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For me, photography is an everyday opportunity. To see our lives. With a camera in hand, it helps me to pay more accute attention to what would otherwise be missed.
Like this...
Four generations of women in our family. GiGi, Mimi, Me and the baby girl.
Thank you camera. Thank you.
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Yes... I'm behind. Not by much - but behind nonetheless. That word... it makes me twitch. Behind. Behind. Behind.
UGH.
Anyway...
My girl turned 4 months old last week - and with a little help from Macho - we documented.
The first series of photos, my dad held the talk bubble... we snapped and snapped while Mimi held the baby and Macho observed. Then, just as I turned around to check my screen and confirm I got the shot I wanted... My sweet sweet little man picked up the bubble and held it there like... "Ok! Now ME!!!" "I wanna help."
And then he did this...
And I became a pile of mommy goo.
Just when I think I can't take another moment of his antics. Attempting to put toy screwdrivers in various parts of the dog that shall remain unnamed (poor Roxy)... or trying to stick jelly beans up the baby's nose... he goes and does this. And in a fraction of a second, I'm goo and I wanna scoop him up and hold him tight and snuggle and kiss him like he was 4 months old.
I should also note, that a moment later I wrote "I am a force of nature. Fer real." on the white board and asked him to hold it... to which he shouted "NEVER!" and ran off to go pull Roxy's tail.
Life is crazy beautiful like that.
She's crazy beautiful. Just look at her checking herself out in the mirror.
You are. You are. Sweet girl. And I am ever humbled, and ever proud to be your mamma.
Even with the drool. :)
Ok. Ok. One more... Sitting on Grandpa's lap.
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Let's see... I had an insane week away. Not my typical, so I thought I'd share some deets.
SUNDAY ::
I packed up the Macho man and sent him off with Mimi & Grandpa (who had been at our place for the weekend) to go to their house until Tuesday or Wednesday. I had never been away from the little booger that long before, so I was sad and missing him after the first few hours.
The time apart was a little refreshing too, I'll admit. Going back to caring for just a baby is easy-peasy lemon squeezy compared to two...
Then the sweet sweet baby girl and I set off for our own adventure. The poor thing did all she could to tolerate her carseat during our 10 hour trek together - but by the end - it was like we fast forwarded and she was in high school.... pissed as could be at me and there wasn't a darn thing I could do about it.
I'll also admit that I became a pro at nursing in my car in fast food parking lots across the eastern half of the US. You need any tips - you be sure and call me.
I'd like to thank the following artists for helping me through the day... Florence Welch, Kings of Leon, The Band Perry
MONDAY ::
My girlfriend and I are two, who though the years may pass, ALWAYS sync up like its been just a quick 5 minutes apart. She is young and refreshing, and fabulous. I've missed her. And her husband, well... he's just the cat's pajamas. What can I say... Just look at him with his little boy. So proud. Makes me need a hanky.
And this little stinker... He was a total goof. Another girlfriend of mine jokingly calls her dog a "pickle kisser" - because, you know, they have a tendency to lick themselves. Having a girl dog, myself, I'm not used to this dog behavior... and while Quincy was only an occasional offender... still... I had to call him that. He didn't seem to mind.
TUESDAY ::
Had a little girl time with my friend. Did the mani / pedi thing and ate at Noodles. (which, by the way - my Noodle posts last week - landed me my highest traffic here ever! Yahoo! - I got some cool emails from them saying the post had even circulated to the big wigs at corporate HQ. That made me happy to know that their shining stars were getting noticed!)
Late in the day, I got reports the weather was gonna be N-A-S-T-Y starting late Tuesday night and heading into Wednesday. I had flashes of barely being able to see through heavy rain and tornadoes and semi-tractor trailers barreling past me on the interstate while baby girl screams her head off from her carseat... That fear alone had me reeling so I packed up and got out of Dodge a little ahead of schedule. I hated cutting my trip short even by a minute, but it was for the best. I pulled into my parent's house a little after midnight while the baby slept the whole way. Also finished listening to, "The Art Of Racing In The Rain" by Garth Stein on my iPod... And got up the next morning, relieved to see that Macho hadn't burned Mimi's house down.
WEDNESDAY ::
Enjoyed some time with Macho and Mimi & Grandpa... went out to eat... worked on some edits from the baby shoot. Realizing with regret that I did not take a single picture of my girlfriend and I - together - DUH! Can't believe it.
In other news...
Macho learned how to say... "Damnit" and "Never!"
As in... Macho... it's time to get dressed. "Never!"
Macho... It's time to clean up. "Never!"
Macho... It's time to eat lunch. "Never!"
The "Never" came from the movie, Happy Feet, I believe... so I'm thinking it may have been in the works before the trip to Mimi's... but the "damnit" one was an accidental slip by Grandpa. Tee hee.
I feel bad that he picked it up at my parents house. Lord knows I've slipped in front of him. Who knows why sometimes it sticks and sometimes it doesn't. Luckily, he's only repeated it once in front of me.
THURSDAY ::
Did some work for a design client... then more editing... went out to eat again and played with Macho. During naps/early evening I watched
with my mom and LOVED IT. Harrison Ford had me laughing out loud!
... then I kinda skipped through
amazing acting - but I wasn't all that compelled with the storyline... I had to pack and get the kids bathed so I wasn't paying a lot of attention. And yes, I just realized I posted the Italian? movie poster.... speaking of not paying attention.
FRIDAY ::
Got up and on the road by 9am... drove across the great state of Pennsylvania. Near the highest altitude on I-80 east of the Mississippi River, the trees looked like they were gilded with silver (ice). These were taken with my phone... So pretty.
Another hour later in we were in full central PA beauty.
Another few hours later, I met up with yet another girlfriend. This one, I hadn't seen in over 10 years! She hasn't aged a day. We "tried" to catch up over a bite to eat. But having both kids, who were totally stir crazy, didn't make it easy. Still... it was amazing seeing her... and this time I remembered my phone for a quickie photo!
Will someone please tell me why when I email these to myself - sometimes they are nice big files (like the one above) and sometimes they are small and really grainy? Like below? Haven't figured that out. Sometimes it gives me the option to send it large - and sometimes it just sends it without asking. Tempermental iPhone.
Then it was back in the car for another 3.5 hour stretch...
We didn't make it. Had to stop 40 minutes from home and take a major break. The kids were losing it... and so was I. After an hour break, I tried again... and this is what those last 40 miles were like...
I kid you not. (turn up your volume)
Needless to say, I was happy to walk in my front door and see that Clark had made some headway on the ceiling project ::
I missed him and the Roxygirl... And now, I can officially report, I'm still not entirely unpacked. But I am entirely pooped.
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Been sorting through some edits today and thought I'd share a little sneak with you. Baby L was such a love bug, and his sidekick and older brother Quincy was a total poser.
Meet sweet Baby L. Only two weeks old, and already a handsome devil.
Quincy, the big brother and stealer of camera action.
For the first time in my life, I found myself considering a teensy purse dog as a future pet.... Quincy had me at hello.
And mom and dad... first time parents... Well, they were just beaming. I was a humble witness. Humble and so grateful.
What an honor it was for me to be there so early on in little L's life to capture him.
By the time my stay was over his mom and I had already planned out L and my girl's future wedding. We got it all worked out.
Meddling mothers... guilty as charged.
Have a great weekend!
One more leg of my journey today and I'll be home to see Clark! Miss you sweetie! And the Roxygirl! Oh how I pray that the little missus tolerates her carseat and doesn't scream the whole way!!!!
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In addition to the wonderful time I spent with my friends... catching up... snuggling with their new little bundle... I also enjoyed a new first this week.
My homegirl took me to a favorite lunch spot of hers...
I'd seen them in my neck of the woods before - but never ventured in....
Have you guys done this yet?
I was very up front with the nice girl who took my order that I'd never been to a Noodle & Co. and what would she recommend? The manager of the restaurant happened to overhear and chimed in with some helpful information too.
Their menu is split into three distinctive food genres :: Asian, Mediterranean, and American. Being a sucker for anything containing curry (and at the encouragement of my friend who ordered the same thing) - I got this ::
The Trio :: Bangkok Curry with the recommended grilled shrimp, a side Caesar Salad (my friend had the side Cucumber Tomato Salad) - and two IBC cream sodas....
Here's my beautiful friend having a sip of hers... Doesn't she have a new mamma glow? She was so camera shy but I snuck a little snap in. LORDY - she looks so awesome especially considering she's getting no sleep!!!! Her little one is just two weeks old.
Then, because it was my first time... I was offered a free dessert. These gargantuan Rice Krispy Treats looked so yummy... and WERE yummy.
We practically rolled ourselved outta there - full and happy and feeling like we had a great experience.
So, fast forward 24 hours when yet again, my girlfriend and I were running around town with the babies...
I turn to her and say... "I'm craving some noodles.... dreaming about them actually... let's go back, K?"
So that's just what we did.
Feeling a little shy and embarrassed that here we were again - all set to "pig out" - we approached the counter to place our order. The same nice manager was there... and get this.
He welcomed us back - and TREATED us to lunch. Two meals, two drinks, two desserts.
And they say there's no free lunch in the world today!
This time around, I tried the Penne Rosa with the recommended Parmesan Crusted Chicken - their most popular dish from the Mediterranean menu. Again, with the side Caesar salad... Delicious dressing!
I dove right in and forgot to pickup my camera until I was half way done.
I was a tad excited...
Homegirl had the Wisconsin Cheesesteak with Cucumber Tomato Salad... Yes - they have sandwiches too!
The dessert this time were these jumbo cookies called Snoodledoodle's.
I'm sorry - but this just said, "Jump in my mouth... like, now."
Near the conclusion of our meal, Alan, the super nice manager visited our table with this...
With his compliments - an invitation to invite 4-6 friends to come and taste everything on their menu.
How about THAT!!!! Yes... for FREE people.
Unfortunately, I was leaving the next day so couldn't partake - but what a fun thing for my friend and her husband to do!!! With a new baby at home - nights out with friends will be harder to come by. And, as someone who is a frequenter of this establishment and for no other reason than her great experience there, has shared her love of this place with others, my girlfriend rightly deserves this "perk."
Thank you Alan and the rest of your staff! Your restaurant is awesome!
So everyone, use your noodle and go check out Alan's location in Renyoldsburg, OH 43068 (614-759-2952). Or one near you.
I'm hooked!!!
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Today... Had to make an early exit last night from the Columbus area to get out ahead of some bad weather coming through. Drove all night.
More tomorrow!! :)
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Macho man. Mamma misses you.
Have fun with Mimi & Grandpa!
I'll see you tomorrow.
xo
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Hey ya.
Spent 10 hours in the car yesterday... whew. The next few days I'm visiting a dear old friend who just had her first baby. (Pictures of him coming soon!)
This pretty girl was my travel companion.
Lemme tell ya...
She could only take so much of her carseat (not that I blame her)... and boy - when she'd had enough - she let mommy know it!!
The last leg of our journey was a little rough but I'm thinking she'll forgive me.
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Thought I'd share a quick and easy recipe that I make for Clark on a regular basis. Except for the mayo involved - it's pretty healthy, too.
This is an adaptation of a dish I used to eat and learned how to make back in my early post graduate days from Penn State, courtesy of my then roommate, Kristy. She would boil up some pasta, add a can of tuna, a generous scoop of mayo and a little diced onion. I found it to be quite delicious and ever since then began trying variations of it based on what grocery items I had on hand.
Here's the final version that I've pretty much stuck with the past few years.
You're gonna need ::
1 small onion, 2 stalks celery, 2 cans of tuna (drained), 2 carrots, 1 lemon, 1/2 box of pasta, Mayo, 4 small dill pickles, Old Bay seasoning, black pepper.
First - bring a pot of water to a boil and add your pasta (I like to use rotini... but elbow macaroni, bow tie, or penne would also work).
Then cut to a fine dice the following :: onion, celery, carrot (peeled), pickle - and add them to a large mixing bowl. Also add: tuna, zest of one lemon, and 1 cup of mayo.
When your pasta is done, drain it and throw er in.
Mix...
Finally, season with pepper and Old Bay. I find that the Old Bay and the tuna are salty enough so I never add salt... but hey - don't let me stop ya.
Serve it hot for dinner... and cold leftovers for lunch!!!
This really is a SIMPLE simple dish. Hope your family loves it too!
Here's a look at this wildly complicated recipe ::
Click to HERE to download.
Have a great weekend!
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1. I'm addicted to... Strawberry Cupcakes with Homemade Cream Cheese Frosting... (thank you Kelly Lindsay for teaching me the frosting recipe ratio... my thighs HATE you). Began making these around Valentine's Day and haven't stopped.
p.s. :: It's 8 oz of butter, 8 oz of cream cheese, 8 oz of powdered sugar... however I use slightly less butter and slightly more powdered sugar... Kelly - please correct me if I'm giving wrong information!!!
2. My guilty pleasure is following @chrisweitz on Twitter. He's magically delicious.
3. Three words. BETHENNY ON BRAVO. She's back, baby! Secretly, I feel I'm just as "passionate" as she is and Clark is just as level headed as Jason. It's like watching the Parent Trap for me, really. I plan to show up in an episode or two as her long lost twin. Ok, not really. But I like to pretend.
4. I'm in the molting/shedding/balding phase of post pregnancy. Can't believe with what I find in the shower drain each day that I have a single hair left on my head. CRAZY.
5. Basking in the fact that Macho's internal clock hasn't "sprung forward" yet. Therefore, I'm enjoying another 45 minutes of sleep each morning.
6. Gearing up for a cross country trek (well... not really - just an 8-9 hour drive) next week... just me and the babies. Going to cross number 13 off my 33@33.
7. Clark is plotting his next home rennovation move. Installing a beadboard style wood plank ceiling in our living/dining/hall area along with a recessed lighting system in the living room. Construction is scheduled to begin this weekend, and continue into next week. Since the kids and I will be out of the house, he'll be able to swing his hammer and run his saw into the night. He really is my hero. I'll make sure to share the before & afters here. I know it helps to stroke his ego. :)
8. Going through a "class" phase at the gym. Mixing it up a little. Tried Zumba for the first time a few weeks ago. After I got over the initial embarrassment, I found it's a pretty fun way to workout.
9. Wishing I could carve out some time to make some scrapbook layouts. It's been FAR too long. :(
10. Wanting to go to the movies. Haven't been to a theatre in AWHILE. What's playing that's worth seeing right now?
Happy St. Patricks Day! Hope you're planning to go out and drink some green beer!
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