Do Fun Stuff!

"Do Fun Stuff" is available today! This album, put together by Ryan Marshall, is a compilation of varying artists who all contributed their time and efforts, all in an effort to drive awareness and funds towards Smith-Magenis Syndrome. 100% of the proceeds from the sale of this album will be used to establish a SMS Research Fellowship that funds a graduate student to study SMS and support the SMS community.

Check it out!

Mmmmm...Bacon

For those of you who haven't already heard...the hubs is now employed!

(And there was great rejoicing)

Last week, while we were driving two and fro running errands, he realized that he had missed a phone call and checked his voice mail. I watched in the rearview trying to determine who the call was from and whether it was good news. We were expecting to get a call sometime that week about a promising opportunity, so I had a feeling this was it.

And I had a feeling it was a no.

I'm not generally negative about most things. But for some reason, I wouldn't let myself think that we were going to be relieved from the stress of figuring out how we were going to survive much longer on no income.

So when J hung up and said, "I got it" it was all I could do to keep from crying.

I had done so well handling the fear and anxiety associated with living without a paycheck for so long, I think all of that emotion just said "finally!" and tried to make a break for it.

Once he got back in touch with them, the process was VERY fast. Offer letter emailed over, signed and he was asked to start Monday. No time to adjust - for any of us.

But we don't mind. 'Cause a paycheck is a good thing.

Jonas and I are slowly developing our own routine, playing together, reading, and napping (also, together :) ). I've been surprised that I have been keeping up with the cleaning and such, stealing five minutes here and there while he is playing independently. So all is going well.

Thanks everyone for their prayers and well wishes over the past year.

Speaking of cloth...

If any of you are moms, mom-to-be's, or considering a gift for a soon to be mom friend, check out cloth diapers. It's amazing how cute and easy to use they are now.

I recommend checking out FluffEnvy.com for information and product - and they are having a giveaway this month! The first place winner (if they reach their 1,750 fan goal on Facebook) will get an AppleCheeks Little Bundle in the color and size of their choice!! Check out their blog for details on how to enter.

One!

Singular sensation...

Sorry. Randomly breaking out into show tunes is not a terribly unusual event for me anymore. That's what over a year of lack of sleep does to you.

Jonas turned one today. I can hardly believe it! As he naps with daddy, I have a moment to be a proud mommy.

It has been an amazing year. Lots of work, but, as any parent worth their salt will tell you, totally worth it.

And, I am happy to report, that despite some of the naysaying I have managed to do some of the things I set out to, like:

- Breastfeeding. At age one, I am still his primary source of nourishment. He is a super healthy little boy because of it (I believe). No major sicknesses as of yet, barely even a cold!

- Cloth Diapering. I got a lot of "we'll see how long you last" looks when I said I was going to give this a try. And yet, as of today Jonas has worn two disposable diapers over the course of a year. That's right. Two. Diaper rashes? Zero.

- Signing. We actually just started this one about a week ago. Yesterday, as Jonas watched his favorite program Oswald end, he turned and looked and me and signed "more". Pretty cool.

This is not to say that everything has gone as expected. He started walking at nine months - so baby proofing areas and chasing him around and keeping him from climbing on things started earlier than expected. He still sleeps in bed with me. (Yeah, I gave in on that one...but he loves it there, and I love having him there). And as adorable and sweet as he is, he has a very strong will (the nice way of saying he is stubborn) so there are days where we have our work cut out for us.

But again, all totally worth it.

I mean, look at this face?

Excuses

So many excuses for my neglect of the blog...

I'm behind on writing a piece that is due...well, soon.

I have been busy editing photos (you can check out the latest shoot at XiphiasPhotography.com).

Jonas. Really, there isn't a need to say much more than that.

But I promise, I will return soon.

Retouch

For any of you who haven't seen it yet, I put together a photoblog for my photography business www.xiphiasphotography.com.

One of the features of the photo sessions I do (I think) is the retouching. I've found that while a lot of photographers out there will edit for color balance, effects, etc...many leave blemishes, extra chins, and other unflattering things in the photo. Or they charge extra to take them out.

For me, being horrible in front of the camera, it just seems like the thing to do, erasing the unwanted features from an otherwise great photo. I can't tell you how many times I wished that someone had told me before taking a photo that the way I was standing gave me an extra roll of side fat, or the way I tilted my head multiplied the number of chins I had. I wished even more than once the photo was taken, those items could be removed.

So, a before and after:

Gorgeous subjects, but she didn't like the "rolls" that her shirt created when she was hoisted onto her man's shoulders...the photo otherwise is too cute to discard, so...

...rolls be gone!

Already, very cute girl, but the skin isn't pristine (I mean, who's is a that age)...

..and, voila!

Even I have been subject to my own editing...

...do you really think I was going to post a before of me? :)

What's New

I hate posting just to "update". It doesn't feel very blog-like.

But that is what I am doing.

First up, the Jonas update. He is ten months old now and walking all over the place. It started last month sometime and now he is a little expert. He is freakishly strong for someone so small. (As I type this, he is yelling at me and making my office chair, with me it, swing back and forth.) I don't recall ever seeing a baby with calves like his.

And I guess, walking and being ten months old means he's not so much a baby anymore. More like a toddler.

Wow.

Non-Jonas update - I've put together some of my photo sessions at XiphiasPhotography.com. Yes, I am finally making a go of turning my hobby into income. With J and I still out of work, it seems to make sense to give it a try. And so far the response has been good! So, positive thoughts for me, ya'll.