First Photo Shoot

I'm trying to be all fancy with picture taking, so last week I decided to test out my new lens and do Sydney's first photo shoot. It's hard to believe she was only 5 days old-she looks older to me, and already so photogenic! Hopefully my skills will get better with time. I have lots of ideas in my head, but I don't know how to work my camera out of Auto Mode. I need to take a photography class and learn. I also want to figure out Photoshop...it may as well be Chinese to me. I've downloaded a trial version and stare at the screen unable to figure anything out. Do scientist/computer nerds invent these programs for other scientist/computer nerds, and not the average (although still intelligent) person? It's not like I have aspirations to become a "photographer"- I just want to take nice pictures of my kids. Anyway, here are my favorites:

Welcome, baby Sydney!!

Sydney Annette Greding

February 20, 2010

7 lbs 4 oz 20 inches long

This little sweetie joined our family yesterday and we're all totally in LOVE with her!! She is a very good, mellow baby so far...hopefully she'll stay that way!

She looks like baby Emily with a teeny bit of Hallie. She also has the most hair out of all our kids-little brown fuzzies. She has super blonde eyebrows and eyelashes though, so I think she'll be another blondie. We can't stop looking at her she's so cute!

Coming home from the hospital outfit- one of my favorite purchases!

Still Waiting...

Well, my wish didn't come true- we aren't having a Valentine's baby. That means I don't really care when she's born now, as long as it's SOON. I've had a good pregnancy this time, so it's not just being uncomfortable and large, I just want to see her and hold her and put giant flowers on her hopefully bald head! But also, I don't think my skin can stretch any further. (The picture doesn't make my stomach look as big as it is in real life, maybe because I'm short and you can't tell by a photo-it's BIG).

I'm also sick of people commenting to me (even strangers at stores) saying things like:

"You're still pregnant"?

"Are you overdue"?

"I thought you would've had that baby by now!"

"Wow, that's a big belly, you must be so done!"

"My daughter was about as big as you and she had her baby last night"

"You look uncomfortable, hang in there, I'm sure you'll have that baby soon"

"My (insert random relationship of family member) just had a baby..." and then a birth story.

Etc...etc...etc.

(Along with phone calls, texts, facebook inquiries, e-mails...don't be offended if any of that is you. It's natural to be curious, it's just annoying when it pertains to you, or in this case, me.)

And then there are the "suggestions" of things to do to get yourself into labor. I get it, people. Yes, I'm still pregnant- and I probably will be the next time you see me. So just keep your comments and birth stories to yourself. And for anyone who is interested, NONE of the "home remedies" to induce labor work!! I've tried them all, and obviously, no baby. I also don't want to hear everyone and their relatives birth stories, I simply don't care.

So, this week, I plan on just going on with my life and trying to ignore the fact that I'm going to have a baby any time. I'm planning activities, making lists, going shopping, and will probably be at my next doctor's appointment on Thursday. Whenever it happens, is fine with me. I just hope for a quick, easy, painless as possible (epidural) delivery, and a healthy little baby girl!

Freaky pictures!! Her head was turned away and the computer "guessed" what the rest of her face looked like. I'm sure she's cuter!! See you soon, baby!

And a side note:

On Friday, I was moving furniture, trying to get things going, and I had the brilliant plan to move a bookcase cabinet with items on top of it, without removing them, and they came crashing down on me. I thought I broke my nose because blood was everywhere. Turned out just to be a good gash, Mike stitched me up. His skills sure come in handy at home! I'm now the third person in our family that's had stitches by him! This picture was taken then next day, before a bruised/slightly black eye also appeared.

Dylan turns 4 today!!

Happy Birthday, Dylan! We LOVE this cute guy. I can't believe he's already 4 years old! Where has the time gone?

I asked him some questions and here are some special things about the birthday boy:

1. His obsession right now is Star Wars. He picked out Yoda cake plates, Darth Vader candle, and black & blue balloons with black streamers for his party decorations.

2. He is super cuddly and sweet and still requests Mommy every night to tuck him in and cuddle in his bed. ( I need to stop at some point, but I want to enjoy him while he's still little-he won't be my baby much longer!)

3. Favorite color (today): blue.

4. Favorite food: He says cake (probably because his cake is baking right now) but he eats a peanut butter and jelly sandwich for lunch EVERYDAY and never wants anything else I suggest. He also eats like a maniac when we go out to Japanese, yet requested hot dogs and Kraft macaroni & cheese for his special birthday dinner (gag).

5. Favorite Star Wars character- Chewbacca & Darth Vader.

6. Favorite book- lately "Curious George goes to School". He wants to read it everyday. Last week it was "The Gingerbread Cowboy".

7. He is a good helper and pretty obedient. He is always willing to help me sweep the floor or wipe down the countertops in the kitchen. When we ask him to clean his room, get dressed, or get himself ready for bed, he usually does it without needing more reminders, like other children in our house.

8. His best friend: Annie (lucky dog- I thought he would say Emily).

Merry Christmas!

The kids on Christmas morning.

I made them all matching jammies bottoms and they turned out so cute! What a great day we had- SO NICE to stay home and not have to pack up and go anywhere!

Love THIS kid!

I have really enjoyed having only Dylan home with me the last few months. It's been really good for him. He is talking SO much and his little personality is coming out. Sometimes I hear him playing with his Lego guys and the conversations that they have crack me up! Every afternoon I try to have "Mommy Time" with him when we do something together that he chooses. I hope I'm still able to do that after the baby is born so he doesn't feel left out.

Last week, he discovered Spencer's Star Wars things and has been loco about it ever since. On Thursday he watched Star Wars 3 times in a row. I kept asking him if he wanted to do something different with me or go outside but he didn't want to--and he wants to be Darth Vader everyday- even though the costume is like 8 sizes too big.

Annie is his little sidekick, following him around all day. Those two have really bonded. I love watching them together. Dylan is really sweet to her when he wants to be.

I just had to say how much I am loving this little kid!

Christmas Inspiration for Me

I love looking at Christmas decorations! This picture collection is just for me so I can refer back to it when I need some inspiration.

Garland from Nesting Place

Next few pictures are from here

Gingerbread guy looks like an ornament or maybe part of a cute garland?

(Use 12"-18" wreath and jumbo paper mache letters from Joanns)

Glittered cookie cutters, balls with letter rub-ons

Tree topper-start with a wreath wrapped in garland, add sticks and ornaments

(This idea can be for any holiday...

just need the long wooden box

and candles as the starting point)