tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-30922597051480451542024-02-20T23:59:02.372-05:00Domestic DivaUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger124125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-15051345972838932292012-01-01T09:19:00.013-05:002012-01-26T09:34:48.952-05:00Happy 2012I'm not sure exactly how 2012 could top 2011 for us ;o) But we are really excited to see what it has in store!<br />
<br />
New Years was majorly uneventful for us this year - what can you really do with a 3 month old lol So we stayed in and relaxed... we honestly didn't even make it up to see the ball drop, we were all in bed by 9pm! But that was just fine with us, it was our favorite way to ring in the new year - enjoying the peaceful company of our little sleeping family :o) Unfortunately Owen also came down with his first cold on New Years :o( So it was kind of a rough go for most of it, but luckily he kicked it before it got too bad.<br />
<br />
As is the social convention, I've made an exhaustive list of goals I would like to accomplish for the year :o) I'm honestly not over neurotic about the concept of resolutions, I just think it's nice to get a fresh start each year and do my best to make every moment count. But it is nice to spend the first of a new year, reflecting on the past year and organizing my thoughts for the new one.<br />
<br />
Without getting too lengthy, some things I would like to accomplish this year: get into shape - again (I really do manage to at least somewhat accomplish this each year, but also always seems to let is slip by the end of each year lol) which includes watching less TV and spending less time on the computer, continue working on my photography, find an effective way to organize/protect/save my photography, find a way to showcase my DIY craftiness and possibly even turn it into a business someday, [once the weather is nice again] go out for a walk with Owen everyday, get the house cleaned and organized, but more organized in general in my everyday life, invest more time in my marriage, be more productive, be more positive, have more patience...<br />
<br />
Just to name a few ;o)<br />
<br />
Happy 2012 everyone!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-17420854762115654542011-12-26T08:49:00.039-05:002012-01-26T09:18:04.602-05:00Merry ChristmasI am happy to report that our Christmas this year was very laid back and uneventful - the perfect holiday :o)<br />
<br />
It was unfortunately also the last uneventful time since... more on that later ;o)<br />
<br />
As our families are geographically spread out across a moderately sized city, we typically spend most of our major holidays in the car traveling between them and making sure that everyone gets their time with us. This was especially important this year, as it was Owen's first Christmas and everyone wanted to be a part of it. We, however, were not looking forward to a day spent couped up in the car with a 3 month old lol and honestly, what way is that to spend any holiday?<br />
<br />
So this year we decided that we wanted to host Christmas at our own house and have everyone come to us :o) It was important to us that Owen spend Christmas in his own home, but still be surrounded by family. Of course, we were still dealing with a 3 month old and so I was on a mission to make hosting such a major holiday as easy as possible. Each of our families came and went throughout the day, we put out ham and rolls for sandwiches, along with various other finger food type items - things that could be picked at throughout the day. No formal sit down dinner for us, and it worked out just fine!<br />
<br />
Owen was a great sport - despite going on minimal sleep (it's difficult to try and not miss anything, when you're used to sleeping most of the day lol) he passed out from exhaustion in various people's arms here and there, but got no real sleep sessions in that day.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVXCUi_KByuJ_Os419Udl-0hpfD5h83NbqxrOivqy_qJ8FsJRPqvoVQ-sffESRK5-tMhOJLWFgrc4oLU_lT5KLR2D2yoE1Qa4WEuhkeV2SLLu1UnnPdGVMhtPk2Eheir54frNNloTFgl-/s1600/DSC_0468_A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVVXCUi_KByuJ_Os419Udl-0hpfD5h83NbqxrOivqy_qJ8FsJRPqvoVQ-sffESRK5-tMhOJLWFgrc4oLU_lT5KLR2D2yoE1Qa4WEuhkeV2SLLu1UnnPdGVMhtPk2Eheir54frNNloTFgl-/s640/DSC_0468_A.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmph4AJoYsYENAI-RfVWkmSqvjFxes8A-F-cPk28VSqeYFn6xJHTmaJeoKwOCww-DBD6NGT0i9R7lMy0Z6y1proCKFyfIz9YWGfiOv9BAL-I3ujO3CF0dukq4FDOGLj_Vi2C9QxDF_Smi6/s1600/DSC_0469_A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmph4AJoYsYENAI-RfVWkmSqvjFxes8A-F-cPk28VSqeYFn6xJHTmaJeoKwOCww-DBD6NGT0i9R7lMy0Z6y1proCKFyfIz9YWGfiOv9BAL-I3ujO3CF0dukq4FDOGLj_Vi2C9QxDF_Smi6/s640/DSC_0469_A.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6g0yKAkFJWs/TyFdC_hz3uI/AAAAAAAACAg/aaMfxweRTqE/s1600/DSC_0470_A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6g0yKAkFJWs/TyFdC_hz3uI/AAAAAAAACAg/aaMfxweRTqE/s640/DSC_0470_A.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcMYz0vz6gsLryYOxPMiA1OkqLhDwdmPprhSG7eaDbzqsiUHry9_Xz22xiaCs4ZcBn_VxF_gs9tE_Hc18-pikwF7IG46vYG8d5mXVQWI_i4rB3CqtoTHaW8jorvdlLHRDuHg-p80PLpGW/s1600/DSC_0471_CROPPED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcMYz0vz6gsLryYOxPMiA1OkqLhDwdmPprhSG7eaDbzqsiUHry9_Xz22xiaCs4ZcBn_VxF_gs9tE_Hc18-pikwF7IG46vYG8d5mXVQWI_i4rB3CqtoTHaW8jorvdlLHRDuHg-p80PLpGW/s640/DSC_0471_CROPPED.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AYjfJYcjAC4/TyFdI7G1xkI/AAAAAAAACAw/n9S57Qw-VVc/s1600/DSC_0477_TSE_CROPPED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AYjfJYcjAC4/TyFdI7G1xkI/AAAAAAAACAw/n9S57Qw-VVc/s640/DSC_0477_TSE_CROPPED.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> (LoVe this pic of my two favorite guys :o)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--RXE9iHrx0A/TyFdSQsQpAI/AAAAAAAACA8/ilARRi5YfEk/s1600/DSC_0480A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--RXE9iHrx0A/TyFdSQsQpAI/AAAAAAAACA8/ilARRi5YfEk/s640/DSC_0480A.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> (santa feet :o)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3OaWT7Om8mA/TyFdX89BtlI/AAAAAAAACBE/8XrFF5xwPJc/s1600/DSC_0483_A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3OaWT7Om8mA/TyFdX89BtlI/AAAAAAAACBE/8XrFF5xwPJc/s640/DSC_0483_A.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
He absolutely LoVeD opening gifts :o) Like any child, he was more interested in the wrapping paper than anything else haha but as usual our families were overly generous, and Owen made out like a bandit! Who knew that someone so small, could get soooooooo many toys! I have no idea where we're going to put everything lol<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fH9ZDOe09NmWgMRmJRG4cOy1lzMKCzinNWTeEREJn0oN8zxXN6ruY94KKqdsS__iR_V_pTPlK9vQG6Y4Rc9NiTxpYhx3pjUP-_t7uTi5rcIEdHzy7SanuN3559mIpLq_yXumoTdG_n4O/s1600/DSC_0516a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5fH9ZDOe09NmWgMRmJRG4cOy1lzMKCzinNWTeEREJn0oN8zxXN6ruY94KKqdsS__iR_V_pTPlK9vQG6Y4Rc9NiTxpYhx3pjUP-_t7uTi5rcIEdHzy7SanuN3559mIpLq_yXumoTdG_n4O/s640/DSC_0516a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> (very unamused lol)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24kJ-aOM0Dzvqri27Cq6oMWtS6s8uiFG55YasGZoKQ7mVQeLwpfduVF5Yib9HmavFdUEDUVdTkjzPTJ3glAnz5raucjy2TL9eyQPaygRnJzn7sLUq0ul1a7GdhrpqOapWRdZjEecz3dC1/s1600/DSC_0535a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi24kJ-aOM0Dzvqri27Cq6oMWtS6s8uiFG55YasGZoKQ7mVQeLwpfduVF5Yib9HmavFdUEDUVdTkjzPTJ3glAnz5raucjy2TL9eyQPaygRnJzn7sLUq0ul1a7GdhrpqOapWRdZjEecz3dC1/s640/DSC_0535a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_uIZA3BfWLmhWby23Sf1hnPfRoIOGkA4JTyk2mdzYYBxgYISv2roWBvMEM7Sz4HHmoAQz_D4hXQcuKQ0x3XWhSpeqFfyySTJj_n0uFUaBkhrSLUJu0QCsyMqDM3U-q7e8pdcrI9m94ec/s1600/DSC_0538a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI_uIZA3BfWLmhWby23Sf1hnPfRoIOGkA4JTyk2mdzYYBxgYISv2roWBvMEM7Sz4HHmoAQz_D4hXQcuKQ0x3XWhSpeqFfyySTJj_n0uFUaBkhrSLUJu0QCsyMqDM3U-q7e8pdcrI9m94ec/s640/DSC_0538a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> (the best present this year :o)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZV1055zO1gQnidKrYy0ZnpqQ-P3qs0ExiTdL-YESG8XkqrkfsjgaKA_pJuAtvW6yWtO6OnQ6dwlc3N_mWb6qijbK3dFNKOxArWv6X6IcqTYLsb2Ap1hQzGflNhUCz_4JTsMApAk9g5ems/s1600/DSC_0561b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZV1055zO1gQnidKrYy0ZnpqQ-P3qs0ExiTdL-YESG8XkqrkfsjgaKA_pJuAtvW6yWtO6OnQ6dwlc3N_mWb6qijbK3dFNKOxArWv6X6IcqTYLsb2Ap1hQzGflNhUCz_4JTsMApAk9g5ems/s640/DSC_0561b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-0wMULGl3A/TyFfEicFK7I/AAAAAAAACBs/BJPJlUBabjY/s1600/DSC_0561b_DSC_0676a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k-0wMULGl3A/TyFfEicFK7I/AAAAAAAACBs/BJPJlUBabjY/s640/DSC_0561b_DSC_0676a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0E-MdEeXPD6Ww5AnlGi-iO2KEL1u90LPVU_Np0rzMfqe-yCGeySu32t0bcH9yMQKJqb2O2YfRGMZGj_YRMmIaC_uPxqCAsZmIJ-6Ya27_1BXb_vnIuuqod8qSlGNlotYn9QElrefuaPEA/s1600/DSC_0585ba.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0E-MdEeXPD6Ww5AnlGi-iO2KEL1u90LPVU_Np0rzMfqe-yCGeySu32t0bcH9yMQKJqb2O2YfRGMZGj_YRMmIaC_uPxqCAsZmIJ-6Ya27_1BXb_vnIuuqod8qSlGNlotYn9QElrefuaPEA/s640/DSC_0585ba.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br />
We wanted to start some Christmas traditions with Owen and although he is too young to really get any of them, it was important to us to start them now so that we can truly say we had been doing them since his very first Christmas :o) He got his first ornament for the tree, we read The Night Before Christmas on Christmas Eve, watched the movie Elf, and opened Christmas jammies and wore them to bed that night and took a family picture in them in front of the tree :o)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkCAK483o34io9mip5zhC6_XXsJ36EV54zm_wrBvc5QcAlxSisMLBINXRUFNwnHTp5gY25AUhdD-WkkU-kRz1pM6gIzh1L-4_kYTauA0uE1okr4wQ2P-aaK4tm03LXtpj1N2U5kA2-ihs/s1600/DSC_0619ab.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMkCAK483o34io9mip5zhC6_XXsJ36EV54zm_wrBvc5QcAlxSisMLBINXRUFNwnHTp5gY25AUhdD-WkkU-kRz1pM6gIzh1L-4_kYTauA0uE1okr4wQ2P-aaK4tm03LXtpj1N2U5kA2-ihs/s640/DSC_0619ab.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><br />
Hoping that all of you had safe, happy and healthy holidays as well! Here's to a wonderful New Year!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-29946087861594433552011-12-14T09:57:00.035-05:002011-12-15T22:24:27.114-05:003 MonthsI cannot believe that my little bug is 3 months old already!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKOmBleTDQWtVhPzaHTLx4rn8JwEKgLPu2yM6WxtKxM4soOie4_RfQa7NIxAvZJIGJ8rdfI9Q_Vt7ucw2PEgbSeorbCDu4FcU7x0vYqNpZRJJEWx6p9J79EEWlDyjl5wKLHpnryhCKn7C/s1600/3+Months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrKOmBleTDQWtVhPzaHTLx4rn8JwEKgLPu2yM6WxtKxM4soOie4_RfQa7NIxAvZJIGJ8rdfI9Q_Vt7ucw2PEgbSeorbCDu4FcU7x0vYqNpZRJJEWx6p9J79EEWlDyjl5wKLHpnryhCKn7C/s640/3+Months.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ugWJe_-San4/Tuq2zr4DKcI/AAAAAAAAB9w/_npMJAPartE/s1600/3+Month+Comparison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="170" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ugWJe_-San4/Tuq2zr4DKcI/AAAAAAAAB9w/_npMJAPartE/s640/3+Month+Comparison.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I am sure that every parent says that all of the time, and I am sure that I have and will continue to say that at each and every milestone - but it seriously just blows my mind how quickly he's growing and how fast time is going. If only we could freeze time and keep him like this forever :o)<br />
<br />
But since that's not possible, I will "freeze time" in my own way by capturing as many of these moments as I can in pictures :o) I am so glad that we invested in a nice camera before Owen joined our family, we are definitely getting our money's worth. Even with all of the pictures that I am taking (which is A LOT), I still don't feel like it's enough... I'm not sure that it will ever be enough, but I am making a conscious effort to get the camera out as much as possible.<br />
<br />
So we had a few mini-photo sessions this week, to capture Owen's 3 month portraits:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4W58IdEmN4CWlg1a5TGK9AXM49bhWzSlcMbZVxw1kriLbu4XaHLC8Z-ht3ay9FPFi-DDYETKj_9qyCyCCR1MZT1XpM_QKhPEG4dGIh6I0TkMoHoPDZG8tPQOKAnqd70H6OnVkTMV7OiVJ/s1600/01_DSC_0325_CROPPED_BG2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4W58IdEmN4CWlg1a5TGK9AXM49bhWzSlcMbZVxw1kriLbu4XaHLC8Z-ht3ay9FPFi-DDYETKj_9qyCyCCR1MZT1XpM_QKhPEG4dGIh6I0TkMoHoPDZG8tPQOKAnqd70H6OnVkTMV7OiVJ/s640/01_DSC_0325_CROPPED_BG2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UUQhs-5-x18/Tuq1KmowHyI/AAAAAAAAB8A/WAOBDoktDhQ/s1600/05_DSC_0331_AT_BG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UUQhs-5-x18/Tuq1KmowHyI/AAAAAAAAB8A/WAOBDoktDhQ/s640/05_DSC_0331_AT_BG.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyyLqhs3f7HHpjhCNJ2pY0OCs6Zes5xZ8cJGQRc7vcap02duU2-wwD7kJQFGPJe2RTRSpyaF7XKsomlmkjeAxMUDz1u-e_Xz9ec96wzdcCtVtVuKiwWlB62zC423rojBoHejk4c0xFFbz/s1600/06_DSC_0335_CROPPED_ESA_BG_MATTE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyyLqhs3f7HHpjhCNJ2pY0OCs6Zes5xZ8cJGQRc7vcap02duU2-wwD7kJQFGPJe2RTRSpyaF7XKsomlmkjeAxMUDz1u-e_Xz9ec96wzdcCtVtVuKiwWlB62zC423rojBoHejk4c0xFFbz/s640/06_DSC_0335_CROPPED_ESA_BG_MATTE.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rnVPl7mfcoo/Tuq1Thya6GI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/OUC_jlFunTI/s1600/DSC_0290_A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rnVPl7mfcoo/Tuq1Thya6GI/AAAAAAAAB8Q/OUC_jlFunTI/s640/DSC_0290_A.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1vXp90HpPzg/Tuq1YDA37RI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/5uexrWTn2yw/s1600/DSC_0299_CROPPED_A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1vXp90HpPzg/Tuq1YDA37RI/AAAAAAAAB8Y/5uexrWTn2yw/s640/DSC_0299_CROPPED_A.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOOJ8-bqsW5xdbi5BHFgIxG0Ai5yO3XuG2I06blSqUeBKJBJf_-FigxOd6YiCDoGLYn-y8n-6k5vPjc5AHXUPDiVK2sRLrDIZHA_3lLcSgpZ00jskdfIjLAyfLxbXZ3gnKlLXRnhlo2-G/s1600/DSC_0300_CROPPED_A.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggOOJ8-bqsW5xdbi5BHFgIxG0Ai5yO3XuG2I06blSqUeBKJBJf_-FigxOd6YiCDoGLYn-y8n-6k5vPjc5AHXUPDiVK2sRLrDIZHA_3lLcSgpZ00jskdfIjLAyfLxbXZ3gnKlLXRnhlo2-G/s640/DSC_0300_CROPPED_A.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AtyxyBZuJOM/Tuq1iAxFMpI/AAAAAAAAB8o/5hl8x_keIAE/s1600/DSC_0313_AV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-AtyxyBZuJOM/Tuq1iAxFMpI/AAAAAAAAB8o/5hl8x_keIAE/s640/DSC_0313_AV.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJB_pITLDmR4s07cWN0GOFhxE0UXzLsMF6nXVz5z971gQ5CuxwvVD3uZBNQNFbSvK0cWqYeLj7zt507VDxiuzibj7S6PYV3AyEmGAGMUmux_TqdYOOrMHsSJHEQZRDwMQNDd_Q5Lhu4Dx/s1600/DSC_0426_AVC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFJB_pITLDmR4s07cWN0GOFhxE0UXzLsMF6nXVz5z971gQ5CuxwvVD3uZBNQNFbSvK0cWqYeLj7zt507VDxiuzibj7S6PYV3AyEmGAGMUmux_TqdYOOrMHsSJHEQZRDwMQNDd_Q5Lhu4Dx/s640/DSC_0426_AVC.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLFfvM2wpo2rF6RLMIGBngsxLsCZtI5fKdGIEvNFOZBlQM9r4vWGUgCXBBFRYRtBdXFi6f9e0jdig6a5fO7QdNInp02OVpE9FMyyh_7HOaUeCnzmN4rJrSrQXpAniAlGQqS3FDzisUA34/s1600/DSC_0426_AVC_BW3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFLFfvM2wpo2rF6RLMIGBngsxLsCZtI5fKdGIEvNFOZBlQM9r4vWGUgCXBBFRYRtBdXFi6f9e0jdig6a5fO7QdNInp02OVpE9FMyyh_7HOaUeCnzmN4rJrSrQXpAniAlGQqS3FDzisUA34/s640/DSC_0426_AVC_BW3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zh9xFN9V6Vk/Tuq1y8_bwVI/AAAAAAAAB9A/POG2J6f7m5g/s1600/DSC_0434_AVC_DIAPER.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-zh9xFN9V6Vk/Tuq1y8_bwVI/AAAAAAAAB9A/POG2J6f7m5g/s640/DSC_0434_AVC_DIAPER.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mjJwdVDmJS0/Tuq15WTM79I/AAAAAAAAB9I/5u0r6kXYABA/s1600/DSC_0444_VTC_BG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mjJwdVDmJS0/Tuq15WTM79I/AAAAAAAAB9I/5u0r6kXYABA/s640/DSC_0444_VTC_BG.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqhJYW5ZjspzWs4fwqipygKv2a263qzcguq1fg5XrUwED2ZsiVKYCQNpAHgKLQnm11UD8sHAhqIOsP2yD1cteO943IfTy9xtHvR2hJoQtf2oKCi3lwhNKgGSaryTnr3gOuP_xrMezNZgk/s1600/DSC_0445_DSC_0408_VS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRqhJYW5ZjspzWs4fwqipygKv2a263qzcguq1fg5XrUwED2ZsiVKYCQNpAHgKLQnm11UD8sHAhqIOsP2yD1cteO943IfTy9xtHvR2hJoQtf2oKCi3lwhNKgGSaryTnr3gOuP_xrMezNZgk/s640/DSC_0445_DSC_0408_VS.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0akHdYh2VLm7h6pcSnw9qO9YYlWoQM_sVycQX07BmbJFJON40Dcl6t0d9jVXWEToh7oanhMG0gsLEorCpEMBbMIYbRjfPbly-SpsU46Fr1miUX1-XjMe3w7aUCWJtVPqbv78OyrpwSn3/s1600/DSC_1038+%25285%2529_VT_BG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx0akHdYh2VLm7h6pcSnw9qO9YYlWoQM_sVycQX07BmbJFJON40Dcl6t0d9jVXWEToh7oanhMG0gsLEorCpEMBbMIYbRjfPbly-SpsU46Fr1miUX1-XjMe3w7aUCWJtVPqbv78OyrpwSn3/s640/DSC_1038+%25285%2529_VT_BG.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qV0XYRTXs24/Tuq2K7aI-dI/AAAAAAAAB9g/hP5VP_fTznI/s1600/DSC_1038+%25287%2529_VT.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qV0XYRTXs24/Tuq2K7aI-dI/AAAAAAAAB9g/hP5VP_fTznI/s640/DSC_1038+%25287%2529_VT.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MVfsxeHj95g/Tuq2Txq5b5I/AAAAAAAAB9o/dpGBhWSezfA/s1600/DSC_1038+%252811%2529_CTV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MVfsxeHj95g/Tuq2Txq5b5I/AAAAAAAAB9o/dpGBhWSezfA/s640/DSC_1038+%252811%2529_CTV.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I keep saying that I am going to practice and improve my photography skills - well let me tell you, photographing a baby will definitely help you with that! I am sure that toddlers and young, mobile children are a challenge of their own... so I'm glad that I'm starting now and working my way up to that lol Lucky for me, Owen is a great and happy baby :o) Plus, he's super cute and having a great subject to work with makes any photograph easier to take (what, you're saying I could be biased ;o)<br />
<br />
Overall, I am thrilled with how these came out. We tried to experiment with different settings, backgrounds and props - living in the Northeast leaves photographers with very little natural light come this time of the year, so I am getting lots of practice with studio portrait photography setup right now.<br />
<br />
My goal is to continue to get the camera out as much as possible (I have yet to actually bind myself to a specific goal, like daily photography). I also take a daily cell phone pic of Owen to text message to our parents each day - I am looking forward to compiling these photos into a 365 Days of Owen collage at his first birthday :o) I mentioned previously that we also recently invested in a HD video camera... now that Owen is reaching more developmental milestones, I will be trying to capture those in action as well.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-22580947703352589592011-12-12T10:27:00.000-05:002011-12-15T22:45:38.036-05:00Pre-ChristmasI'm not sure if I've ever mentioned that Bryan's family is originally from another state - he, his brother, and his parents are the only ones of his extended family living within a 4 hour drive. So naturally, we try to go down and visit at least once a year and that usually happens to be when they celebrate Christmas together. This year, that celebration took place this past weekend - we piled into a vehicle (which is getting increasingly cramped with 5 of us and now Owen too) and headed south for the festivities.<br />
<br />
This was Owen's first major trip - his first extended car ride and his first night(s) away from home. All-in-all he did surprisingly well :o) Aside from his daily schedule being off (including complete lack of solid naps) he plowed through like a champ! He even slept great, despite the fact that his routine was non-existent and he was in a new strange place.<br />
<br />
It was also his first taste of Christmas :o) He got some really great presents from family and was just really excited to be with everyone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIYmDmY_k6KfzPZpHYHrIFOZAgeFGavvlgJNzp7i6kdH7v5E_6Seqneu3CsonpoKW8kpTDvdXM1qkqfeTjm3PiIKaUc_gjG7N_FF8qyfXXhg1CkMePbsLpfrnqYs0BHwTgjcMVoYbRK_v/s1600/zzzzzzz_DSC_0169_AV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIYmDmY_k6KfzPZpHYHrIFOZAgeFGavvlgJNzp7i6kdH7v5E_6Seqneu3CsonpoKW8kpTDvdXM1qkqfeTjm3PiIKaUc_gjG7N_FF8qyfXXhg1CkMePbsLpfrnqYs0BHwTgjcMVoYbRK_v/s640/zzzzzzz_DSC_0169_AV.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3vLCzHOVlE/Tuq8T2JjddI/AAAAAAAAB-I/Zy_6OQovatI/s1600/zzzzzzz_DSC_0170_AV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z3vLCzHOVlE/Tuq8T2JjddI/AAAAAAAAB-I/Zy_6OQovatI/s640/zzzzzzz_DSC_0170_AV.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DDucz5Xtfvd1KualaNyhy0ikLPaSYgm_vcoi5i9g7C8UPrb0ULZS2l9NTT6zrsX2awTP7xLopFfL3v1mmh9qpVpwjCCYQTcoFajrPkKwbriWhj3hpyKT8R6PR-gxc7ALlGPa8WW1h286/s1600/zzzzzzz_DSC_0172_AEV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6DDucz5Xtfvd1KualaNyhy0ikLPaSYgm_vcoi5i9g7C8UPrb0ULZS2l9NTT6zrsX2awTP7xLopFfL3v1mmh9qpVpwjCCYQTcoFajrPkKwbriWhj3hpyKT8R6PR-gxc7ALlGPa8WW1h286/s640/zzzzzzz_DSC_0172_AEV.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMABnJQNob8/Tuq8inDkh6I/AAAAAAAAB-Y/3ABGZIIZoZI/s1600/zzzzzzz_DSC_0244_AEV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vMABnJQNob8/Tuq8inDkh6I/AAAAAAAAB-Y/3ABGZIIZoZI/s640/zzzzzzz_DSC_0244_AEV.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUonHAJGXaTGzeUbUbL42ca6OUX2ISdelhrpzqAVRlwWb3V_L-NtJJ_5fhkaiApxnbfYBDjtDifwqqtLrml1B8LPp-CKVwA8uf2czKZ0SUHEfzehUwszmNyQQm5P4zRQHyiH86naX6C7o/s1600/zzzzzzz_DSC_0250_AEV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCUonHAJGXaTGzeUbUbL42ca6OUX2ISdelhrpzqAVRlwWb3V_L-NtJJ_5fhkaiApxnbfYBDjtDifwqqtLrml1B8LPp-CKVwA8uf2czKZ0SUHEfzehUwszmNyQQm5P4zRQHyiH86naX6C7o/s640/zzzzzzz_DSC_0250_AEV.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5UJafNK9-lFK3VuqpIrtVO-2WjXWnfNhUD5YQcnlrCVAUGfbivqHV4G0TlL4yi5NHqls4_wubdXyljCvDSUePVdT6zLtHEsGpJH5fklZ1Ezat9qwqR4M2whaFQ1japQ0fC6iYhTlqEaW/s1600/zzzzzzz_DSC_0264_ETV.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhB5UJafNK9-lFK3VuqpIrtVO-2WjXWnfNhUD5YQcnlrCVAUGfbivqHV4G0TlL4yi5NHqls4_wubdXyljCvDSUePVdT6zLtHEsGpJH5fklZ1Ezat9qwqR4M2whaFQ1japQ0fC6iYhTlqEaW/s640/zzzzzzz_DSC_0264_ETV.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I love his little holiday outfit :o) That was a gift from Bryan's dad - a sweater-vest, just like grandpa's lol<br />
<br />
It was a great family weekend and I was so happy to share it with Owen this year :o)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-33957774719828140982011-12-06T22:50:00.000-05:002011-12-15T23:02:55.481-05:00Santa, babyIn honor of his first Christmas, we took Owen to see Santa :o)<br />
<br />
He's at an age where it doesn't really mean much to him and it didn't really phase him one way or the other (unlike next year, when he'll be old enough to really freak out about it lol), so we figured we'd take advantage and put him on the jolly guy's lap to snap a few pictures:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7XTEJLlDyPx89AngJiebklwT7nUle5ZIU2J8XXVMNjW6E8EHLjYrLxucdMJXcMprBnC6farLEN1e14UVnuMZQLq__D2L-atAP5KHE3ObyZUxjSR4Mk17S2VvzGyaxW-ehF3kCO-NaJSI/s1600/q.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiF7XTEJLlDyPx89AngJiebklwT7nUle5ZIU2J8XXVMNjW6E8EHLjYrLxucdMJXcMprBnC6farLEN1e14UVnuMZQLq__D2L-atAP5KHE3ObyZUxjSR4Mk17S2VvzGyaxW-ehF3kCO-NaJSI/s640/q.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKm8ohw_NLVQiK4-Bgt8IvGPl0slNSC19tk-YCKuDJI7NpBE6c-RLS15VGavo2E9giLy6OYlY4QYRuN8BgWz3G58PNfWcTOx1RT5AVLogLoqflLH2uZf1h7r-AQal7ML4R3vvkjQ6WiJW/s1600/r.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="417" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBKm8ohw_NLVQiK4-Bgt8IvGPl0slNSC19tk-YCKuDJI7NpBE6c-RLS15VGavo2E9giLy6OYlY4QYRuN8BgWz3G58PNfWcTOx1RT5AVLogLoqflLH2uZf1h7r-AQal7ML4R3vvkjQ6WiJW/s640/r.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HjnzRAgJ4KY/TurBW4KFXqI/AAAAAAAAB_A/fJlZ2tH7Zi8/s1600/s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-HjnzRAgJ4KY/TurBW4KFXqI/AAAAAAAAB_A/fJlZ2tH7Zi8/s640/s.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuxK-qDawPuuXu_9o90ZSf8ZilBW9o5aWpZjFMoBXrmH93827-s9s1dOssUgOtbo1FAvipoLuafOAEXRllnugUM6LqxxF_Hk0P9Ohbr83PuunXe3J5Avl3aDOMYUPWLrsnBkk1CWLwBkR/s1600/t.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJuxK-qDawPuuXu_9o90ZSf8ZilBW9o5aWpZjFMoBXrmH93827-s9s1dOssUgOtbo1FAvipoLuafOAEXRllnugUM6LqxxF_Hk0P9Ohbr83PuunXe3J5Avl3aDOMYUPWLrsnBkk1CWLwBkR/s640/t.jpg" width="456" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rii_YFrkpSA/TurCEnnRBZI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/Am_PJTx1wTA/s1600/u.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rii_YFrkpSA/TurCEnnRBZI/AAAAAAAAB_Q/Am_PJTx1wTA/s640/u.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
And of course we had to snap a quick family pic in Santa's Village :o) Please excuse my dishevel look - this was a spur-of-the-moment trip and I was not planning on having my picture taken lol<br />
<br />
As you can see Owen wasn't thrilled with Santa, but he really didn't care one way or another. No less, it was a good photo opportunity and now we can start this yearly tradition :o)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-79190618959678839892011-12-04T23:07:00.001-05:002011-12-16T09:37:05.350-05:00BaptizedOwen was baptized today :o)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XJC7TV2LXJNu5ddkxN6oGKKZIrgmGPlAsjqnNm4M2lM4RFGbIncb-oyFKvl4-V_xSSYoroRXOG7MW-Zxx8e_Wpwvkl4ISuqW1B98GzLlgQNQ5FeEFdyqwI21C90ob2s9_ApB5a69fv-_/s1600/DSC00674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0XJC7TV2LXJNu5ddkxN6oGKKZIrgmGPlAsjqnNm4M2lM4RFGbIncb-oyFKvl4-V_xSSYoroRXOG7MW-Zxx8e_Wpwvkl4ISuqW1B98GzLlgQNQ5FeEFdyqwI21C90ob2s9_ApB5a69fv-_/s640/DSC00674.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Please excuse the extremely poor quality picture - I am embarrassed as an amateur photographer to say that I was completely unprepared for this event :o( Most of the pictures were taken with a point 'n shoot camera, which lends for poor quality overall. So you'll notice us sporting some lovely red eye and poor lighting in most of these shots.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SiT5REjJZkvIhz6oxhwRo8B86XzcKkFx0K-2P-b_Af8dDYcKv1wOUzdqyWOKJhv2fZJ3ZpwZawlnhauuTxCJh9Er_W35pcOpv8d3e9pN2lsHElpzHbva8yagYdU9eUoDDskaCsE8Rv77/s1600/DSC_0004a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6SiT5REjJZkvIhz6oxhwRo8B86XzcKkFx0K-2P-b_Af8dDYcKv1wOUzdqyWOKJhv2fZJ3ZpwZawlnhauuTxCJh9Er_W35pcOpv8d3e9pN2lsHElpzHbva8yagYdU9eUoDDskaCsE8Rv77/s640/DSC_0004a.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMPXqvKJZucxP_eDp5U5VKBqrZKnlZ3ErF1qjHm1IC5bW-TjeVD7ffjxwhiRIW70FgiwjNdv-VmTzL7HYCVSFXLSEyHFs70s3VBoKNRUgfCOwNf67BGE7AM3K3PRUfz5zzkxJn56HJjxN/s1600/DSC_0006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWMPXqvKJZucxP_eDp5U5VKBqrZKnlZ3ErF1qjHm1IC5bW-TjeVD7ffjxwhiRIW70FgiwjNdv-VmTzL7HYCVSFXLSEyHFs70s3VBoKNRUgfCOwNf67BGE7AM3K3PRUfz5zzkxJn56HJjxN/s640/DSC_0006.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BC6HwgJCc-0/TurHj68EuBI/AAAAAAAAB_w/sadWMcnNndg/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BC6HwgJCc-0/TurHj68EuBI/AAAAAAAAB_w/sadWMcnNndg/s640/DSC_0013.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKFP5Bbb-rXK0bfuAmubLB5v4-96CWnycIuYg1mXO20_ez8fTa7xpOpDfZRxVzgW7-heUmH37rd5w0wPVrXqqCDTT5RdETjHsDKJiopfAzVaqr4atvpg-OvQB6johvkt09W38qoA9Icv_/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkKFP5Bbb-rXK0bfuAmubLB5v4-96CWnycIuYg1mXO20_ez8fTa7xpOpDfZRxVzgW7-heUmH37rd5w0wPVrXqqCDTT5RdETjHsDKJiopfAzVaqr4atvpg-OvQB6johvkt09W38qoA9Icv_/s640/DSC_0016.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNHM7Wx0sB4QOK-rAfpEL8c4BC7uBwdiZ81Yo0Q1KnEkKwTDcfRh1UHHngoGVhbMGFv-PIQGi50WAAXb_tSmkCvXJpc-Fi7vYtFPua90_TMluL7Xty3FgPbRZvxiq6zu4IFiQNuIW0g7S/s1600/DSC_0039a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiNHM7Wx0sB4QOK-rAfpEL8c4BC7uBwdiZ81Yo0Q1KnEkKwTDcfRh1UHHngoGVhbMGFv-PIQGi50WAAXb_tSmkCvXJpc-Fi7vYtFPua90_TMluL7Xty3FgPbRZvxiq6zu4IFiQNuIW0g7S/s640/DSC_0039a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-59263271102139525592011-12-03T16:05:00.000-05:002011-12-03T16:05:04.163-05:00Holiday DecorTis the season :o)<br />
<br />
My holiday spirit (i.e. tree, stockings, lights, music, SNOW lol) usually lasts from Thanksgiving to New Years, and then I'm ready to move on. So I am one of those people who throws their tree and decorations up the day after Thanksgiving, and you'd better believe it all comes down the day after New Years! Now if only I could get the snow to do the same :o)<br />
<br />
So our holiday spirit is currently in full swing - here's what our home looks like this year:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BzaDbbyy8B8/TtqLZG--UHI/AAAAAAAAB5c/3OQr5wwVQcc/s1600/DSC_0034+STRAIGHTEN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BzaDbbyy8B8/TtqLZG--UHI/AAAAAAAAB5c/3OQr5wwVQcc/s640/DSC_0034+STRAIGHTEN.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBRUSy4XHWwR0IJMCtxLV1iyDJzgPIS7FQuKodciVLlhPlJSugBT_49u2OEm14zhDOR1lPgvH9sS2YkGyPNFY9JYHeACqWOz7_3ca2PepovwQRLdc9CcOlrEKTFTgRz3n6rRiNgC02l2a/s1600/DSC_0082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBRUSy4XHWwR0IJMCtxLV1iyDJzgPIS7FQuKodciVLlhPlJSugBT_49u2OEm14zhDOR1lPgvH9sS2YkGyPNFY9JYHeACqWOz7_3ca2PepovwQRLdc9CcOlrEKTFTgRz3n6rRiNgC02l2a/s640/DSC_0082.JPG" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTr4t0zRyMcOwQfY_Fu2c9z-FfTxurShS6sOSj_VosFP0qcqjo7WRGQzij7Di_Do1Ym5UutFhurI0UWtJ87Y-V71keFpZ9Ih-0o75qJGS_E8rXnAofDutMTN23CKzrFOYW178iyp4lyG4V/s1600/DSC_1064_T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTr4t0zRyMcOwQfY_Fu2c9z-FfTxurShS6sOSj_VosFP0qcqjo7WRGQzij7Di_Do1Ym5UutFhurI0UWtJ87Y-V71keFpZ9Ih-0o75qJGS_E8rXnAofDutMTN23CKzrFOYW178iyp4lyG4V/s640/DSC_1064_T.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC885fFG_oo1mp3rqjeHrSnZvGlkUz28RpXYHQkooNEdH49njKnhru-iMTYnI_-zwajv8kr1_lzCLKRvuyWYvo_JeE5cx_3tVsN-5LeA1nE3DEzA6zlNK1EhQ2pe-ES3TdiutiHEpzVuGB/s1600/DSC_1040_T.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC885fFG_oo1mp3rqjeHrSnZvGlkUz28RpXYHQkooNEdH49njKnhru-iMTYnI_-zwajv8kr1_lzCLKRvuyWYvo_JeE5cx_3tVsN-5LeA1nE3DEzA6zlNK1EhQ2pe-ES3TdiutiHEpzVuGB/s640/DSC_1040_T.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
I ordered Owen his first Christmas stocking :o) We probably wont really stuff it (at least too much ;o) this year, since he's still unaware of what's really going on - we might as well take advantage and save some $$$ while we still can haha But now we all have matching stockings, hung by the chimney with care!<br />
<br />
I also took some time to practice with my photography skills a little more - I am currently focusing on a technique called "bokeh", which is Japanese for "out of focus". The holiday season is a great time to utilize the bokeh technique; all of the lights make for some great photo opps :o) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBUt5X-HGFQz-Jg-TAb3foshKn66qX2dxJkxWt-ijIreIUxlDdxeZe_FKnu8nbxyHAweNYkg7OCGfzU_ty4_W6hIGDL4XNxc2jHFtYD5YhqM5LomOtQkcSD2kVx2Qu_KT6NWhB67uZf6Z/s1600/Bokeh+DSC_0047.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="406" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzBUt5X-HGFQz-Jg-TAb3foshKn66qX2dxJkxWt-ijIreIUxlDdxeZe_FKnu8nbxyHAweNYkg7OCGfzU_ty4_W6hIGDL4XNxc2jHFtYD5YhqM5LomOtQkcSD2kVx2Qu_KT6NWhB67uZf6Z/s640/Bokeh+DSC_0047.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(who is that I see, hanging in the Christmas tree ;o) </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q3DwfazF9os/TtqN6ApGDHI/AAAAAAAAB6E/HTrlInPZb0g/s1600/Bokeh+DSC_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q3DwfazF9os/TtqN6ApGDHI/AAAAAAAAB6E/HTrlInPZb0g/s640/Bokeh+DSC_0086.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gH8xQnddOtc/TtqOCilj_qI/AAAAAAAAB6M/hqXNHQZKVmc/s1600/Bokeh+DSC_0089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gH8xQnddOtc/TtqOCilj_qI/AAAAAAAAB6M/hqXNHQZKVmc/s640/Bokeh+DSC_0089.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
My next task will be attempting to get Owen in the foreground of some of my bokeh shots (good luck, right? lol). Now that he is able to situp a little more on his own, I'm hoping to be able to attempt a few shots - stay tuned!<br />
<br />
Happy Holidays!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-18630889332271398982011-11-24T13:29:00.000-05:002011-11-25T13:31:31.099-05:00Thankful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>We have so much to be thankful for this year - health, happiness, family and friends.<br />
<br />
<span class="st">We're also especially thankful for our little turkey, who celebrated his 1st Thanksgiving this year </span><span class="st">♥</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8ZQd05qOIBD1Q8zQoYXb7N1IQ1IxWH69EwV-10-V5z5Zg03RfjOor4QPwTdRYJWiD2W-iS-7-X-SiJpTl5NGGfYnLCk-PNDsNI3Zi0glxKGBY2nSXlHJ2Mfb6VY4v1imoHe6i7QpoeW9/s1600/02.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD8ZQd05qOIBD1Q8zQoYXb7N1IQ1IxWH69EwV-10-V5z5Zg03RfjOor4QPwTdRYJWiD2W-iS-7-X-SiJpTl5NGGfYnLCk-PNDsNI3Zi0glxKGBY2nSXlHJ2Mfb6VY4v1imoHe6i7QpoeW9/s640/02.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRn3J7dJXYHOOWQWb2tZlKMQZ7tyFxi0_joaH5FF9413dqMWagAwTmtyEsbBq9PSem3o6BXRTI4dOsmsPJryldog38tnkO0sZVaQM_9M7A5D8uX9GPYNGkzSRYjdjqNLw1YyqlH1NRyTX/s1600/01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrRn3J7dJXYHOOWQWb2tZlKMQZ7tyFxi0_joaH5FF9413dqMWagAwTmtyEsbBq9PSem3o6BXRTI4dOsmsPJryldog38tnkO0sZVaQM_9M7A5D8uX9GPYNGkzSRYjdjqNLw1YyqlH1NRyTX/s640/01.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-80726866687886694682011-11-15T11:35:00.001-05:002011-11-15T11:42:05.860-05:00Holiday PreparationsIn a desperate attempt to get a head one way or another, I did manage to design and order our holiday cards for this year!!! I had a little mini holiday photo shoot with Owen a couple weeks ago and then also managed to have an impromptu family session shortly after. I am happy with the way they came out (photos and cards) but hope to get started even sooner next year (ahhhhh dreams lol).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgUvLxZYrW6oQHcdTRtdCCRepc9bEz_ExJ6bg2zrZZ4o1m51k3t-aHawhkobIio70Sy1TrtEc2msNTHEvuMNnpYFDw3gws8zkYAxAgC894i9ZzIxMWnerwigaC_kz9Ob9g4hynUjVoZv9/s1600/DSC_0710_EDITED_TOUCHED.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgUvLxZYrW6oQHcdTRtdCCRepc9bEz_ExJ6bg2zrZZ4o1m51k3t-aHawhkobIio70Sy1TrtEc2msNTHEvuMNnpYFDw3gws8zkYAxAgC894i9ZzIxMWnerwigaC_kz9Ob9g4hynUjVoZv9/s640/DSC_0710_EDITED_TOUCHED.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo96920YviexlJYMPcABJosUudEqPlM0amh0kTx1hQst0EKc9oqBzjOMt9gCNjinaILjB2bmqD1OUF63KUmSfhk_lWWpI5jONjnHngBXOxnEjcBQUpdPfBrVPAPN59pOvAViPIt4EAgAfG/s1600/DSC_0722_EDITED.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo96920YviexlJYMPcABJosUudEqPlM0amh0kTx1hQst0EKc9oqBzjOMt9gCNjinaILjB2bmqD1OUF63KUmSfhk_lWWpI5jONjnHngBXOxnEjcBQUpdPfBrVPAPN59pOvAViPIt4EAgAfG/s640/DSC_0722_EDITED.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Xj95ucZEhSldvklsgkQKWbhlFv785EtseC81VroOnZSAbMJ3gfuFVZt7ggI8Uf8maS41Qy9ncacZZ_0Jn7gQzQv19915K1HH9KvgV02sTkFcNsCicXYDreG9lwdK0jsUIA9RIRJJE3sT/s1600/DSC_0706_CROPPED2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4Xj95ucZEhSldvklsgkQKWbhlFv785EtseC81VroOnZSAbMJ3gfuFVZt7ggI8Uf8maS41Qy9ncacZZ_0Jn7gQzQv19915K1HH9KvgV02sTkFcNsCicXYDreG9lwdK0jsUIA9RIRJJE3sT/s640/DSC_0706_CROPPED2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MEfnsIWteBk/TsKRu483BjI/AAAAAAAAB4s/G0xv_i9G6ck/s1600/01_DSC_0821_V_KEEPER.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MEfnsIWteBk/TsKRu483BjI/AAAAAAAAB4s/G0xv_i9G6ck/s640/01_DSC_0821_V_KEEPER.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbR63ba9QHuS5wERm0vrEhCSAMSMnhWZCTZFUeHmNeUUq_HLhv5U0v6-HM5Q0dg_6qdICo44XGG5VaqRW31VHR3_OEcTtt00TJE-XzPaCMfs-ObCcXNJ3NjetC0r29S224aLHhbANFROI2/s1600/Full+Owie+Pic_CENOR.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbR63ba9QHuS5wERm0vrEhCSAMSMnhWZCTZFUeHmNeUUq_HLhv5U0v6-HM5Q0dg_6qdICo44XGG5VaqRW31VHR3_OEcTtt00TJE-XzPaCMfs-ObCcXNJ3NjetC0r29S224aLHhbANFROI2/s640/Full+Owie+Pic_CENOR.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
They should arrive within the next 2 weeks. During the interim I plan to get the envelopes all addressed and ready to go! Sounds like a good idea now, huh? Owen is here laughing at me lol But I do like to get them out as early in the month of December as possible - as they will ultimately meet their untimely demise in trashcans across the country, I prefer that my time and effort (and that incredible cuteness of course) remain proudly presented in people's homes for as long as possible :o)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-45348889278609044002011-11-14T11:32:00.000-05:002011-11-15T11:37:12.663-05:002 MonthsMy little Owen is officially 2 months old!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JSXvPE3ioI0/TsKK2tg6p1I/AAAAAAAAB38/6l9uJq0xV8s/s1600/2+Months.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JSXvPE3ioI0/TsKK2tg6p1I/AAAAAAAAB38/6l9uJq0xV8s/s640/2+Months.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
We celebrated his 2 month birthday on November 14th and I can hardly believe it! Where has the time gone? It seems like only yesterday we were in the hospital, welcoming him into the world.<br />
<br />
I am trying to keep up a monthly photo comparison. Here's what we have so far:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWvlhJRNrI5D4sPa2a_y7kEJBvOv3n-ZrJHlL66KuKLfg0M56DkaFQjJEkKKqa6eVHnxh7lZVXyVVIHTvHWUbG0xSz7TsJAKgw8ytdslCn-JzP8xcz1J1j63w3baJa9PgINK1IHFlyqh2/s1600/1v2_SIZED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="256" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnWvlhJRNrI5D4sPa2a_y7kEJBvOv3n-ZrJHlL66KuKLfg0M56DkaFQjJEkKKqa6eVHnxh7lZVXyVVIHTvHWUbG0xSz7TsJAKgw8ytdslCn-JzP8xcz1J1j63w3baJa9PgINK1IHFlyqh2/s640/1v2_SIZED.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
His 1 month photos leave a lot to be desired - we were working with very poor lighting and had not yet purchased our LightScoop to makeup for that. But you get the general idea and can see the comparison. If nothing else, we're trying for basic consistency so that we can achieve the overall effect by the time he reaches 1 year (whoa that's scary to say, let alone think about).<br />
<br />
In other news - our best friends welcomed their little guy (Owen's new best friend) into the world this past Sunday, November 13th. The two little men are one day less than 2 months apart in age. Here is Logan James:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/312956_980876698152_8104162_43357875_1825319901_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://a4.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/312956_980876698152_8104162_43357875_1825319901_n.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br />
It was so much fun being pregnant together, and now we get to watch our little guys grow up together :o) We're really looking forward to next year, when they'll really be able to play and interact with each other. In the meantime, it's just nice having another parenting couple to hang out with - someone to share our our low key, lazy lifestyle lol<br />
<br />
Other happenings...<br />
<br />
~*~ The premiere of Twilight: Breaking Dawn pt 1 is this coming Thursday!!! I am, of course, hosting my annual premiere party (although it will probably be slightly toned down this year, since I am otherwise occupied). But I am just really looking forward to a night out and a chance to indulge in my (albeit teeny bopper) fantasy world lol Pictures forthcoming :o)<br />
<br />
~*~ We scheduled Owen's baptism for December 4th at my husband's family church, the same church we were married in and by the same Reverend who married us :o) We're very excited to have an official welcoming for Owen. I even created some special little invitations for the event:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-23BNP41DdGg/TsKQR5RqYWI/AAAAAAAAB4M/8oS6o4ZqZ-I/s1600/Publication1_CENSOR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-23BNP41DdGg/TsKQR5RqYWI/AAAAAAAAB4M/8oS6o4ZqZ-I/s640/Publication1_CENSOR.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
~*~ We're having carpet installed in our master bedroom next Tuesday!!! One more week!!! And then we can "officially" consider our remodel complete (for the most part at least - there will still be some minor things to finish up, but at least we'll be moved up there)!<br />
<br />
~*~ Just in time for Thanksgiving no less! I cannot believe next week is Thanksgiving already! We are hosting dinner this year, in an attempt to make having Owen around a little easier (no need to schlep him and his things all over town). So I will be cooking a turkey, while the other guests help out by bringing the sides. I am then hoping to get out on Black Friday for a little holiday shopping, but we'll see how that goes after a day of hosting Thanksgiving dinner and taking care of Owen. Yesterday I turned on the television to some lovely classic Christmas commercials the other day and almost had a heart attack. When did it get to be that time of the year?! I thought that thinking about starting my shopping already put me a step a head of the game, but didn't realize that in fact it really only put me barely on time lolUnknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-49258037992010954162011-11-08T11:56:00.004-05:002011-11-08T12:18:29.871-05:00We're Back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
I've been a bad, bad, bad blogger :oP<br />
<br />
Who knew that having an infant could be so time consuming?! Lol<br />
<br />
Not only is he time consuming, but any "free time" that I do find myself with is already claimed by household chores and the very few leisure activities that I have left to enjoy. Between caring for Owen, doing the laundry (baby laundry included), washing the dishes (baby dishes included), cleaning the house, and squeezing in some hobbies here and there... I am quite overwhelmed.<br />
<br />
First of all, here is a pic that was taken shortly after my last post:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JdB5wkQgJN4/TrlZZaXBBkI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/rQpLOwgfLbI/s1600/mama%2526owen.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JdB5wkQgJN4/TrlZZaXBBkI/AAAAAAAAB3Q/rQpLOwgfLbI/s640/mama%2526owen.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpjaRwj1Sih_OsJgsDwUPuIiVgYaZ223415CyLOJVOYnUYUWurY0V8UnNwom2bBAmC7fCZkWjrLSgqr14qcBgXUJSTsPM9Am4fcbGcd5Z6fgX-r6Ncejzh2pz6Qu2ktgDgZeQVutnZRDq/s1600/owie+bear.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHpjaRwj1Sih_OsJgsDwUPuIiVgYaZ223415CyLOJVOYnUYUWurY0V8UnNwom2bBAmC7fCZkWjrLSgqr14qcBgXUJSTsPM9Am4fcbGcd5Z6fgX-r6Ncejzh2pz6Qu2ktgDgZeQVutnZRDq/s640/owie+bear.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
A lot has gone on in our lives since that last post, which was [wow] over a month ago and was the announcement of Owen's birth! He has since celebrated his 1 month birthday and is currently preparing for his 2 month birthday!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W16DlxoEykM/TqhFG4jDhVI/AAAAAAAABrM/o9c81z2Xnqg/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W16DlxoEykM/TqhFG4jDhVI/AAAAAAAABrM/o9c81z2Xnqg/s640/1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">He also celebrated his first Halloween!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1dyS07tXNDpQftnTYYS-Li5Y33p9NlZ0jU-UuTRpiB5f354TWuXVlELp0rpaf_e4RCygbTMBvIdZqtGCEcFqgb4iHctubhG9bRhYAjXcniWfJKXzsiHPnyO1dOeVQytgDo_vLV01cd1_/s1600/010b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjV1dyS07tXNDpQftnTYYS-Li5Y33p9NlZ0jU-UuTRpiB5f354TWuXVlELp0rpaf_e4RCygbTMBvIdZqtGCEcFqgb4iHctubhG9bRhYAjXcniWfJKXzsiHPnyO1dOeVQytgDo_vLV01cd1_/s640/010b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIm74BbZQhjz9SrEMSmprF9n2cu97RZVecxnLrMEMZLaytViHBoWT8VcEgIAqATygpaadlVWVJ8s3q31R5lhDy8nqy9KVNC2Lgd1SsWLE-b8baoAU3gkw7EhWJrPR2zKWRMX2DhO7bAhUI/s1600/bb2b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIm74BbZQhjz9SrEMSmprF9n2cu97RZVecxnLrMEMZLaytViHBoWT8VcEgIAqATygpaadlVWVJ8s3q31R5lhDy8nqy9KVNC2Lgd1SsWLE-b8baoAU3gkw7EhWJrPR2zKWRMX2DhO7bAhUI/s640/bb2b.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Owen is 8 weeks old tomorrow and growing so fast, I can hardly believe it! He smiles now and not only can he lift his head and hold it fairly steady, but he can do a lovely little pushup during tummy time :o) He coos and "talks" to us, grabs our hands - he's got such a little personality already, a real little person.<br />
<br />
A majority of those "leisure activities" that I mentioned before, has been learning to use our DSLR camera to take photos of my newest little model :o) I am trying to get the camera out as much as possible (I want to capture every little moment of his life) and improve on my amateur skills in the process. My current goal is to have a formal photo shoot with Owen each month, on top of his obligatory monthly birthday shot (see above).<br />
<br />
Here some pics from his 1st month shoot:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0pKoeLiZoLs/TpWjx7l-y8I/AAAAAAAAB0A/1YzrT0W0DK8/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0pKoeLiZoLs/TpWjx7l-y8I/AAAAAAAAB0A/1YzrT0W0DK8/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3DVl-etj3yw/TpXCMGGU0sI/AAAAAAAAB0I/bNqke3S1dmU/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3DVl-etj3yw/TpXCMGGU0sI/AAAAAAAAB0I/bNqke3S1dmU/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wLxJWmjWwiM/TpXDxymDeXI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/aHGdHY3TXP0/s1600/photo+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wLxJWmjWwiM/TpXDxymDeXI/AAAAAAAAB0Q/aHGdHY3TXP0/s640/photo+6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rK5EG1svl6I/TpXFPauSbRI/AAAAAAAAB0g/CW550UV6_ZY/s1600/photo+0.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rK5EG1svl6I/TpXFPauSbRI/AAAAAAAAB0g/CW550UV6_ZY/s640/photo+0.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gUstL5J27a0/TpXFnxul0gI/AAAAAAAAB0k/TalsjMyuYos/s1600/photo+9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gUstL5J27a0/TpXFnxul0gI/AAAAAAAAB0k/TalsjMyuYos/s640/photo+9.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xOgrjNsLk5w/TpXECNIkHCI/AAAAAAAAB0U/dGSd0sRIEG8/s1600/photo+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-xOgrjNsLk5w/TpXECNIkHCI/AAAAAAAAB0U/dGSd0sRIEG8/s640/photo+7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aDDxA0zP96Y/TpXEMHsNHOI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/9EouX3KHt4o/s1600/photo+8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aDDxA0zP96Y/TpXEMHsNHOI/AAAAAAAAB0Y/9EouX3KHt4o/s640/photo+8.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ONii1SQgLRBPARLu73WyZ5InHjk9x0vzcD2D9Q0rSpnk41Jebu2SBCapPO281FPQHGB5Onz0rsCtQdIN8QRj6XT9qxjmXWQORGzUXjdmruLpszDu9Mz9f_me5qrxifiBHV-CVjHhEZIH/s1600/Owie1EDITED.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ONii1SQgLRBPARLu73WyZ5InHjk9x0vzcD2D9Q0rSpnk41Jebu2SBCapPO281FPQHGB5Onz0rsCtQdIN8QRj6XT9qxjmXWQORGzUXjdmruLpszDu9Mz9f_me5qrxifiBHV-CVjHhEZIH/s640/Owie1EDITED.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I still cannot believe how much he's grown even since these pictures were taken! Looking back through all of his pictures, I can definitely see a difference - it's hard to see it from day to day, especially since I am his primary care taker and see him all day everyday - but other people notice a difference the minute they see him.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So for comparison, here are some pics from his 2nd month shoot:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5WgDVb3LnwE/TrlRPt_-yHI/AAAAAAAAB0w/WE3g3MrcsGY/s1600/DSC_0636.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5WgDVb3LnwE/TrlRPt_-yHI/AAAAAAAAB0w/WE3g3MrcsGY/s640/DSC_0636.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4wVB-wCK17epAgUsXXjab3I18FMKpnZDoRLQB3K-T4cWUkRSmzYm0CdnQUCvZ7PFug0DXmhVkr-j_mEpWIAUITCQsDc68UAhxY9b1tVxPy77ffwTjN9sYfZk0nrdTIPDVqpLEWo-pzpa/s1600/DSC_0637.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD4wVB-wCK17epAgUsXXjab3I18FMKpnZDoRLQB3K-T4cWUkRSmzYm0CdnQUCvZ7PFug0DXmhVkr-j_mEpWIAUITCQsDc68UAhxY9b1tVxPy77ffwTjN9sYfZk0nrdTIPDVqpLEWo-pzpa/s640/DSC_0637.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N9dtMvL_tmk/TrlRdZ0S6gI/AAAAAAAAB1A/9XhGy3LahGs/s1600/01+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N9dtMvL_tmk/TrlRdZ0S6gI/AAAAAAAAB1A/9XhGy3LahGs/s640/01+%25282%2529.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fgVs1SdD_o/TrlRiu8r8SI/AAAAAAAAB1I/O2qJuEEnpzM/s1600/03.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5fgVs1SdD_o/TrlRiu8r8SI/AAAAAAAAB1I/O2qJuEEnpzM/s640/03.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We even got outside to take some fall pictures the other day:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituk-xk1sCx1QYNxmvg9w1iqVD-O88bStk2Z1N03jthtlpiFrMOFgottPb-A3mR_Sd2v7yJk86sB42Azi15J4N8vN43q03aKNhtCTNyNb3ri66AZoHX5vDvNvpGLCfI0m2XMpl4plA4gJ6/s1600/DSC_0760_EDITED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEituk-xk1sCx1QYNxmvg9w1iqVD-O88bStk2Z1N03jthtlpiFrMOFgottPb-A3mR_Sd2v7yJk86sB42Azi15J4N8vN43q03aKNhtCTNyNb3ri66AZoHX5vDvNvpGLCfI0m2XMpl4plA4gJ6/s640/DSC_0760_EDITED.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnPpM75NCuuZB6QA7j-EIJLO78PN2V5sCQOERsz5TBG8zf0KmpvIBz7oV4qFguRssh7WEQGGHjOOSuzQC2AU0VO3k0ItqKrL1feqUdBVVW5gpnwnq4Fl2oqFvaFDZJNg0xGbIXEU0yxrr/s1600/DSC_0772b_EDITED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwnPpM75NCuuZB6QA7j-EIJLO78PN2V5sCQOERsz5TBG8zf0KmpvIBz7oV4qFguRssh7WEQGGHjOOSuzQC2AU0VO3k0ItqKrL1feqUdBVVW5gpnwnq4Fl2oqFvaFDZJNg0xGbIXEU0yxrr/s640/DSC_0772b_EDITED.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bVMt7o449Ak/TrlTJZAifWI/AAAAAAAAB1g/2VaS0TtX6w8/s1600/DSC_0776_EDITED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bVMt7o449Ak/TrlTJZAifWI/AAAAAAAAB1g/2VaS0TtX6w8/s640/DSC_0776_EDITED.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kHe0tNuKx6k/TrlTPVw9pjI/AAAAAAAAB1o/6zDGujJA5lo/s1600/DSC_0779b_EDITED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kHe0tNuKx6k/TrlTPVw9pjI/AAAAAAAAB1o/6zDGujJA5lo/s640/DSC_0779b_EDITED.jpg" width="512" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I also like to think that you can see some minor improvement in my photography skills as well. Trying to learn about composition, my camera and practice in between caring for a 2 month old is quite challenging. But I think we're getting there, slowly but surely.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Not so much a testament to my photography skills alone, but we also recently attempted DIY family portraits. We hung a back drop, attached the tripod, and set the timer! Between my husband and I, this is what we were able to come up with:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUgsFyaCuMRNiM1iIaYsypfrKNBKut2qgnQqRgtsBax6Mjj9rBS-YjDKTMT0vGw7Xfekho3DsfOYDDh37cX9HuCdS_R6ElOJnAZ4LrMePlljmlA4ZuN4u4xR4iNKQtTH7As9QJuzmAfuT/s1600/DSC_0369_V2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcUgsFyaCuMRNiM1iIaYsypfrKNBKut2qgnQqRgtsBax6Mjj9rBS-YjDKTMT0vGw7Xfekho3DsfOYDDh37cX9HuCdS_R6ElOJnAZ4LrMePlljmlA4ZuN4u4xR4iNKQtTH7As9QJuzmAfuT/s640/DSC_0369_V2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">(our absolute fave - we're very proud of this shot!)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnMwQl_Zz-wUD_lr085Xex_swxicy42t01706yDvj7tuzBoX7DrqlJbfn2Z83NFK2cftCHcc4fi4opRX329YR_fXCAGoVDziIyPZ4JexVIEzwJwGCUwzmAe8VULM5GwBUZHlEROEJjULt/s1600/DSC_0374CROP_V3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAnMwQl_Zz-wUD_lr085Xex_swxicy42t01706yDvj7tuzBoX7DrqlJbfn2Z83NFK2cftCHcc4fi4opRX329YR_fXCAGoVDziIyPZ4JexVIEzwJwGCUwzmAe8VULM5GwBUZHlEROEJjULt/s640/DSC_0374CROP_V3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cyiLMxxEKjw/TrlUb7PFnyI/AAAAAAAAB1w/zeTLeMQbpgQ/s1600/DSC_0374p_0341CROP_V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="512" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cyiLMxxEKjw/TrlUb7PFnyI/AAAAAAAAB1w/zeTLeMQbpgQ/s640/DSC_0374p_0341CROP_V.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-t4jx-olecrIq7yQhTVSAomUi6R-wps9CoUUsvYBFm0LjTjnrD1LFUaaR0MeuA0WMKJMe5R0mxoe4L_tYgEgJwpZD1BrN5A__FslBDZvLHQP8Z5Z0Yn28Xi6o9YCZ61fSMGUJBZmv9pn/s1600/DSC_0375_V_CROPPED_SMOOTH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgH-t4jx-olecrIq7yQhTVSAomUi6R-wps9CoUUsvYBFm0LjTjnrD1LFUaaR0MeuA0WMKJMe5R0mxoe4L_tYgEgJwpZD1BrN5A__FslBDZvLHQP8Z5Z0Yn28Xi6o9YCZ61fSMGUJBZmv9pn/s640/DSC_0375_V_CROPPED_SMOOTH.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unCpc-h0f3Q/TrlVZc3GKRI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/qxoVC8oaCHI/s1600/DSC_0376_V_SMOOTH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-unCpc-h0f3Q/TrlVZc3GKRI/AAAAAAAAB2Q/qxoVC8oaCHI/s640/DSC_0376_V_SMOOTH.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAYTDheJgWc/TrlViPjoE5I/AAAAAAAAB2Y/rSfSE4DQu_g/s1600/DSC_0377_V_SMOOTH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-XAYTDheJgWc/TrlViPjoE5I/AAAAAAAAB2Y/rSfSE4DQu_g/s640/DSC_0377_V_SMOOTH.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTu5oWbybbfvkSVTMORGFSII-1lsLgYZuxEcsILbgqvBfCdY1mlw7fyPieKS7Da1_SdBtbZqAB3cvgnVkp1jNJ3zvsAMmTRJ7Ccip3ZAXcWDCJPlyXxhNXDYfp4owu4mkz3xcy8yQgmAjt/s1600/DSC_0400_V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTu5oWbybbfvkSVTMORGFSII-1lsLgYZuxEcsILbgqvBfCdY1mlw7fyPieKS7Da1_SdBtbZqAB3cvgnVkp1jNJ3zvsAMmTRJ7Ccip3ZAXcWDCJPlyXxhNXDYfp4owu4mkz3xcy8yQgmAjt/s640/DSC_0400_V.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PTOVcqPYN1ZerFiK8oV5UQDk5kRz-Dop3QNhvnqhnKpYoQR1lPcrVCbCNORMbxeSxzts2nVwWN6BjxBirm5KCSASnSU-PAQGT1uqNchM2MhGU6uM-Yyc-BBm8ncszMQmtCSBszCc-XPs/s1600/DSC_0423_V_SMOOTH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3PTOVcqPYN1ZerFiK8oV5UQDk5kRz-Dop3QNhvnqhnKpYoQR1lPcrVCbCNORMbxeSxzts2nVwWN6BjxBirm5KCSASnSU-PAQGT1uqNchM2MhGU6uM-Yyc-BBm8ncszMQmtCSBszCc-XPs/s640/DSC_0423_V_SMOOTH.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FgO6ZCifJQ4/TrlWc1LdAfI/AAAAAAAAB2w/6Qm5yW6A_GM/s1600/DSC_0431_V.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FgO6ZCifJQ4/TrlWc1LdAfI/AAAAAAAAB2w/6Qm5yW6A_GM/s640/DSC_0431_V.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RjlmcA1udbc/TrlWjrmTBjI/AAAAAAAAB24/lsmha63A-IQ/s1600/DSC_0432_V_CROPPED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RjlmcA1udbc/TrlWjrmTBjI/AAAAAAAAB24/lsmha63A-IQ/s640/DSC_0432_V_CROPPED.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Qwip8ISG3E/TrlWsZL0LyI/AAAAAAAAB3A/iHDtvvO3JZI/s1600/DSC_0485_V_SMOOTH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0Qwip8ISG3E/TrlWsZL0LyI/AAAAAAAAB3A/iHDtvvO3JZI/s640/DSC_0485_V_SMOOTH.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQ4hlIvS54s/TrlW0ec_knI/AAAAAAAAB3I/fWluNDLwQf0/s1600/DSC_0512_A_LIGHT_SMOOTH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQ4hlIvS54s/TrlW0ec_knI/AAAAAAAAB3I/fWluNDLwQf0/s640/DSC_0512_A_LIGHT_SMOOTH.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My next project is Christmas photos :o)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've already taken some of Owie alone, just for practice (coming soon) - several of them actually came out so well, that I may end up using them. I'll try for some more soon and hopefully get a couple holiday family shots as well. I need to start designing our holiday cards, if I have any intention of getting them out on time this year.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I am expanding my photography equipment this year and have purchased a few new toys as an early Christmas gift to myself :o) Most recently I have become the proud owner of a LightScoop, backdrop stand, clamps, several backdrop colors and props. With winter quickly approaching and the natural lightly disappearing just as fast, I am turning to portrait photography for practice. Hopefully by next spring, when the sun graces us with its presence once again, I will have improved my skills enough to really make use of the natural light and outdoor opportunities.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In other news - we've also been making great strides in our master bedroom remodel! Bottom line, we've begun painting and have ordered the carpet to be installed!!! We are hoping to be all finished, moved in, and living up there come Thanksgiving!!! I am sooooooooooo excited! With Owen came a lot more stuff around the house lol and we are quickly running out of space. This new bedroom (350 sq ft) will give us the extra breathing room that we so desperately need right now.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Just for a recap (since it's been so long) here is the journey our master bedroom has taken:</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GCc7WAu7bvg/S6axZ2m49XI/AAAAAAAAAQo/0BkNEOl8ze8/s1600/DSC01373+SIZED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GCc7WAu7bvg/S6axZ2m49XI/AAAAAAAAAQo/0BkNEOl8ze8/s640/DSC01373+SIZED.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(this is how be bought the house - uninhabitable)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3J8pgdjT2YU/S6awoQ5YKnI/AAAAAAAAAQg/rO7oRrX4Zn4/s1600/DSC01482+SIZED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3J8pgdjT2YU/S6awoQ5YKnI/AAAAAAAAAQg/rO7oRrX4Zn4/s640/DSC01482+SIZED.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(so we gutted the place)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFm4oyyCHTm1rp6ED07pmLqkYWcdfGKjDHSJIHrMlBUThvges8F1qRiRj6OJouc3z5p81LDowxoCNRr2PQslgCUjmIHqLmLta3ZndZFxohpKhFWJ7IySgVTCljit2oYQYfHy4uZ-LLn2qh/s1600/attic+almost+done.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFm4oyyCHTm1rp6ED07pmLqkYWcdfGKjDHSJIHrMlBUThvges8F1qRiRj6OJouc3z5p81LDowxoCNRr2PQslgCUjmIHqLmLta3ZndZFxohpKhFWJ7IySgVTCljit2oYQYfHy4uZ-LLn2qh/s640/attic+almost+done.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(and now we're building it back up again, the right way)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Hopefully I can post a finalized pic very very soon!!! It's come a long way - new electrical work and light fixtures, new walls, new railing, built-in shelving units, boxed in exhaust pole and chimney. I can't get over what a difference it has all made already, it's a whole new room. Now that we're putting paint on the walls, I can almost see us living up there!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That's our current life in a nutshell! I guess that wasn't so nutshell-ish, but you get the idea :o)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I promise to try and be a better blogger from here on out. My current goal is at least one post per week, but I will of course strive for above and beyond that ;o) With the impending holiday season upon us, this proves to be a challenge but I promise to try my best.</div><br />
<span id="goog_1425887985"></span><span id="goog_1425887986"></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-79958294783657563022011-09-21T11:09:00.183-04:002011-09-21T14:52:36.229-04:0041 weeks - 1 weekI have been MIA lately and I do apologize, but assure you that it has been for good reason ;o)<br />
<br />
Clearly my due date has come and gone, so I imagine that questions have risen regarding the status of our little Owen...<br />
<br />
I am so proud to report that Owen Richard finally made his grand entrance (right on schedule) on Wednesday September 14th, 2011 at 11:09am! He weighed 8lbs 9oz and was a whopping 21.25 inches long (he's one lean little man, so all of that weight is in his height).<br />
<br />
Before we get into the nitty gritty, I of course need to formally introduce you all to my Owen<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AzYwDggY-kA/TnnT9tw8Y3I/AAAAAAAABiw/HURvp5JRH60/s1600/Owen3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AzYwDggY-kA/TnnT9tw8Y3I/AAAAAAAABiw/HURvp5JRH60/s640/Owen3.jpg" width="478" /></a></div><br />
<br />
<i>Side note: this post is being made on Wednesday September 21st at 11:09am, exactly one week from the moment that Owen entered the world :o) My little man is one week old already and I can hardly believe it. Bryan says my hormones are clearly still unstable, but I've been an emotional mess just thinking about the fact that Owen's first week of life has already come and gone *tear* It's been such an amazing week, I'm just a little sad to see it go. But am so looking forward to these next moments in our lives together.</i><br />
<br />
His grand entrance wasn't (of course) without it's trials and tribulations. So I will forewarn you all that this next section will not only be lengthy, but will probably contain some adult rated material that won't be for the fainthearted - so read on at your own risk :o)<br />
<br />
It all started at my 39 week appointment (where I was actually 38w5d): my blood pressure was continuing to slowly climb the charts, even despite my increasing medication dosage. So the doc and I began discussing our options for getting Owen out and into the world as safely as possible. This conversation resulted in a trip over to labor and delivery for monitoring, which of course led to being sent home after 3 hours of NST and blood work that ultimately indicated Owen was doing fine and there was therefore no reason to take drastic measures... yet. They didn't, however, let me leave without scheduling a followup monitoring session for that following Friday.<br />
<br />
So we made it through the week, my last week of work (whew) and went back to L&D for our followup session at 39w2d. My blood pressure was (as per the usual) still climbing and the decision was made to start labor induction and get Owen out, before any complications had the opportunity to present themselves. Unfortunately, L&D was super busy on that particular day - I'm not sure if it was the impending full moon, or just our poor luck, but they were sWaMpEd! Our hospital's L&D has 3 triage rooms, one of which we were lucky enough to get, and they were <i>all</i> full. So full, in fact, that there was a poor girl waiting to get in who was laboring in the hallway! They had to keep walking her into the bathroom to check her over and get stats on her baby - I felt so bad, she was clearly in pain. They also conducted an epidural on the woman in the room next to us. It was so busy and things were so crazy, that I managed to hear the anesthesiologist say they don't usually do epidurals in the triage rooms but he clearly didn't have a choice :::insert panicked face::: <br />
<br />
We waited... we waited... oh yea, and we waited some more... we waited for over 5 hours, only to finally be told that my doc had changed her mind (she was the on call OB in L&D that day) and they were just too busy at the moment to induce me at that time. Let me clarify - it was determined that there was no immediate danger to Owen, so deciding not to induce at that exact moment was not a poor decision on my physicians part and I do see that now. But you can only imagine how insanely frustrating this was to very pregnant and unfed (they wont let you eat once you've been admitted to L&D) pregnant lady. I was literally in tears as we walked out of the hospital. I was so ready to meet our little guy and promised (albeit only momentarily... well, hourly really) that it would be happening soon, so having promise revoked was just pure torture. But home we went and I tried my hardest to pull myself together.<br />
<br />
We made it through the weekend and I went to my regularly scheduled appointment on Monday morning, where (of course) my blood pressure will still high. Quickly approaching full-term, our due date, 40 weeks, etc. etc. etc. we decided to formally schedule labor induction for that evening. I was told to go home and get everything in order (it's sort of nice when you know the fairly closely estimated day and time of your baby's delivery - makes getting ready a lot easier lol), and then to call the hospital at 6:30pm to see if they had the means to admit me for induction that evening. I was honestly nervous to make the call - after our experience(s) the previous week, I didn't want to get my hopes up again only to have them crushed. Luckily, that's not how things went down and we were told to come to L&D at 7:30pm to get things rolling! I breathed a HUGE sigh of relief and then tried to mentally prepare myself for what was about to happen... we were having a baby! We finished packing our hospital bag, fed and cleaned our pets, settled the house, and were on our way!<br />
<br />
We registered with L&D and then were shown to our birthing suite:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztEwG2NS0LziiXYxLmuehwzqKvxOTnOGe6TBdH20MRNxeRAra9K63fduzkKu_WDOHBIryr05DhdUfFBHdJLmKjgauVuprsnf1hLVLW39r65M84C6vCGtm1_EXqquAwIa4wecTVwtADf20/s1600/IMG_9636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgztEwG2NS0LziiXYxLmuehwzqKvxOTnOGe6TBdH20MRNxeRAra9K63fduzkKu_WDOHBIryr05DhdUfFBHdJLmKjgauVuprsnf1hLVLW39r65M84C6vCGtm1_EXqquAwIa4wecTVwtADf20/s640/IMG_9636.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLlCQb80IK20YYNOYJ9023FwpHEIocRecR6ye3WAwS0MklhopdAfKzUyoDlMub4USZRynk0H-lhXMBr6lBU_7D-egdj1hNiYyxSFoK7vqHqI1BYWROfV9UXkSFwLSY0kak_lAFiGm5EZH/s1600/IMG_5708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLlCQb80IK20YYNOYJ9023FwpHEIocRecR6ye3WAwS0MklhopdAfKzUyoDlMub4USZRynk0H-lhXMBr6lBU_7D-egdj1hNiYyxSFoK7vqHqI1BYWROfV9UXkSFwLSY0kak_lAFiGm5EZH/s640/IMG_5708.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<br />
I seriously love our hospital - it's fairly new (remodeled within the last 5 years) and the maternity ward is just gorgeous! It's completely separate and isolated from the rest of the hospital. The rooms are all birthing suites with private bathrooms and jacuzzi tubs - labor, delivery and recovery and all done in the same fabulous room (no more room sharing or hopping). <br />
<br />
Anyway...<br />
<br />
We got settled into our room and waited for the nurse to check me in, take my vitals, etc. And then for the doctor to come in and start the Cervadil to hopefully begin ripening my cervix (since we were still barely at 2cm, as we'd been for the past couple weeks). Once everything was setup, we took a deep breath and tried to get some sleep for the night.<br />
<br />
The next day - Tuesday - I was checked for progress and had only managed to dilate to barely 3cm (ha, my body hates me). But it was enough to get started with the Pitocin and hopefully bring on some contractions to do the rest of the work. We started out with a low dose and slowly worked our way up throughout the rest of the day and through the night. This was nice because I didn't get slammed with full fledged contractions, and was able to slowly build up a pain tolerance just like with natural labor. We did, however, get to the point where I just needed some sleep and relief from the contractions. So later that night we ordered an Epidural, which wasn't as bad as I had imagined. The actual administration of it was fine, it was the sensation of not being able to feel my legs that I wasn't thrilled with lol I never liked that sensation (even when it was just my limbs "falling asleep" naturally throughout life) and this was just a concentration one-thousand times worse. No less, it did take the edge off and I was able to get some sleep. But only for a couple hours, as the Epidural quickly began to wear off. I had to call the nurses and they sent out for yet another Epidural, thinking that the first one just didn't take for some reason. So they did <i>yet another</i> Epidural and that one seemed to do the trick (thank goodness).<br />
<br />
So we continued to relax and labor throughout the night and into the next day - Wednesday. We were eventually checked again and had made it to almost 6cm (slow and steady wins the race, right?). So we continued with the increasing Pitocin drip, until we reached 32mi and had finally managed to make it to almost 10cm (yay!!!). It only took 39 hours *sigh* During this check, was when we realized that little Owen was presenting face first :o( Not an impossible feat, but definitely not ideal for a vaginal birth. The physician on call gave me the option to give it a go vaginally and see what we can do, or just to go straight for the c-section. I really wanted to try for a vaginal birth, so we made the decision to push for an hour and see where that got us. At around 9am on Wednesday September 14th, 2011 we began pushing. Unfortunately it just was not meant to be and after an hour of pushing with no progress (he never made it post -2 station) we made the call to deliver via c-section. I had made peace with the decision and knew it was the best thing for Owen - his face was so smushed up in there, beating against my pelvic bone, I didn't want to stress him out anymore. We prepped for the OR and were wheeled down the hall for our procedure within minutes.<br />
<br />
The rest is a real blur for me personally - they gave me a Spinal Tap on top of my second Epidural, because they were concerned about me feeling things (thank you!). So I was completely paralyzed from the ribs down, which is one of the oddest sensations I have yet to experience. But it did the trick and I didn't feel a thing. They also gave me a dose of medicine to help with digestion during the anesthesia, unfortunately it made me nauseous and I ended up getting sick on the operating table (that was fun :::insert sarcasm here:::). But the best thing by far - and the one thing I hope to always remember - was the first time I heard him cry :o) Since I couldn't see anything, that cry was all that I had to let me know that he was here and ok - the best sound in the world. At that point they called Bryan over to cut his umbilical cord and take pictures of him being weighed, foot printed, and cleaned up. Laying there alone while they got him situated and me closed up was a confusing moment emotionally - I was sad, lonely, stressed and frustrated, but I was also happy, elated, anxious and excited to finally meet the little guy. I couldn't see him or Bryan (which I was kind of upset about), but I could see my mom in the observation window and she was signaling to me that he was doing well.<br />
<br />
As soon as he was stable they let Bryan bring him over to me :o)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhWDvhLXzQZUH_9TQP5KnddBriXm6EZCA5yXF7dxcguy4mqgbnuwv484ee-t8oJdZmvtRY8MT_WkMRduw4BS5INI8r_XIEPNwvVILE4hxUtjAiU-Aj7YZ4n4vN0NBGwflU7aORJqCgPQD/s1600/DSC02274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWhWDvhLXzQZUH_9TQP5KnddBriXm6EZCA5yXF7dxcguy4mqgbnuwv484ee-t8oJdZmvtRY8MT_WkMRduw4BS5INI8r_XIEPNwvVILE4hxUtjAiU-Aj7YZ4n4vN0NBGwflU7aORJqCgPQD/s640/DSC02274.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> <br />
You can see even in this picture, how swollen, bruised and beat up his poor face was :o(<br />
<br />
After they got me stitched up, they placed him in my arms for the ride back to our room. Once we were parked, they got him latched for his first feeding and he caught on like a champ! We were given an hour of family time, just the three of us, before any visitors were allowed back. This is all still a little blurry for me too, but Bryan does a good job filling in the gaps.<br />
<br />
Soon after my parents came back to meet Owen<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_C_wke9RvJ5ceBNj6RBjuMgOCMJ3-IbaavZ9rNqvlU2yj3gWVWm6H7a_rB9OZuRPh90qigZO_VH_ihRNPbfUtpJ5z612n5Ps4tEo7lUIxDhO3_3lRlcEcyuZ-REndTAFgsK0oVYzuasNn/s1600/DSC_0618.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_C_wke9RvJ5ceBNj6RBjuMgOCMJ3-IbaavZ9rNqvlU2yj3gWVWm6H7a_rB9OZuRPh90qigZO_VH_ihRNPbfUtpJ5z612n5Ps4tEo7lUIxDhO3_3lRlcEcyuZ-REndTAFgsK0oVYzuasNn/s640/DSC_0618.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEt-RPP_6j0jmQIrfsAqFAX62B5mpZhT-Cwjo924tFxTZv5OG1BvVDNVJfpyPY2OBRavI5qwf5IdPf4CxJf9mMW7L0GdjsOrrMImFxj1UiyPC9P60OtlEFU_XcAE2yX4kNuKTvXjr0UN4x/s1600/DSC_0609.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEt-RPP_6j0jmQIrfsAqFAX62B5mpZhT-Cwjo924tFxTZv5OG1BvVDNVJfpyPY2OBRavI5qwf5IdPf4CxJf9mMW7L0GdjsOrrMImFxj1UiyPC9P60OtlEFU_XcAE2yX4kNuKTvXjr0UN4x/s640/DSC_0609.JPG" width="428" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglF3qog6iqOpo5CsV_dCRN5GyhjuMSHscMsc1zGIu87o1TvLCosJ7J5boVRPE369uRSZGoHIsu_IN6f5OcJ2a3FfDxxv6xdtOqZiKYnEfehJBteZUiIWZUjzu74J5Lin018ectIOv0_QRO/s1600/DSC_0620+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglF3qog6iqOpo5CsV_dCRN5GyhjuMSHscMsc1zGIu87o1TvLCosJ7J5boVRPE369uRSZGoHIsu_IN6f5OcJ2a3FfDxxv6xdtOqZiKYnEfehJBteZUiIWZUjzu74J5Lin018ectIOv0_QRO/s640/DSC_0620+small.jpg" width="428" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nb5DahlXh6M/TnoTpvdm_iI/AAAAAAAABjM/u-Uuftd2Vq4/s1600/IMG_9913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nb5DahlXh6M/TnoTpvdm_iI/AAAAAAAABjM/u-Uuftd2Vq4/s640/IMG_9913.jpg" width="476" /></a></div><br />
Of course with a c-section we had to spend another 3 days in the hospital, so we were there for a total of 6 days between both the induction and the c-section. The whole experience was just a whirlwind. But he's here now and we are sooooooooooo in love with this little man :o)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZdpgU6e-FCD0qLMZZexNpbgep4wi8ukijp728ZU1Qbj7EkT6p1z68UUfwA7e9euw2eaJ3mR8nuZh1e8TE1NopqMi0K7ZHU8X6KcyKJQ-y91JY6pARxB4mcw1jQBpKg7Q3R5Hb_AWnOXV/s1600/Owen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIZdpgU6e-FCD0qLMZZexNpbgep4wi8ukijp728ZU1Qbj7EkT6p1z68UUfwA7e9euw2eaJ3mR8nuZh1e8TE1NopqMi0K7ZHU8X6KcyKJQ-y91JY6pARxB4mcw1jQBpKg7Q3R5Hb_AWnOXV/s640/Owen.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YAnpu2qqQUE/TnoURYnHyoI/AAAAAAAABjU/J0wA28Ex9kU/s1600/Owen2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YAnpu2qqQUE/TnoURYnHyoI/AAAAAAAABjU/J0wA28Ex9kU/s640/Owen2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Today Owen is 1 week old and things are going well. We're settling into a routine, trying to find our groove. Lucky for us, Bryan was able to get an additional week off from work (since we spent a whole one just in the hospital) and so now we have two more weeks together as a family :o)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Zlc-WZBveQ/TnoldPiaXOI/AAAAAAAABjc/YlDV3hlm_QM/s1600/IMG_5188.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5Zlc-WZBveQ/TnoldPiaXOI/AAAAAAAABjc/YlDV3hlm_QM/s320/IMG_5188.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Welcome to the world and our family Owie :o)</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-8362683147867662712011-09-07T18:27:00.000-04:002011-09-07T18:27:18.069-04:0039 weeksPlease excuse, what may seem like, my excessive whining in the following post. I try my hardest to maintain a positive attitude, especially with regards to this pregnancy, but I feel it's important to get some true feelings out there. For anyone going through something similar, please know that you are not alone and that your feelings are perfectly normal.<br />
<br />
This weeks' weight gain/loss: +3lbs<br />
<br />
Total weight gain/loss: +10lbs<br />
<br />
Size of Baby: We're officially a watermelon!!! The last fruit!!! <br />
<br />
Biggest challenges: Getting comfortable and staying calm.<br />
<br />
Cravings: I've officially lost interest in food again and the short gag reflex is back :o(<br />
<br />
Gender: it's a BOY!!! Owen Richard W*****<br />
<br />
Movement: Lots of big and dramatic movements - he's definitely getting low on space!<br />
<br />
Sleep: We're still on the futon, but we're getting used to it. Now that I'm out of work, I get to sleep in and that's really helping with getting quality rest.<br />
<br />
What I Miss: Still my feet and ankles, but now I'm adding my hands to that list as well :o( My worsening carpal tunnel is killing me :o( I wake up each morning and can barely bend my fingers - they used to get somewhat better throughout the day, but now they just hurt all day long. I can't do anything anymore - put on my bra, write, type, grab things, etc. <br />
<br />
Emotions: Discouraged, frustrated, and upset *sigh* I wish so much that those weren't my feelings right now - I wanted so badly and waited so long for this pregnancy. But as we reach the end here, I am finding myself tired and uncomfortable :o( My newly developed and ever worsening carpal tunnel is killing me! I wake up in so much pain every morning and can pretty much do nothing with my hands at this point. And that's on top of my other regular symptoms - high BP, swelling, headaches, lower back pain, etc. Adding salt to the wound, we're not making any progress either :o( No contractions, no dilation, no dropping, nothing :o( I know that means nothing and things can change in an instant, but it's hard not to let that get to you.<br />
<br />
Best moment this week: Trying to enjoy the last moments of being pregnant...<br />
<br />
Any baby related purchases: Got a new cool wall clock for Owen's nursery (will post pics soon) and we LoVe it!!!<br />
<br />
Milestones: One more week until EDD!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-50588627125877306822011-08-31T10:35:00.001-04:002011-08-31T10:35:32.553-04:0038 weeks<b>This weeks' weight gain/loss</b>: +2lbs<br />
<br />
<b>Total weight gain/loss</b>: +7lbs<br />
<br />
<b>Size of Baby: </b>We're officially a watermelon!!! The last fruit!!!<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Biggest challenges: </b>Everything is a challenge at this point lol I'm getting large and uncomfortable, which makes doing everyday things very difficult - sitting down, getting up, sleeping, picking things up, moving around, standing for long periods of time, etc. etc. etc.<br />
<br />
<b>Cravings: </b>Getting this child out lol no, but seriously... I honestly am not really into food right now, I'm simply eating because I know that I have to at this point. I am much more focused on tying up the last minute loose ends at work in preparation for my leave, and nesting.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Gender:</b> it's a BOY!!! Owen Richard W*****<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Movement: </b>We had an NST yesterday, and Owen did not like that one bit. He was bouncing all over the place during the test and then continued to do so for the rest of the day after that. So apparently he has not completely run out of room in there yet!</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Sleep:</b> We've officially moved out of the nursery and onto the futon in the spare bedroom *sigh* It's a less than ideal situation, but we're making it work. I'm just happy to have the nursery completely done and ready to go. But working from home and getting to sleep in most mornings, is really helping to keep me rested for the most part.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>What I Miss:</b> I am starting to think it will always be my feet and ankles lol I am soooooooo over swelling and looking like a stuffed sausage! I want to see my feet again, the feet that I know actually belong to me and not ones that I have to do a double take on.</div></div></div></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Emotions: </b>I'm getting stressed out over our remodel (which still isn't done - grrrrrrrr) and trying to keep things in check because of it. I just want our room done and us moved into it - my house is a wreck and that's really putting a damper on my nesting urges lately.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
<b>Best moment this week</b>: Finally completely finishing the nursery!!! </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Any baby related purchases:</b> I think we're pretty much set at this point.</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><b>Milestones: </b>2 more weeks!!! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-12074809536259929902011-08-24T09:26:00.003-04:002011-08-24T12:47:16.477-04:0037 weeks - Full Term!!!<b>This weeks' weight gain/loss</b>: +1lbs<br />
<br />
<b>Total weight gain/loss</b>: +5lbs<br />
<br />
<b>Size of Baby: </b>We're officially a watermelon!!! The last fruit!!!<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Biggest challenges: </b>Bending over is pretty much out of the question at this point lol Bryan has to do a lot of the floor level stuff for me. I've resorted strictly to flip flops now (not that I could tie a tennis shoe around my inflated feet at this point anyway) and some interesting contortion moves to get pants on lol<br />
<br />
<b>Cravings: </b>I finally had my Mexican fix and boy was it gooooood :o) Nice and spicy, hopefully that will give Owen some incentive to make his appearance soon. Other than that, I would really love a turkey sub from Subway lol and that's now my first request for food once he's out.<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Gender:</b> it's a BOY!!! Owen Richard W*****<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Movement: </b>I can definitely tell that he's running out of room in there - movements have turned into these dramatic turning motions, as opposed to the old kicks and punches. I'm waiting to feel him drop into my pelvis and was told that movements would change again once that happens.</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Sleep:</b> Still slightly better this week than it has been the past month or so. I continue to toss and turn from one side to the other, but there is more actual sleep being had lately. Hopefully that is in preparation for Owen to finally be here!</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>What I Miss:</b> I am starting to think it will always be my feet and ankles lol I am soooooooo over swelling and looking like a stuffed sausage! I want to see my feet again, the feet that I know actually belong to me and not ones that I have to do a double take on.</div></div></div></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Emotions: </b>I've actually been ok this week - no major freak outs or melt downs. I don't think that it's all actually hit me yet, and I'm honestly not sure when it will. Right now, we're trying all of the labor inducing techniques that we can and so I think that's given me something to focus on.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
<b>Best moment this week</b>: Officially full term!!! And I've finished washing all of Owen's laundry, so there's really not a ton left for me to do in the way of getting ready for him. </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Any baby related purchases:</b> Went to Babies R Us to use our completion coupon and got the last few things we needed - bottles, safety gates, toys, etc. Other than that, no - we are pretty much done in the baby related purchases department. At this point we really have everything that we need (and then some) for him.</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><b>Milestones: </b>Full term!!! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-67483288407394142072011-08-18T13:04:00.001-04:002011-08-18T13:04:31.803-04:00He Flipped!We had our follow-up ultrasound yesterday, after the doc heard that he was breech or transverse, and I am happy to report that Owen has flipped into the head down position on his own!!! I was honestly surprised, I could have sworn he was still breech based on where I thought I was feeling movement. But he's officially head down and ready to go!<br />
<br />
However, my doc warned me that we're not out of the woods yet. Apparently because he did flip so late, that means that he still has some room in there, which means that he could flip again. So she would like to continue with monitoring via ultrasound until the end, just to be sure that he doesn't decide to turn himself around again. She also told me that when I do go into labor and head to L&D, to let them know that he just recently flipped and to request an ultrasound at the hospital so that we can be sure he didn't flip back to breech. She doesn't want me going through hours of labor, only to find out that he did flip again and will end up needing an emergency c-section anyway (thanks doc!).<br />
<br />
So right now, we're in good shape!<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, as of this morning I am not dilated at all :o( My cervix is nice and soft, so we're on our way, but not quite making any progress just yet. I will admit that I was hoping for a little something, but oh well... there's always next week, right?! ;o)Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-17766751659852381602011-08-17T08:35:00.001-04:002011-08-17T08:36:17.324-04:0036 weeks<b>This weeks' weight gain/loss</b>: +1lbs<br />
<br />
<b>Total weight gain/loss</b>: +4lbs<br />
<br />
<b>Size of Baby: </b>Last week as a honeydew! Only one more fruit left to go!<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Biggest challenges: </b>Getting comfortable anytime of the day and in any position - nothing feels good or even ok anymore. Sleeping is of course still an ongoing battle, but now the daytime hours bring their own challenges<b>.</b><br />
<br />
<b>Cravings: </b>As I mentioned last week, I have been in the mood for Mexican (spicy foods - sign of labor, right? ;o). And we have plans to go to a new Mexican restaurant this Friday with our group of friends, so I'm hoping that satisfies my craving.<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Gender:</b> it's a BOY!!! Owen Richard W*****</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Movement: </b>Very active little man this week and I am loving it! Although I am pretty sure he's still sitting breech/transverse, because I can still feel his movements on the sides of my belly *sigh*</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Sleep:</b> Still slightly better this week than it has been the past month or so. I continue to toss and turn from one side to the other, but there is more actual sleep being had lately. Hopefully that is in preparation for Owen to finally be here!</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>What I Miss:</b> I am starting to think it will always be my feet and ankles lol I am soooooooo over swelling and looking like a stuffed sausage! I want to see my feet again, the feet that I know actually belong to me and not ones that I have to do a double take on.</div></div></div></div><br />
<div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Emotions: </b>Slowly getting a little rocky, as I get more and more uncomfortable. But again, I am trying my best to keep things in check. I am really trying to stay positive and grateful for everything, no matter what.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
<b>Best moment this week</b>: We had our <a href="http://katie-domesticdiva.blogspot.com/2011/08/shower-2.html">second shower</a> this weekend and it was wonderful. My mother-in-law did a fabulous job throwing us a Hey Diddle Diddle nursery rhyme themed shower. So many wonderful family and friends came out to welcome Owen. And again, we are so blessed and lucky - Owen got some great stuff! </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Any baby related purchases:</b> TONS of stuff from our second shower and then we went to do our registry completion, which thanks to our amazing family and friends didn't leave us much more that needed to be bought - lots of little things, we only spent about $150 to get the rest of his stuff. We also had a few duplicate returns and some cash gifts, that we used to purchase our last big ticket item the swing!</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><b>Milestones: </b>Next week we are full term!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-25800298497016420942011-08-15T09:31:00.000-04:002011-08-15T09:31:15.300-04:00Shower #2Owen had another amazing shower this past weekend :o)<br />
<br />
He is so loved and we are so blessed with the best family and friends!<br />
<br />
Bryan's mom threw us a beautiful Hey Diddle Diddle nursery rhyme themed shower this past Saturday - she really outdid herself, it was gorgeous! She was very adamant about doing everything herself and now I can see why - she had a vision and she went alllllllllllllll out with it! Every little detail was on theme and so friggin cute!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1Ijyz_buEw/TkkeUATitmI/AAAAAAAABeE/PE6h4pRbR4A/s1600/DSCN0485EDITED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-H1Ijyz_buEw/TkkeUATitmI/AAAAAAAABeE/PE6h4pRbR4A/s640/DSCN0485EDITED.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9PJMbMI-OvXavLhfmcBCSkAy_njizQmzfDVSvpF4CANQFnaAZ79gSUVdu1xLitNq9sk-rb_Nhr3vQdFuh22DVh0los01m0CIX4cS4uMNNYmbk-En2o2Ze_A8NZiVMTDRlvGhfQIA5Wio/s1600/DSCN0488EDITED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ9PJMbMI-OvXavLhfmcBCSkAy_njizQmzfDVSvpF4CANQFnaAZ79gSUVdu1xLitNq9sk-rb_Nhr3vQdFuh22DVh0los01m0CIX4cS4uMNNYmbk-En2o2Ze_A8NZiVMTDRlvGhfQIA5Wio/s640/DSCN0488EDITED.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakuOvSyrypXkq-B9s1-EyN41NPD_ZV3XCQDRL_B3Wp_xGgQgOzvNXPCnIA5OChIIosRE_aPBTmqWtCFn64bM3PwGsB4l0eitoVxQO-rIsZhrM-8KeKfemnzwrm4n-yJEW1kkvEb7mHhKR/s1600/DSCN0486EDITED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiakuOvSyrypXkq-B9s1-EyN41NPD_ZV3XCQDRL_B3Wp_xGgQgOzvNXPCnIA5OChIIosRE_aPBTmqWtCFn64bM3PwGsB4l0eitoVxQO-rIsZhrM-8KeKfemnzwrm4n-yJEW1kkvEb7mHhKR/s640/DSCN0486EDITED.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSM7LinoWlD0OSLf-r1UPfFDkXHL0Yx-QmKIklafIO_l1lvDWm2uzV780izUDDL3_wmTT1KUTshRntpX7AVDKX2Fc2vw3r2m0NUoMaMNtmA6psnZLdMlnSlLetJ5As_KlGbCUFAqcNfrz/s1600/DSCN0490EDITED.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcSM7LinoWlD0OSLf-r1UPfFDkXHL0Yx-QmKIklafIO_l1lvDWm2uzV780izUDDL3_wmTT1KUTshRntpX7AVDKX2Fc2vw3r2m0NUoMaMNtmA6psnZLdMlnSlLetJ5As_KlGbCUFAqcNfrz/s640/DSCN0490EDITED.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Everything was just wonderful, she did an absolutely amazing job!<br />
<br />
And of course Owen was completely spoiled yet again - I still cannot believe how much stuff he has already! Now that our showers are over, I was going through our list to try and figure out what we even still need before he arrives and let me tell you, that list is minimal. We are so lucky!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-3205555500381189042011-08-11T00:15:00.001-04:002011-08-31T10:41:26.619-04:00Nursery RevealI will soon have a progress post of our work on the master bedroom remodel to share with you all - it's slowly but surely coming along (baby steps ;o). Although we are making remarkable strides lately and my father (and Bryan) swears it will be done by the time Owen arrives, I am not holding my breath. I am sure that it will be done soon, but probably not within the next month.<br />
<br />
Luckily - as I've reported in <a href="http://katie-domesticdiva.blogspot.com/2011/06/nursery-sneak-peek-2.html">previous posts</a> - we have gotten most of the work done in the nursery (which is still currently acting as our bedroom until the remodel is finished). I am so glad that we did get so much done, especially now that is looks as though the remodel may be taking longer than originally planned... I cannot imagine painting and finishing a nursery this pregnant or with a newborn.<br />
<br />
I've given you guys some "sneak peeks" of the <a href="http://katie-domesticdiva.blogspot.com/search/label/Nursery">nursery progress</a> and even shared our original <a href="http://katie-domesticdiva.blogspot.com/2011/04/plan.html">design plans</a> with you... although we're not quite ready for an official reveal just yet, I'm also not sure when we will ever be. So in the mean time I did want to share some pictures with you guys :o)<br />
<br />
<i>Note: please excuse the tight angled shots and our bed poking into some of them - unfortunately our bed does take up a majority of the room and so it's difficult to get good pictures with such a complicated setup.</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6l1MmkFs0Wti1mJGGkRUJ43LyWwXcqXmc4m8u6tCyxWNUeg4CUAolna2MJp7pqy48uLUbvtBOfOFb_0aEKZj2e71DC2kNRQaWAm4ZI0QJbZnWYpSAIdY6qNgE0xCrdLnbYUt0US24Ug/s1600/DSC_0527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP6l1MmkFs0Wti1mJGGkRUJ43LyWwXcqXmc4m8u6tCyxWNUeg4CUAolna2MJp7pqy48uLUbvtBOfOFb_0aEKZj2e71DC2kNRQaWAm4ZI0QJbZnWYpSAIdY6qNgE0xCrdLnbYUt0US24Ug/s640/DSC_0527.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i>The quote plaque hung on his nursery door.<br />
It's from Winnie the Pooh, and it reads:<br />
"sometimes the smallest things, take up the most room in your heart"</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ILTWzcMy3z8/Tl5H_YirBZI/AAAAAAAABig/2DSGHfqGBSY/s1600/05.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ILTWzcMy3z8/Tl5H_YirBZI/AAAAAAAABig/2DSGHfqGBSY/s640/05.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> The piece de resistance - the accent wall - LoVe how this turned out!</div><div style="text-align: center;">Also seen on the left is the changing table with Winnie the Pooh art prints hung over top.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oYWDsc1Wl3E/TkK9lIzixfI/AAAAAAAABdc/POAUjpyJDMc/s1600/DSC_0518.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oYWDsc1Wl3E/TkK9lIzixfI/AAAAAAAABdc/POAUjpyJDMc/s640/DSC_0518.JPG" width="640" /></a></div> A better shot of the Winnie the Pooh art prints, hung over the changing table.<br />
<br />
Below are some shots of his full drawers in the changing table...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbf1_nim6LED6dFRW7-Emes15Tv5NArVPJXe0U3sG4E9yTUMTkCudHYmX0RHYpWRJipAiY3ao0-aNJoO50p7XHwS8xRTj6EvdBqkenMsCE87t7cBq1JlT257MiJBzAblOqBVZXdZg3kw/s1600/DSC_0535.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLbf1_nim6LED6dFRW7-Emes15Tv5NArVPJXe0U3sG4E9yTUMTkCudHYmX0RHYpWRJipAiY3ao0-aNJoO50p7XHwS8xRTj6EvdBqkenMsCE87t7cBq1JlT257MiJBzAblOqBVZXdZg3kw/s640/DSC_0535.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>First aid and grooming kits, diapers and wipes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RqEazaTrugo/TkK-OWF8siI/AAAAAAAABdo/4IU5f1Xt8-4/s1600/DSC_0531.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RqEazaTrugo/TkK-OWF8siI/AAAAAAAABdo/4IU5f1Xt8-4/s640/DSC_0531.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>Organizer with socks, booties, binkies, hats and mittens, swaddle and receiving blankets.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cWgzKNTvmY/TkK-uoJxahI/AAAAAAAABd4/9-eThFcpV9A/s1600/DSC_0528.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2cWgzKNTvmY/TkK-uoJxahI/AAAAAAAABd4/9-eThFcpV9A/s640/DSC_0528.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span id="goog_1064171093"></span><span id="goog_1064171094"></span> Hooded bath towels, washcloths, burpies and bibs.<br />
<br />
The other side of the room... <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UfXpThU45Ysd1OuyszqhSlss3-DPm6oVhX_7-rcyNhS7JupfeL356DU7_89ALn1YHOKKbj9F2vyjn5sCEFtXGMYxKSmRaeY_9MdBIDdzTT237EA4dvNr6Fz6hupmWodxWAJlTBjuN-o/s1600/Dresser+Glider.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7UfXpThU45Ysd1OuyszqhSlss3-DPm6oVhX_7-rcyNhS7JupfeL356DU7_89ALn1YHOKKbj9F2vyjn5sCEFtXGMYxKSmRaeY_9MdBIDdzTT237EA4dvNr6Fz6hupmWodxWAJlTBjuN-o/s640/Dresser+Glider.JPG" width="428" /></a></div> Dresser with his name hung above and glider with paper lanterns hung above.<br />
(<i>the dresser is currently housing our clothes lol but all of Owen's pants, various other layette <br />
and bigger sized clothes will eventually go in there instead</i>) <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0wh7PJK08es/TkJwnSXDvrI/AAAAAAAABdE/wRzfH0datrY/s1600/DSC_0540.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0wh7PJK08es/TkJwnSXDvrI/AAAAAAAABdE/wRzfH0datrY/s640/DSC_0540.JPG" width="428" /></a></div> And of course the infamous baby closet!<br />
(<i>you can see all of his pants, various other layette and bigger sized clothes <br />
sitting on top of the shelves, waiting for their space in the dresser lol</i>)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">There are obviously a lot of things still missing from this nursery (most obviously the crib lol), most of which are currently being housed in our other spare bedroom slash home office. But they are all larger items (pack 'n play, bassinet, bouncer, jumperoo, swing, stroller(s), etc.) that really have no place else to go until our remodel is complete. So there they will sit, until that day comes (hopefully very soon ;o).</div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-40025498689115307592011-08-10T09:43:00.004-04:002011-08-10T10:00:36.943-04:0035/35We are officially 35/35 this week!!! <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRmzrzDf3qfD3_1vV8s36tpWRhr9YepSdz1DDIXVHiUnsJkY1zSa4lNwJ8UZdW5UirxzC2H_2sKZDtdLQvXQJj1C7jSYbTWrvQkXdTzPZ9I_cVevt2-sv79WN6TBRw-S3_rj6e-ZL53te/s1600/Publication1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmRmzrzDf3qfD3_1vV8s36tpWRhr9YepSdz1DDIXVHiUnsJkY1zSa4lNwJ8UZdW5UirxzC2H_2sKZDtdLQvXQJj1C7jSYbTWrvQkXdTzPZ9I_cVevt2-sv79WN6TBRw-S3_rj6e-ZL53te/s400/Publication1.jpg" width="345" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>For those of you not down with the pregnancy lingo - when you hit the 35 week mark, you also happen to have only 35 days left until your due date... hence making it the 35/35. I know it's kind of silly, but it's a cool milestone and I cannot believe that we're here already!<br />
<br />
<b>This weeks' weight gain/loss</b>: 0lbs<br />
<br />
<b>Total weight gain/loss</b>: +3lbs<br />
<br />
<b>Size of Baby: </b>Honeydew!!! Only one more fruit left to go!<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Biggest challenges: </b>Getting up from a sitting or laying down position - Bryan has become my new pulley system lol I think he can get me out of any position at this point.<br />
<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"></div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Cravings: </b>Right now I'm really in the mood for Mexican :o) Nice and spicy, hopefully that's a subtle sign of things to come (they do say that spicy foods induce labor after all ;o) So Hopefully I will be going to get my Mexican fix this Friday, although I am missing my margaritas at this point haha.</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Gender:</b> it's a BOY!!! Owen Richard W*****</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Movement: </b>He must have sense my nerves from last week, because he's been kickin up a storm in there this past week. Although he still hasn't moved from his breech position *sigh* Hopefully he gets it done in the next week, otherwise my OB is going to start calling the shots for him!</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Sleep:</b> Or lack there of... it's been slightly better recently, but nothing solid. I usually do ok until around midnight or shortly after Bryan leaves for work and then it's back to tossing and turning for the rest of the night. It's getting really difficult to swing that belly back and forth!</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>What I Miss:</b> Still my feet and ankles lol I had (what will probably be) my last pedicure last night and even the nail tech could tell how swollen I was. Luckily she did a fantastic job and the whole experience was just amazing! Exactly what I needed right now!</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Emotions: </b>Still trying my hardest not to be irritable, but this week I just had not patience. Everyone and everything was just driving me nuts lol Aside from that, I've also been very anxious - now that we're not sure what's going to happen in the next couple of weeks, the uncertainty is just killing me!</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
<b>Best moment this week</b>: We got a lot of work done on our remodel this weekend, which means we're that much close to being out of his nursery!!! I am soooooo ready for this. </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Any baby related purchases:</b> We returned a few more things from our first shower and we able to purchase our upgraded video/sound/movement monitor AND our extra car seat base for Bryan's car!!! We are so lucky to have such generous family and friends, Owen has pretty much everything he needs thanks to them :o)</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><b>Milestones: </b>35/35 today!!!! Woot woot!!! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-20951235237803760452011-08-09T12:44:00.005-04:002011-08-09T12:49:40.983-04:00BreechSo we had our growth ultrasound this past Friday, where we discovered that little Owen is in the breech position.<br />
<br />
The perinatologist who does our ultrasounds, said that there is still a chance he will flip on his own. But my regular OB called on Monday morning (they had just gotten the ultrasound results) and she was not happy that he was still breech at over 34 weeks *sigh* So she is sending us for a follow-up ultrasound next week, when he will be 36 weeks, to see if he has flipped on his own yet. If he hasn't, then we will begin discussing our options at my regular prenatal appointment the following day on Thursday.<br />
<br />
I'm honestly not really sure how I feel about all this yet - I guess I just sort of assumed that we had gotten this far without any complications, now the rest would go smoothly and be easy ::: insert side-eye stare and sarcastic snort at self :::<insert and="" myself="" sarcastic="" side-eye="" snort="" stare="" to=""> But of course, nothing can be that easy... especially not for me. I'm trying my hardest not to jump to any conclusions just yet. We still have a week before we know anything for sure, and I don't even know what my OB will suggest.</insert><br />
<br />
There are some methods for getting the baby to turn on their own:<br />
<br />
- <i>External Version</i>; where the doctor physically tries to rotate the baby by pushing on and manipulating your stomach.<br />
<br />
- <i>Breech Tilt</i>; where you lay on your back, in a downward angled position, with your feet and hips elevated.<br />
<br />
- <i>Music and Light</i>; using baby's sound and sigh to draw them into the head down position.<br />
<br />
- <i>Chiropractic and Acupuncture</i>; of course preformed by a trained professional.<br />
<br />
I have been attempting the Breech Tilt on my own at home, but it is very very difficult to do at almost 35 weeks pregnant. Gravity basically pushes everything into your chest, making it even more difficult to breathe (as if that were possible) and of course all of the blood rushes to your head = lovely vertigo and headache :o( And I've been coupling that with Music and Light, trying to draw him into a head down position.<br />
<br />
So if he is still breech next week, it wont be for a lack of my trying - that's for sure!<br />
<br />
I will be interested to see what my OB recommends. I have heard that External Version is not pleasant, painful in fact, and can cause your water to break. Even if she were to recommend it, I'm not sure that I would outright accept it.<br />
<br />
And of course there's always a Cesarean Section, which is a popular remedy for breech babies.<br />
<br />
I suppose that the c-section option is what I am most concerned about. Obviously that's the last resort and I am trying mentally to slowly begin preparing myself for that, just in case. I've been going over the pros and cons in my head, but I honestly can't decide how I feel about the possibility.<br />
<br />
<i>Pros</i>: we'll know exactly when he's coming, we can be fully prepared, no "negative effect(s)" on my "private area(s)", less chance for complications...<br />
<br />
<i>Cons</i>: major surgery, longer recovery time, less anticipation and excitement without the element of surprise, not having and the possibility of never being able to have a traditional vaginal birth...<br />
<br />
I guess when it comes down to it, my major concern(s) revolve around my personal feelings. I don't want to be disappointed or feel like a failure as a woman because I didn't have a "traditional" vaginal birth. All of my girlfriends (none have had a c-section) share stories and talk about their birth experiences - I feel like I would be sad to be left out of all that.<br />
<br />
I'd love to hear thoughts from my readers :o)<br />
<br />
Anyone with personal experience in any of these areas?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-1031202691457778502011-08-03T09:08:00.001-04:002011-08-03T09:09:13.766-04:0034 weeks<b>This weeks' weight gain/loss</b>: +2lbs<br />
<br />
<b>Total weight gain/loss</b>: +3lbs<br />
<br />
<b>Size of Baby: </b>Honeydew!!! Only one more fruit left to go!<b> </b><br />
<br />
<b>Biggest challenges: </b>Sleeping :o( I am tossing and turning alllllllllllll night long. Since the left or right side are my only two options at this point, it's becoming increasingly difficult to get and stay comfortable. I'll start out on one side and when that side falls asleep (within half an hour, tops), then it's time to roll over... this process goes on until my alarm goes off in the morning *sigh*<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Cravings: </b>Nausea, gagging, heartburn and indigestion are all back full force and so food has once again lost it's appeal. I'm still super thirsty all of the time, especially at night and so water is my go-to consumption right now.</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Gender:</b> it's a BOY!!! Owen Richard W*****</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Movement: </b>Still really active, except for today :o( I did some kick counts this morning, because he's making me nervous, which were fine. But I definitely prefer the days when he's more active, even if he keeps me up at night.</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Sleep:</b> I think I pretty much covered my complaints for this topic up above... I miss sleep :o( </div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>What I Miss:</b> Being able to see my ankles lol the swelling is awful! My doctor has run every single precautionary test and they've all come back normal, so at this point it's just being deemed as normal pregnancy swelling.</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Emotions: </b>I've been very very tired and trying my hardest not to be irritable because of it. So far I like to think that I'm doing a pretty good job, hopefully that continues through these last few weeks.</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
<b>Best moment this week</b>: We went camping with friends this weekend, which was a lot of fun - it was nice to just get away and not have any commitments. Owen was super active all weekend, so I think he enjoyed himself. </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Any baby related purchases:</b> Yesterday we returned some more items from our first shower and were able to purchase our video/sound/movement monitor and extra car seat base with the store credits!</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><b>Milestones: </b>3 more weeks until we're full term! Whoa!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-91476903986758137752011-08-01T13:09:00.002-04:002011-08-03T09:14:53.574-04:00This month or next!!!Whoa - I cannot believe I am saying that...<br />
<br />
Owen could possibly be here this month, and will definitely be here next month!!!!<br />
<br />
Where has the time gone? July felt like it flew by!<br />
<br />
In light of this realization, I have definitely been bitten by the nesting bug! All I want to do is spend time preparing for his arrival - this pretty much reinforces the fact, that I am now officially useless at work (sorry guys!) lol<br />
<br />
We went camping with friends this past weekend, which was nice and relaxing - our best friends are also expecting their first due in November and so there was an ample amount of baby talk. But overall it was just nice to have no schedule and/or commitments for the entire weekend. Saturday was gorgeous and us ladies spent the afternoon sunbathing in the water = HeAvEn!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYu6cGcGpNWCMhaWRPVyurpU7yKd7TmPyM1AshoPfIN5j6hkJ2hkvdwWKdllG12q2Xx-_aewEhbztTygV6g_FgU5f6y6BvDduvBXijMzYGi-dmyYKG0m7NwQftIVMQrGcdgyA2lOcbEX3/s640/sun+valley+waterfall+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNYu6cGcGpNWCMhaWRPVyurpU7yKd7TmPyM1AshoPfIN5j6hkJ2hkvdwWKdllG12q2Xx-_aewEhbztTygV6g_FgU5f6y6BvDduvBXijMzYGi-dmyYKG0m7NwQftIVMQrGcdgyA2lOcbEX3/s640/sun+valley+waterfall+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
But needless to say, after a nice relaxing weekend... when we arrived home on Sunday afternoon, I was in full force nesting mode! And despite being dirty, exhausted and having a TON of laundry to do (all of which I remedied as soon as we walked in the door) I did manage to get Owen's closet completely organized!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSgQ015I6oa4CI513rGZ5GQQjLxFAzwo4Poq0TyjfPd5Zghlf_2z8b9HQ0YBgdVC307yIHfV4wZ9gb_xOwJZ0t-iXs9dWw2Emx84NPRwC9B9ncdiJgoJZbo29NS89Cnl-OUL3fqudeH8t/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSgQ015I6oa4CI513rGZ5GQQjLxFAzwo4Poq0TyjfPd5Zghlf_2z8b9HQ0YBgdVC307yIHfV4wZ9gb_xOwJZ0t-iXs9dWw2Emx84NPRwC9B9ncdiJgoJZbo29NS89Cnl-OUL3fqudeH8t/s640/photo.JPG" width="478" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>(apologies for the SUPER crappy iPhone picture quality)</div><br />
We still have another shower coming up in a couple of weeks, so I can't officially declare anything "finished" until after that. Plus, we'll still have to go shopping to pick up the remaining items on our registry as well. But I feel like we're in good shape and pretty much ready for him to be here!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-89284225751454849102011-07-27T09:24:00.003-04:002011-07-27T09:57:47.455-04:0033 weeksAnd post # 100 for Domestic Diva!!!<br />
<br />
I've been getting the feeling that lately our weekly pregnancy updates have become a little redundant as we get further and further along. So I've decided to switch things up a little bit this week - we've removed some of the questions that don't really apply anymore, and added some that I think will spice things up a little bit ;o) <br />
<br />
<b>This weeks' weight gain/loss</b>: 0lbs<br />
<br />
<b>Total weight gain/loss</b>: +1lbs<br />
<br />
<b>Size of Baby: </b>Honeydew!!! Only one more fruit left to go!<br />
<div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Biggest challenges: </b>Bending over lol shaving in the shower has become quite the chore, but I absolutely refuse to give that up - I still have to feel like a woman somehow! But putting on shoes, tending to the animals, picking things up off the floor etc. have become quite difficult. When something falls on the floor, I sit there and think to myself first "do I really need this right now, or can it wait until Bryan can get it?" lol</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Cravings: </b>My nausea has actually resurfaced a little :o( Not nearly as bad as it was back in the beginning, but I do find myself gagging here and there. I'm also really thirsty lately - so I guess water is my current craving.</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Gender:</b> it's a BOY!!! Owen Richard W*****</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Movement: </b>He's actually been super active lately - kept me up most of last night. Lots of rolling and turning, but still some really strong kicks here and there. Hiccups are becoming much more noticeable lately and it makes me giggle when I feel them :o) Poor little guy.</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Sleep:</b> Oy, where to begin?! Because of Bryan's work schedule (he works nights), I've been going to bed with him fairly early these days. I try my best to stay awake and get things done while I'm laying there, instead of falling asleep so early, but that doesn't always work. So then I'm wide awake when he leaves for work around midnight and usually can't fall back to sleep again until the wee hours of the morning. </div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>What I Miss:</b> Being able to breathe lol I constantly feel like I am out of breath and therefore severely out of shape. I can't wait to not be winded just from the simple act of walking around.</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Emotions: </b>I have been very sentimental and anxious this week. Thinking about finally getting to meet Owen and officially start our new little family gets me all choked up :o) But I am also feeling the pressures of nesting and that's really making me antsy. Knowing that our remodel isn't finished yet and therefore we can't officially finish his nursery, just makes me want to rip my hair out! I want it to be done already!!! I am in hardcore nesting mode and there's so much standing in my way *sigh*</div><div style="margin: 0px;"></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
<b>Best moment this week</b>: We had our <a href="http://katie-domesticdiva.blogspot.com/2011/07/shower-1.html">first shower</a> this past weekend (see post below) - it was absolutely wonderful! So many family and friends came out to welcome Owen, the love and support was overwhelming! </div><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin: 0px;"><b>Any baby related purchases:</b> TONS due to our <a href="http://katie-domesticdiva.blogspot.com/2011/07/shower-1.html">shower</a>, but we were also able to return some duplicates and purchase his car seat!!! I cannot believe that there is an infant car seat in my house!</div></div></div></div><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><div style="margin: 0px;"><br />
</div></div></div></div><b>Milestones: </b>Definitely our shower - I still cannot believe how much baby stuff is in our house - and being in the last week of July... in a few more days we'll be able to say that he could be here this month or shortly into the next!!!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3092259705148045154.post-41999220512633210812011-07-26T09:27:00.045-04:002011-07-27T09:53:43.615-04:00Shower #1We had our first shower this weekend!!!<br />
<br />
It was absolutely wonderful! Approximately 30 of our family and friends came out to welcome Owen - the love and support was overwhelming. We are so lucky and blessed, I can't wait for Owen to meet all of these amazing people!<br />
<br />
The shower was hosted by my awesome mom and held at a local restaurant on the lake. My BFF handmade the invitations, organized a few games, baked cookie favors for each guest, and worked her butt off all day long lol she's the best! I will never be able to thank them enough for throwing us such an beautiful shower!<br />
<br />
The theme was rubber duckies and they went alllllllllllllll out with it:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7bbisDcTz4/TjAC4PejPNI/AAAAAAAABYw/c05dHGqsaAE/s1600/DSC00650.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-p7bbisDcTz4/TjAC4PejPNI/AAAAAAAABYw/c05dHGqsaAE/s640/DSC00650.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The place settings</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfWkUbusEaKkx51tto95i4qpNvrbtbhJs2YTKnRGLxKrupx4-OglZAdCIem3dZGPcfZRBdn060h2wVaFdbnfCD76-tkJVvbpPke71k2c_YwGB02L0LHRlXvBdRdmb-jPLvxJX_QX0HMu3/s1600/DSC00652.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQfWkUbusEaKkx51tto95i4qpNvrbtbhJs2YTKnRGLxKrupx4-OglZAdCIem3dZGPcfZRBdn060h2wVaFdbnfCD76-tkJVvbpPke71k2c_YwGB02L0LHRlXvBdRdmb-jPLvxJX_QX0HMu3/s640/DSC00652.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The table scape - rubber duckies galore!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GB6HiZE3LZM/TjAChsDxgaI/AAAAAAAABYk/2u840U3gSjI/s1600/DSC00647.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GB6HiZE3LZM/TjAChsDxgaI/AAAAAAAABYk/2u840U3gSjI/s640/DSC00647.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> The adorable centerpieces</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8LPaaVkb9mMQEJTXwLH9G8n0b6jw7Gte18LLlV5csfJ5L8kAuvdGk89j0-7pTTuQdMj_cCyE06l_RP-P8aWTApKUafVBl56l8j6yfcEBDgw51l3uC-Qu1ELfS451oXZbUVcpydBpQqP4/s1600/DSC_0507.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEid8LPaaVkb9mMQEJTXwLH9G8n0b6jw7Gte18LLlV5csfJ5L8kAuvdGk89j0-7pTTuQdMj_cCyE06l_RP-P8aWTApKUafVBl56l8j6yfcEBDgw51l3uC-Qu1ELfS451oXZbUVcpydBpQqP4/s640/DSC_0507.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Custom ducky banner that says "Welcome Baby Owen"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnfwvdA26FDzGbon_JmgZFTmwuU8pj2vvvUGah_7OYxu4G_Vb9dVoAHs3fhr0VXYkelR3hnJcSco38Yaz1_om8ia_l_A7KqM3Z5mBnvq-rm2TS1rkDQc4Wvx_HXePk1ijkPjMAVX3ZevE/s1600/DSC00644.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZnfwvdA26FDzGbon_JmgZFTmwuU8pj2vvvUGah_7OYxu4G_Vb9dVoAHs3fhr0VXYkelR3hnJcSco38Yaz1_om8ia_l_A7KqM3Z5mBnvq-rm2TS1rkDQc4Wvx_HXePk1ijkPjMAVX3ZevE/s640/DSC00644.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The delicious cake that my mom picked out herself</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XWHgGSkF7M4/TjACCKoLCZI/AAAAAAAABYU/g21ElIFXuL4/s1600/DSC00643.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XWHgGSkF7M4/TjACCKoLCZI/AAAAAAAABYU/g21ElIFXuL4/s640/DSC00643.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Owen and I with the cake</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T9rgC_Zd_VU/TjADLWpU8kI/AAAAAAAABZA/BNLZGv4SRV0/s1600/DSC00654.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T9rgC_Zd_VU/TjADLWpU8kI/AAAAAAAABZA/BNLZGv4SRV0/s640/DSC00654.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Shower guests, enjoying the party</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_gV-o95-g0A/TjADvOpQD-I/AAAAAAAABZY/Xp_gHYqtalw/s1600/DSC00660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_gV-o95-g0A/TjADvOpQD-I/AAAAAAAABZY/Xp_gHYqtalw/s640/DSC00660.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The overflowing gift table</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CdrhhTMMJtc/TjAD6F5T4gI/AAAAAAAABZk/6baMGy5vF2Q/s1600/DSC00663.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CdrhhTMMJtc/TjAD6F5T4gI/AAAAAAAABZk/6baMGy5vF2Q/s640/DSC00663.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The aftermath - it looked like Babies R Us threw up all over our living room lol</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Everything was so great - the decor, the food, the company.... it was just an absolutely perfect day! We could not have asked for anything more and we are so so so grateful! I actually started crying once we were done opening everything and I was thanking everyone for coming - I just couldn't believe how loved he is already.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">We are so lucky that we actually got most of our "big ticket" items and we had a few duplicates to return, which worked out great because we had just enough in store credit from them to buy his car seat! AND we still have another shower to go! I have no idea where we're going to put all of this stuff lol but it's very exciting :o)</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3