4 months and some change

Ahh..and now that I look at these I think to myself, "I should have pulled the blanket up over the headboard!"  Live and learn!  I actually snapped these really quickly to send off to church for Lauren's Baby Dedication ceremony.  Lauren actually turned 4 months a week ago. Our lives have been crazy these past three weeks - those of you close to us know our recent drama and set backs.  And those of you who have ever moved homes with young children know our daily routine is turned upside down with trying to give both children enough attention AND pack up a house...

The title of this post is "Four months and some change."  'Change' has double meaning...clever me!  As a side note, English and Literature courses where never my strong point, so writing has always been a challenge for me (I tend to leave out 'fluff' that draws readers into stories, I tend to shoot it straight - black/white, that's why I prefer to work with numbers).  Anyhoo - 'Change' first meant Lauren really didn't just turn four months old....but a few extra days.  Slacker mom.  I know.  And I'm the photographer.  The weekend Lauren turned 4 months we were actually visiting family in Georgia and Little Miss made a liar out of us!  In attempts to 'pack light' for our trip, we just brought the mattress/board from her pack-n-play.  She wasn't rolling over yet so why did we need to bring the whole set up.  She stays in one place.  No borders or boundaries needed.  Until one morning.  She woke up crying (no surprises here) and Grandma Cindy made her way into Lauren's room before I did...to find her on her belly and laying halfway on the mat!  Poor baby!  So now we must bring the whole pack-n-play. 

And onto the second meaning of 'change.'  Change for us is coming in BIG ways!  Let's just say we prayed for the home to sell (answered in three weeks) and for patience during the house hunting process (answered).  Oh yeah - did someone ever let you in on a little secret...NEVER PRAY FOR PATIENCE!  You will be tested beyond belief and given every opportunity to practice and demonstrate patience!  I'll cut out the drama from this past week...so we haven't found a home yet.   And so here we are, 2 weeks out from closing.  My loving and generous parents have offered to let us stay with them.  Sweet!  Not so much for Nate...his commute to work is longer by 25 minutes.  Not so sweet.  Can it get sweeter, you betcha!  We have been offered to stay in my grandmother's vacant home located in what seems like BFE.  Fine with me!  Isaac will have 10 acres to explore (with Momma and Dadda in tow).  And it helps knock off several minutes for Nate's commute.  The only catch is we have to wait until it is move-in ready.  It will be so different to have some land...compared to suburbia on a .016 acre lot and neighbors in your business.  There is one thing that does...or doesn't...come with the territory.  Cable and internet.  That's right, we will officially be disconnected from the world. 

Disconnected.  Looks like I'll be adding that data package to my phone!  I gotta keep up with email some how!  Fortunately the business has been somewhat put on hold until our life 'normalizes.' Is that even a word?!  Nate's looking forward to not having the creature comforts of cable and internet.  Ehhh he gets email and internet while he's at work. But what about me?  Like I said, data package.  Verizon Wireless Hot Spot? I think so!  Looks like my days of talk shows and social media are over.  Ha!  Like I ever really had time for that with a 2 year old and infant!  Can some mamas relate?!  I'll just have to update the blog, upload customer images, order prints, etc whenever I can break away to my parents' house.  Good excuse for them to cook dinner, right?! ;) 

I'm imagining my days in the farm house lounging below the maple tree with a blanket spread out for Lauren and me while Isaac meanders and examines every square inch of the yard...poking sticks at the chiggers on the rock wall, stomping on the mole hills, pointing to the numerous birds flying overhead, and digging in the dirt and gravel driveway.  He will have a bath every night.  How can he not?  Maybe we'll just keep the hose hooked up to the spigot and keep a bottle of baby wash on the front porch for a lunch-time hose down.  I see dinner time cooking in the kitchen with the ceiling fan whirling overhead (my Granny was a smart woman for installing a ceiling fan in a kitchen.  Any woman who has cooked for a crowd knows how hot the kitchen gets!), as the kids play in the kitchen floor and Nate finishes up mowing the yard on the ride-on Deere.  As night time falls we'll see the stars WAAAY sooner than our suburbia kin and let Isaac run wild catching fireflies. 

Like I said at the beginning of the paragraph, 'imagine.'  I'm sure life will be just as crazy as it is now....well, before we started packing.  But I do hope we can take a step back in time and s-l-o-w down a bit.  Sit back and enjoy this once in a life time opportunity. 

That's it for now...I've written way more than anticipated and nothing on my to-do list has been crossed off for today..other than given 'pack boxes.' 

3-2-1

3 months old
2 years old
1 tired mama

I have hit that 'wall' of sleep deprivation.  The first 3 months after Lauren was born I could 'manage' on about 5-6 hours of sleep and maybe a nap during the day...if her nap time coincided with Isaac's nap.  Or maybe I was counting down to that 12-13 week mark since Isaac was that old when he started to sleep through the night.  And girls are supposed to sleep through the night sooner, right?  Sooo jealous of SIL, our niece has been sleeping through the night since 8 weeks.  Ugh.  Green eyed monster.  This past week I'm ecstatic to report she's sleeping longer, waking up to eat about 5:30 or 6.  Oh it so much better than 2:30 and 6:30!  She may squeal between 2-3, but silence ensues once that paci is popped back in her mouth. 

It isn't just the wakeful nights that's brought permanent residence to the dark circles under my eyes (thanks Mary Kay for a quick fix!) but the fact I'm keeping up with the house work.  Ugh.  The following image has been circulating on facebook for the past few days.  So I guess that means I've been a good mom, but I can tell when I get carried away house work when Isaac starts acting ornery. 



Can I get an 'AMEN!'

  Now, I must bring to attention there is a difference between mess and filth.  Mess is when stuff is just out of place.  As most of you experience mess if you have children.  Of any age.  Or a husband.  Well, I guess the husband walks the fine line between mess and filth.  Hahah...couldn't help myself.  And filth is well...I'm pretty sure you know what filth is...we've all had it at one time or another.  But gosh, in today's economy with a home on the market you gotta do e-v-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g in your absolute power to showcase your home.  I'm talking windex the faucets, hide every shred of evidence that children live in the home, bake brownies for that warm, homely smell, serve brownies and chilled lemonade to 'bribe' the buyer, and do ridiculous upgrades just to get people interested.  Oh yes, we've dropped almost $3,000 PLUS sweat equity (thanks Nate and Nat for our new living room flooring) to improve the appearance of the home.  And we won't even make that up when we sell the home.  Our home is currently priced $4,000 below the purchase price in 2007.  I'm resisting the whole granite counter tops and stainless steel appliances upgrade.  People can bite me, I'm old fashioned and I know it.  Our 5 year old appliances work just FINE and won't be replaced any time soon.  Potential buyers always comment that the homes are too close together.  Well, if you'd note the lot size on the listing details you wouldn't waste your time and my time would you?  That's something we can't change.  Potential buys mention the lack of privacy.  Fence installed...check!  15 foot maple tree purchase and to be strategically placed to block neighbor's deck...CHECK!  PS if you've never shopped for trees, the older the tree, the more expensive it is.  Get ready to shell out some dough...my husband experienced some sticker shock this weekend.

 Oh geeze, I'm going all Debbie Downer, doom-n-gloom.  Not everything is 'Leave it to Beaver' and chipper in our household.  If you thought so you were sadly mistaken.  We have our moments....the good ones out-weigh the bad ones, though.  We are trying to keep a more positive outlook.  Everything will happen in His timing and I believe we are being taught and given the opportunity to show patience.  We recently read a devotional about the 'drudgeries' of you life.  Complaining that the kids won't go to bed at a decent hour.  Be thankful you have children.  House won't sell?  Be thankful you have a roof over your head.  Be thankful you can afford a home!  Car problems...for crying out loud we have the luxury of owning TWO cars!  Even though we are bursting at the seams in this home (I believe half of our possessions are stashed at my parents home) I am thankful I only have 1200 sq ft to keep in pristine condition...I really don't mind having a small home at this point in my life.  Content.  That's where I am.  But let's be honest, we can't help but drool when we see a home go up for sale in the coveted Crosswoods area...an acre lot sure would be nice for Isaac to run around in.  :)

Ok, enough rambling...here are the recent pictures of the kiddos!  Now I'm off to the kitchen to slice up some cantelope for Isaac's birthday celebration with friends and family!  More pictures on that later!

And if I may be biased, Isaac is following his dad's footsteps in the 'looks' department.  Watch out ladies!  I just hope he doesn't leave as many hearts broken in his wake as his father did.  And as for Lauren, Nate is already terrified at the thought of boys chasing her.  We may have to get her chastity belt re-fitted since her thighs are growing at unbelievable rate.  I just tell her she is a woman and it is just fine to be voluptuous!

Babies: 6 months

As most of you probably know I've been on maternity leave...well, not an official leave, but not scheduling sessions other than the families who had purchased a Baby's First Year Package.  So for their 3 month sessions I awkwardly positioned my behemoth of a belly on the ground or floor to snap images of them holding up their heads and for their 6 month sessions I had some 'cushion' where that belly used to be...along with some bags under my eyes to show for the mid-night feedings.  But now I'm getting back into the swing of things.  I waited until I had all three 6 month sessions complete before making the post...trying to be time efficient with our almost-two-year-old and two month old...some of you mamas and caretakers can relate, I'm sure.  ;) 

Miss B was first up for her photo session.  Chilly weather kept us in doors, but we still snagged a few adorable pics in her tutu in time for Valentine's Day!

Miss K 'rolled' in just for all the spring-time temps.  Never in March had I photographed a child almost naked!  We were lucky with the weather.  I also had a chance to borrow a wash tub and show off one of my new flowered creations.  Take a peek...

{the 'roll' was intended...but the shots I have don't show 'em off...always so sweet on lil babes!}

And finally Master T got the sweet end of the deal with even warmer temps...daffodils were in bloom!  You can see 'em in the background of his basket pose.

Wanted: Caption

Will giveaway crocheted goodies for caption!

Think of your best caption for this photo to enter to win $15 worth of crocheted goods (pre-made or custom order).

I snapped this quick pic of Isaac while attempting to photograph his lil sis in one of my fav outfits.  How many parents can relate to wanting to document your kiddos fav outfits?!  Sorry for the blurriness - 2 year olds are always on the move and it was a fleeting moment! 

Anyhoo - here are the rules...
1.  You have until MONDAY, MARCH 26TH 12 (noon) est to enter your caption.  Winner will be announced sometime Monday on the blog.  Winner then has until Friday, March 30th to claim his/her prize.
2.  One entry per person for this giveaway.
3.  Winner will be chosen via Random.org
4.  I have the right to delete or not publish a post comment based on content I may find offense, vulgar, or unfitting.  Keep it clean!
5.  I will ship to anywhere in the contiguous US - any place else and the winner pays for shipping.
6.  Giveaway sponsored by Amanda Mitchell Photography, LLC.
7.  If winner's choice of product(s) exceeds $15, the winner pays the difference plus 6% KY sales tax if applicable.
8.  It is almost 5am and I've been awake since 2am, so if I forgot something I can change the rules....ok this is more of a 'my brain isn't thinking very clearly, but this is the only time I have to make that post - fingers crossed I didn't forget anything and nobody will sue me' rule.

No foolin' around...April Mini Sessions!

BOTH SESSIONS ARE BOOKED
IN THE EVENT SOMEONE CANCELS I'LL PUT A NOTICE OUT ON FACEBOOK, BLOG AND EMAIL.

{April Mini Sessions}

When & Where
Sunday, April 1, 2012 (weather make up Sunday, April 15) @ Waveland

Times

6:30-7:00pm

7:00-7:30pm

Cost

 $50 for 30 minute session fee.  $50 for disc with hi-res images and printing rights.  Purchase of disc includes $15 print credit - take advantage of your credits by ordering before your ordering window closes...in other words the print credit expires.  Total Package Cost: $103 (including KY state tax)

Spring has sprung and let's face it...we're all ready to bring the pastels and floral prints!  Join us a State Historic Site, Waveland (Lexington, KY) where you can meander through the charming garden complete with wrought iron gate or kick back and relax on the covered porch!  Be creative with your props - a few fresh blooms in hand, bright balloons, or show off the kids' Easter outfits!  Didn't get your student's senior portraits accomplished in the fall?!  Now is the perfect time...it isn't too late! 

$50 nonrefundable deposit required.  $50 payment for disc is required before disc is mailed to customer.  More information available in contract.  Contact amanda.mitchell08 (at) yahoo (dot) com for more information or to claim your time slot!

We are Family

Headed over to my SILs for a product shoot (aka: mini session of the kids)...here are the results. 

PS  make sure to scroll to the bottom to see the out takes!  :)




Baby girl not so much into smiling when we took the pic.  Now we get non-stop giggles and coos!

 



What about my son?  This is the only shot I got of him staying still the ENTIRE day...we will have round 2 of his 2 year old pics soon.  :)

 

And now for the bloopers!

He's so animated! Wouldn't you agree?!

A New Direction {temporarily}

Life has definitely changed in the past 2 months.  It has s-l-o-w-e-d down...  Two kiddos at home under the age of two...not a whole lot gets accomplished. I can pretty much keep up with the laundry

(it gets done when once my son is out of clean socks or 'play clothes')

and the kitchen

(for real...I almost wonder what's the point in keeping the kitchen clean...it dirties and messes up in a matter of minutes!) 

As for myself...how many stay-at-home and work-at-home mothers of young children find themselves running their tongue over their teeth mid day and feeling the fuzz while thinking,

 "ohmygoodness...I think I forgot to brush my teeth this morning!"

   Or

 "when was the last day I took a shower?!"

  Yeahhhh...that's my life.  Balance the checkbook?  Oh yeah, it gets done AFTER the second bank statement comes and I realize I didn't balance it LAST month... 

But Isaac is learning how to count, the name of shapes, and building quite an imagination (yes, he picks up a cracker and proudly proclaims 'dopter' {aka: helicopter} and proceeds to 'shwa shwa shwa' as he flies it overhead).  Lauren giggles and coos and can prop herself up on her elbows now....where is the time going?!

Did I mention photography in the previous paragraph?  No.  Not unless it is snapshots of the kids sleeping, playing, reading books, or smearing mustard over faces and tables. 

So I must say I'm not booking individual sessions currently.  However, to keep some of the bills paid around here and to keep from getting rusty with the photog skills, I will be offering ONE day of mini sessions EACH month.  Mini sessions will most likely be held on a Sunday with a following Sunday as a back up date. 

Being home with an-almost-2 year-old and two month old and a husband who works full time, my time is focused (pun intended!) on my family.  At first I felt let down.  This past year I built the business to where I wanted it.  I had (still have, I hope) the client base and was able to pay myself for the first time in 3 years and therefore feel like I was contributing to the household finances.  However...the kids will grow (too fast) and enter school (eek!), therefore leaving me more time for photography.  So, until that day comes, please understand why I have such limited availability.  I'm deciding to put my family first - just as Nate and I had decided before our oldest child was born. 

However, to help keep the business afloat (there are still bills to be paid...like the business license each year) I'm turning to my trusty crochet hook and yarn!  I learned to crochet in college and have loved it since then!  Crocheting can be done on my time (photography = my schedule + husband's schedule to keep kids + client's schedule) and therefore easier on the family.  I've cranked out a few items for the spring - so please share and feel free to contact me if you wish to order or purchase.  Some items are premade and some are custom orders.  I do accept credit/debit/paypal through paypal's service.  I'm starting to complete a separate page to advertise all 'the goods.'  Check out Props Shop frequently to see what's new and available. 

PS I'd like thank...again...my lovely models.  We had a blast during my 'product shoot' last Sunday.  The weather was perfect and I got the itch to get out and start shooting again!  I definitely have missed photographing some of my favorite people in the last 3 months!