A Big Girl Now. {365 - Day 121}

We were playing in the backyard this afternoon so I got out my "big girl" camera to take some shots of this beautiful sweet little girl right here.  I am proud to say that potty training is going splendidly.  We quickly realized that house arrest was not the right approach for us, so we've used pull-ups when we've been out on the town and been "free" at home.  The key to success for us has been M&Ms.  I fully support bribery when it comes to potty training and photo shoots.  See how well it worked here?


Day 121 {Canon 7D + Photoshop}

Ball on Fire. {365 -- Day 120}

Today we went to the Art Walk on the Greenway that runs along Kings Dr.  The city has done a ton of this work creating this lovely space to stroll, the most recent addition being this little park area alongside the Metropolitan complex. 

The centerpiece is this giant silver ball, reminiscent of the Bean in Chicago.  Along one side of the lawn are smaller silver balls on stands.  It is interactive, and you are supposed to push the silver ball contraptions to hear braille being run through a music box.  Love the idea, however, in planning this multi-sensory public art experience, someone forgot that shiny metal gets HOT in the Carolina sunshine.  I touched one of the balls and about burned the skin off my palm.  And it was only about 80 degrees out today.  Just wait 'til Summer and we can cook eggs on those suckers.  Makes for a cool picture though...

Day 120 {Canon 7D + photoshop}

Guess Who's Coming to Dinner? {365 - Day 119}

Logan!  Oh yeah, and his Mommy and Daddy too.  Don't you love how once you have a child you take second billing?  Fortunately you don't really care either, because you want all the fuss to be about your little pride and joy. 

Logan's Mommy Jessica has been a friend of mine since our swingin' single days when we made it our mission to taste every cocktail on the local martini bar menu.  Now, we spend the evening talking about bottles and diapers and potty training.  It's ok though.  Look at this face!  Way cuter than anyone we ran into at the Martini Bar.  Sarah Beth was smitten too.  She wanted to show Logan all of her toys, and she cried when he left.  Already breaking hearts at only 6 months old!

Playin' Hooky. {365 - Day 118}

Today the sky was impossibly blue and temperature was just perfect.  Since Kurt left his job at the bank almost a month ago, we have not really taken advantage and played "hooky" for a day.  We've been working harder than ever.  So today, we decided, was the day. 

We loaded up the bikes and took a nice long ride at the park.  Kurt actually took this shot for me.  That's me and Sarah Beth, the little speck way up on the trail. 

Day 118 {Canon Elph + Photoshop}

After our ride, we went out to lunch.  (Showmars, per SB's request.)  Then we hit the playground for a fun time in the sandbox.  I think we'll finish up our day of fun with a glass of wine and season 4 of Mad Men.  Perfect.

Tending the Garden. {365 - Day 117}

Day 2 of Potty Training.  Let's just say I've gone through a lot of paper towels.  We took a break from our seclusion to make a much needed run to the grocery store.  After we got home, Sarah Beth picked up her garden tools and started working on her bean plants.  Hoping that tomorrow we can be a little more environmentally friendly and reduce our paper product consumption.  Fingers crossed!

Day 117 {iPhone + Instagram}

Boots. {365 - Day 116}

Oh boy.  Potty training, take 3.  We are sticking to it this time.  No looking back, it's potty or bust.
Hopefully Sarah Beth will get on board with this program too.  Today was not very promising, although the last accident was in the bathroom, so that was pretty close to the target.

We took a break and headed outside for some fresh air.  Yes, she has no pants on.  With her galoshes.

Day 116 {iPhone + Instagram}

Bonus pic.  File this one under pictures she wishes I never posted on the internet.  She may kill me when she's 18 but how cute is this?  She was feeding Savannah crackers out of the box which is why Savannah looks relatively happy to see her.

Good Morning. {365 - Day 115}

Lately, Sarah Beth has been sneaking into our room in the middle of the night.  We're hoping it's just a phase.  We can't figure out what to do about it since we're both asleep when she crawls in our bed and we don't realize she's there until morning.  She takes up a lot of room for such a little girl.  But sometimes, it's awful nice to wake up to her smiling face and sweet little voice saying "Wake up Mommy.  Cereal time!"

This morning she decided to sleep in, and when I woke up and rolled over, this is what I saw.  All snuggled up with Daddy.  Such sweetness!  I'm so glad I had my phone on the nightstand so I could snap this picture. 

Day 115 {iPhone + Instagram}

This is the first time in all 115 days that I've gotten my photo done before I got out of bed. Nice to start the day off feeling accomplished already!

Caitlin & Kristien {Charlotte Maternity Photography}

These two are such a fun and interesting couple!  Kristien practices acupuncture and holistic medicine, and Caitlin is an author, motivational speaker, and writes a fantastic healthy living blog.   I first met them last year when I started visiting Kristien's clinic and have really enjoyed getting to know them both.  I was so happy for them with the news of Caitlin's pregnancy and excited to shoot their maternity session. Click on photos for a closer look.

We started off at home so Maggie and James could be a part of the family photos.

  

In the Nursery.

{A very cute story behind this onesie.} 

Tea time! Kristien grew up in England so tea is a daily ritual.  Even when it's a balmy 80 degrees out.

{This could be my favorite.  Beautiful mother to be.}

Then we took these pretty chairs into the backyard.  The dogs were very confused.

At the park.

 Pink or Blue?  We'll just have to wait and see.

 

Brrr. {365 - Day 114}

Mother Nature is having a little fun with us today.  Just when I put away all the winter gear, she blows a cold front in and we're freezing again.  It was in the 80's just a few days ago here in Charlotte, and now today I'm digging Sarah Beth's hat out of the depths of her closet. 

We ran across the street to the park this afternoon to get a little fresh air.  We've been cooped up all day and some small person who shall remain nameless was climbing the walls, the sofa, the table and her mommy.  Nothing that a few trips down the slide won't fix.

Day 114 {Canon Elph + Photoshop}

Rain. {365 - Day 113}

Happy Earth Day.  To celebrate, it rained and rained today.  Then it rained some more.  It cleared up for a few minutes this afternoon before it started up again this evening.  Here is our girl enjoying our lush green backyard, thanks to all that rain.

 Day 113 {Canon Elph + Photoshop}

Amelia & Everett {Charlotte Children's Photography}

Saturday morning I had a photo session with 2 cutie pies and their proud parents.  3 year old Amelia was full of spunk,  and her baby brother, 12 week old Everett was so calm and sweet!  They are the nicest family and it was such a pleasure spending time with them.

 

 

Wine. {365 - Day 112}

Two fun photo shoots today.  Well-deserved glass (bottle) of wine, Mad Men, and our new TV stand courtesy of last month's visit to the Metrolina Antique and Collectibles Show.  Life is good.

Day 112 {iPhone + instagram}

Fair. {365 - Day 111}

Sarah Beth went to her first Fair today.  She was impressed by the "world's largest pig" and the "world's smallest pony."  But what captured her attention the most were the rides.  She was rendered speechless by all the sounds and colors and lights. 

Day 111 {iPhone + instagram}

 
Some of them were obviously too big for her, but she set her sights on the kiddie car ride, and to our surprise, marched right in without us and let some strange fair worker lift her up into the car of her choice. 

The ride started, and she drove, steely-eyed and deadly serious, making a continuous sharp left turn as she rode around in circles.  She did not break a smile or let go of the steering wheel for one moment to wave back to her parents who were cheering like idiots.  That would have broken her concentration, I guess. I wonder if we have a budding NASCAR fan on our hands. 

Awesome Day.

Spring Fling. {365 - Day 110}

Kurt was off doing some filming tonight, so SB and I met our neighbors at Earthfare for dinner (kids eat free Thursdays!) and a Spring Fling celebration, complete with train rides, balloon animals and ice cream!  Unfortunately for our sweet little friend Gavin, the party also included the giant purple (and terrifying) Monkey Joe's mascot.  Every time he saw the beast, he started crying.  Poor guy.  I don't blame him.  I, too, have a strong dislike for mascots, clowns, or any grown adult dressed up in a costume.  Even those folks at the Renaissance Fair freak me out a little. 

Sarah Beth didn't notice the monkey.  She was too busy drooling over the ice cream cart.  One mango ice cream for her.  With lots of napkins.

Day 110 {Canon Elph + Photoshop}

Wrong Side of the Tracks {365 - Day 109}

I usually cringe when I see photo shoots around railroad tracks.  The sight of kids or families playing around on the tracks makes me nervous and is not something a family would normally do.  I understand the allure - the leading lines make for a fabulous image, but still.  Kids, stay away from railroad tracks.

That said, today I slowed down as I drove over the tracks and snapped a quick photo.  I pass these tracks at least twice a day, as they are a just a few blocks from my house.  Yes, we live on the wrong side of the tracks.  Or maybe it's the right side.  Not sure.  Anyway, when I bought this house years ago, the realtor pointed out the tracks, mentioning that they were close enough that I'd hear the trains.  I was ok with that.  I love the low rumble as the trains go by and the occasional whistle in the distance.

Day 109 {iPhone + instagram}

Picnic. {365 - Day 108}

Today I declared it Sarah Beth day, and we spent the afternoon at the park, followed by a trip to Elizabeth Creamery for some delicious ice cream.  We brought lunch and a picnic blanket (or a "table blanket" as SB calls it) and had a delightful time, complete with bare feet and floppy hats. 

Day 108 {iPhone collage + photoshop}