Life Through the Len// Self Portraits

Just a couple of self portraits and a quick baby update:

Baby Max and I are growing and growing. He is measuring right on schedule! Not too big and not too small. Good Boy! I haven't stopped having Braxton Hicks contractions for a while now. I guess that's normal though. I keep worrying that he may be coming early, but I am hoping he will stay put as long as possible so that he can have all the time he needs to develop and grow. We have about 11 weeks to go until his due date--seems like both a long and short time away. I failed my first Gestational Diabetes test, so I am going in for the longer three hour test early next week. Here's hoping both the test and its results are better than the first round. Most of my pre-pregnancy health symptoms have been flaring up lately, but I am just so grateful that I can be carrying a healthy baby in spite of them. He is truly a little miracle!

We can't wait to meet our little boy!
L

Life Through the Lens// Daydreaming

Last year around this time we had our tickets booked for Disneyland and we were happily counting down the days until May 18th--the day we would set off for a sunny California adventure. This year we're anxiously looking forward to May 18th again, but for a much bigger adventure; one that holds a lot more excitement, nervousness, and anticipation--Max's due date. Obviously, the day may come a little sooner or later than that, but for now, it's the spot circled in red on our calendars.

Since sleep is hard to come by these days, I often find myself laying awake, daydreaming about what's ahead. The details are all a bit fuzzy... What will delivery be like? What will Mr M. look like? Where will we bring him home to? Though there are many unknowns, the important parts of the daydream are all there. We are going to love our little boy so much! I can just picture us all together, Dolly included, looking lovingly at little Max. I don't think I'll be able to stop looking at him, taking his picture, smiling, or crying when he is finally here.

Though I enjoy daydreaming about far off places like the streets of Paris or a sunny tropical beach, just picturing our little family at home together is the best kind of daydream.

L

Scrapbooking// Your Story from A-Z

I wanted to create a cute baby album ahead of time for Max. Something I can easily slip photos in and jot down stories while they are fresh on my mind. I've been holding on to this vintage dictionary for a while now, and it seemed like a cute base for an album. Since I want the book to open and close without a lot of bulk, I've kept the embellishing simple--lots of layered cards, washi tape, and paper products. Cute and simple. I can't wait to finish the book and have photos to add in!

Supplies used:
Patterned Paper: Echo Park, American Crafts Dear Lizzy Charmed Collection, American Crafts Amy Tangerine Yes Please; Tags: American Crafts; Washi Tape: American Crafts and Target; Wood Veneer: Studio Calico; Thickers: American Crafts; Letter Stickers: Cosmo Cricket and Jilibean Soup; Vintage library cards and pockets; Vintage Dictonary; Tim Holtz Distressing Ink

Thanks for Looking!

L

Life Through the Lens// Cousins

I can't wait for these two little loves to meet their cousin Max in the Spring. I hope they become the best of friends. I'm anxious to take photos of all the littles outside in the warm weather! The snow is pretty, and I've gotten better at indoor photos, but I really like shooting outdoors in the sunshine best... Just letting the kids and Dolly run and play, enjoying the sunshine, and snapping photos of everyone having fun together. It's my kind of happy. I realize Max won't be running around for a while, but I'm sure it won't be long until he is keeping right up to speed with his cousins. Oh the adventures that await!

L

Around Here

Just a quick happy shot of Miss Dolly enjoying the snow. I love this photo! She looks so happy and cute! I love her so much!

We've been busy getting lots of things done around here.

Dolly has been busy taking naps, chewing on bones, and saving up energy for her daily run in the snow.

Danny has been busy working long hours during the day and doing things for his Bishopric calling in the evenings and on the weekends. I'm so grateful for his hard work and willingness to serve others!

Max has been very busy growing, kicking, sleeping, and having the hiccups. He is an active and happy little bug!

I've been busy with lots of scrapbooking work, trying to organize and de-junk our home, and preparing for Max to join us in less than three months.

Oh... and we found a home that we absolutely LOVE! We put an offer in and are back in the waiting game again. Not sure what will happen, but hopeful things will work out!

L

Life Through the Lens// Chinese Gardens

Just a few pretty shots from the Chinese gardens at the Bellagio in Las Vegas. I've always loved the Asian culture... it reminds me of home. There's a lot of beautiful Asian inspired artwork and decor in my parents home, much of it inherited from my Nana and Papa. Dad served a mission in Hong Kong in the 1960's and Nana and Papa visited many Asian countries in their travels. I just loved every bit of these beautiful gardens! It was seriously a tranquil environment even amidst the crowds of people passing through. Simply lovely.

Gong Hey Fat Choy! Happy Chinese New Year!!  (2013 is the year of the snake--I hate snakes, but I'm sure it will still be a great year.)

L

Life Through the Lens// Papa and His Boy

Before Christmas my family rode the Front Runner train to Salt Lake City to see the lights. It was quite the adventure! Turns out everyone in Utah County had the same idea that evening--which meant for a very full train without enough seats to go around. We were left standing for quite a while, and very grateful when seats finally became available. Little Lincoln quickly fell asleep in Papa's arms. Papa knows just how to rock the littles to sleep. He's and expert! I love seeing my parents as grandparents. They love their grandkids so much! They even adore Miss Dolly and spoil her like a grandchild--Dad calls her his "grand-dogger." I can't wait for Max to meet his Nana and Papa soon! He is so lucky to have so many people who already love him and are anxious to meet him!

L