Where In The World…
Brayden loves maps. Maps and toy catalogs (especially the free kinds that come with Thomas the Train and DVDs). It’s the only thing that will keep him quiet and still for more than three minutes. The kid knows where every single ride at Disneyland is and where all the major tourist spots in New York City are. He loves when you read the maps with him and he can tell you where everything is. And the best part, they are free most of the time!
Love this kids sense of adventure. Love having a little explorer who wants to explore the world with me.
Canon 5d, 16-35 2.8
F 2.8, 1/100, ISO 800
Lovin’ This – Perfect Paper Polaroid
Love this fun little project that can be done with the kids. They can make a camera and be just like their Mom*tog!
The templates can be purchased from Mel Stringer’s Lil’ Shop on Etsy for just $4. Fun, cheap and easy. My kind of project!
*** Image from Mel Stringer’s Lil’ Shop
24 Weeks
*** Brayden’s cute bow tie was a gift from Monick at Lillybug Lane. Love it!
It’s official. I’m big. I’ve stopped weighing myself because I know I can’t control the inevitable anymore. The “hunger” has returned. When I was pregnant with Brayden I had the “hunger” all the time. I was starving my entire pregnancy. I got lucky with this one because I really wasn’t too hungry for the first 22ish weeks. But, it’s back and I’m making up for lost time. No real cravings. I just can’t ever seem to get full. Eating has officially become a chore.
This baby is active. No, she’s not just active, she’s a little crazy. Her most active period is between 8 and 11pm. But, really, she moves all day and night. She hates it when I sleep on my left side and let’s me know it. She is crazy active and opinionated. I was really hoping this baby might have some of my husband’s personality traits because I can’t handle two kids who act like me (Yes, Mom. I know. It’s the ultimate payback).
Now that I am only 15 weeks away from having this baby (I will most likely have a c-section at 39 week), I’m starting to have a lot of anxiety about the labor and delivery. I chose a doctor that will allow me to do a VBAC if I choose. But, with a VBAC they won’t induce me and I’m very nervous that if I go past my due date again I will get preeclampsia for a second time. I probably won’t get it again. My doctor said that I’m more likely to get it again than the average person, but less likely to get it than I was the first time (if that makes sense). I’m scared that if I go for the VBAC and go past my due date I could end up having to have a c section anyways and have to go on the mag again. Which, is my worst nightmare. I’m certain that I can deal with any type of labor and deliver if I can do it without being on magnesium sulfate. I just want to be present this time. The mag makes you feel like you have a horrible case of the flu. I was hot, achey, and nauseous on top of all the normal labor pains. And to make it worse, I was on it 24 hours I delivered and had to have blood drawn every hour (which meant even less usual sleep for a new mom) AND they would not let me have water. I didn’t eat, drink or sleep for almost 3 days. I know that people go through much worse labors and deliveries, but I’m just hoping I can have one with a little less drama than last time.
I’ll do whatever I have to do to end up with a healthy baby. But, it’s so much scarier going into it the second time and knowing what can go wrong. With Brayden I thought the worst thing that could possibly happen would be that I would poop during delivery and welcomed an excuse to have a c-section. This time I would just LOVE to go into labor on my own. I want that whole water breaking, rushing to the hospital with contractions experience.
Besides being starving, dealing with a crazy baby, and having a bit of anxiety I’m feeling pretty good. I’m actually sleeping better than I was and am taking a sleeping aid about once a week to get a really good nights sleep. Sitting for long periods of time is starting to hurt and I feel a lot better after going for long walks. I walk slow, but it feels good to stretch everything out.
Time is flying by. I really need to get started on the nursery…
Hoppy Easter!
Hope your Easter is as eggciting as ours! 
*** All images taken with Canon 5D
50 1.2
F 2.0, 1/250, ISO 320
F 2.8, 1/200, ISO 500
Canon 50 1.2
F 2.0, 1/200, ISO 320
Happy Earth Day
1) Paperless Studio – Instead of wasting paper on contracts and marketing materials, consider doing all of these things online. I host all of my contracts and info sheets on MachForm so there is no need use paper to print them out or envelopes to mail them. Companies like ShootQ also offer online studio management. While paper marketing materials are very pretty they can also be a waste. I use a pdf to email my pricing to potential clients.
2) Online Proofing – Eliminate paper proofs and use an online proofing system instead.
3) Use Rechargeable Batteries – I’ve mentioned my love for rechargeable batteries here before. Not only is it good for the environment, but it’s also much more cost effective in the long run.
4) Remove Your Name From Mailing Lists - I’m not going to lie. I love to look through catalogs. But, with online stores there’s really no need for all of those catalogs. One company in particular is horrible about shipping their very LARGE catalogs several times a year. And not only were they sending me one, but for some reason I was getting two! Either contact the companies individually or use this website to help manage the mail you receive.
While you are at it, sign up to receive all your bills electronically too!
5) Reuse Shipping Boxes – It might not be pretty, but whenever possible I reuse the box I received my prints in to mail to the client. It’s what’s inside that counts, right?
6) Recycled Frames - Reclaimed wood can be pretty and pretty expensive. This company offers beautiful recycled frames. A cheaper alternative? I buy a lot of frames from thrift stores, like the salvation army and spray paint them to use in my home. Cheap and good for the environment (well, maybe the spray paint isn’t, but we can’t win them all!).
7) Recycled Printer Paper – Do you do a lot of picture printing from your home printer? Consider switching to a recyclable printer paper like this one.
8) Eco Friendly Packaging – If you’re a professional photography consider using eco friendly packaging for your digital negatives. Loktah has many beautiful options!
9) Recycle Your Gear – If you have old gear lying around that you’re not using either sell it or think about donating it! Local schools and hospitals can always use old cameras.
10) The Flip Flop Replay – This has nothing to do with photography, but does have to do with kids. And being from California I wear a lot of flip flops so this caught my eye. Starting today and running through May 21, Old Navy is pairing up with TerraCycle and asking for your old, worn out flip flops. Old Navy will send them to TerraCycle and they will be used to build 4 new playgrounds across the country. Pretty cool!
What do you do to make the Earth a better place for our kids?
Happy Earth Day!
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Sponsors
-
-
Get Your Buttons!
Are You a Mom*Tog?
