Amy Schuff Photography Blog

New Blog!

2009-02-23T15:22:00.000-08:00

Yay! A new blog! I admit, its kinda bittersweet leaving my little home at blogspot that I've had for the past few years, but now I'm off to bigger and better things! Change your bookmarks and your blog feeds...come on over to the new Amy Schuff Photography Blog!

Amy Schuff Photography Blog

Happy Birthday... & Week 35/52

2009-02-15T21:53:00.000-08:00

My baby girl turned 1 today. I keep getting a lot of "has it been a year already!?" from friends, etc. I am the most surprised out of all of us. This year flew by and I'm not that happy about it! I admit I've been emotional, thinking about the past year and how she's my last baby and what it means for our family...and me as a mama. She's just about walking now, and pretty soon the days of a crawling baby will be gone. I wish I could go back to my young mother self, when Abby was first born, I would tell myself, "Enjoy these days! They grow up so fast!" Lily's been my indulged baby :) And I like it that way.

Remember last year at this time? I sure do :) When I posted this photo I never thought what would happen in the days that followed. I actually am pretty fond of those days that I was overdue with Lily. This by far is my favorite one that I took, it is still on my fridge :) I seriously considered resorting to this...but was a wimp. My husband was a huge inspiration during those days, especially for this one...he deflated his basketball just for me :) But finally, she decided it was time to make her appearance. It was true, she wouldn't stay in my tummy for forever, although at times I thought she would. She arrived in a quick 3 hours and 17 minutes (I remember exactly when I went into hard labor because it was during an episode of LOST!!) I'm happy that is behind me now, and all I have to look forward to is my baby girl...learning to walk...or to use a spoon...or to be able to eat her food without having to cut it up into tiny pieces. :)

My two birthday loves one year ago...

and now...

Week 35/52 on her birthday

Week 34/52

2009-02-07T12:48:00.000-08:00

I've felt uninspired all week. We're dealing with whole family sickness here, as well as all the ~~crap~~ issues that come with buying a house!

Anyway, whenever I'm feeling uninspired when it comes to taking my week's photo, (and this can be a tip for you out there as well doing this challenge with me) I just think of something insanely mundane. This week, feeding a bottle. Lily turns a year old next Sunday, and she is in no way ready to be weaned from a bottle. I wonder how many feedings we've had together? It's just routine now, make a bottle, feed a bottle, repeat. But this kind of action I still want to document. I want to remember all the bottles and how little she was when she would drink from one. She'll grow to be like Mommy one day with her Coke a day habit. Right now the most unhealthy thing to touch her lips is the dirt she ate out of Grammy's potted plant last night :) So here we are...doing our thing.

Week 33/52

2009-01-31T15:50:00.000-08:00

a bazillion loads of laundry to fold + mommy's deep hatred of folding laundry = lots of time outs for tickle fights

What to do...

2009-01-24T23:52:00.000-08:00

...so the other morning, the family went and said goodbye one last time to Grandma. It wasn't as sad as I thought it would be, don't get me wrong, there were tears, but it really was a beautiful morning. It only rained a little bit, bringing out the worms onto the road. The kids were having a ball and it served as our entertainment while we waited. The kids were oblivious. How do you explain such a morning to a 5 & 3 a year old? I'm not sure how to explain it to a 27 year old...

So putting aside the great sadness of the morning, my family came together and did what we do best...we laughed together, chatted, talked about nothing really. We made jokes and doted on the baby, we stared at my sister who is wonderfully newly pregnant (and I'm so excited about it I could just burst!)

I debated whether to blog these photos, since they are all so personal to me and most of the world out there that views this blog won't understand at all what is happening in them, or even why they are personal (catching worms? personal?)...but my family will understand...and these are for them. Nothing special, but very special.

We all went out to lunch afterward at her favorite restaurant...she would have loved it.

So what to do now? What else?? Live life, love each other, laugh, tell jokes, catch worms (and follow with great amounts of hand sanitizer), don't sweat the small stuff (easier said than done) and trust that the God who made heaven and earth is All Powerful and All Knowing. He is taking care of our loved ones and we will see them again one day......

This one's for mom!

wk 32/52

2009-01-23T23:42:00.000-08:00

~ Bath time ~

*For anyone who is interested, this was shot with my d200 and new 28-75 2.8f lens with the black & white setting in camera, iso 1600 (dark bathroom!), 2.8f, 1/100. I really love the black & whites straight out of the camera. I ran a light defog on the photo and added some grain for a filmy look. It's amazing that I had to ADD grain, with an iso of 1600 there should be an absolute ton of grain, but I find that taking the photo in b&w really minimizes the grain.

*and with that....I am caught up!! I'm so enjoying taking these pictures each week. I just got that new lens so maybe I can take advantage of it this week and try something different. We'll see!

wk 31/52 & the snow

2009-01-23T23:11:00.000-08:00

We visited the snow a couple weeks ago. Jeremy luurrves the snow, I in a few words *do not*. (I blame my Father because he took us to the beach and not the snow growing up...give me an ocean over a mountain Any Day!) But since I love my man, I'll bundle my babies up and walk around frozen ice for a few hours. :) This was the first time I had taken any photos in the snow. Any of you out there looking to me for guidance on taking pictures in the snow...please do not! Man it is difficult!

This photo SO my children...Abby the Helper, Lily the Joyful, Zach the Cranky. I love 'em all so much.

I know Lily is getting a ton of attention with my weekly photos, but she's pretty much the most cooperative lately! I know I need to get Zachy in some pictures. I'll work on that.

wk 30/52

2009-01-23T23:08:00.001-08:00

I really love this photo :) There's saliva ALLL over the window!! I'll let her do pretty much anything for a photograph!

wk 29/52

2009-01-23T22:48:00.000-08:00

wk 28/52

2009-01-21T22:32:00.000-08:00

Week 28 was taken back during Christmas week. Wow I am so behind. I think some people would have given up by now, but really, I think this is a lot of fun. I still have about 3 more weeks to catch up on, and with 3 little ones I'm catching up slowly, but I will! My plan is to be caught up by Friday when I will post Week 32. Hmmm....can I do it in 2 days?

So anyway, I got lucky with this photo! I guess I wasn't paying attention and didn't take a scheduled photo of me & the kids that week. So I went searching...and found this one :) :) Can you find me and Abby?

And that is Lily's first ornament right in the middle there from Grandma...

Railroad Museum & wk 27/52

2009-01-21T01:28:00.000-08:00

I'm catching up on the pictures that I had to put on hold when my computer crashed. We had a lot of fun over the holidays and we were able to spend some quality time with Jeremy's parents. We visited the train museum and no matter how many times we go there, it is still pretty fun :) I took my week 27 photo that day too.

He really loves playing with trains.

Betcha' didn't know I was taking a picture of you Grandma :)

Yeah, she dug the trains :)

The Fam'

Week 27

Something Lost...

2009-01-15T23:44:00.000-08:00

...her babyhood...and her first tooth.

wk 26/52

2009-01-13T23:20:00.000-08:00

Ok, I'm going to slowly catch up on my project 52 photos now that I have my computer back and can access my files. I'm pretty sure I was taking my photos, but we'll see! This one was about to be posted right as my computer died. So here's week 26, I thought since you've seen the bottom of my feet, you might as well see the tops. (...and I'm sure I've said it before, but don't you dare look at the laundry on my couch!!)

More from Disney...

2009-01-13T22:48:00.000-08:00

...I just had to share some more from our trip last month! We had such a fun time. Abby was able to ride everything! She did NOT like Tower of Terror and I can't believe I let my baby ride it, but she survived :) Zach, what a sweetie, you should have seen his face when he was told he was a "big boy" and could ride Thunder Mountain. He grew 10 feet tall at that moment! He still talks about "Indiana Jones" although that was certainly not one he was able to go on. Lily...she was very mellow and just went with the flow. I remember when Abby was her age she screamed at all the kid rides and when we met any Disney character. Not Lily! She loved it all.

Munching on her french toast shaped like mickey ears :)

I love this photo. It is missing some of the family, but in the photo you can see my Mom holding Lily, my Dad behind her holding a sleepy Zach, Jeremy, my brother in law Chris right in front and my amazing sister Kendra's lower half right next to him :) She's got way more Disney flair than I do. This was my first year introduced to the joy that is "pin trading".

What a wonderful Christmas gift...

2009-01-12T22:50:00.000-08:00

Born on Christmas, this sweet little 2 week old baby boy was such a dream. He was so tiny and curly! I truly enjoy newborn photography. It takes an extreme amount of patience and also a willingness to sweat a bit! (as we crank up the heat in the house for the baby in the buff!!) I had such a wonderful time, what a great session to start off 2009.

I will have many more photos to share from this session, but I wanted to share this one real quick.

All snugly in his cocoon.

So happy...

2009-01-10T22:31:00.000-08:00

...that I have my computer back! Finally I can update this sorely neglected blog. I have so many photos to post, so the next few days will definitely a be a posting marathon. I've got to catch up on my Project 52 self photos, as well as I just shot my first session of 2009...an adorable 2 week old baby boy! I'm very excited for 2009. Some great changes are in store, personally, professionally...good stuff!!

Here's some shots of Lily, I think I was in a moody mood when I took these! Not my normal editing style, I'll blame it on the weather :) (Can you believe next month Lily turns 1?)

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T16:06:00.001-08:00

From my family to yours...

The family Christmas card :)

2008-12-22T20:52:00.000-08:00

We attempted a family photo...and we were successful! Thanks to my father in law for taking the photo, and luckily I was able to install my wonderful photoshop on my husband's computer. So if it looks wonky at all, blame it on my dumb computer that decided to die right during Christmas time!!!

Still no word on the house, every day we wake up and say "today would be a great day to buy a house!" But its not in our hands... Whatever the case, we know this will be the last Christmas we spend in our little duplex. I really do love living here, so I know God has something greater for us out there.

Our family of 5...last year there were just 4 of us :)

Computer Crash...

2008-12-16T09:10:00.001-08:00

Two words no one on the face of this planet ever wants to hear. Luckily its all under warranty and a free fix, so when I get it back it will be like new! Until I get it back though, I am without photoshop and a calibrated monitor. I'm working off an external hard drive and a little portable drive that my husband put all my laptop info on. So, instead of battling it all, I'm just going to enjoy my Christmas and not worry about it until later.

I think its good for me to take a break. I have some really great stuff planned for 2009 and this will help me focus on it a bit better, I think clients will really enjoy some changes that I'm making to the business. So stay tuned for that come the beginning of January!

I'm not taking a break on my self portraits of course, I actually was about to post last weeks when my computer refused to turn on. So I'll post em all up nice and pretty when my computer gets back.

Pray for us!! We put an offer in on a house, I'm so excited. The best part of it is that it has a sunroom...can you say STUDIO??? :) Who knows when we'll hear back from the seller since its a bank owned home and that could take forever. If its meant to be, it will happen, if not, then there's another one out there...but I really like this one.

Ok...later!

wk 25/52

2008-12-10T02:13:00.000-08:00

This is a fun one, don't you think?! I didn't take this photo, and I don't remember which one of my 11 other family members who were on our Disney trip did...but whoever did, thank you for giving me a wonderful memory of Liliana's first trip to Disneyland!

what a let down...

2008-12-09T10:27:00.001-08:00

...to come home to this boring ole' house after spending two awesome days in Disneyland!! We had so much fun!! I love Disneyland, as soon as I walk into the park I feel 5 years old again.

So after such a wonderful but very exhausting time, we're relaxing a lot around here. I mean, the most exciting thing to happen this morning was when Lily found a red crayon...

A rare moment between these two...

Happy December!!!

2008-12-03T22:21:00.000-08:00

Just a note to say I'll be away from my computer and phone for the rest of the week. I'm heading south with my fam' to (....drum roll please....) none other than The Happiest Place On Earth!!! All emails and calls will be returned to when I get back. Until then...don't be jealous, I'll only ride on Space Mountain...oh...a couple times :)

psst...its a snowman! courtesy of Abby! I guess playdough is the closest thing to snow we're ever gonna get around here :)

wk 24/52

2008-11-28T22:28:00.000-08:00

I hope you had a nice Thanksgiving! Mine was full of family (and food of course!) Not seeing my Grandma at the table was very heart breaking, but it was Liliana's first Thanksgiving. Life comes and life goes, it was an important day.

So I had already chosen my photo for this week, an easy camera phone picture. But yesterday my sister took some photos of Lily and I and I thought it would be great to use one of those!

So here's Liliana (and me!) on her first Thanksgiving. She looks so chubby in this photo. Maybe it was the 2 rolls she ate or all the mashed potatoes :)

wk 23/52

2008-11-24T15:28:00.000-08:00

In case you're wondering...I have intentionally skipped week 22. With my Grandma passing, I really want to take a photo that shows how I was feeling during that week. I haven't the energy to do it now. As you will see in the next two self pics...not much effort has gone into them, with both being shot from my camera phone :) Quite a bit has been happening in my house, with the past few weeks being some of the most busy and emotional weeks of the year. So later this week, I will try to take a photo that I should have taken during week 22...a week I will remember forever.

This photo should have been posted on Friday. I didn't cheat...it was taken last week! I included my other "baby" who deserves to be in a lot more pictures than I take. He's out of the country for a couple weeks and I'm holding down the fort! This was us in the car when the kids and I dropped him off at the airport :(

Just for some info, I just ran a quick black & white action with no tweaks on this photo from my camera phone.

ps. I'm going to do my best to getting back to posting Project 52 every Friday! Well...I hope so. LOL.

What am I supposed to do...

2008-11-22T21:31:00.000-08:00

...with all that hair?? I need to take a trip to the store to buy some clips and bows! I'm just so used to Zach's spikey hair and Abby's long hair that I can curl and flat iron :) I've forgotten how to do baby girl hair!

Just wanna squeeze those cheeks!!!

2008-11-22T14:07:00.000-08:00

My very good friend from Canada came to visit back in September. I'm finally getting around to finishing the photos that I took while she was here. I was so glad to see her & her husband, and meet their son for the first time! Liliana is just two days younger than little Nate. It's been a great experience going through all these baby stages at the same time with Kim, even though we're miles and miles apart.

Love you friend! And I love your family!

They're just chillen'...munching on corn and peas. :)

I can't resist the look on his face here!

Baby Cammie

2008-11-12T23:52:00.000-08:00

What a sweetheart this little lady was. You remember her lovely Mommy and Daddy? They are being so patient with me as I am very behind in delivering prints, uploading galleries and returning emails because of what has transpired this week with my family. But the least I can do for them is post a sneak peek of some photos I have finished. Thanks for waiting you two and for being so understanding. I promise it will be worth the wait!

What a gift right now...

2008-11-12T23:32:00.000-08:00

If nothing else does...this photo puts a smile on my face. Thank you Jeanette. You're awesome. I can't even tell you how this photo makes me feel. I love that little baby girl so much, that face is one of the most important faces in my life. I could stare at it all day. Soon we're going to have a family photo session swap, Jeanette and I. I can't wait for that. We need to do it before more time passes...before Lily gets too big. Now more than ever I'm realizing how important photos are.

Wk 21/52

2008-11-11T22:34:00.000-08:00

This was taken by my friend Jeanette in Chico last week (so even though it has my name on it...it was all Jeanette!!) Thanks for taking my weekly photo friend! I love what you captured.

And thank you to everyone for your condolences about my Grandma. They mean a lot to me and my family. Its been an extremely difficult week. Extremely. But God is so good and He's giving my family the grace that we need to get through it. I am diligently scanning photos and getting a slide show ready for her memorial on Friday. My husband is great too, he's trying to be the rock that I need. We actually were able to steal a date last night. Have you seen "Fireproof"? I think its almost out of the theaters, so when it comes out on DVD, BUY IT. It is absolutely awesome. I think the best thing was at the very end...a huge scripture verse spread out all over the huge screen.

So sad...

2008-11-08T17:12:00.001-08:00

That is the only way I can express how I'm feeling right now. I am just so sad. My Grandma passed away last night. During her life she was a beautiful picture of love, grace and commitment. But a very short battle with cancer was lost, it was way too soon. I don't even have a picture of her and Lily together. Why don't I have that?? Lily is already almost 9 months old and I don't have a picture of them together?

Grandma is rejoicing with Jesus right now and I am genuinely excited and happy about that. She gets to see Jesus with her eyes where we only get to feel Him in our hearts. If you are reading this blog, and you are a stranger, or a lurker, or a friend, or whatever, and you don't know Jesus as your personal savior. What are you waiting for? I know how many people visit this blog, I can "see" you!!! Its my mission today to tell you that Jesus IS real, He died on the cross for you, He loves you, always loved you and will love you forever, no matter what mistakes or triumphs you've had in your life. I'm not talking about anything other than a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. How do people who don't know Jesus cope with tragedy? I know I am not always this real on my blog. This is a public blog which I also direct my clients to go to. But you know what, being "unreal" is old. Jesus isn't out to stomp on your fun, He's out throw His arms around you have love you more than you've ever been loved before. If you would like to talk more about how to have a personal relationship with Jesus, please email me at amy@amyschuffphotography.com or call me at 916.420.8889. I will personally walk you through giving your heart to Christ. But You don't need me to make this decision, all you have to do is say you need Him and accept him as your Savior. No, things won't be all roses after that happens, and all your troubles won't automatically disappear, but you know what??? Now you'll have someone to turn to, to rely on, to talk to and to share your life with. This is the most important decision you will ever make. I do promise you though, that life will taken on a new meaning after you decide to follow Christ.

John 3:16...totally paraphrased :)

"For God so loved YOU, that He gave his only Son for YOU, that whosoever (which is YOU) believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting LIFE!!!" Whoooo hooo!! That is awesome!!! How can you not be excited about THAT???

Sooooo, I get to see my Grandma again one day. I'm not just saying that either. I absolutely will! Don't you want to have that assurance?? That hope? Hope is hard to come by these days, but I can definitely say I have it. My family does, you can too.

I will miss her very very much.

Click this link to be taken back to My Grandparent's photo session. I'm so thankful to have had that time with the both of them.

wk 20/52

2008-10-31T20:45:00.001-07:00

I think this pic is so stinkin' hilarious! Sure, I think I look like a cheese ball but I just adore what the kids are doing in the shot. And yes...I AM at a red light, although I have been guilty of taking photos while driving in the past...tsk tsk.

ps. I'm all caught up now with my self pics! Lets see if I can STAY caught up :)

Wk 19/52

2008-10-30T21:09:00.000-07:00

hee hee ... meet my new baby!!

Its much bigger than its older brother, but so far I haven't seen any sibling rivalry :)

She thinks she's hot stuff

2008-10-24T00:11:00.001-07:00

Posing herself...she's such a big girl!!

I got a new present today, I'm so excited!! I'm finally moving up in the world!! Pictures to follow :) :) :)

Wk 18/52

2008-10-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

Ok, I'm cheating on this one, I'll take two pics this week...but really, its my challenge so I'm making up the rules as I go. LOL. I think if I end up with 52 pictures...no matter when they were taken, I'll be happy!

I'm so mad I cut off her hand here! It couldn't be helped, it was a perfect and quick moment, the wind blew suddenly and she looked up to see what was happening. I love this stage...everything is exciting to her.

Miss Jasmine

2008-10-18T14:56:00.000-07:00

We got a visit from some great friends of ours this week. Their daughter is Zach's age. I couldn't wait to take some pictures of her, she's such a beauty, inside & out.

wk 17/52 and my 3 year old :)

2008-10-11T21:42:00.000-07:00

We went out of town last week, back to the city we lived in before we moved here. It was so relaxing, it still feels like home even though we haven't lived there in 1 1/2 years. Its one of my favorite places to take pictures too. The scenery, the light, full trees, tons of captivating backgrounds...so much fun. We're going back in 3 weeks, I'm looking forward to it.

Here's my week 17, thanks to dh for taking it!

Here's my big boy...these will be his official 3 year old pics.

wk 16/52

2008-10-03T19:22:00.000-07:00

looking up at me
big eyes full of love and wonder
chubby hand reaching
tiny fingers exploring my face

our routine we know so well
a special rocking chair just for us
no one but you and me
peace and quiet but for a moment

your tummy full of love
sleepy eyes say you're full
these moments carved in my heart forever
these days I'll know so well

time to move on now
the last drink comes too swiftly
heart aching for yesterday's baby
you'll need me in other ways for sure

Mother & Daughter

2008-09-30T10:10:00.000-07:00

What a lovely, challenging, different but wonderful session this was!! We went to downtown's Sterling Hotel and the managers were so nice to us, let us have our session in the bridal suite and the ceiling to floor marble bathroom! It was a very different place to have a mother/daughter session, but quite honestly, I had a blast and thought it worked beautifully! This relationship is so lovely, so elegant. They obviously care for each other greatly and their bond has stood the test of time.

Thank you so much for allowing me to photograph you together!

Wk 15/52

2008-09-30T09:44:00.000-07:00

Wk 14/52

2008-09-30T09:32:00.000-07:00

So I know I'm playing catch up with my self pics! I've been super busy over here as well as the kids sick and me sick as well. Jeremy even took a whole day off for me the other day so I could rest, I don't think I've slept 11 hours in one night in literally 5 years!!! It was awesome.

So this was from a couple weeks ago...a sweet snapshot by my wonderful husband. My boy turned 3 that day and got breakfast in bed :) This was the one pic Mommy got in on! Sure its not my normal style...but just a word of advice, make sure you're taking those snapshots!! We get so caught up in capturing the "moment" that the real moments pass us by. Well not that morning...his face was golden as we served him cocoa puffs and he opened his gift. What a sweet baby boy.

Take those family photos!!! :)

2008-09-19T12:44:00.000-07:00

I just love when clients contact me for family photos, or when I get an impromptu session with friends or my own extended family. I truly put great value in photographing those who we call "family". It convicts me though! I really need to get to taking some pics of my little family of 5. You would never think that I love taking pictures if you saw my walls...they're bare!! Nope, that is not good at all!

Here is a special family, they're a young couple with their 4 month old baby boy. This little one was just absolutely adorable! His eyes were so dark he had no pupils! Those eyes were very inspiring....

wk 13/52

2008-09-17T00:10:00.000-07:00

I'm late in posting this, but I actually had it done last week, just no time to post it! Life is going at a crazy pace...and I'm shocked I can keep up with this project, but I am!

So in this pic...Zach is actually the one taking the photo (see the little remote in his hand?)

Love & Laughter...

2008-09-16T23:35:00.000-07:00

I had so much fun with this couple. They made me laugh so hard, was up for anything I asked them to do, and were just all around beautiful people. You could truly see how much they love each other, and how excited they are to meet their new baby daughter (who should be making her appearance any day now!)

12/52

2008-09-06T18:25:00.000-07:00

Her first tooth broke through just two days ago...such a big girl!

I couldn't choose between these photos this week. I just love when she gives me sloppy kisses and looks up at me with those big expressive eyes. I'm now so thankful I have photos of both :)

A new friend...

2008-09-01T23:15:00.000-07:00

What a sweetie this one is :) She's a new friend of the family, only 6 weeks older than Lily! I'm going to have so much fun photographing her!! She is such a doll.

wk 11/52

2008-08-29T16:50:00.000-07:00

I wanted to take my photo with Zach this week. He's crossed two major milestones in the past couple days and I could not be prouder of him. They both have to do with potty training and I am *thisclose* to only having one in diapers! Yay!! All the statistics are true, boys talk later, potty train later, love to jump and punch and can make anything into a gun (right now its his play hockey stick!) He got a cape for his birthday and calls himself "Super Zach". So this photo is silly and totally not my usual style, but its FUN also fits what is going on this week in my busy life and I thought it went along with pic #10 pretty well!! I'm definitely going to attempt this again in a few weeks, maybe I can get both the older kids in on the action. My goodness Zach and I were sweating and needing water big time after this shot. That's another reason why I love taking these photos...Memories :)

(...and yes...my feet are only a size 7 1/2, although by that photo you wouldn't think so!!)

wk 10/52

2008-08-27T22:57:00.000-07:00

Yes! I did it! I've got my picture in before week 11 is due! Now I need to figure out what to take for week 11!!! I totally love doing this, such a challenge :) Life is super super crazy busy right now, I have no clue how I'm going to keep up...but I will!!!

Thanks to my lovely husband who took the shot. He's the man :)

Email issues....

2008-08-22T23:30:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to say that I'm having email issues! I've realized over the past 3 days that all emails sent to me straight from my website have been going into my spam. How lovely! I have no clue how long this has been going on. I never check my spam, don't really want to read the nasty stuff that goes in there! But I'll be checking it more often now! Hopefully I can get that taken care of. But if you have emailed me from the "Contact" page on my website, and I have not gotten back to you within 24 hours, I apologize! I'm not ignoring you...just email me again please! You can always reach me to inquire about sessions or ordering at 916.420.8889.

And yep, this is the first time in 10 weeks that I have missed my Friday deadline for my self portrait with my kiddos. Honestly, I didn't even THINK about it this week/today! Its been a crazy week! So thank you to everyone who keeps up with me, I'll post one soon. Hopefully today or tomorrow. I need some creative juices to flow!

But because no post is complete without a picture (to me at least! what's the point in blogging without one!?)

Officially 6 months old...

What a difference a year makes...

2008-08-18T22:57:00.000-07:00

check out this post (click)....

and just one quick year later...

wk 9/52 and a birthday!

2008-08-15T15:12:00.001-07:00

She turns 5 today :)

My men...

2008-08-12T22:02:00.000-07:00

...love love love them both so much...

wk 8/52

2008-08-08T15:35:00.000-07:00

I admit, I love my van (yeah, nice way to start out this post right?!) God supernaturally provided exactly what we needed after Lily was born. We loved our previous car, but driving with small children and no a/c in California summers...it was a bit excruciating! When I was younger, I vowed I would never be a mini-van mom...but I am now, and I love it!! So now its a blast driving around running errands, going here & there, just being a family on the move. I'm sure my van will show up in more self photos in the future (since I've got 44 weeks left!)

You know what I love most about it? When I open the side door...and I see three little empty car seats, (two pink and one black!) and one by one those little seats are filled with tiny bodies. We jam out to The Backyardigans or Agapeland (or Hillsong if Mommy gets her way.)
Wow, my life is so full.

So here's my crew, back from mommies group, the two little girls out of their seats and pulled into the back with brother and monkey arms with the camera. I know Abby's a bit fuzzy, but hey, after a long morning out...this pic is close to perfect!! :) :)

ps. Thank you to everyone who wished us a happy anniversary!

A special day....

2008-08-05T17:28:00.000-07:00

We love each other more today than yesterday, we'll love each other more tomorrow than today. The past 8 years have been a blast and I wouldn't change a thing. My husband is seriously the coolest :)

(We had a little anniversary photo session today, how fun it will be to look back 50 years from now and see what we looked like!!)

wk 7/52

2008-08-01T20:05:00.001-07:00

Lily's face totally says..."what kind of family have I gotten myself into???" :) :)

We may be dorky...but we love each other a lot :)

sweet sweet baby...

2008-07-29T22:52:00.000-07:00

What a sweetheart this little new one was! At 7 days old, he was just such a joy! He slept the entire time, let me move him all around, which was so much fun for me! You've seen his Mama's maternity photos, and finally he arrived after being fashionably late! Really, if every newborn session went like this, I would absolutely love to do them all the time.

So here's a sneak peek...just one! I might be persuaded to share more later though :)

Here's baby "B" safe in Daddy's hands...

Wk 6/52

2008-07-25T23:09:00.000-07:00

Ok, so this week kinda crept up on me. Husband is out of town, the two older kids went away for a night (thank you Grandpa & Grandma!!), I had two sessions this week, handling 3 kids on my own isn't always a piece of cake, and and and...anyway...

So as far as the photo goes...Lily loves to fly on my legs. It cracks her up! (But in the pic, doesn't it look like they're actually her legs??) And I love her little expression, she always, always has her hand in her mouth! Causing her to gag quite frequently. I need to enter her into "America's Got Talent" or something as the baby who can eat her whole fist...yeah, she'd win...she'd steal the show.

I call this photo, (besides being my 6th week self portrait) -
~~~~!!Attack of the flying, fist eating, so cute you scrunch her little cheeks, Baby!!!!~~~~

Over half a century together....

2008-07-23T22:53:00.000-07:00

These are my Grandparents who I love dearly. I just can't even express how much they mean to me. Their marriage is a huge inspiration to my husband and I. In reality, we have been so blessed with many of the marriages in our families. Both his and my parents have been married for over 30 years, both sets of my Grandparents have been married over 50 years. We have some strong foundations. This couple is always so supportive of anything I do, they embraced my husband as their own Grandson and I love seeing my kids' faces light up when they see "Great Grandma and Great Grandpa". That takes on a new meaning for me...because they truly are great.

So I had the wonderful opportunity of being able to have a real live photo session with my Grandparents. It was fun. We laughed, we teased, they let me take whatever photos I wanted and made sure I was met with...and left with a nice cold bottle of water :) They tried and tried to feed me...but alas they could not succeed! (Thanks anyway though!) Their house and grounds are absolutely amazing. A photographer's dream (a little kid's dream too! I remember hiding among the bushes with my cousins when I was little!) There's so many little alcoves and walkways...I mentioned that I loved taking pictures there and my Grandpa handed me a key to the back gate so I could come whenever I wanted. He truly is so giving.

So here's your sneak peek! I'm so glad we had the chance to spend the morning together, it was lovely!

It's tough being a baby....

2008-07-21T22:40:00.000-07:00

...cause who can handle being this CUTE???

Light in her eyes....

2008-07-19T09:42:00.000-07:00

I made a new discovery, my bed in my room faces a window...and boy can I get some good light in there! Lily helped me make that discovery and I was able to take a few photos of her that I really enjoy. My bedroom is a bit chaotic now, not only is it dh and I's room, but also the office (office was taken over by the two little girls who now share a room). But Lily also sleeps with us at night. She used to sleep all through the night, but I think that 4 month old growth spurt is kicking in because she likes to wake up Mama at 4 in the morning! And its easier to tend to her when she's close by than me having to trek down the hall to get her. Anyway, she's a teeny thing, so I don't mind the night wakings. She needs the calories (only 14lbs at 5 months! Remember....she was 9lbs 4oz when born. Chubbo!)

Oh! And I figured out how to make my images pretty big on the blog! Now you can see them much better :)

wk 5/52

2008-07-18T15:20:00.000-07:00

Stranger anxiety is hitting hard for Miss. Lilikins...or she's "making strange" as my wonderful Canadian friends would say :) Cries for Mama when I leave her and can only be soothed by me or dh (dear husband!) She's fine when she's home! She'll let me put her down when I need to, but this being baby #3 and all...I choose not to put her down much! Hmmm...maybe if she wasn't so much fun! Just kidding :) I'm enjoying taking these photos. I've been able to document "real" times with my kids. Just us, hanging out, me holding Lily, doing what we do.

wk 4/52...Abby's Turn....

2008-07-11T13:49:00.000-07:00

Abby is so complex. What a great word to describe her! She's happy, she's sad, she's emotional, she's excited, she loves deeply, she's contemplative, could color/paint for hours on end. She loves the outdoors, loves to play dress up, eats a pb&j sandwich every single day (hey...it could be a lot worse!) She's extremely tall for her age, has big feet, huge eyes, a heart that could crinkle in a second if you say the wrong thing. Her love language is "words of affirmation" and her eyes light up when you say she's a big girl. She melts my heart. She is my heart!

I couldn't decide on a pic this week. Both photos show different sides of our relationship. So pic #1 shows our moody side...and pic #2 shows what she's really like, and how she makes me feel.

(...and to anyone who would like to know...the last one has a different kind of processing from me. I'm having fun with all these self portraits, I can make them any way I want! I used Amanda's Actions (with tweaking) for both of these, her very vintage on the last one.)

wk 3/52

2008-07-04T20:52:00.000-07:00

...and Happy 4th!! I didn't forget today's photo, I've just been having a nice time celebrating with my family. I'll share pics of that later...

So here's my photo, me & my boy. Oh Zachy...he's definitely trying to figure out who he is in this world. How to communicate, how to show his feelings, how to be a pleasant 2 year old. I hope you other moms of 2 year old boys can relate. I love my son, I would give my life for him and I can't wait to see what kind of man he becomes. I am constantly praying over him, that this stage in his life would be void of stress or trauma, that things would get a little easier for him, that God would give me supernatural patience and understanding in order to best guide him during this little confusing time in his life. He tries to be a "big boy" but is still a baby through and through.

So photos like these are priceless to me...they give me a glimmer of hope and remind me to keep enjoying every day with my son because like every stage...this too shall pass...

ps. If you receive my blog updates by email, I apologize for the very odd way this one is being sent (and future ones until I can get it worked out!) Some crazy things have happened with Feedblitz and I'm trying to fix it! So please click on the title of this post in your email to see the photos. Thanks!

Sleeping Beauty...

2008-07-01T16:15:00.000-07:00

...just heavenly...

ps. how is everyone doing on the weekly challenge? remember, this is supposed to be FUN!

2/52

2008-06-27T09:45:00.001-07:00

So in being faced with the second photo to take in this year long project, I had tons of ideas. Some simple, some really complex, all of them involving a tripod and remote, setting up the shot and going back and forth to the lcd screen to make sure I got "the shot". This week's photo didn't involve any of that!

It was time for Lily's 4 month well baby checkup (4 months already! wow!). After getting all the kids together, loading up the car, driving there (quick drive, thank goodness!) getting out of the car, entertaining them for hours with crayons and paper (which could not be used on the chairs thank you very much Miss Receptionist!) and me also taking care of the other 8 children in the waiting room with crayons and paper (since I was the only parent there to think to bring items for my kids to play with, here's a quick tip, when going to any type of "office" with your kids, bring crayons and paper!! or at least some board books!) I then asked if the big flat screen tv was working in the corner, usually there is a good Disney flick playing, but Miss Receptionist says no, its broken and I walk away wondering when Lily will be seen since our appointment was encroaching on 1.5 hours ago. Finally we're called, Lily is weighed and measured (13lbs 8oz and 26in long! Translated....long and skinny!) We're left in the little room to wait for the pediatrician. After breaking up a few fights between the older two kids over who gets to sit in the only chair in the room and why they can't turn off all the lights while we're waiting, I find this as perfect opportunity for "the shot". I grabbed my camera, widest lens already on it, pull all the kids on the examining table and tell them to "find the monkey in the camera!" I take the shot (actually, quite a few since I always keep my camera on "burst mode" with 3 little ones!) and I am pretty happy with how it turned out. Its us...tired, hungry (since there was no eating snacks in the waiting room), and waiting for Lily to be given her horrible immunizations.

So here's my tip for the week (besides what to do with your chillins' at the dr. office!) take your camera everywhere! Just throw your widest lens on, or pack your point & shoot and make sure you always have it in the car or in your purse. You never know when the time will be right to take these year long pictures. And "monkey arms" is ok for these photos! Just hold that camera out and take the shot! My photo this week may not be the most technically perfect, but it tells a story that I now will never be able to forget. My kids aren't going to be little forever, years down the road crayons and paper isn't going to entertain them anymore and our biggest dilemma won't be how to get the huge bandaids off of Lily's legs without causing more pain than the shots did that put the bandaids there in the first place. So treasure all the moments, even the frustrating day to day humdrum dr. appointment moments.....where the big flat screen tv is working just fine as soon as our appointment is over :) :)

2/52

Finally :)

2008-06-23T12:58:00.000-07:00

I was sworn to secrecy after this photo session...these were to be a special gift for her husband on Father's Day! I'm delighted to be able to share them now. This lovely expectant mama is just amazingly beautiful. She glowed, inside and out! I love her heart as well. I walked into her home and immediately wanted to hire her to decorate my house! I fell in love with her daughters room, it was truly fit for a garden princess. Her daughter joined us for the session, little Miss A was truly in love with her Mommy! They were two peas in a pod, right down to the curly hair! This new little baby will be so blessed to have these two ladies in his life :)

I have way to many favorites to show you...and most of my favs are the more "revealing" ones (which of course I do not blog!!) So this is just a glimpse into our time together.

A new project...52 weeks of photos...

2008-06-20T13:24:00.000-07:00

I've been inspired. As a mom, and I'm sure all you moms out there can relate, we are never in front of the camera. We're busy behind the camera, snapping away. Birthday parties, vacations, day to day life, there are a ton of pictures of our kids, our husbands with our kids, our kids with our kids...but where are WE? I've gone through whole outings, special days and months where there is no evidence that I ever was a part of my kids' lives! I've tried to blame my husband (haha), but its really not his fault. He doesn't have the passion for photography that I do. I hog the camera, and I don't ask him to take photos of me. He does a great job every now and then grabbing the camera and trying to get me in a few pics, but its not the same.

So...I'm embarking on a huge challenge. One photo a week, for 52 weeks. One year of portraits with my children. The photo will include me, a part of me, all of me, whatever...and one of my kids, two, all three, it doesn't matter. The point is for me to be a part of the photo in any way. I would encourage you moms to do this with me! Maybe its not every week, maybe once a month. You don't need photoshop to do this! My goal isn't to have a spectacular photo every time, the goal is to just take the photo.

Is anyone inspired like I am? Want to join me in this project? I know of some Moms who are already doing it! Leave me a little comment here, or email me at amy@amyschuffphotography.com. Or you can just come back every Friday to see the latest picture! (Put your email in the little box on the right to subscribe to my blog!)

And pray for me! I really hope I can stick with this! :) :)

So here we go, this will be fun! My first self portrait of the next 52 weeks with the littlest munchkin in my life...Liliana.

1/52

Their Daddy...

2008-06-17T20:29:00.000-07:00

Father's day just passed, we didn't do anything spectacular this year. I'm not sure why...maybe it was because of time or maybe circumstance or just plain maybe cause the Dads get the shaft and its really about Mother's Day (hmmmm.) But what I can do is swoon a little bit about my kids' father. He wears a lot of hats, goes by a lot of names, but I know without a doubt the one that is the most important to him is...Daddy. He's just an amazing guy, my husband. He's a wonderful Father...and I mean...wonderful. I could not have asked for a better Dad for my kids. If any woman wishes her husband helped out around the house more, or paid interest in the kids more, or just plain was "present" at home...my husband can give some lessons. I know I am very, very blessed to have him. He is a gift to me that I do not take for granted. He's so cute, he didn't know I was going to gush about him on my blog. He thinks I'm inside the house reading while he's out doing a "project" in the garage (oh the projects!! How I love that about him!)

He loves the Lord, he loves his kids, he loves his wife (me!!) and we all love him back.

Lily's first tat...

2008-06-12T19:16:00.000-07:00

Compliments of Daddy ;)

Hey! Friends & Fam.....!!!

2008-06-06T16:06:00.000-07:00

(...and anyone else who might stumble onto my blog of course!...) Go check out the photos Jeanette took of Lily! They're soooooo good!! (click her name to go to her blog, its the June 6th post.) Jeanette also photographed Lily's birth. If anyone needs a labor & birth photographer in Chico, CA (she's a portrait photographer as well)...Jeanette is the one to call! Thank you Jeanette! You're absolutely the coolest :)

Lily Feet...

2008-06-05T22:40:00.000-07:00

Blogging two days in a row??? Wow! What has gotten into me??! Well I couldn't resist sharing this new one of Lily. I just love those feet. They're just....so....stinkin'....cute! She's learning to play on her tummy quite well, she even rolled over for the first time the other day! (By how excited I was when it happened, you would think I was a first time mom or something!!)

Oh, and never mind her precious little hair...we call her "mullet girl" for short, poor thing! :) :)

oh to be a kid again...

2008-06-04T15:47:00.000-07:00

...mud pies were definitely on the dinner menu last night :)

A good day...

2008-06-01T11:43:00.000-07:00

...'cause its my BIRTHDAY! :) As a young girl passing notes to my then-friend (future husband!) I would picture myself in my late 20's and wonder where I would be. Now that I'm here .....

27 ROCKS :) :)

Where in the world is Amy???

2008-05-26T20:40:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I'm still here. It just feels like there isn't much to blog about...at least stuff that I want to blog about. Its been an interesting month/week/day. I've gone through two great losses this week. Don't worry, I'll survive, and no one has died, but it sure feels that way to me. I've been trying to pick up the camera, but nothing seems to turn out. So bear with me if I don't blog much lately, I seem to be in one of those "ruts" again. Ruts are lame! Lame rut! My birthday is next week...maybe presents will help me get out of my rut (haha.)

Ahhh, my girls sure make me happy...don't get me wrong, my Zachy does too. But he's a boy... and he's 2... you get the picture :) He's cool, but its fun having girls! And something different from me, some vintage and even a texture...hmmmm....i dig it. And I dig my girls.

This face...

2008-05-04T09:43:00.000-07:00

he's just having a blast :)

Lily-Nana

2008-04-26T11:21:00.000-07:00

Bundlebee, Punky McPunkerson, Wormy Worm or just plain Lils.... is 10 weeks old! (yeah, there's tons more names, they're all pretty corny!)

I've been singing this to her...

"...You'll always be a part of me, I'm a part of you indefinitely, girl don't you know you can't escape me, ooooh darlin' cause you'll always be my baby"
:) :)
(you have to sing it David Cook style though...all you AI fans will know what I'm talking about!)

Umbrella fun....

2008-04-21T21:34:00.000-07:00

Now I know how to get Abby to hang out with me for awhile to take photos! We picked out a super fun umbrella as a prop and she was totally into it. She is such a sweet girl, really. Since Lily's been born she's been testing the heck out of us, but all in all, I think I'll keep her :) :)

Here are my favs!!

No umbrella here, I just love this one...

Some goodies & booking info...

2008-04-16T10:10:00.000-07:00

So my friend Sheri, over at Beyond Red & Green has the coolest stuff (click her name to go to her site!) She is so amazingly talented! She has the most adorable baby announcements and I have the privilege of being able to offer some!! These are just a few of the ones that I will be offering for 2008. It makes me want to sent out more announcements for Lily! Can I? (haha)

I've also had some questions as to whether I'm booking sessions yet since Lily's been born. The answer is yes! I am booking sessions for this Spring and Summer. But because "camera lady" is just one of the many hats that I wear, I only take on 2 sessions a month. That is so that I can fully focus on your session and also on my family, life, ministry, etc and etc. This season in my life is shaping up to be extremely busy but extremely rewarding. So if you would like to book a session, please email me or call.

She...

2008-04-09T21:51:00.000-07:00

"She...
May be the song that summer sings
May be the chill that autumn brings
May be a hundred different things
Within the measure of a day
She..."

Signature Zach

2008-04-01T09:00:00.000-07:00

Yes, I do love my son. But if ever there was a stubborn, wild, testing, defiant 2 year old...he is it! I made him repeat me the other day, "I will be a man of integrity!" From his mouth it sounded like "I weeel bee man oooof inpedia" yeah yeah, he'll understand some day! I know speaking LIFE into my 2 year old and tons of prayer will be the only thing that keeps he & I sane as we try to get through these challenging, but great years. And one thing I am thankful for, he is so cuddly still. He's been very attached to my husband lately, wanting to be rocked (or as he calls it "rocket").

So here's Zach's signature face, scowling, with his favorite mask on (not sure what was up with the hat that day! He's a nut!) I really took this pic for my Dad. Dad...I know you check this blog, here's a photo for you. I'll attempt to get a good smiley face in his mask, but the odds on that one are slim!! :) :)

5 weeks old...

2008-03-21T22:02:00.000-07:00

and already thinks her mama is funny...

Jeremy's been gone all week. Its been challenging to say the least being here without him. Of course I miss him like crazy and not just because he's a huge help to me, but because he's pretty fun to hang out with too. I've had my sister with me all week, what a huge help she has been. Thanks girl, love you tons.

Peace

2008-03-13T11:01:00.000-07:00

My life right now can be summarized very easily into three words...busy, busy and busy. It probably has to do with nursing close to 8 hours a day, or getting ready to send my husband off for a week while I keep up fort here. Welcoming a third child has thrown me for a loop that I never knew was possible. I'm really learning to rest in my place in life, finding some peace in the midst of learning how to run my new family. God has given me a lot of comforting words lately, this song in particular has been so encouraging to me. It really is such a breath of fresh air. And then I took this photo of Abby the other day...and when I look at this photo I think of peace. Of quiet control, of rest. I absolutely love my life right now, sure I'm tired, but who isn't? So I just turn on this song, let it blast throughout the house and remember that life isn't just about me! I'm so thankful I have someone to turn to when things go wacky around here!

The More I seek You
The More I find you
the more I find you
The more I love you

I want to sit at you feet
drink from the cup in your hands
lay back against you and breath
feel your heartbeat
this love is so deep
it's more than I can stand
I melt in your peace
it's overwhelming
-Kari Jobe

Jemma & Daniel

2008-03-04T15:03:00.000-08:00

These two are fun, beautiful, inside & out, exciting and excited for each other. I just love seeing engaged couples interact. Everything is new and fresh and bright! (and if they're blessed like Jeremy and I are, they will stay that way!) Engaged couples are fast becoming some of my favorite subjects to photograph.

Jemma & Daniel are getting married in the Fall...in ENGLAND! How cool is that?? We had a fun time, walking up & down, all over town. Thanks you two for being my first session back, you're a great couple and I totally see blessings all over your marriage!

Time is going so fast...

2008-03-03T22:50:00.000-08:00

No, she doesn't have her umbilical cord anymore (or "poop cord" as Zach called it!!! We laughed so hard...the mind of a 2 year old is an amazing thing!!), and she's starting to not curl as much either. It makes me so sad how quickly she is changing, and she's not even 3 weeks old!

Official Announcement....

2008-02-25T21:14:00.001-08:00

Always my baby...

2008-02-22T23:22:00.000-08:00

Even though there's a newborn in the house, he is still my baby! He totally feels different now though. I'm carrying a 9lb baby around all day, so when I pick up his 30lbs...he feels rock solid!! I thought he was a tiny lanky guy, I was so wrong! Its really odd to feel the difference.

I happened to catch him with his 3 favorite things. His "boo" (pacifier, which at this time he only gets during sleep times! Yay!) His blue blankie which he's had since 3 weeks old and is his best friend (which has been cut in two by Mommy so he can always have one when the other is washing!) and his car blankie, which he loves very much.

ps. I'm having trouble with my colors uploading to photobucket...I'm pretty sure you're seeing the photos at their full color potential, but if not, I apologize!

...sigh...

2008-02-19T21:48:00.000-08:00

...that pretty much sums it up. I'm just in total awe of her. I mean, I knew I would love her. Sure, it might take awhile to get used to her, (this little stranger in my house!)
But, I...just...love...her... It was like she was always here and she totally completes us. She's squishy and cuddly and mellow. I know it's God blessing me because with two other wild monkeys in the house, I need her to be my little mellow angel!

(4 days old)

Here's another quiz....

2008-02-17T13:44:00.000-08:00

Can you tell which one doesn't belong in THIS picture??

Liliana Grace finally made her entrance into the world at 12:17am, Friday February 15th! She shares a birthday with her Daddy. She was 9lbs 4oz, born after a 3 hour labor, into the water, completely naturally. Caring for 3 children is...um...a very new adventure! Needless to say, I and my husband are exhausted!!

Thank you to everyone who stuck with me on this pregnancy journey and kept my spirits up while I was overdue! It was totally fun documenting the last days, but I am so thankful that now I've turned in that huge belly for a tiny baby.

One more thing, I pretty much have the most amazing husband in the entire world. He never got tired of all my complaining during those 9 months (he never told me at least!), gave me the most amazing ideas for my overdue series of photos (pretty much, any one that included a basketball...yep, that was all him!)...oh, and he got me through labor of course! I had a very rough pregnancy, and he did absolutely everything he could to help me the entire way through it. Now he shares his birthday with our daughter (by only 17 minutes!), he is a wonderful man and I am so thankful to be starting yet another journey with him!

Since I'm going to be pregnant forever...

2008-02-14T17:26:00.000-08:00

I thought I would try to blend in :)

Oh, and I thought this song was appropriate....

"One of these things is not like the others,
One of these things just doesn't belong,
Can you tell which thing is not like the others
By the time I finish my song?"

Call 911....

2008-02-13T16:48:00.001-08:00

We have a real emergency here!!!

"Emergency Burst Aid Kit - Because some babies need a little push"
(in the form of a yummy box of Sees truffles!!!)

Thank you to my mother in law who inspired this photo. She's very creative and very thoughtful!!!

Ok, you all taking bets yet??? I had a friend tell me today that I must have the Radisson of wombs, my kids are so comfy they don't want to come out!! I have to say I agree with her.

Every overdue woman...

2008-02-12T18:11:00.001-08:00

...should come with warning labels....

Click on the picture to see it bigger!!!

...and I know you're thinking it...just say it...that is a BIG BELLY!!! :)
Hopefully you won't be forced to look at it much longer!

*ha! did anyone catch my typo? I fixed the photo...but I am only 41 weeks...not 42 :)

Just what I need after a long day of fake contractions....

2008-02-11T17:22:00.000-08:00

....mmmmmm refreshing!!

So just kidding! Even though many have told me to try it....I just can't bring myself to do it!

Is that a basketball under there??

2008-02-10T17:34:00.001-08:00

Or are you just pregnant??

...I'm just pregnant...

(40 weeks, 5 days)

Haul me away....

2008-02-09T16:00:00.000-08:00

'cause I'm still pregnant!!!

hee hee...as you can tell...I'm having a lot of fun with this!!! :)

She's wayyyy to comfy in there...

2008-02-08T17:20:00.000-08:00

How about an official eviction notice???? Time's UP little girl!! :)

Yummmmmm

2008-02-07T18:20:00.000-08:00

every overdue woman deserves Ben & Jerry's :)

tick tock tick tock......

2008-02-06T18:20:00.000-08:00

Waiting waiting......

2008-02-04T20:36:00.001-08:00

I thought while I waited for this little missy to be born I would do a tribute to the last 9 months :)

Is anyone as crazy about lists as I am??

I pretty much ate these two things every day. I craved a lot of stuff, from oranges to Cinnabons, but Coke & Doritos never left my side.

Hence the need for Tums absolutely every day!

And I want to give a special shout out to my planner. My husband teases me about getting a palm pilot...but nope. I need my trusty, write it with a pencil planner! I was crazy forgetful these past 9 months. But my trusty red friend got me through it! Well...now that I see the post, you can't tell that my planner is red...ha ha. Its actually a salmon color, but you get the idea. (SEE??? SEE how crazy I am right now? see what pregnancy does to my brain?? LOL.)

He is my baby....

2008-01-29T14:32:00.000-08:00

We've been very clingy lately...Zach and I. He definitely knows something is about to happen. But the fact that I can't talk about it with him like I can with Abby makes things more difficult. He's stopped staying in the nursery at church and he was doing so well! But now he can't stand the thought of mommy leaving him in a room full of fun toys and people he knows for an hour and a half. You know what....I'm ok with that. He's been my "baby" for almost 2 1/2 years. I don't know how to describe it, but him being a boy makes this all feel different too. When he was born for some reason I thought he wouldn't need me as much as Abby did. Boys are supposed to be more rugged, independent, unemotional. I was very wrong. He's my baby in every sense of the word, walking around the house with his blankie and "boo" (pacifier).

I went through all this when I was pregnant with him, how would I love another baby besides my Abby?! But it just happened, there's love in my heart for both my children, and things are about to change again.

Photo taken by my husband (he's so great!), processing done by me.

I'm ready....

2008-01-24T20:58:00.000-08:00

I wonder when she will be too......

Ethiopia Adoption Project

2008-01-16T11:42:00.000-08:00

This post takes on a totally different tone than normal because I have something on my heart....

One of my closest friends is in the process of adopting a baby girl from Ethiopia.

Now take a second...drink that in....

My friend isn't some celebrity with tons of money, she doesn't just have $30,000 in her back pocket, or decided one day "hey, I think I'll adopt a baby today!" She's a REAL person who just wants to open her home to a baby who otherwise would grow up and have nothing. Africa is her heart's cry and she's even already named her sweet baby who she's never seen before.

Adoption is a close issue for me that I've experienced first hand with within my own family. I know not everyone can open their home and adopt, but we certainly can support those who do!

So this blog post is totally a plug for my friend. Check out her blog, read her stories, say a prayer for her, buy a shirt that she's selling to raise money. There are tons of ways to help her and even someone you know who is in the adoption process. Even just leaving her a comment on her blog would mean the world to her and to me. You're a stranger to her, but so is that little girl from Ethiopia...and she already has a place in our hearts!

Ethiopia Adoption Project