In thinking about taking on the project I felt it would be exposing me more than I am used to. So just as an onion has many layers, so do each one of us (according to Shrek). It also ties in to photography as a tool I use in the editing process. By tackling this project I hope to grow personally as well as professionally during this next year. I will struggle with posting them each day, but will take the pictures and post them as soon as time allows. Enjoy the journey with me.

Friday, December 31, 2010

359 - Ekadamy Awards Night

The lovely Jillian (as Sherlock Holmes) put on a Murder Mystery for everyone for New Year's. It was a movie star awards show and I was none other than the Paparazzi capturing shots of everyone as they walked down the red carpet in their finest. The Rib Eye dinner was delicious and the entertainment was, well entertaining. All participated and had a great time. I would love to have you do it again next year, Jilly. I would be of more help though. Thank you so much for a fabulous time ringing in the New Year.




Thursday, December 30, 2010

358 - Good - Bye

It is time to pack it up until next year.

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

357 - Not So Easy

So I totally thought it would be so easy to have a photo shoot all the time with my new in house baby model. Well, it isn't so easy. The holidays, siblings, chores, sleep, feeding, plain lack of motivation, basically life gets in the way. I had so many plans and ideas running in my head. But all of the above proved to be more important. I have gotten some adorable pictures of him, but not enough to satisfy me and he is passed the moldable and sleep during a tornado stage which proves to be more difficult to hold in a pose. I will have to settle with what I have. I came across this hat on another photographers website and she was so kind to share where she got it. Next time I think the best idea is to hire out. I would love to hire Skye. She is awesome and so nice to share her findings with others. I will post more of his adorableness on my photography site in the next little while.

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

356 - In the Mind of a Child

I had to share the thoughts of my oldest. With the arrival of our newest addition, there have been many questions and discussions on babies and our bodies. He was explaining how neat he thought it was that a Mother is the soul nourishment of a baby and that our bodies are quite amazing. He said about nursing, that it was like buying a toy and getting an action figure for free as a bonus. Well I can see his logic and thought it was so cute but I wouldn't have thought of it that way. I guess because we "bought" the baby and we get free food/mild for the baby as the "bonus".I love seeing into the minds of my kids.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Sunday, December 26, 2010

354 - Big Brothers

Everyone is loving Elias and I love watching my kids take on the responsibility of being big brothers and sisters. So cute!!

Saturday, December 25, 2010

353 - The Best Gifts

Are handmade with love from my kids.

Friday, December 24, 2010

352 - Happiest Christmas Ever

....I think he thinks so too.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Monday, December 20, 2010

348 - Stocking Stuff

I always loved my stocking that my Aunt Elaine made me. The sequins on it made mine cooler than my sisters. Or so I thought. :)

Sunday, December 19, 2010

Saturday, December 18, 2010

346 - Framed in Fur Part II

I wanted to match the previous post so I took this one of my Leena on a different day. Love her eyes.

Friday, December 17, 2010

345 - Framed in Fur

I actually took this one last week, but forgot to post it on the right day so here it is anyway. Love my babes.

Thursday, December 16, 2010

344 - The Stockings Were Hung

Didn't expect an early addition so probably not going to have his stocking made. Excited to add to our mantel of stockings.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

341 - Early Christmas

Elias Eugene surprised us.



I am leaving the birth story for my own purpose as I will be making this 365 Challenge into a book when I'm done. So you may skip the long and boring details. I won't mind.

Sunday evening at 9:30 after watching Karate Kid and excited to see efforts improve on hanging up jackets, I proceed to shimmy off the couch and when I stood I realized my water had just broke. It has happened before so we weren't alarmed and tried to think of what needed to be done before leaving. Justin got the kids ready for bed and I packed for them to go to Grandma and Grandpas and got their things ready for their first dance recital, which I was realizing I was probably going to miss and was really sad about. We hung out for a bit and watched something about pretty white horses. I figured we better get going once the contractions started to become regular and stronger. We got to the hospital a little after 11:00 and got settled in. I was dissapointed to find out I was only at a 3 and was thinking I had a long night ahead of me. The nurse wanted to keep me on the monitor to make sure the babies heart rate was what it should be, but with all my moving around it was hard to keep a good eye on it. So she was a little concerned, as was I. The contractions were becoming more painful and more frequent and I was feeling the intense need to push. She checked again and I was at a 7. I am not ashamed to say that I was wishing I had not gone natural for the fourth time. I felt like there was no pause in between contractions and that I or Justin weren't getting any break. He and I are the perfect team. He was always right where I needed him and worked so hard to aleiviate any discomfort he could. With each contraction he would squeeze my hips together to releave some of the discomfort. Each time I could tell he was getting tired, but he never stopped and always asked what else he could do. As painful and at times unpleasant it was it was an amazing experience with my wonderful companion and I felt so close and connected to him. I will also admit curse words were ringing in my ears for some reason. After a few extremely intense contractions, my stomach uneasy, and my whole body shaking I was ready to get this baby out. The nurse checked again and I was at a 9. I was so close and yet it seemed so far away with each intense contraction. She told me not to push because she was the only one in the room. A team of doctors were called in the care for the baby and my doctor was on her way. She told me to lay on my side and Justin was putting pressure on my thigh to keep them closed until help arrived. My mind was spinning and reeling to get the baby out. To not push when your body is telling you to push is so unbeliveably difficult. I started to panic because I could feel him coming out and keeping my legs closed was so nerve racking and painful to say the least. Ten minutes had passed since she said I was at a 7 and then the docotor arrived and gave me the go ahead. I pushed and the relief I felt was amazing. One more push and he was out.I always curse myself for choosing to go natural, but in the end I feel much rewarded. The exhilaration is so intense. Instant joy and love for baby I was cursing for causing the pain minutes earlier overwhelms me. They layed him on me and I was able to see what a beautiful boy he was. He barely cried, if at all. They took him to check him out and make sure he was okay. With him being 3 weeks early I was so worried thinking something was wrong, but all checked out okay. I was soaking up the moment, enjoying the relief and exhileration and thankful for him being healty. What an absolutely wonderful experience to be a part of and we have a beautiful baby boy to hold and love and take home to join our family.

343 - Two Days Old

I love babies in gray.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

342 - So In Love



Don't worry. With a new subject as cute as he, you bet you will see more. Thanks to Justin again for the shot taken with me and the new little man.

Monday, December 13, 2010

341 - Early Christmas



He wasn't due for another 3 weeks. But he surprised us and came before Christmas. I may add the birthing story later, more for me than anyone else. Not sure how interesting others might find it. Justin took this one as I was busy at the moment.

Sunday, December 12, 2010

340 - Last Attempt

Today was the last time I was going to try and achieve my Christmas card picture. Had one idea and then wanted to go in a different direction. The kids were super cooperative today and my husband was super supportive. Couldn't keep this up without him always encouraging and supporting me. Got my handsome boy today too. It was a gorgeous day.

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Friday, December 10, 2010

338 - What is Your Favorite Decoration?

One of my favorite decorations are these doll ornaments. We made these with my Mom when I was in grade school. They each represent a different country. These are just a few of the many. I remember how tedious these were and how much fun they were to make. I even wanted to make them to sell at the school store. My Mom wasn't as hip on the idea. I totally understand now. But these bring back memories of making them and how each one is so unique and special. I was able to acquire them after much persuasion. My kids like to guess which country they are from.

Thursday, December 9, 2010

337 - Holiday Fun

Enjoying the Holiday and all the fun it brings. Thanks Auntie Jilly for arranging the construction.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

336 - Awesome Friends

Thanks to my awesome friend and neighbor, Sam for getting together a bunch of sweet and thoughtful gals to fully embarrass me and shower me with wonderful gifts for the baby. Thank you to all that came for your time and efforts to make a gal feel great. I love all the adorable goodies.

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Monday, December 6, 2010

334 - Treat Night

It was Leena's turn tonight.

Sunday, December 5, 2010

333 - White Or Colored

Just curious what you like. White or Colored lights? I grew up with colored on the tree so it isn't quite the same without. But other decorating around the house, I can go either way. What is your tradition?

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Friday, December 3, 2010

331 - Finished

So this is this guy finally finished. I think he is adorable.

Thursday, December 2, 2010

330 - Party Planning

Doing the finishing touches for the big party tonight. Hope all goes well.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

329 - Meet Nuru

We have received a most exciting visitor this year. He is watching over us until Santa comes. We can't touch him or it reduces his magic, but you can whisper things to him. Like when you have been good or telling him your bad deed that you are sorry for or even more fun what you might want him to tell Santa. The kids have had so much fun with our visitor. Improvements on behavior are still in the works.

Tuesday, November 30, 2010

328 - One Month to Go

The real countdown begins. Excited!

Monday, November 29, 2010

327 - This Blows

Feeling better, but tired of having to have tissue close at hand all the time. Can't seem to banish this cold completely.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

326 - Gated

We sure have started the season of snow with a bang. Love it, especially when I am trying to take it easy. It makes it less appealing to get out in. This shot also depicts a little how I am feeling right now. Trying not to do too much or go places. Not prison, but gated inside myself.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

325 - Love Yummy Leftovers

Don't mind how many days old this bad boy is. I will still be found eating it. Being pregnant during the holidays has been enjoyable, but it will rear it's ugly head when all is said and done.

Friday, November 26, 2010

324 - Sidelined

Due to my present condition, I was sidelined this year. I missed my team and was saddened that I couldn't put my fierce efforts to use. I was the home base online operator for the teams benefit. I didn't feel completely useless. I will be in the game and ready for action next year ladies.

Thursday, November 25, 2010

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

Monday, November 22, 2010

Sunday, November 21, 2010

319 - Morning

A lot of snow and a lot of broken branches.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

318 - So It Begins

This was taken when the first storm hit at night.

Friday, November 19, 2010

Thursday, November 18, 2010

316 - Ready.....Set....

....Sew.
Let the Christmas sewing frenzy begin.

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

315 - Birthday Girl

My cute niece's birthday.