Trying Out My Wings

Recently I purchased a new camera in hopes of trying out my wings as an amatuer photographer. I have wanted to do this for a while...but the cameras you need to be able to produce really quality photos come at no cheap price, so it took me a little longer than I'd hoped.

I've been practicing a little bit since I got it and here are some of my shots. Of course so far they are all of Ayden, but I am hoping to get the opportunity to work with more little ones. Anyhow, let me know what you think as I am looking to improve and would like any comments on my pictures (even if they aren't dripping with ooey-gooey loveliness).

Also, if you know anyone who might be interested in letting me come photo their baby for like $20 (includes a few prints and a cd of the pics) let me know. I would love to build my portfolio.

And these are just some other ones I'm throwing in because they are cute. Not professional looking, but cute.

Spoon Wars

Since I was a younger girl I've been a master at hanging a spoon off of the tip of my nose. The other day my little sister challenged me to a spoon war and the first person to drop their spoon off their nose lost. Not only did I win...but I won twice. Boo-Yah!

The stare down....
Silly girls :)

My Best Video Ever

So I know that I will eventually have a clip that tops this one, but for now this video is the best one I own. It can make me smile no matter what's going on. Man being a mom is awesome :)

Sitting Lessons

Ayden is growing up faster than I could ever have imagined and there are a lot of days I feel like I am seeing him change right before my eyes....and that the days end just as fast as they can begin. He is rolling over now and we have to keep a watchful eye on him when he's awake. Gone are the days of being able to lay him on a blankie and be content to know that he'll be right where I left him if I turn away for a moment.

Although Ayden's becoming more mobile does present its frustrations and challenges, its also thrilling to know that I am able to have such a major part in the devolpment of this amazing little person. What a blessing he is to Jonathan and me...we couldn't possibly love him more (well, maybe if he would nap a little better...j/k).

Our latest challenge has been trying to teach him how to sit on his own. His propensity is still to lean clear forward which results in either bending himself in half causing a lot of groaning and grunting, or in falling over completely. I have found that wrapping my Boppy body pillow around him helps him from falling over, but it doesn't do miracles either :) Baby steps!


Cute little bare feet

Everything goes in the mouth anymore...even if its way too big to fit.

His little toungue proves how hard he's working :)

He'd had enough at this point. He's so cute when he's mad! Loud....but cute.

The New Crib

As I'm sure you've all seen in the previous posts, since he came home from the hospital Ayden has been making due with sleeping in his pack n' play. This last week his Grandpa George gave him a great gift - an amazing new crib! Not only is it a big boy crib, but his Grandpa made the whole thing himself, including cutting the wood, sanding, gluing, assembling, painting...you name it. What a lucky baby :) Thanks Daddy for the wonderful gift. I'm sure its going to become a special family heirloom.

The whole sha-bang

I love the sides! He did an amazing job and it looks like it came right out of one of those posh baby stores...only better!

Ayden playing with his bear Woods :)

Bathtime fun!

Ayden gets more and more animated in his baths as time goes by. Here are a few bathtime moments that we had lots of fun capturing.

Drying off in his ducky towel with Aunt Katie.

This is his most recent bathtime video. He now gets EVERYTHING in the bathroom wet when he splashes. Its like being at the Shamu show - whoever is bathing him better prepare to get drenched!

Why Do I Do It?

I hate going this long without doing a post because I then feel like I have a ton of time to catch up on! Its like my own personal means of torturing myself. Maybe I'm a masachist somewhere deep down...who knows. Sometimes life just seems to get away from me I think. I can't imagine how I'm going to manage when we have another kid and we're not living with built in babysitters...but I guess I have a few years to figure that all out. Anyway, here is some stuff that has happened over the last few weeks.

This is the piggy bank I received at one of my baby showers. Ever since then Jonathan and I have been putting most of our change into it (when we happen to actually have cash that is) to save up for Ayden.

Katie and I decided one afternoon to count it all and we were shocked when we got a total of a little over $65! Its not much in the grand scheme of things but when you consider that Ayden is only 4 1/2 months old...its not too shabby!

The weekend after New Years I went with my mom and siblings on a day trip up to Idaho. As always Ayden was an angel in the car. Here's a picture of him in all his carseat cuteness.
Ayden has this unique little habit of clasping his hands together. He started doing it when he was a few months old and is starting to do it less and less these days so I thought I better get a picture of it.