Sunday, December 28, 2008

Baby Connor is Here!

Connor Mason entered the world on December 18, 2008 at 12:34 pm,
measuring 19 1/4 inches and weighing 8 lbs 1 oz.
Details to come later. Meanwhile enjoy some photos.

































Wednesday, December 10, 2008

Family Portraits

I know you're anxious, but don't scroll down for the photos just yet. I have to give you a little bit of backstory first.

I'm currently plugged into a fantastic on-line group of moms that are local to my area. It has been such a blessing to not only my life but to Preston's as well. We have many, many friends who love to have playdates and when we're not meeting in person we're talking just about anything and everything on-line. One aspect that continues to amaze me is just how talented this group of women is. From crafts to cooking to photography - you name it, someone can do it, and do it well. We have at least a couple of dozen women who are either professional photographers or semi-professional. And then there are the rest of us aspiring photographers or wannabes.


My good friend Chera was once one of us wannabes (that's probably not an accurate description as she's always had amazing photography skills) but has worked her way through the trenches to become one of the best photographers I know. It has been such a joy to watch her photography skills improve by leaps and bounds. She has such a talent working with little ones and really captures the spirit of the child. She really isn't in it for the money, she truly loves her work and for that I adore her. Not to mention she has the most precious, adorable little girl, Cassidy.



Talking with Chera one day she graciously agreed to do what we call a mini-session swap. Basically she spends about 10-15 minutes taking some photos of my family and then we swap and I do the same for hers. I really wanted to get a few family shots done before our newest addition arrived. And since there are practically zero photos of me pregnant with Preston, I wanted at least one for this one. Unfortunately the weather was quite uncooperative - 35 mile per hour winds and bitter cold does not make for good outside photos, especially for sweet Cassidy. She was not digging the cold or wind at all. The good news is Chera didn't let it slow her down and got some good shots of us anyway. We tried really hard to act like it wasn't freezing and the wind was blowing, but as you'll see it wasn't easy. Please enjoy. And if you get a chance stop by her blog Chera25 Photography and check out more of her fantastic photos.





















And here are just a couple that I took of Chera and her sweet family. I took these with her camera which completely puts my old Sony to shame. I've had camera envy ever since.

This one is Chera's favorite. She said it shows the "real" them and plans to use it for their Christmas card. I love that!



And we did finally get a little smile out of Cassidy. I told you she was cute!

Monday, December 8, 2008

10 Days and Counting

Hard to believe but we are just a little over a week away from meeting the newest member of our family. And while we still have a bunch of loose ends to tie up - one including actually coming up with a name - we're enjoying this last bit of time as a family of three.

Preston seems to be more and more excited about baby brother coming. He probably talks almost as much about baby brother as he does Christmas. Hope he's not disappointed in either. Four year olds can be so finicky.

I was so blessed recently to have been thrown a baby shower. Phillip's great aunt opened her wonderful home and co-hosted with my mother-in-law and my good friend Micki. It was a lovely afternoon of food, fellowship and of course presents for baby boy. It was a really nice turn out and thankfully no corny games were played. Unfortunately I'm not able to figure out how to post the photos here since they were shared with me on Shutterfly. So I'll just share the link. Click here.

After browsing those photos you may have noticed that my hair looks a little different. I have been growing out my hair for the last 18 months so that I can donate to Locks of Love again. I was also waiting closer to my due date so that I would have a fuss free new 'do with a newborn and all. I was able to go to the same stylist that I donated with last time and I think he did a fantastic job. I gave him free reign and while it took a little getting used to I really do like it, and it is super easy and fast to fix. I feel blessed that my hair grows so fast that I can at least help brighten a sick child's day with a full head of hair.

And becuase I know you're asking: I'm feeling pretty good. My blood pressure has been creeping up the last two visits and doc says I need to take it easy but that ain't easy. We're still scheduled for a c-section on the 18th, so we're not really calling it the "due date" anymore but "THE date". That is unless little one has plans of his own. My feet are swelling and my back hurts and darn it if I don't have to pee every 10 minutes - but other than that I feel great. ;)

This week is crazy busy for us. Phillip's work party, my family coming to town, a mom's night out with the girls, cookie swap, and possibly more family trying to squeeze in one last visit before baby gets here. I'll do my best to keep you updated. Here's a little nugget to hold on to though... I'll have some family portraits (professional no less!) to share with you very, very soon. Stay tuned.