First Snowfall?

Snow? In September? I'm pretty sure this doesn't happy very often. But, a get-away trip to a cabin with some friends and snow go hand in hand very nicely. Something about sitting in a secluded spot (with a log fireplace), watching the flakes fall, laughing with friends, and sipping hot chocolate just makes me happy.

I also have been reflecting on the pre-Rachel era (I know... difficult to remember that far back), and how easy life used to be. I don't even have to go that far back to have things be easier. Just having Andrew for one night (Rachel had a sleepover at Grandma's) was so relaxing. He can't move, he sleeps when he's supposed to, and he's really, really cute. Babies are so fun. I've decided it's having a toddler and having a baby that is the challenge, and I'm sure it just gets harder from here on out. While it was great to have some one-on-one with Andrew, we really did miss Rachel. Things are sure a lot quieter without her around. Maybe too quiet.

Payton

This is my high-school friend's little boy. We had a photo shoot at Murray Park yesterday afternoon where I learned that 1:00pm is probably the worst time to take pictures (I really did know that already, but I thought I could handle it), and I need to put some squeaky/ noise-maker toys in my camera bag. We could not get him to smile for anything. It was truly amazing. However, I've found that the more serious portraits are often my favorites anyway.

For all of us who've ever had a bad mommy day

I never thought I would feel guilty for not playing. Isn't it supposed to be work before play? As I was desperately trying to organize the mess in Rachel's room this morning, I realized that Andrew hasn't had tummy time in about a week. He goes from his bouncer, to his car seat, to his bassinet, to the floor (on his back because that's the only way he's happy, right?) and back to his bouncer. Aren't I supposed to be creating quality learning time for my one month old baby?

Then I read this blog post, and it really just made me feel better. I'm not so alone when I fail miserably as a parent.

And we had tummy time outside on the grass today.

Andrew's Big Day

Wow...what a crazy and insanely fun weekend! It was great to have my in-laws out from California, plus to see all of my family that lives here locally. Andrew was screaming after the blessing, so those pictures are good, but no fun. After a few hours, I took some outside our apartment with grandma holding him. Such a cute baby! I love it when he's like this.

Braddock

Did I not promise a more interesting subject? Is he not the cutest 7-month-old baby? I had so much fun at our shoot yesterday, but between family in town and a baby blessing tomorrow, this is all I have had time for. I thought I'd give his parents a sneak peek. More to follow soon!

Mother's Group

What could be better than 5 strollers, 7 kids, and a late-morning walk through Sundance? Not much. I realized as I was driving up the canyon this morning how much I miss hiking. The leaves are starting to turn colors, the air is cool and crisp and it is perfect "get out" weather. Luckily, we have already planned a hike for Saturday otherwise I think I might go stir crazy. That's the hard part for me about being pregnant. The inability to mountain bike, hike, and by the time I'm 8 1/2 months pregnant, I even miss walking. Then there's the post-partum you're-not-supposed-to-do-anything time. I really hate that too. Good thing I obey doctor's orders, huh?

Anyway, back the real topic. Here's a few of my favorites from this morning. The rest can be viewed on Sam & Jess Flickr pics (and you can even download them if you'd like).

Adventure to the duck pond with two kids and a camera in 15 easy steps

Step #1: Get child 1 in cute clothes because you know you are taking the camera.
Step #2: Calm down screaming child 2 with binky.
Step #3: Re-do child 1's hair because the nap just wasn't good for it.
Step #4: Calm down screaming child 2 with binky.
Step #5: Get screaming child into snuglie so he will calm down (which he does).
Step #6: Find shoes for child 1 and convince her she wants to get in the stroller.
Step #7: Locate burp cloth, keys, phone, bread (for the ducks) and make sure memory card is in the camera.
Step #8: Walk to the duck pond.
Step #9: Feed the ducks.
Step #10: Convince child 1 she wants her picture taken.
Step #11: When previous task doesn't work, let child 1 play and shoot pictures keeping fingers crossed for a good one.
Step #12: Follow child 1 up entire flight of stairs (it's a lot of stairs) and smile at all the students that think your daughter is cute, but you'd rather she just hold still for a picture.
Step #13: Somehow convince child 1 that it's time to go home and she needs to say goodbye to the ducks, and get in her stroller.
Step #14: Bribe child 1 with promise of fruit snacks if we can just go home.
Step #15: Hurry and get home before child 2 wakes up ravenously hungry.

That was pretty much our afternoon. I am tired. I seriously had to bribe Rachel to go sit by the wall so I could take her picture, and even then she wasn't too happy about it (obvious?). Sorry for all the pictures of my children. I was actually scouting the place for a photo shoot later this week, so hopefully I'll have a more interesting subject to post later on. I'm also going for a semi-new look with my pictures. Any comments on this one?

Shout out to LowePro

I would like to take this opportunity to tell you how cool my camera bag is. I "accidentally" bought it on Ebay (Sam is still scratching his head) about a month ago and haven't looked back. The bag opens from the side, making my camera super-accessible and easy to pull in and out without much fuss. It slings over one shoulder, is easy to carry, and fits all sorts of lenses, filters and goodies in nice, tidy compartments. Plus, there's room to grow. I've now taken it on two photo shoots and loved it both times. Here's to accidents.

Rachel's Birthday!

The big 2! She's been acting like a 2-year-old (read stubborn, tantrum-throwing) for awhile, but now it is official. We had a great day decorating her cake (yes, we took pictures this time!), playing at Kangaroo Zoo, and having a party with family and friends. See more pictures at the Curren Family Website.

Jail Bird

I really could photography Andrew all day. He was being so cute last night just chillin' in his bouncer. I got this photography book from the library the other day and now have some techniques that I want to try out. Hopefully my pictures will improve...

I love Autumn!

This has got to be my favorite time of the year. The weather is turning cooler, the leaves on the hills are changing color, and everything just seems better. To celebrate the delicious evening, we took our first family outing to our favorite park. Rachel is so much more confident than she was back in April. She can climb up the ladders, go down (and up) all the slides, and has even learned to swing from bars.
I love watching her little mind work as well. There were a bunch of older kids climbing on the outside of the tube slides, and I could see Rachel studying what they were doing. Fortunately, she's not big enough to be able to follow suit (for now anyway). Andrew loves the park too...well, as much as he loves the view of anything from his car seat. Sam got in some great reading time while I enjoyed being able to actually fit into the the tunnels and down the slides.

One more!

We made it to one week!

Andrew's Photo Shoot #2. How many pictures can a mom post of her new baby? Oh... probably way too many. But, since this is my blog, I get to brag all I want, right? I especially like these pictures because Sam took them. Hooray! I pretty much hog all the picture-taking these days, and it was fun for him to have a turn. He's good, huh? Andrew is probably the perfect model baby. He's so chill. He'll just sit and look around for a very long time and be so content.