been so busy taking other people's pics that I don't have any new ones of my own to share.

Saving Daylight

Who ever came up with daylight savings time? I think we should pick a time system and stick with it. Before kids, I loved "falling back" but now I think it's kind of a hassle. It throws the little people off, it gets dark SO early, and I'm not a fan. Today was odd and while it may have nothing to do with the time change, it's an easy target.

This is my last week of being in my 20's (as a few friends were so kind to remind me) and that blows my mind. I used to think 30 was so old! Now I'm here AND I almost have 2 children. Okay, my mind has been officially blown. Hope you had a wonderful weekend and have an even better week! I am looking forward to the end of this week, even though it brings a "scary" number :)

Baby It's Cold Outside

It's unusually cold here this weekend! I was supposed to have two photo shoots today but we cancelled my early one due to the cold (which I thought was great news). The one I did have went perfectly and then I got to spend some perfect time with Addison outside. She loves exploring and I just sat on a blanket and let her go as she pleased. What a little blessing she is!

Babies

First of all, it's Friday night and I'm up at 11:20 pm - take note because that never happens anymore! Between being pregnant and having a little one who wakes up EVERY day at 6:30, I get my sleep when I can. Tonight we watched the documentary Babies and let's just say it made me thankful to live in America. Watching the way some of those babies grow up, it's truly a miracle that they survive. But it also proves that babies are so much more adaptable and resilient than I ever imagined. Although the movie is a bit long for what it is, I still was entertained (being both horrified and amazed) watching the various children survive things like being tied to a bed with a rooster in it, being stepped over by cows, and being bathed like cats. I am not sure if I recommend this movie or not ... it was enlightening though.

Baby Boom

I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that I went to a baby shower where there were 11 pregnant girls, talk about a baby boom! Here's the picture they ran in the paper last week. I've already photographed the baby boy that was born a little over a week ago to my friend on the end in the purple dress. SO adorable!

Think on these things

Phillipians 4:8 - Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

I had written a post earlier today that was quite discouraged. I had a rough day of morning sickness and was feeling particularly blue. When I got home I decided I needed to just try to focus on some good things to try and change the end of my day. After all, there are LOTS of little things to be thankful for ...

1. Dark chocolate candy and Breyers chocolate ice cream
2. The Pottery Barn holiday catalog (I LOVE everything in there)
3. A letter from the sweet little girl we sponsor through Compassion International
4. My sweet little girl laughing hysterically during her bath tonight
5. My amazing husband who gives me lots of sympathy, encouraging words and cooks every night because I can't right now
6. The fact that tomorrow is a new day ... a day that brings the hope that I'll feel like myself again and be able to get back to fun blog posts!

Random question - does anyone have a good book recommendation? I need a good book to take with me for our trip in a few weeks (come on people, come out of hiding and leave your recommendations in the comments!)

Ten for Tuesday

1. It's Election Day! Have you voted yet? Addison and I went this morning bright and early. I've always loved voting, I'm seriously a nerd.

2. I really want some boots. I've been able to resist Uggs because there's just no way to wear those down here and not sweat to death. Now I want some fabulous boots like these but I still don't think it would be a practical purchase. It's cold for only a nanosecond in Sarasota, plus I would need to go buy more skinny jeans to wear these with which seems like a contradiction when I'm pregnant. But the boots ... sigh

3. It's November and I started the month with another seriously sick day yesterday. This is going to end soon right? I'm 14 weeks ... how much longer can this go on?

4. At the pumpkin festival last week I attempted to ride a little kiddie train with Addison. I've seen other parents do it so I figured it would be no problem. Note to self, I am too tall to ride the train. I thought my back and knees were going to be damaged beyond repair and I seriously wondered if I was going to be able to get out of it. There's a video of it somewhere on my computer but I don't think I'll be sharing it anytime soon.

5. I am going to be 30 years old in 10 days. I think I am supposed to either be excited or dreading it but I kind of feel indifferent about the whole thing. I know it's going to be a fun weekend but I think it's because I don't feel well and it makes it hard to see more than a day ahead right now. Hopefully I'll be excited as it gets closer, after all, who doesn't love birthdays?!

6. I am thinking about having a cookie swap this year... the side of me that loves cooking thinks it sounds fun but when I see it typed out it makes me feel a little silly. Maybe I'll wait until I feel better to decide for sure.

7. It's true when they say it keeps getting better as your little ones get older. Addison just keeps amazing me more and more every day!

8. Crazy Betty has been on her best behavior lately. I think she must sense that I can't handle anything else right now.

9. I am really looking forward to Thanksgiving. We are going to my parents house for 10 days! All of my photo shoots will be over, I will feel good, and we get to relax and be with family!

10. My brother's wife is having a baby boy two months before our new baby comes. I am super excited we'll have cousins so close in age. We find out what we're having Nov. 29th!!

Bringing Home a Baby Bumble Bee

I've decided to participate in NaBloPoMo again this year (National Blog Posting Month). I have done it for the past few years successfully and since my blog has been almost dead for the past month, what better way than to jump back in with a post every day!? Who knows if it will actually last this time, I'm still trying to feel "normal" but it's worth a try!

So, today I'll post about what everyone else on the Internet is posting on Facebook and blogs in the past 24 hours - my little one in costume :) The twins were bees this year too and I must say our little "hive" was adorable! Addison loved walking around like a big girl and after the first couple of houses, she discovered people would put things in her little bag and she kept looking in it and switching it from one hand to the other. This year was much different than last year when we just walked around with a stroller admiring all of the costumes. I can only imagine what it will be like next year with a stroller and a toddler! I feel so blessed to have been able to bring home this baby bumble bee - she melts my heart!