Foto Friday -- on Monday

Hi friends and family! I apologize again for not getting Foto Friday up in time. I actually ended up taking quite a few pictures last week, and organizing them and editing them was quite a task. So I worked on it over the weekend and am finally able to post them today! Not to mention the fact that this weekend I was on a mission to get video of Annabel rolling over. That sneaky girl... she would make me think it would happen and then decide not to roll over. And just when I put the camera down, there she would go! Haha, it's like they know. In any case, I was hoping her three-month photos would be OK as a photo update until I could get these up.

We'll start with a few photos of Annabel in tummy time from the weekend before last.

Annabel grabs for the fishies in her surfboard tummy time mat.

She gives me that face as if she's just tolerating all the picture taking. Oh the bain of the papparazzi, right Annabel?

I love it when she discovers she can play with her hands.

More tummy time, only we get rid of that pillow. Look at that big girl holding her head up!

She says, "I know I'm a big girl, Mommy!"

On Wednesday, when JP came over, the babies continue to bond...

JP says, "This is my girl, Annabel." Meanwhile, Annabel seems to be interested in what Baylor's doing on the floor.

To which, JP says, "Don't worry, Annabel. I'll protect you from those big dogs!"

JP explains to Annabel the basics of the game, "Old Faithful," a game played while Nanny Kristi changes your diaper. Annabel says she's sorry that she only has pink towels for JP to dry off with after his bath to clean up from playing "Old Faithful!"

Last week, Annabel also went to visit her friend, Lila, to welcome her to the outside world!

Check out the cheeks on these girls! Adorable!

It's amazing how much things can change in just a matter of days. Annabel started grabbing her feet a couple of weeks ago, and of course, holding her head up for awhile now. But before, her feet grabbing seemed kind of random, as if her hands would just happen to find her toes. Now though, it's much more deliberate. And she's even starting to find that her toes can be just as yummy as her fingers! I haven't been fast enough to capture that picture yet, but here are a couple more photos of feet grabbing and tummy time.

Annabel shows off her latest yoga pose: baby toe hold.

All those fun toys hanging above her, and she chooses her toes to play with instead!

Cute Annabel on her tummy! Mommy was trying to get pictures of her rolling over.

She's thinking about it...

And she rolls!

As promised, here's the video that we caught of her rolling over last night. Yep, that's me with the high pitched voice. Are we programmed to talk like that to babies? It's like we can't help ourselves. It seems perfectly normal at the time, and then to see or hear video of yourself doing it, you're like, "why?"



And finally, we have a picture of Annabel in her bunny towel after bath time.

We have another Bunny in the family!

And as always, you can find these pictures and more in her online Photobucket album. I hope you enjoyed these pictures and that they were worth the wait!

Cheers!

She Rolls!

Annabel rolled over this morning! Nanny Kristi had her on her stomach for tummy time and has been putting her toys to the side juuuuust out of reach. So while I was in my office, dutifully working away, Kristi came running up and exclaimed excitedly, "Annabel just rolled over onto her back!"

So we went back to the living room to try to get her to do it again, and she did! Almost right away, too! Thinking that good things come in threes, I searched furiously around the house for the video camera. Well, I have yet to transfer the video to the computer, so the memory was full. Plan B! The small point-and-shoot camera shoots video! I ran to Annabel's room to get it.

Ready... action! I put on my Steven Soderbergh hat (yes, I'm referring to his shaky, documentary, hand-held camera style a la Traffic) and begin recording. And recording. And recording. I got lots of video of a very cute Annabel being her very cute self. On her tummy. Kristi and I provide the soundtrack with lots of encouraging in that high-pitched voice that you talk to babies in, accompanied with music from her Lamaze musical flowers toy.

I know it's Foto Friday, and I plan on uploading her pictures from the week this afternoon. I'll upload the video that I shot this morning then as well. And hopefully, I'll be able to capture her roll sometime today so that I can include it in Foto Friday!

Until then... cheers!

The Proofs!

We got the proofs from our photo session already! So I can say this about the photographer... she definitely gets her stuff done fast. And, as I said yesterday, there are some good photos in there. I created a mini-slide show of just a few of the ones I like best.

You can also view the whole digital album by clicking here.

So what's the final judgement? I stand by my original assertion that the session lacked an overall creative flair that I was really hoping for. However, that being said, there are definitely some cute photos that came from the session, and I am happy with a few of the family shots. And I'm excited that we got the proofs back so quickly, and she said she would drop the CD in the mail tomorrow. This kind of turnaround from a photographer is almost unheard of... at least in my experience. As an example, I had already given birth by the time I actually got my maternity photos back. Also, in her email to me to let me know my proofs were available for viewing, the photographer wrote that she had fun taking our pictures and that Annabel was a cutie. Hmmmm... did she find my blog?

Given that we didn't pay an arm and a leg, we did get some cute photos and the turnaround time was lightning fast, overall I'm happy with the outcome. Am I going to call all my friends and tell them that they HAVE TO hire this photographer? Unlikely. But, if you like the photos you see and you like the price, let me know and I'll give you her number.

Cheers!

Photography Snob

OK, so I think I'm a photography snob. This past Sunday, we had an appointment with a local photographer for Annabel's three month photos. Yes, she's actually 3.5 months, and yes, I do feel like I've taken lots of great (and in my "delusions of grandeur" mind) "professional" photos of our sweet Bellie. Why pay for someone else to take pictures of her?

Because I want to be in the picture too! I've been wanting professional family photos of Chris, myself and Annabel, which is really hard to do when I'm behind the camera. So I went to many local resources to try to find a great photographer who wouldn't break the bank (because my maternity photos nearly did!). I found one whose website I really liked and who was running a special, $125 flat fee includes the session fee and a CD of all the images. I'm not going to say who this photographer is, even though I've mentioned her business name before. I removed it because what I have to say about our experience on Sunday is not going to be the "glowiest" of reviews.

We arrive on Sunday to her studio admittedly about 15 minutes late. I think that we have yet to really estimate well how long it takes us to get ready with Annabel. In any case, I think we're almost always 15 minutes late to things. She greeted us and was very nice; she has a cute, simple studio. White background, two light set-up. There was a wall with a bunch of props, blankets, outfits and add-ons.

I had dressed Annabel in one of her signature bows, of course, and a cute outfit to match. The cute part of the outfit was all these ruffles around her midsection and butt. The rest of it was white with a little flower and some trim to match the ruffles. So what does the photographer do? First thing, she has us put Annabel in a bumbo seat. I mean, I know that at this point, Annabel cannot sit up on her own, but I also know that are tricks you can do with camera angles to keep Mommy's hand that is supporting the baby from being in the photo, too. The bumbo seat completely covered the pretty ruffles of her outfit! (On a side note, I'd like to also mention that she offered NO suggestions as to what to wear, colors to avoid, etc. prior to our session, even though I specifically asked.)

Next, we have an outfit change for Annabel, and then a family photo. No suggestions from the photographer as to where to sit or how to position ourselves, so I just put Annabel on my lap and Chris sat next to me. Then photos of just Annabel and me. Again, no suggestions or direction from the photographer. Then photos of just Chris and Annabel. Still, no direction from the photographer.

Finally! A suggestion from the photographer! Take off her clothes and put her in that cute pink tutu! We got some cute ones there, since at this point, Annabel decides she doesn't want to do anything but suck on her fingers. Then, the photographer makes some comment about how Annabel's smiles are pretty much just her mouth wide open and how her son was the same way. Her next comment is, "And I was always frustrated because that never photographs well." Ummm... excuse me? Aren't I paying you to photograph her well? And why haven't you told me yet how cute my baby is and what great pictures you're getting? Yep, she didn't say any of that. Well, until she decided she was done with the session and said, "OK, I think we got some good ones." What??? You THINK???

Even if I have the ugliest baby in the world, it is the job of the photographer to extoll the beauties of my child, how photogenic she is and how much fun it is to take pictures of her... that is, if you want me to hire you for future photo sessions. Am I wrong here? Am I expecting too much? I mean, I've been to a portrait session at Target-- with my friend's kids -- where the photographer (some college student who pretty much just has to point and shoot) was more enthusiastic and complimentary to the children.

Chris says we should wait and see how the photos turn out before we pass final judgement, but with digital technology these days, I'm sure some of those pictures will turn out well. I'm looking for more than just a good picture. I can do good pictures. I'm looking for creativity, for a little enthusiasm and, ok I admit, compliments on what a cute baby I have! Is that too much to ask?

I eagerly await the proofs and will provide you with an update when I get them.

In the meantime, how great are the Olympics this year?? Go TEAM USA!

Cheers!

Foto Friday

Can you believe it's time for another Foto Friday?? Where has the week gone? I think maybe doing Foto Fridays is making me realize just how fast time flies. Yikes!

This past weekend, we went to a cookout/pool party with our small group from church. What a fun and crazy bunch we are! And, unlike the freezing cold pool in Kansas, this pool was heated. So Annabel didn't complain one lick about getting her feet wet. Here are some pics from the party...

Annabel gets her feet wet in the snazzy pool!

Mommy and Annabel chill out, poolside.

Angela and Chad smile for the camera.

Pat hangs out in the pool with the kiddos (not all his). From left: Pat, Cole, Summer, Olivia and Austin.

Don't Scott and Claire make a cute Daddy/Daughter picture?

At home, the weather was a little milder (as in the 90s as opposed to 100+ degree temperatures!), probably because of Tropical Storm Eduardo. So Nanny Kristi got to take JP and Annabel for a walk for the first time in the double stroller!

Nanny Kristi with JP and Annabel all going for a stroll to get their daily dose of Vitamin D!

JP and Annabel chillin' in their new ride.

JP seems to be adjusting to hangin' at Annabel's casa. This week, he test drove the Amby Baby hammock for his nap. He seems to like it!

JP, snuggled in the hammock. It's a little blurry because I couldn't use my flash since I didn't want to wake him up! What an angel!

Here's the wide angle view of JP asleep in the hammock, so you can check out how it works. It doesn't normally hang this low; Nanny Kristi used the extension chain for the jumpy seat.

Annabel and JP are really having fun together, looking at each other, make each other grin and laugh. Here are a couple of pics of them hanging out together.

What a couple of cuties!

Annabel says, "Whatcha doin' back there, JP?"

This week, as you can see from the above photo, Annabel is getting really good at grabbing for and gripping on things. She's discovered her feet and loves to hold on to them. She laughs and laughs when we bicycle her legs and stick her toes up to her mouth! I wish I had pics of us doing that, but I forget to grab the camera in time because it's usually when one of us is changing her diaper. She still hasn't rolled over yet, but we're thinking it's gonna happen any day now. She rolls from her back to her side; its just that last obstacle of getting over her arm that she's not really interested in overcoming yet. We'll keep you posted on that!

This coming Sunday, we have a family photo session with *removed for the photographer's protection* for Annabel's three month! Technically, it'll be 3.5 month, but who's counting? I love taking pictures of Annabel, but it's difficult to get the three of us together that way (no dogs this time). I'll be sure to post the photos when I get them.

Tonight is the opening ceremony for the Olympics! Yay! We're going to Scott and Rochelle's house (Scott's the one pictured above with his daughter, Claire) to watch it.

Have a fantabulous weekend!
Cheers!

Adventures in Exersaucing

I started a new photo album for the next two months of Annabel's life! The pictures are of Annabel in her new exersaucer (thank you, Grammy!). She looks so adorable, and really enjoys herself in it! You can check out most of the photos in her online Photobucket album on the right. But here are a few for your enjoyment.

As you'll see from the rest of the photos, this little blue thing is Annabel's favorite part of the exersaucer. It plays music, talks and lights up. She can press the big buttons pretty easily to make it happen, and she loves it!

I love the cute faces she makes while she's watching the lights dance!

Uh oh! Music stopped... Annabel says, "How do I make it go again??"

"Whoa! There they go!"

"Hey! Is that another cute baby next to me?"

Cheers!

Foto Friday

It's time for another edition of Foto Friday! This week, I'm going to include some photos from last week as well, since I didn't get a chance to upload her photos before Friday. We have so much to catch up on!

Last week, Annabel, Grammy and I met up with Auntie Amy at Neimans for a Lancome make-up event. Annabel was the belle of the ball! Nobody could pass her by without exclaiming what a beauty she is. I was a proud mommy!

Annabel snoozes while she waits for her turn...

Pretty girl taking a nap at Neimans!

Our next big adventure was heading to the Hawk residence for a pot luck dinner with our childbirthing class. Much fun was to be had, and the girls barely lost in a rousing game of Trivial Pursuit. Here are some photos from that evening.

Tuan checks out the spread. Pasta, anyone?

The moms trade baby stories. From left: Sylvia and Andrew, Ginny and Paige, Dana and Jake, and Corry and Kenley.

The Daddies (plus Annabel's Papi) talk "man stuff."

The babies! From left: Annabel, Kenley, JP, Jake, Paige, Andrew and Tyler.

Two daddies with their mini-me daughters: Jeff and Paige, Brett and Kenley.

Some other pictures from last week and the weekend...

At the Pritchett's house for dinner, Annabel takes a snooze on Auntie Sara.

Annabel shows off her new baby bling paci.

The red-headed stepchildren wonder what all the fuss is about during Grammy and Papi's visit. (Macee is on the left, Baylor on the right.)

Riding in the sling with Daddy at the mall. She's still trying to work out getting all those fingers in her mouth at once!

This is my first week back to work, and I think Annabel is adjusting more quickly than I am! The first day (Tuesday), when Chris and I dropped her off at her in-home care (Lori's, for future reference), I was crying like a baby. Well, I guess not so much like a baby, since Annabel seemed to be just fine. When I picked her up that afternoon, she was still great, although she didn't eat or sleep as much as she normally does. However, her second day with Lori (yesterday), she went right back to eating and sleeping as usual.

Wednesdays and Fridays, I work from home, so Nanny Kristi comes to the house. And on Wednesdays, JP joins us! Our first Wednesday was a little chaotic, as everyone was getting used to the new arrangement, but overall it was a good day. Today with Nanny Kristi, Annabel was again her usual happy, sleepy self. Here are some photos from the week about that...

We make one last visit to the ladies at Daddy's office during Mommy's last day of maternity leave.

Annabel smiles for Nanny Kristi during playtime in her bouncy seat.

Monkey is Annabel's favorite friend on her bouncy seat! They gossip, trade advice on swinging, the usual stuff babies and monkeys chat about.

JP comes to hang out on Wednesdays. He's makes himself right at home in the new exersaucer from Grammy.

While JP's daddy looks on (those are his toes in the background), Baylor says goodbye to JP for the day.

Next we have some Annabel milestones. This week, we've started the process of breaking our precious sleeping baby of the swaddle. In her swaddle, she sleeps from when we put her to bed (usually around 8 or 8:30pm) until we wake her up in the morning (during maternity leave, around 7 or 7:30am). We had tried no swaddle before, but when she jerks in her sleep, her limbs go flying. This totally freaks her out, and she wakes up screaming bloody murder. So it was back in the swaddle she went!

At the advice of a friend (thanks, Monica!), we're leaving one arm out of the swaddle, switching arms each night. As shown below...


So the first night, she woke up around 3am, and we could not get her to go back to sleep for about 45 minutes. This was the night before I had to go back to work... I don't know why we were so crazy as to start trying this on such a stressful night already! But, that was the only time she woke up, and slept until I woke her up the next morning at 6am to eat before we headed to her in-home day care. The second and third nights, she woke up at around 4am. The second night, Daddy was able to get her to go back to sleep pretty quickly. The third night, we let her cry it out, and she put herself to sleep in less than 10 minutes. The fourth night (last night), she slept all the way through again! Woo hoo! So we'll let her sleep with one arm out for a couple of weeks to get her used to it.

And one other thing that Annabel has added to her repertoire is razzing. She does it when she starts getting really mad, although she does it sometimes when she's laughing too. It's pretty darn cute (and messy! spit bubbles everywhere!), and we were able to capture some video of her doing it. It's also cute to see her in the jumpy seat.



And finally, a some pictures of bedtime with Daddy...

Yummy bottle!

I love you like frogs love flies too, Daddy, but what's Mommy doing over there?

Annabel thinks this is an excellent book.

Of course, you can find these photos and more in Annabel's June/July photobucket album. Oh! I get to start a new album today!

Cheers!