Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Letters to my Little Bear~17th Edition

Happy 15 months, Little Bear!!!


Today is Tuesday, April 28, 2009....and I'm only 10 days late writing this milestone post. Look how much you're growing! Every month when I sit you in the rocker to get your picture, you get funnier and funnier. But also, a little more cooperative each time too. I supposed that will soon start to turn back the other way, when you'd rather get down and play, and not pose for Mommy. Daddy ask me the other day how long I was going to take your picture with Monkey. I hadn't really thought about it...it's hard to believe I've already been doing it for 15 months now. I supposed I'll keep taking your picture each month until you're two (ugh...did I just say that? TWO seems so big!). Then after that, I'll maybe take a picture with you and monkey each year on your birthday...until you're big enough to say "Mom, really...I've got to go pick up {insert girlfriend's name here} for our date. You've got to put that camera away." Okay, I promise I won't continue it that long!!! I think the pictures of you with the feminine product box will be embarrassing enough!


Your absolute favorite thing these days is BEING OUTSIDE! You can't get enough of the dirt, grass and especially sticks. After we bring you in from playing outside, you immediately want to go back out. We are going to have so much fun this Summer.

You are a good eater, and your favorite food is bread. If I put macaroni, peaches, carrots and bread on your plate, the bread is always the first to disappear. You've also been eating a lot of cantaloupe and bananas lately. Unfortunately we have to steer clear of strawberries, because they seem to give you bad diaper rash. You still love to snack on goldfish and cheerios. You drink milk before your naps and before bedtime, and the rest of the day you drink a lot of water.

You are a rockstar sleeper!! I don't want these days to end.
Your typical schedule these days: You usually wake up around 7:30am, and we eat breakfast. Then we play with toys, read books and Mommy watches Good Morning America. Around 9:30 or 10 you start to get sleepy and are ready for your milk and morning nap. You usually sleep for two hours, so around 11:30 or 12 you wake up. If I haven't already dressed you for the day, we'll do that after your morning nap. Then we eat lunch. After lunch we try to get out of the house for a bit...either go on a walk, meet your friends at the park or run errands. You're usually good and worn-out after this and ready for milk and afternoon nap around 2:30 or 3. You usually sleep for two hours at this nap too, so you're up around 4:30 or 5. We usually have a little snack after your afternoon nap, and then head outside to play in the yard until Daddy gets home. After Daddy's home, we eat supper and play inside until it's time for bed. You're usually ready for your milk and to go nite-nite around 8 or 8:30. Sometimes earlier, depending on the day's schedule.

Some of your words and sounds: bzzzz when you see a fly or bee in your books, woof, hee-hee (monkey/George), vroom for tractor and cars, Mama, Dada, Papa, Kylie, Bobby, Gigi, more, water, baba, and booka-booka (book)

You recognize a lot of things that you can't say yet...like monkey, shoes, socks, blankie, Grandma and Grandpa, remote, phone, outside, doggy, duck, and your room. You will point to your hair, nose, eyes, ears, belly and toes when asked. Although you aren't usually pointing to the right part and the right time. When I give you my brush, you'll brush your hair. When we ask if you're hungry or ready to eat, you smack your lips! You dance whenever you hear music. You love to clap your hands, and you try to snap your fingers. You are becoming a little dare-devil, standing on your 4-wheeler and crawling on and off the couch a record pace. Mommy is not a fan of this new climbing fascination!

You are keeping us very busy and are really becoming an independent boy, wanting to be down and doing things on your own. Sometime this little display of independence can result in a mini-temper tantrum. You do have them when you get frustrated, but so far they usually only last a few seconds. You like to lay down on the floor, either flat on your back or on your belly and do the 'fake cry'. Or if you're still standing up, you'll arch your back and stick out your belly and do the 'fake cry'.

Your still a little cuddle-bug. My favorite thing about you...you love to give hugs to Mommy, Daddy and anyone else who asks. You give kisses and still enjoy sitting in my lap and cuddling. I am holding tight to these days, because although I know you'll always love your Mama, I know it won't be long before you're too big to want to cuddle.

Here are a few pictures from the last month...

this counts: put the food on the spoon with your little finners...
...then eat the food from the spoon!

This is what you do while I vacuum. You're still a little scared of "Kermit"
so you stay up on the couch as still as can be.
You love trying to put your socks on all by yourself!

You LOVED having Uncle Bobby and Aunt Jenn in town to visit!
You were very attached to Uncle Bobby!

We've spent lots of time playing at the park.
As usual, you have a handful of sticks!

Also at the park...where you got your first scraped knee.

We went out to the golf course, to see Daddy and Uncle Josh. You loved all the open space to run, but Mommy only lasted for one hole of chasing you around, and then we headed back to the car. It won't be long before you get to go with Daddy to the golf course and take your own little set of clubs.

We love you Little Bear, and we're looking forward to all of the fun we're going to have exploring the outdoors with you in the next few months.

Sunday, April 26, 2009

Emma::sneak peek


Here is a {sneak peek} from my session with the "D" family. We had gusty Kansas winds to contend with, but still had a great time. Thanks for letting me practice on your adorable family, Steph! Emma is a doll and I hope to work with you all again. Enjoy your little peek...I'll have the proof slideshow to you soon.

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Tagged:: 8's

I've been tagged by one of my mommy friends, Cara...
So, here are my useless facts::

8 Things I'm Looking Forward To:

  • Playing outside with Barrett today
  • Laying out at my parent's pool all Summer
  • Getting my tan back
  • My photography shoot this weekend: Adorable couple & their 3-month-old
  • Christie's graduation shin-dig in May
  • Going on a walk with Norah Kate and her mommy this afternoon
  • My little brother's wedding in August
  • A new hair style

8 Things I Did Yesterday:
  • FORGOT Barrett's doctor's (check-up) appointment! I've never done this before!!
  • Interviewed four high school seniors for the portfolio process
  • Washed two loads of laundry
  • Made Chicken broccoli rice stir fry for dinner (okay, it was a Stouffer's bag)
  • Vacuumed
  • Took Barrett to playgroup
  • Plucked my eyebrows...they're out of control (Aunt Kim, help!)
  • Editing over 40 picture from Paisley's shoot
8 Things I Wish I Could Do:
  • Figure out how in the heck we're going to spend our $1000 jackpot
  • Re-paint my kitchen and family room
  • Buy a whole new Spring/Summer wardrobe
  • Kidnap ten little elves to help me finish production on ALL these Summer wedding invites
  • Teach Barrett to use his words or sign language instead of whining with he wants something
  • Go to Spinning tomorrow night--but I have to miss for a YP meeting at the library
  • Finish Barrett's 15 month post before he hits the 16 month mark!
  • Buy a whole slew of new lenses for my camera! Anyone have $10,000 they want to donate to the cause?

8 Shows I Watch:
  • Gary Unmarried
  • American Idol
  • Ellen
  • Real Housewives
  • Millionaire Matchmaker
  • Challenge:Last Cake Standing (finale is this Sunday)
  • Real World--Road Rules Challenge
  • Friday Night Lights...come back soon, we miss you already!
If you're short on post ideas, I tag YOU!
Leave me a comment that you're sharing your 8's, so I can come check them out.

And, just for giggles....Little Bear has a new favorite toy!

He keeps taking them out of the bathroom cupboard while I'm in there getting ready in the morning, and carrying them into his room. His favorite activity is dumping them all out of the box and then putting them back in. It keeps him entertained.

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

orange


Barrett and I are praying for baby Stellan today...

Barrett giggled when I wrote "Stellan" on the bottom of his little foot...
I hope sweet Stellan will be giggling soon.


Barrett is wearing orange for Stellan today...

and this is how I got him to hold still while I photographed his foot :)

Monday, April 20, 2009

prayer warriors

Please keep Stellan in your prayers tomorrow morning.

Prayers for Stellan

pray for this precious baby boy as he undergoes heart ablation surgery.
pray for peace for his family.
pray for confidence, skill, wisdom and patience for his surgeon, doctors and nurses.

fall on your knees and pray...

Just looking at the new pictures added to Stellan's Name Gallery,
and I see he has some amazing prayer warriors!

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Paisley::sneak peek

Oooo, little three-month-old Paisley...she was {adorable} this afternoon! I was excited to finally shoot a GIRL, and get some more practice with the 'ol camera!! Paisley's mom and grandma were ready with an assortment of outfits and hats, and we had so much fun. AND, I finally got to try out the little tutu I bought while I was in Texas! Thanks for being such a trooper, Miss Paisley!


Enjoy your sneak peek, Mommy and Grandma! I'm still working on your images, and I will have your proofs to you soon.

*note:: anyone out there know anything about watermarks? Mine needs help :)

Friday, April 17, 2009

{get REAL} Bedding


{get REAL} sharing snapshots of your own simple. everyday. life. moments


This week:: What's on YOUR bed

Duvet? Comforter? Quilt?


I got this bedding for our master bedroom a few years ago. I think it's from Wal-Mart. I loved the dark, rich colors at the time...deep golds and brick reds. But now I think I'm ready for something brighter and more modern looking. Our bedroom needs a make-over, and I would love to find new bedding to build everything else around. I can't wait to see what's on YOUR bed. It might give me some ideas!

I need more ideas for {get REAL} posts!! So this week, after you link-up, leave a comment with one or two ideas for future {get REAL} questions. Have a great weekend!!


Wednesday, April 15, 2009

d.i.r.t.

I did it. I let my boy play in the DIRT...for the {first} time!!!


It wasn't really planned (otherwise I would have had him dressed in a totally different outfit). It just happened. Barrett and I were outside enjoying the sunny day, and he was helping me pull some weeds. It started with him picking up handfuls of dirt, and weeds from the piles I'd just pulled. Next thing I knew, he was sticking the tips of his fingers into a planter full of rain water. The planter was sitting inside a little metal wagon I have, and I hadn't emptied it since the last rain. There are no flowers in it yet this season...only mud.


After he got bored with just sticking the tips of his fingers in, he decided stick his whole hand in! Despite the fact that I was totally grossed out and yelling "No, Barrett Russell...stay out of that water...that's ucky...Oh gross, Barrett Russell...Mommy said NO!"

After a few seconds of trying to get him away from it, I sucked it up and gave in. Knowing this would be only the first of many, many times he will want to play in the dirt.

Dirt up to his elbows. Mud splattered all over his shirt and smeared on his jeans. Dirt in his hair, on his chin, and even his ear. His cute little white shoes...not so much white anymore.

The clean freak in me {freaked}, and then I got over it...and I laughed! If my baby boy is anything like his daddy, he will be playing in the dirt, catching fish, hunting wildlife, checking oil, mowing grass, and changing tires for a long time to come. Just like Daddy, Grandpa and Papa, he will be hard-working, with dirt under his fingernails. And his Mama will be proud.

What are little boys made of?
Frogs and snails and puppy-dogs' tails,
that's what little boys made of.



Tuesday, April 14, 2009

a few bits and pieces...

...from my weekend.

On Friday morning, Justin left for a fishing trip with his Dad, brother and sister. It was the first time that Barrett and I would be home for a night without him. I'm a big wimp...so I was not looking forward to it. Luckily, I had a lot to keep my mind off of it!

Friday afternoon, I left Barrett with my mom and dad, and headed to Wichita with Audra and Megan. We hit a few stores and then met up with Christie at Abuelo's for dinner. She was celebrating, so she had a victory margarita.


After dinner, we couldn't head home without a quick stop at Target, and then a very necessary stop at Dairy Queen!! Ahh...I love my girl time!

After we got back to town and I picked Barrett up from Gigi and Papa's, we came home ,and I put him to bed. Then, it was time to finish up work on my cousin's wedding invites. We were going to her Bridal Shower the next day, and I wanted to be able to deliver them to her. I would have had them a LOT closer to done...but one of my paper suppliers shorted me on an order. I didn't realize it till Monday, and the missing paper order didn't arrive until Friday afternoon. So, I was stuck finishing it all up at the last minute.

These pretty little eyes haven't seen 4:15 am in a LONG time!! I had no idea I would be up that long working, but being a perfectionist adds a few extra hours. Thank you Food Network...the only channel NOT showing infomercials at 4am. Needless to say, I didn't have trouble falling asleep without my hubby by my side, as I usually would without him there.

Saturday morning was Audrey's shower....the food, the decorations and the time with family was p.e.r.f.e.c.t.


Mimosas :)

The groom called in the middle of the shower!
Audrey answered..."honey, you're not supposed to be calling me RIGHT NOW"

Wedding B-I-N-G-O

Jessica (Audy's friend & bridesmaid), Hannah & Audrey (my cousins), me

Aunt Deb, Hannah Jean, Grandma Carol (Deb's mom...if you couldn't tell),
Audrey (the bride), and Aunt Kathy (Deb's sister, if you couldn't tell)


Saturday afternoon I got a quick nap on the couch while Barrett was asleep in his room. Justin got home that evening and we went out to his parent's for Easter dinner. It was a quiet night, since everyone was exhausted.

Barrett had his first egg hunt...indoors. The weather was perfect all day Saturday, but by the time the fisherman got home, it was too late to hide eggs outside.



Sunday morning we went to church and then to my parent's for Easter dinner.

Aren't my boys handsome?!?!


The Easter Bunny filled Barrett's basket.

I LOVE the little tie! It was a hand-me-down
from my Aunt Clara who has three boys! He looked adorable!


It was kind of a depressing Easter for me...It rained all day Sunday, so Barrett wasn't able to go outside and hunt eggs. I know, he's too young to know any different. BUT I wanted those cute pictures of him out in the green grass picking up eggs! Instead I have a few blurry pictures of him hunting eggs inside (see above). It was also a quiet Easter. My older brother and Barrett's cousins are too far away (South Carolina) to spend the holiday with us, and my little brother didn't come home, since he will be here this weekend. We did get to have Mamo there with us though, and we had a wonderful Easter dinner.

Sunday afternoon it was still raining and dreary, so Justin and I napped on the couch and watched the final round of the Masters.

Justin took a vacation day on Monday, so it was nice to have him home. He got up early and went to get donuts for Barrett and I! After lunch, we left Barrett with Aunt Kim and headed to the casino. We had only been there about an hour when I hit the JACKPOT!! I was playing a penny machine, betting 60 cents each spin, when FIVE RED SEVENS lined up across the reels! I wasn't sure what had happened...I knew I'd won something, but I wasn't sure what! Justin was playing two machines down from me, and he said I looked at him with eyes as big as pie plates and ask "how much is that"? He looked up at my screen and said "that's a thousand dollars." Holy crap! My stomach immediately went into knots! I've been playing slots for a long time and have never won more than $60.00, so I was excited! I ended up cashing out a ticket for $1,040.04! Later that night we went back with Justin's mom and sister, and I was still HOT...I hit FOUR gold sevens on a similar machine and won $101.00. Then cashed out over $70 on another penny machine. It was a FUN day :)

It was a BUSY weekend...now I'm trying to get back into our routine.

 
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