Nine Months...

I am not really sure HOW she is already nine months, but I can't deny or change that Ashley is already 9 months. I snapped this photo right on the 8th when she hit 9 months. 

I know I have posted a lot of 'portraits' lately and have some other 'everyday' photos I hope to post in the next week or so. We have some plans coming, one including this momma wearing a dress! And HAPPY DAY...it FITS! ;)

Bonus-today, and for no real reason or occasion, I opened the door to a lady holding a beautiful bouquet of flowers...FOR ME! Thanks hon...I love you too and appreciate all the hard work you do for us, so I am able to stay at home! (no matter how hard that may be at times;)

It's stationary

It was time. However, with the change comes another sign that your baby is growing and getting bigger and bigger...of course, faster than you want:) Yes, that's right, Ashley is no longer in her infant car seat. At 8.5 months, she was getting big for it and with a coat, she seemed uncomfortable and being on a schedule she does not fall asleep in the seat. And as you all know from the unexpectedly cute photos from the grocery store, she is sitting in the cart. Taking her in and out of the infant seat while it was latched in is a lot more awkward and cramped than a stationary, rear-facing seat. So, the infant car seat has been retired and the stationary rear-facing car seat is now installed. Both Ashley and Lacy enjoy the new change. It was ridiculous how long it took me to remember how to install it, but in my defense, it was the first time installing a rear-facing car seat in our ROCKIN mini-van. I can't believe Ashley will be 9 months in a week. 

Spring Fever!

What a BEAUTIFUL day! This afternoon our thermometer hit 55 without wind! Lacy spent just about all afternoon outside with her daddy and mommy brought Ashley out to enjoy sitting out in the grass for the first time. However, the ground was pretty damp, so we will enjoy the real grass experience later this spring. Ashley enjoyed watching her sister run around the cul-de-sac and even found some strands of 'grass' off our plant. After today, I can't WAIT for more sunshine and simple, but wonderful days of just stepping out your front door and enjoying the fresh air, beautiful sun shine, and great friends! Miss Ashley you brighten our lives every day.

More Practice with the camera

I am really looking forward to spring and the better weather that will come along with it! With a few new photography skills learned, I am dying to find some good locations and start playing around with portraits! Lacy and I tried a couple places this last week and man, she LOVES modeling. I have to get her to be a little silly as sometimes, she is too 'posed' for what I am wanting, but on the flip-side she gives me time to fiddle with my camera. Sigh...I love this girl.

Anyone local interested in helping me out and letting me practice on you or your kids, let me know! 

My Vday, Bday

Well, the day finally arrived. Officially entered my thirties! With both Eddy and I being quite busy lately, we opted for just a family party, no big bday bash. The day was full enough as it was! Started off with Valentine's gifts for the girls in the morning, followed by church, then our family party, and finishing it off with a Vday/Bday date night with eddy. A nice way to welcome in the next decade:)

Bright and early and about to open their gifts!

Lacy and Mommy with some of her gifts

Mommy with her girls

I also snapped a few photos of Ashley and was thrilled when I got a good one of her making her crinkled nose face. Love it. 

Everyday Blessings

On a day to day basis, my life is filled with more blessings than I deserve.  Even trips to the grocery store can bring me such joy. With my now EIGHT month old baby, I HAD to capture that itty bitty girl who can now sit up in the shopping cart. I really wish I had a photo of Lacy when she started the shopping cart phase, so I was not going to miss out on Ashley! Plus, Lacy is enjoying riding the shopping cart in a new way as well. Two new phases. So, that's right, I took my camera to the grocery store! We had a mini photo-shoot right in the aisle. 

Tell me the cuteness in that shopping cart just does not kill you! 

Big sis protecting and Ashley with her silly, scrunchy nose smile.

And Ashley's signature-curled up tongue. LOVE it.

Lacy's new fav! Hopping on the end of the cart to ride!

My happy helper. She makes grocery shopping so fun for ME. I mean, how could you not smile with that little face looking at you;)

Ok, I am sad this one is not in focus, but I love that Ashley is flashing a sweet smile while showing off her two chompers. Yep, I am so glad the camera tagged along for the trip today.

Playgroup Preschool

Lacy and I are not able to attend our awesome playgroup preschool as often as we would like(many times are traveling home Monday mornings from Portland), but we always have such a great time when we do!

Today I brought my camera because I thought it would be cute to see all the kiddos in their Jammies. Today at playgroup preschool the kids were focusing on the letter J! I am the lame-o mommy that has not contributed yet, but the other moms pooled together and had stories, songs, crafts, toy exchanges, and even theme-related snacks! Not too mention the impromptu tumbling session:) Hopefully they all will enjoy the photos, so I won't feel completely worthless! Thanks for hosting Leah!

Mommy Leah holding her daughter Gretchen and Ashley. 

Silly Gretchen

Buddies

Yes, that would be my Lacy pouting and glaring right at me, being ungrateful for the provided snack. She did well and changed her attitude quite quickly. Still...this photo cracks me up!

Can rough-housing be left out when boys get together? ;) Charis obviously loves to join in with the boys as well!

Will in mid-somersault.

There is always room for a friend.

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