Happy post-Easter!

Baby + hoodie...

...doesn't get much better unless you throw a pair of flip-flops on him. Which are still a smidge big.

Hunger Games.

Just finished reading this book. Good, easy read. My brother called it a "literary twinkie".

I'll admit when I read the premise of the book, I had my doubts. But it was definitely worth the late-night reads (which is the only time I have to read, and I do, every night).

Now on to book 2, Catching Fire.

This will make you laugh.

This video makes my heart happy. It's small and the quality is horrendous (video taken on a small point-and-shoot). Somewhere along the way I messed it up...probably from watching it so much.

Still. It makes me laugh. Every time.

She definitely gets her moves from her mom.

Watch it again. :) You know you want to.

Carter's newborn photos.

"My mom named him Carter, but I call him juice box. Juice Box Ross." Mya Ross, age 3

Now that he's almost 2 months old, I suppose I should post his newborn photos. It's a lot harder to be the photographer when you're also the recovering mom. So we split the shoot up to a few different days. And he really didn't want to be on his stomach. But I made him anyway.

I was slightly delusional before I had him--thinking I'd have time....time to do anything. In reality, I've had time to do nothing. Well, besides hold him. Which is actually something. I love holding him. And wish I could do it all day. And so does he.

So far we're surviving 3 kids. Still not thriving, but at least surviving. He's fussy. His tummy hurts. And he pukes. all the time. So we both smell like rotten milk which is awesome. They say he'll outgrow it. We're hoping that comes soon. But we love him anyway. And love having him as part of our family. Now we just have to teach Jaida how to change diapers and we'll be set.

I know most people do newborn photos with the baby naked. Frankly, I don't like getting crapped (or peed) on. And I'm partial to onesies. So we kept the clothes on.

On my Christmas list this year.....

...because I got a lotta weight to lose this year. Lots of running ahead. And I'm oh, so excited (seriously, I am--I love running).
I'm also looking forward to:
--sleeping on my stomach
--being able to walk up the stairs without getting winded and light headed
--eating normal amounts of food
--not "craving" bizarre foods (like chili, and cottage cheese--so weird)
--being able to hug my husband without a ginormous basketballish obstruction
--having room on my lap for my kids to sit when we read
--being able to lay on my back and still breath

On a "business" related note, I'll be posting several sessions this coming week. Promise. Unless the baby squirts out. And then I'll be mothering. And showing LOTS of pictures of the baby.

Stuff.

We survived Disneyland. And I took as many pictures as I could while 8 months pregnant pushing a stroller and often carrying my 3 year old. :)

Went and saw "The Blind Side" last night. By far one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. Definitely worth your time.

Today I have an appointment with the dentist AND my OBGYN. Pretty sure my day is going to be more awesome than yours.

Looking forward to Thanksgiving on Thursday. I love me some turkey skin. Gross, I know, but everyone has their weakness's.

Lots of posts coming soon. With lots of really awesome people and some pretty good photographs!! I'm still trying to recover from vacation and get back into the swing of things. Stay tuned.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MYA!!!

Today she turns 3. They grow too damn fast.

A little story that makes me laugh. Yesterday she was kneeling down and her foot fell asleep. She stood up and tried to walk, looked at me in surprise and said:
"Mom, my foot is buzzing. . . .can you hear it?"

Love this girl. Happy Birthday Mya.

Halloween at our house.

Yes, we let our 5 year old use knives.




I have little patience or ambition for pumpkin carving. But my originality is off the charts.

Long Days.

It's a long, sad day at our house when no friends can play.

The front porch.

I cornered them on the front porch. And told them they couldn't play with friends if they didn't let me take their picture. And I'm not ashamed of my threats. Because I have to do what I have to do. And if I could pass along one piece of advice about taking pictures (good pictures--one's you'd hang on your wall) of your kids--don't. Because it's really hard. They'll always behave better for someone else. And do things for someone else they won't do for you. :)



So here are my girls. On my front porch. As they were on their way out the door to play with friends. Because they live and die for friends. First thing they ask in the morning (after Mya asks for candy): "Can we play with our friends." And so our house is grand central station. Little girls everywhere. And I love it. I'd rather have them here. Trashing my house. Because I love to watch them play (and know what they're doing). Kids are hilarious.