Welcome to the World, Jax

Even though my kids are young, it's still easy to forget how quick they change & how fast they grow. Jax was just a week old in his pictures; he seems so tiny, like my own could never have been that little. But they were; & not very long ago. It amazes me how fast they transform from this beautiful brand new bundle, into an active, curious little creature, ready to take on the world. Jax made his presence known loud & clear, right from the start. Greeted not only by two amazing parents, but also a big brother & big sister, he is one very lucky little dude. So much love for a such a deserving little one. Welcome to the world, Jax!

26 Fridays: Week Two.

This week's theme is out-of-focus, soft & blurry. Who would've thought that would give me so much trouble? Apparently, I have a preference for images that do not fit that category. That's why these themes are such good jumping off points, they make that brain stretch into creating an image that you otherwise would not have considered. When I saw the sun hit our deck just right, I had to take advantage of both the light & the theme.

January. 31 Photos. Week Three

Seven more days, seven more images. The last week flew by, as usual. The weather, our health, it was all a roller coaster this past week. But we got outside. I'm determined to get the kids out every single day, regardless of the gear we have to layer on. They need to run in the open air. It keeps us all better spirited. 15. January 15. Chasing the waves.

16. January 16. Post-park pink cheeks.

17. January 17. Bowling boys.

18. January 18. Waiting for Ry.

19. January 19. New flashlight.

20. January 20. Fossil Beach.

21. January 21. Bedtime routine- turning on the fish light.

Now head over & visit January Skye's images from this past week- & continue on through the circle!

January. 31 Photos. Week Two.

I've made it through fourteen days of photos this month. Slightly proud of that accomplishment, only 17 more days to go, & I'll have completed my goal (I'm attempting 365 with the iPhone)! The last five-ish days have been spent sick, but I still took pictures. The kids have definitely had it worse than me & have kindly rotated days ;). So here's hoping for a healthy week ahead & our last seven days, in photos: 8. Day Eight. Silly new expressions + new wagon.

9. Day Nine. The introduction of solids.

10. Day Ten. The calm before the (puking) storm.

11. Day Eleven. At attempt at getting on the other side of the camera.

12. Day Twelve. Hanging at auntie's house.

13. Day Thirteen. Garage sale score.

14. Day Fourteen. Nine months old.

Now head over to see what Carrie's week look liked in Las Vegas.

26 Fridays: Week One

I really, really enjoy being a part of different photography blog groups. As photographers, it gives us different challenges to focus our skills on, which in turn helps us grow. It also leads to friendships with other tremendously talented individuals, who may live thousands of miles away. This particular group will post bi-monthly, on fridays, which results in 26 posts throughout the year. Our first theme is a combined one- light & self-portraits. Although I'm joining the group late, I coincidentally took an image today that included myself (something that doesn't happen often). I was inspired to take the image because of the way the light was hitting Ella's face. Of course incorporating the tripod & self-timer led to missing the light I was aiming for, & altogether a different vision than I had in mind, but you know what? I was really happy with the final outcome. It always feels strange being on the other side of the camera, but I'm making a conscious effort to change that this year. Be sure to visit Callie Anne Photography, to see her views on light.

10 on 10 - January

This month kicks off my involvement with a 10 on 10 group. Each month, on the 10th, we post 10 images (or so). This is a seriously talented group of photographers & I'm honored, & quite giddy, to be joining along with them. I took these ten a couple days ago. It was a day we didn't leave the house. Covey wasn't feeling too good & it was our second day with Ry back at kindergarten. It was more or less, our typical day. Except there was sun. That is something we don't see all that often. These pictures of course leave out details of the day- the tiredness from waking a few hours earlier than we're used to; the fights between the boys; the piles of laundry (I still need) to put away; the dirty diapers changed. They also remind me of our little bits & pieces that make it ours. The sunrise on a cold winter morning. The table we eat at, a lot. The dishes, oh the dishes. I think the picture at least makes them look a bit prettier. Most importantly, the kids' simple joys.

Here are my ten:

1. Good morning. 2.Waffles for breakfast. 3. Dishes, arghhhh. 4. Sun's too bright. 5. Smile. 6. Her favorite Christmas present. 7. His favorite board game, at the moment. 8. Thankfully, this is not the 'I'm filling the diaper' face. 9.  Star Wars consumes us. 10. Violin practice.

When you're done looking through these, head on over to Jill Greenwood's blog, & make your way through the entire blog circle!

Now go visit Jill Greenwood's blog, & don't forget to go through the entire blog circle!