Monday, March 30, 2009

Alexander's Shot

I used a wonderful photographer named Mckenzie Deakins to do Alex's first birthday picture. I hope to one day be as good as her after taking all my photography classes!

Here are a few samples of how cute he was, he was being a little stinker at some points but she made him look like it was easy as cake!!
Photography by Mckenzie

She really captured what I wanted and I've learned my lesson of trying Alex's clothes on before I put him in them. Alex had one outfit that was 18-24 months and the shirt was a little big. Oh well... he still looks adorable! And despite him not touching this cake he sure loved his birthday cake!

Homework

Can I just say I looovveee the fact that I can schedule my blog posts? Because at this time I'm probably out of my mind after getting an ESI or Epidural Steriod Injection in my back to get ready for future tests. Long long story for a different post.

Well, I figured I'd share with everyone my homework and how I'll be progressing through out my classes. My first class was on Aperture and Depth of Field. I was asked to take 6 pictures in 3 sets of categories. Sounds extremely confusing, but I promise it's not and this is coming from someone who has a short attention span.


Storytelling f22


Storytelling f22


Singular-Theme f5.6


Singular- Theme f5.6


Who Cares f8


Who Cares f11


It's hard to explain the meaning of them all without making this post extremely long and boring since I always seem to over explain everything. But this is just a taste of the beginning of my work, I can't wait to look back on this months or even weeks from now and see how much better I am becoming!

So before I go out of town I have one request. I'm actually not looking to forward to leaving because Alex is on the PERFECT schedule and sleeps beautifully. He's in be by 8-830 and sleeps until 9-10am with no waking up or wanting a bottle. THANK GOODNESS but the best part is he takes a 3.5 hour nap from noon on. Is there anyway I can keep this going while on vacation??!! I enjoy everything being perfect! I even booked an late morning flight so he could get his nap and a super later evening flight back so he can been "in bed"! Any advice?

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Just when I thought things were calming down..

I'm a bad blogger I'm just going to go ahead and admit it. I can't even set up my pre-written blog posts up so I don't have to worry about blogging! After Alex's birthday I thought I'd be less busy and have more time to get things set up before I went out of town... nope! Here's the long awaited birthday day.. sorry guys =]

Part Dos:


After the zoo I was beyond exhausted but I of course like a good helper went back over to Libbie's to help finish or more "watch" her work on the cake. We took Alex out to dinner that night and went to Tucano's which he loves (he loves anything involving meat, cheese and vegetable.. oh and sweets of course!) On the way home I had to make a few stops at random stores and at a famous toy store to get a last minute gift or two from distant family members.

We then went home and I went to wrapping and stuffing bags and boxes. I want to first of thank all of my wonderful family and friends for coming! We had close to 30 people and kids there!! I was shocked at how great everything went and Alex loved all of his gifts, he made out better that Christmas I think! (That's hard to top you know!) Alex got so many fun toys he doesn't even know what to do with himself, and he hasn't even been back to Texas to get the rest!


This is about half of his gifts.. yes half seriously he's spoiled. But don't you love to lonely unwrapped basket filled with clothes? If it hadn't turned Spring and I didn't need to dress him right for the weather the basket would of been overflowing. Can I just say in my defense I didn't realize how much I shopped until I started wrapping? I started liked 3 months ago, you can't expect me to remember!


The amazing and yummy cake my wonderful mother in law helped me make!!

The big day, Alex was actually clueless. And for once it a seriously long time he woke up at 7:30 to tell us we needed to get a move on. Oh did I forget to mention I barely made the cut off for the food order for the party? I'm such a procrastinator..


We decided since Alex is running around so much and we were trying to set everything up at Libbie's we'd tie Alex up with a ballon and at least know where he was at all time. Boy that kids loves fans and ballons I swear he'd be happy with just that for his birthday!

I was afraid Alex wasn't going to take to gettting his hands dirty. He's like his sister Jenny in a way where he'd rather not get his hands dirty unless it's completely neccesary. I guess this is one of those times..



Loves to share anything and everything he has, and especially some cake for me!

Opening presents with all the friends and family! The kids were such great helpers and even helped out by playing with most of them and getting them out of their boxes so they'd be easier to fit in the trunk! I mean we BARELY got everything in the car, and even had to squish some in between Jenny and Alex.


I love seeing Mads & Hannah play with Alex! I love when he gets to play with kids, he loves to interact with them and it's so adorable. He's always trying to just go with the flow, what and easy baby.

And this is what's going on around the house now... plenty of toys to last a few months until he displays the need for new ones. (Hopefully a lot longer than a few months!)

^^^Notice the powder all over him, dad seems to always "load him up" way to much and thinks it's hilarious when he has a "powder storm"

I have a feeling that the next few days up to me leaving for Texas is going to be crazy.. so I have a bunch of pre-blogged things to talk about so you guys don't go forgotten!

**Oh and John had to have me say that we did do the whole "Dr. Seuss theme with plates, cups, table cloth and balloons. Ya know since I made a "big deal" and all. So not true.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Going in Circles

The last week has been one of the most busiest weeks I've ever had to deal with in my entire life, who would of known a birthday party could be so time consuming! I figured I'd spread all the birthday stuff out in a few posts.

Part Uno:

Thursday and Friday involved the cake, I really wanted a Cat and the Hat cake and I knew the one person who I was lucky enough to have close by me and willing to help! Libbie aka Super creative lifesaver helped me design the whole cake. (To be honest she did about 80%, I just mixed cake batter and icing woo hoo) It was a two day process of trying to make him just right and me biting my nails that he might not turn out right! (Because of me not Libbie) But while dealing with that we got to spend time with Adam & Mandy and they're adorable 4 kids! We went to the zoo, which I thought Alex would love since last time he slept the entire time. Oh and he loved it all right for about 30 minutes until he hit the snooze button and almost the entire 3 hours.. lazy.

I think Adam & Mandy's kids are so much more fun to shot than my child, especially cause he sleeps during fun activites!


I love the fact that Mads always smiled even after the 500th picture I took of her.. and I swear she's a fast walker



Now Kate is so adorable with her fun and bubbly personality, I love the fact that she can talk you're ear off and still be so much fun!!


And we can't forget the oldest Ethan who seriously loves dragons and Lauren who has hair I would KILL for




Random shots of the animals that were there, I shot so many pictures I was amazed to see my card was half full after this crazy weekend! I of course had to use a bunch of actions in photoshop to spice everything up a little. I have tons of other pictures I want to post, and like I said I'm WAY behind. But the other ones are the ones I'll be turning in for homework for my class.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Happy Happy Birthday!

Alexander's long awaited day, I remember this day as if it was just yesterday and I still can't believe that it's been a year already. It's been so wonderful and full of so much joy. I thought instead of posting all his new accomplishments I'd post my favorite pictures of the last year of his life.


Alex still in my tummy at 33 weeks, I swear he still makes that face when he sleeps!



Just out of mommy's tummy and already knows who is daddy is =]



A few days old hanging out in the "tanning beds" as we called it



Alex one month old and already getting chunky, at his newborn photoshoot



2 months old and still being adorable regardless of the fact he didn't let anyone sleep



3 months old and already trying to pimp the ladies



4 months old in one of my favorite outfits



5 months old and sitting up, as happy as can be!



6 months old and Alex waiting for me to come get him in his crib and attempting to stand.. happy half a year! ALREADY!??!



My 7 month old little dinosaur! Halloween and so ready to be done with that costume!



8 months old and always striking a pose when the camera is on him



9 months old and royally being spoiled, ahh Christmas



10 months old and went from crawling to standing within days, definitely being a little rascal



11 months old and doing so many different things, always sticking his tongue out and being silly



12 months old and moving from baby to toddler and growing big!!

We're excited about having a wonderful time with friends and family at his big party and enjoy all the fun gifts he will be getting. If you're wondering why the pictures look funny, I'm practicing my photo editing skills and used some fun actions to give my pictures a pop, I wanted to add bordes and all kind of things but things are still crazy around here. I have tons more to post and will have tons from the party! I'll get to use all my awesome gear and things I've been learning to do my first homework assignment! YAY!

Alex, you bring so much joy and happiness into this home and we love you so much. You are such an amazing big boy and more intelligent then I'd ever imagined a baby could be. I can't believe you've been on this earth for a year and I can't wait until we'll be sealed and be together forever. You're the best baby a mother and father could ask for. We love you so much and hope you have a wonderful day all about you!!

Monday, March 16, 2009

Loss.

I don't know how much I'll be blogging this week, I had a bunch planned for Alex's birthday but after finding out some devastating news yesterday I don't know how much I'll get done. One of my best friend's mother passed away late Saturday evening in her sleep for no reason at all, I'm still in shock. I don't think it's seriously kicked in just yet, but I'm extremely beside myself with everything happening. I do have a few blog posts pre-scheduled and I hope to finish this.

Thanks for understanding everyone.

Friday, March 13, 2009

Getting a little messy

Well a bunch of things have suddenly changed and had it's ups and downs in the last week. Some good, some bad and now finally things feel back to normal. It all started about a week ago when Alex had an "unexplained" dying need to eat in the middle of the night and eating like crazy during the day. The waking up was utterly exhausting and John and I were both taking turns dealing with Alex. I'm glad it was a growth spurt and him teething again, I don't know what I'd do if this became a regular thing. I've also cut his afternoon nap out which means he is in bed by 8-8:30 and wakes up at 9 or 10. He takes one 3 hour nap now, which lets me do whatever.

He refuses to walk and rather runs around the house, and when he falls he starts yelling and then gets up and starts it all over again. The upside is Alex is rolling a ball back and forth to us and trying to kick it (possible sport player??), handing me his cup when he wants more to drink, pointing and gabbing when he wants some of my food, and pushing certain buttons on his toys, the remote and our phones. He's saying more and more, and I'm starting to finally develop the unknown skill to understand him (I never knew how people could understand their kids when they mumbled words together)Alex is now in love with Disney movies and kid's educational shows. I get an hour to read while he watches whatever and enjoys it, and he's become so much more independent.


I love the fact Alex has a ton of hair I can play with it and do it now, and if you notice the big purple spot of his face it's from him falling after running. Looks a whole lot worse than what it is.

I've got exciting news for me! I start photography classes next week! I can't get into classes at school until Spring and I decided I just couldn't wait until then! So I found an amazing photographer who has a curriculum and it's exactly what I need. And she's affordable, I'm excited to actually get use out of all of my gear and all that money I spent. I can hardly wait!!

More good news is John and I both have a few trips planned to Texas and Arizona and possibly Idaho and California. I'm so excited to get some time out of Utah! I can't wait to get out and be in some actual "normal" weather.


You probably can't see the spit, but Alex likes to sit in the sunlight do raspberries so he can see his spit. Try clicking on it to blow it up

A few people have asked what books I'm reading and I figured I'd share them with everyone. I'm reading a Private Series by Kate Brian which is actually a really good book series. At first I found it a little vulgar but the more I read and the less I saw things I really enjoyed it. It's about a girl who receives a scholarship to a prestigious academy and she has no idea how her life is going to change. She gets a culture shock coming from a small town in Pennsylvania to being around a bunch of rich trust fund babies and gets to see a different kind life. 200 page book with short chapters.. I've read 5 in about 2 days. I've got another four to go.

The other is the Sookie Stackhouse series by Charlaine Harris, I haven't got to really get into it, and all I know is that it's another vampire series that started before Twilight and is a little more mature. I hear great things about it and we'll start it in the next day or two.
He's loves that he can walk, he even laughs about it.


**Note: This was taken about a week ago before the running kicked in. I cut the video up cause it was so long and I swear he doesn't always walk around with no pants on, the kid just takes them off... and same goes with his shoes, socks and hats. I think he'd take his shirt off if he knew how.

I'm so ready for a fun weekend and only like a week until Alex is 1! I can't believe the time is almost here! I have a little more shopping to do for his big day and would love to get it out of the way before Sunday.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Movin' and Grovin'

I have had a serious eventful weekend the last few weeks, it all starts with Friday night and us going out to eat somewhere super yummy. I love going out to eat because I feel like I can relax and don't have to worry about what to cook, clean up and finding room in the fridge for leftovers that we'll probably never eat. (We're not leftover kind of people, even if it's amazing.) I love taking Alex with us most of the time because he loves to start a conversation with people and eats his own little meals. It's so much fun to have him eat with us now cause all I have to do is have him eat a small portion of our food and he hasn't complained yet!

John and I woke up Saturday and actually got to sleep in until 10, I personally thought it was SO nice that we woke up before Alex who slept so hard I swear you could hear him snore. We got up and dressed and started the day with getting my car detailed which the poor thing seriously needed! And then after started looking at a few car dealerships for a new car for our family. It's a hard process because we're looking for a specific kind of car that will fit our needs and for our future! We're still looking and the good thing is that we aren't rushed on another car.


We then spent the rest of the day shopping for me, I haven't seriously bought a good amount of new clothes for awhile for myself. Not that I need clothes, you should come visit sometimes I could give you a tour of how I've started to take over our huge master closet. But I felt that I needed a few new thing, and when I shop I refuse to not spend good money for good quality. I'm not of fan buying clothes from stores that I know it'll fall apart and I'm a pretty picky shopper to be honest. But I got a few great things and I think it's a great start for Spring until I can find other stuff. (I always seem to pick something up from time to time somewhere, but I don't consider that shopping!)

We then went out to dinner at Magleby's which is always delicious and I enjoyed a sandwich and salad which I was shocked on how great it was. Alex is learning how to get out of the high chair now and must be securely strapped and that goes for the same with the stroller. The kid is a master escape artist in the making and seriously can get in/out of everything. I haven't even taken a picture of what my house looks like when he opens all the cabinets and drawers and tear them apart. We also bought a new camera, actually John's camera. We almost had a disaster with mine, and to make a long story short he's going to stick with the simple point-and-shoot cameras. We haven't even used it yet! But I'm sure we will since I won't want to lug mine everywhere!


Speaking of cameras I think when I start school I will be way more than prepared. I'm looking for more supplies for my camera and have a lens and flash I'm dying for. I feel like I'm obsessed with taking pictures. I guess it's better than other things I could be doing with my time??

I'm in the midst of also looking for another computer, don't get me wrong both my desktop and laptop are fabulous but I think it's time I get a nicer laptop for myself. John usually works on our laptop the most and I'm obsessed with the iMac because of the 24 inch display. But I want a big laptop with a good size screen, and I can't decide whether I will wait until I start school or not for a Macbook Pro. They're so nice and sleek and would make my life easier since computer time is limited to me upstairs while Alex tears our room and bathroom up. But I guess time will only tell and if I find a good deal I might have to snag it. I realized one thing though, even though John and I can share we'd rather not.


Other than that I finished Alex's Birthday invitations and I'm getting them mailed out finally! I've had BAD luck with the post office and I just hope it gets better now. I also realized a little to late that I should of had a printing service print these because Fedex Kinko's was horrible and me doing it on my own wasn't much better. I'm still considering whether or not to throw 2 different parties for him, one with our neighbors and one with the family but I just don't know if I've got room at my place for all my wonderful friends!


Changing it to a JPG has distorted the image a little

Alex is walking all over the place, he is determined to walk away while we change him and church is a whole new story. He's SO friendly and loves to play with other children. I'm glad that he's social and loves kids but man he won't stay with us for anything! We have to walk around the church during sacrament and then he usually falls out for an hour or so! He enjoys trying to tell me new things, while I try to decipher what his "new words" are. He's still growing so much and I almost feel like he'll be in 2T exclusively here soon. YIKES! He seems to be staying true to form and just like John when he was growing, get chunky and grow a few inches, slim out and then get chunky and so on. Everyone is mistaking him for 18 months and keeps telling me how big he is. I still have to say I am so glad I don't have to carry him as much anymore! Oh and Alex has got 2 MORE teeth coming in, I remember saying something about seeing how many we could have appear before he turned 1! That makes 14!


This is what Alex does when I go out to the mailbox across the street, he always tries to open the door but he's not quite tall enough so he stick his face up to the window.. so cute.

Friday, March 6, 2009

We've got a walker folks.

Can I just first off say how much I love scheduled posts? So it's happened, one of the two things I have been so excited about for months. Walking, Alex is all over the place now getting into everything. He's opening drawers and throwing things, trying to attack my cabinets (he hasn't quite figured it out yet THANK GOODNESS) and best of all he laughs and giggles the entire time. But with walking Alex has received one of his many accidents and cut the inner part of his lip open. He was bleeding and bleeding and my first thought was "Please don't tell me he's knocked a tooth out" and lucky everything is in there tight as can be and after a little water out of his "big boy cup" he was back to normal and walking and talking again. This is the first of many isn't it?


My second favorite thing I've been waiting for is talking, I've been dying to hear words and even though Alex started with the basics a few months ago I've waited to laugh at funny things he'd start trying to say. We've heard a lot of one word lately, and it's not from me or John folks. Alex repeatedly tells me "no-no" like he's critiquing my every move. He'll be walking by me and I'll pick something up and next thing I hear is "no-no". It was the funniest moment yet, it took a minute to figure out what he was saying and then it hit me when I told him "no-no" at his attempt to climb the stairs.

I almost shocked that he's almost one and I'm trying to "relive" every moment by looking at all the videos we've taken and all the awesome 5,000+ pictures.. (I know I seriously have some camera happy issues)

In other news, I've been reading up a storm and started 2 new book series. I'm falling in love with one and the other is in the mail. I've started a new diet that I created lol, I've kind of let down on my calorie intake and given up deserts and sweets completely (unless you count those AMAZING fruit bars that hit the spot from time to time) and been regularly working out and keeping my metabolism pumping. To my amazement with almost no work I'm losing weight! I feel so happy and confident about it because I was worried I'd never get back to my "old self" where I didn't need the gym 24/7 to stay slim. It feels so good to fit into my "skinny jeans" and wear all my clothes that I love so much. Did I ever express my love for clothing?



John is hard at work doing what he does best and loving Scouts. I've never seen someone so committed and involved, I think he works harder than me and I thought I was working hard for activity days! He really enjoys the boys and can't wait until the next camp out. He's also ready for a much needed vacation or two to see our families or maybe Mexico?? *crosses fingers*

That's about it, oh and I'm still trying to find the right classes for school and what school I want to go to. I'm going back and forth about trying to get student loans or not. I'm ready for an awesome weekend once again and getting everything done for Alex's party! =]

Tuesday, March 3, 2009

Things are changing around here.

Things are SERIOUSLY changing around here and quickly, after having my cousins here for the weekend I realized my little boy isn't so little anymore. They pointed out so many things, I was absolutely shocked, probably because I take care of him ALL DAY and I didn't even know he was doing so much! Alex has grown over an inch and half in about 3 weeks and gained more weight!


He loves to drink out of straws, I mean loves it. Sippy cups and straws.. I've never seen a baby get so excited.



Kim taught him to stick his tongue out when he doesn't like something/playing with you, hilarious. I love to see him do it!!


He stands up when he's done taking a bath or if he's waiting for me to put him in. I tell him to go in the bathroom and I get the water started and he just stands there and waits to be put in.


Likes to help me clean, he's in love with the mop and wants a dryer of his own. He'd been in the laundry room for hours if he could!

He loves food.. I mean LOVES it. I don't share my breakfast/lunch/dinner he gets so mad at me, once we left him discover regular food there was no going back. I can't even sneak in baby food for the life of me.


Alex loves playing peek a boo and hiding cutest thing ever!

Alex is learning to share everything, he loves to share his bottle, sippy cup, pacifier and his toys. Who knew my kid would play nice with others! hehe


Alex is getting super confident about walking and is walking alone all around the house, he has almost got it down! We practice every day and every day he gets closer and closer. He loves to practice by himself! I haven't caught him on camera alone but here he is with the train that he uses to walk quickly, he even knows how to turn around and get it "unstuck".


Does this cute head turn thing?

This kid loves to dance! Always gets excited when music comes on.

He's saying new words like bye, and ya! He's becoming a jabbering machine!!


Loves to do his spitting thing and can't get enough of the bubbles, he seriously attacks them every time we get in the tub. I can't help but laugh so hard and fill the tub full of bubbles.

Things are changing around here SO much and SO fast. I can't believe it.. he's suddenly not a baby anymore! I'm so glad we've started Whole Milk, this kid loves to have his fluids.. I mean I'm going broke on formula costs! Oh and I wonder what the world record for the amount of teeth a 1 year old has, Alex has 12 and might break 14 by his birthday?