8 months...

...and so freakin' cute. Sam can now crawl, feed himself anything and everything (including inedible items) and is sleeping though the night.

He loves him some squash, cheerios, roast beef and applesauce. His favorite toys are the blinds, cell phones, remotes and shoe laces.

Last week we took advantage of the nice weather, and got a few family shots via remote control. Please excuse my horrible roots and messy hair. I wasn't prepared to be immortalized in a photo on this particular day.

Christmas 2009

Wow. What a Christmas we had. It was so much more fun and meaningful with Sam with us this year.

On Christmas Eve Matthew, Sam and I had our own little family Christmas where we opened gifts and had breakfast together. That afternoon we headed over to my parents where we ate dinner, watched movies, relaxed and played some games.

Sam enjoyed playing peak-a-boo.We had a blast with the game "Mad Gab" and seriously laughed like drunkards.

Christmas morning we opened gifts with my parents. Sam was spoiled, of course, and got a rocking horse from Grandma and Grandpa.

The story with the horse is that when Matt was 2, his parents bought him a plastic, spring supported rocking horse. He woke up Christmas morning before everyone else, went downstairs, got on the horse and starting calling out his name "Tuba."

So, now Sam has his own horse named, "Oboe."Christmas afternoon we drove over to the Aprecio home and opened gifts with them. Again, Sam was given box after box of toys and books and loved every minute of the attention that he got.For dinner, my family and Matt's family joined together for dinner and games. It was a very fun time, and I hope that everyone had as good of a Christmas as we did!

Lighten up

I was playing around with my photography logo for some new business cards when, oops! I totally revamped my whole image. I think I like it better. Its more colorful and light.

Let me know if you think "yuck" or have any better ideas.

26 years young

I turned 26 this Thursday and I was asked by my dad when he called to wish me a happy birthday if that number made me feel old.

Well Dad, the number doesn't. But having a 7 month old, a husband, a home, a car, cellulite, back aches, and a bed time do.

However, for my birthday Matt and I were able to go out on a baby-free date. That night I realized that there are more things that I do and have that make me feel young.

For instance:

An older husband :)
Drawing in the fog on the shower door
Sparkly lip gloss
Making out in the car (wink!)
Driving slow to look at Christmas lights.
Listening to Disney music
Giddiness over chocolate fondue
Racing Matt to the car in the parking lot
Quoting Dumb & Dumber on a daily basis
Making cookie dough to eat the cookie dough
Staying up late to watch Harry Potter
Holding myself back from snooping for my gifts
Spinning with my socks on the hardwood

I hope that while I get older and older that I can rely on the above list to make me feel like a kid again, because it sure is fun to be young.

Santa Pics

I am officially one of those mothers that paid a ridiculous amount of cash for their child to sit on the lap of a Mall Santa for a totally cliche picture. And yes, I do realize that having done this, forces me to keep up the tradition each year. I'm a sucker.

But how great are these?

We got to meet up with Grandma and Grandpa Bailey for lunch. Here we are waiting in Santa's workshop.

Courtney turns 29

Last night our family headed into Seattle to attend a surprise birthday party in honor of Courtney. We ate pizza, signed and chatted, and devoured the best cake I have ever tasted. Courtney and MorganCourtney and HeatherCourtney and JoyCourtney and Joan
Sam got passed around to just about everyone at the party and he loved every moment of the attention.
Kelsey and SamKen and SamKen, Courtney's dad, even got Sam to crawl to him on his hands and knees. It was his first time crawling!Courtney's condo has the most amazing view of the city, so of course we enjoyed looking out over Seattle during sunset, and after. It was a fun night! Happy Birthday Courtney!

Girls Night

Some of us ladies managed to get together Tuesday night for a nice Italian dinner, and bowling. We were all very overdue for a night away from babies and boys. We also wanted to celebrate Shannon's last week as a bachelorette!

We had so much fun, and luckily everyone agrees that this is something we need to do more often. So for those of you who couldn't make it (Sarah and Tiff) we will get together again soon!

"The Real Housewives of Snohomish County."

Leanne, Ashley, Alycia, Sam, Shannon and Holly.

December it is

The first day of December made itself known with freezing temperatures and frost covered earth. Its dry and sunny and I actually love it. I'll probably change my tune when the snow hits, but for now this is the perfect winter weather. Princess, on the other hand, prefers the warm indoors.

I have managed to get some photo sessions done and I have been up to my waist in editing. I am very busy, which has been a lot of work, but I am so thankful for it. I also got around to doing a self portrait shoot after reading an article called "The Importance of Portraits." I wanted to test out what I learned, and without sounding too bratty, I think they turned out pretty good. The article stressed the importance of not "editing the life out of a face" so I did my best to leave my giant pores and tear duct tumor alone.

Last weekend Matt, Sam and I drove down south to attend a Nativity display, and we were asked to be the Holy Family in a live one. Sam did very well, and enjoyed all the attention that he received as Baby Jesus. (photo courtesy of Melissa Dillon)We also found a home for two of our family members this week. First to go was Tina, our bearded dragon. We have been unable to find the time to re-socialize her, so some family friends of ours decided to give it a try. I am excited to see how she does with more interaction. (Tina and my brother Cory in '07) Second was Helga our VW Jetta. I have to admit, so far she isn't very missed. We have been through a LOT in that car (accidents, breakdowns, etc) but Matt and I (mostly Matt) were ready to move on. She will be enjoying the rest of her life in Oregon.

Sam got his 3rd hair cut today, and I love it. He thinks it makes him look like a "tough guy." :)

This week is another one packed with errands, events and chores so I am sure there will be more to come when I find the time!

7

Sam is now seven months. He is getting so big, so fast.

Samuel is quickly learning how to crawl and is loving his independence. He is eating most everything with the exception of peas and green beans. He has one tooth, and the second bottom one is following closely behind.

Sam is such a talker and has started reaching for people when he wants to be held.

The best news of all is- HE HAS FINALLY SLEPT THROUGH THE NIGHT! After finding out that I was not producing enough milk, we started him on formula. He had no problem taking it, and has been eating so much better since. This has significantly helped with his night time routine. The last week he has been sleeping for 5 hours at a time and one night he went to bed at 10 and didn't wake up until 7. Its was great.We are so excited to celebrate Christmas with Sam this year, and we are looking forward to all the fun that lies ahead!

Thanksgiving

Our first Thanksgiving together as a family, and I forgot to get a picture. Oops. I was having so much fun, it didn't even cross my mind.

This year both our families joined together for Thanksgiving dinner. It was wonderful. Matt and I have had a hard time in the past fitting in two families and two dinners. We are thankful that we were all able to get together for this holiday, and we had a great time eating, catching up and playing lots of wii.

Matt and I have so much to be thankful for. We have a beautiful warm home, cars that are in good working order, knowledge of the gospel, jobs, fun and cuddly pets, and a wonderful Son who we love very much.
We are so thankful for our family. We are blessed that we live close to our parents and siblings, and that we can travel easily to the rest of our loved ones.
We are also so thankful for our friends. We have the best in the world, seriously.
We hope you all had a great Thanksgiving!
In other news, I put the tree up this year a little earlier than I usually do in hopes that the "wow" factor would fade by the time Sam is crawling. Here are some pictures of his first view of the Christmas tree!
He likes it, but luckily isn't too interested in anything that isn't one of his dogs :)

Practice better make perfect

I have been practicing my photography skills in low light situations for the last week. (hence the overload in Sam shots) I have relied fully on natural lighting up until this point, but now that it gets dark at 3pm and outdoor sessions are less likely to happen due to weather, I need to work on indoor/darker situations.

Of course my favorite model is Mr. Sam. How could I not love this masterpiece!? Those elbow dimples, that lumpy bum and that Buddha belly. He is the epitome of perfection :)Matt will hate me for pointing this out, but even his ears are adorable. Those lashes! I covet them.So, although I have a lot to learn, and probably a few things to master, I think these "practice" shots turned out OK.
Now, to answer Laurels question, I do not have a waterproof camera. But I do have a trick that I have been attempting.
Try putting an aquarium or vase in the water with your camera inside, and viola! Instant underwater shots. I have not been able to get "great" quality pictures this way, but you should try it at home too :)