KT is 19 months!

*sniff*

Photo Shoot: Owen Augustine Stapleton

My good friend, Meghan Stapleton, had her second baby boy on July 29th. Owen Augustine Stapleton blessed this world at 7:07 pm and weighed in at 9lbs 6 ounces and measured 22 inches long. Meghan asked if I would do his newborn photos and I was MORE than excited to do so.

I feel myself growing as a photographer. I have a ton still to learn. I probably make more mistakes than I do things right. But I'm growing. And you can't ask for more than that, can you?

To view the entire set, click here.

Mama Musings

I've had a few hellacious weeks at work lately. Between my workload, the general politics of any corporation and the stress it all causes, I feel like I have aged 5 years. My workouts have fallen to the wayside, I've easily gained 5 pounds, my Diet Coke intake is embarassing and, yes, that's an additional 3 gray hairs I just counted. I am in desperate need of a break and yet I see none in sight. The crowning factor? The one weekend I did have to relax was spent nursing a cold I picked up along the way. Settle in for this pity party, it's just getting started.

Okay, not really a pity party. I'll save those for my husband. He's good at listening.

All this stress has led my mind to wander. I'm missing precious time with this face:


Today, Facebook was all abuzz with sentimental memories of those friends who's kids were off to school - many for the first time (sans daycare). I have four years. Four years till she embarks on her scholastic journey and her 8am-3pm days. And I will have to sacrifice her over then. Because, for some reason, we can't keep them under our wing no matter how hard we try.

I think back...

Eight years ago, I graduated from college. I was dead-set on becoming a career woman. Pencil skirts, power, the works. I wanted to work for large corporations. I wanted to climb the ladder. I wanted the money. I wanted to make a difference and be recognized for it. I was naive.

Four years ago, if you would have asked me if I would ever want to be a Stay-at-home-Mom (SAHM), I would of vehemently declared "NO!" - sitting around watching soaps all day, while the kids do activities never sounded like my cup of tea. Forgive me, SAHM's, how I based my perception of you I will never quite know. But that's what I thought. I was naive.

Rewind nearly 17 months ago, April 5th, 2010. KT was 9 weeks old. I was dropping her off at daycare for her first day. Ask me then if I wanted to be a SAHM? And I would of have given over everything for more time with her. I was no longer naive.

You see, Motherhood has changed me.

I am ambitious. But no longer in the work place. I strive to be a great mother, a great role model.

I am goal-oriented. But no longer in climbing the corporate ladder of success. But rather making sure my child is succeeding in her day to day. Not in a competitive nature, but in a natural growth.

I love to work. But no longer for someone else. For myself. For my family. For my kids. Being a mother is full time work, even for those of us who don't stay at home with our kids day in day out.

The evolution of the SAHM, has also made me reconsider things. I read blogs and blogs and blogs by Moms, successful Moms, mind you, who have raised their children but also been able to pursue their passions - and bonus... make profits from it. Marketing professionals in my industry have struck out on their own and have, from what I've heard, been relatively successful doing contract work.

But is this for me? I have always known that I am destined to work, in some capacity, for myself. Is working towards becoming a SAHM something I see myself doing?

The pros and cons of Corporate vs SAHM are perpetually being weighed in my mind. And it's hard to figure out what tips the scale, except for this one obvious one, that keeps coming to the surface:

This is my life, my one life. The one chance I have to spend time with my children.

And that one thought makes me wonder. Oh, how it makes me wonder.

On the Eve of Change

Tomorrow is KT's last day in Infant III. She’s moving classes and changing teachers. I have such mixed feelings about this, as I did at this time last year. For a full year you put your trust in these teachers, you get to know them, and they are one of the few, aside from yourself, who knows all your child’s quirks. Their attitude. Their nuances. And even though we are only moving classrooms, and these teachers will for the most part still be there, it’s never quite the same is it? (Excuse me while I run to get a tissue) Some of these teachers are leaving – as they’ve found new opportunities. So there are going to be some tear-filled goodbyes.

Today, I finished our projects for the teachers. I wanted to give them something to show them my appreciation. I know they get paid for their job, but for someone who watches my child 50 hours a week, I can never express enough gratitude. On Sunday, Mom helped me sew together the zipper bags. They turned out so cute! I am so happy with the results.


Today, I wrote an individual note to each teacher. Sharing our appreciation (all from KT's perspective of course). I designed a card and included the thank you pictures I took over the weekend. And to add a touch of "personalization" - I cut out a "bite mark" in the upper right corner of the cards - as KT is well-known for her biting habits (not good, I know). But truth nonetheless.


I then printed out her most recent photo to include. Made some labels from a template I found via Pinterest (I'm telling you, I'm in LOVE!). And voila! Handmade with love. Seriously.



There will be tears tomorrow. From me. No doubt. I am sad. But I have to remember that I felt the same way last year. Wary of the new teachers that I now have come to trust. Wish us luck tomorrow, it's going to be a tough one.

So if one of you teachers just happens to stumble across this blog, I think this picture sums it all up:

Sunday Funday

We went out to my parents today - mainly so Mom could help me with a craft project. Behold, lined zipper pouches. So easy. So fun. So awesome. I must make more! Who wants one?


I also needed to take photos of KT for another side project I am working on (perhaps having to do with the zipper pouches - I can neither confirm nor deny).

Dad and Jeff went golfing. So...we had to amuse ourselves somehow.

Tea Party with Grammy

Coolin' down in the tub

Ahhh, refreshing on a hot August day

Dancing with the dog.

Trying to pet the cat, but not too sure what to think.

Refueling.

Sundays are too cool, Dude.

The Many Faces of a 1.5 year old

Because I did this around 17 months, I'd thought I'd do another collage - it sure helps show all her personalities! Maybe I'll even keep this up (but don't hold me accountable to this yet!).

KT is 18 months!

1.5 years old! As of July 29, 2011! Can you believe it!!

Cheese Face!