August – A Narrative: Forever Young
Tuesday, August 11-12th:
I had the utmost pleasure in tidying up the house to play Bed & Breakfast to my best friend from Oregon, Lora as her and her kiddoes, minus the eldest, made their way back from Utah. The day they came happened to be Tayler’s fourteenth birthday and Devin was excited to share it with him. (I’m sorry Tayler that you had to spend it with us! lol) In his honor, I made a vanilla-strawberry cake with Strawberry and chocolate ice cream on the side. (Thank you Duncan Hines and Dryers.)
It was good to see and visit again, though I still think that we need a girls weekend retreat to really get caught up!
Lessons in What Not to Do: Baby, Baby
My first maternity and newborn sessions and a gazillion lessons in what not to do.
You may recognizes this glowing gal from a post back in June; what can I say, it’s been a very busy summer.
Jenna was great to work with. Easy going and up for just about anything even at thirty-eight weeks. We hit the usual haunts along the greenbelt, at which she wouldn’t let me help her up off the ground, and then headed for her home. She has the cutest, pee-wee league sized basketball of a tummy that made these “maternity” shots not so odd.
When I first heard of the concept I honestly wasn’t really sure about it, but then I got to thinking, remembering my first and shuffling through what very little prego-pictures I had and I began to realize that a nice, I-don’t-look-like-the-broad-side-of-a-barn in full-bloom motherhood would have been special. Sure, I’m grateful for the snapshot of me in David’s sweats, tent-like tee, bad hair and some type of food – who knows what – being unceremoniously and quickly shoved into my mouth, but I’d like to think that I was beautiful at some point along the way with actual proof and not just the consolatory, obligatory, please-don’t-bite-my-head-off line of “you look radiant, Dear” or “there’s nothing more beautiful than an expecting mother.” Hmmm… reading back through this grammatically challenged paragraph it appears that I may have some issues here. What are your thoughts? Did you – do you – have great maternity pictures? Would you want to have them?
And baby makes three!
Ten days. That’s how new Christian was when he had his very first photo session. I had came over in the early evening, just after his usual feeding and before the subsequent naptime. Babies are best asleep; too bad he wasn’t up for it. Patience, that’s what I learned. Lots of patience with new mommies and new babies. Christian was colicky and as we later found out suffering for acid reflux so needless to say he wasn’t his happiest. Mom and Dad tried hard to get him settled, but I decided that we could try again later. Lesson learned: Know when enough is enough.
Eleven days. First thing in the morning after second – or was it third – breakfast. Well fed and content with a light pat on the back, Christian was a superstar. Both Mom and I were happy to have the little man resting peacefully so she could take a break and I could snap away. There were a lot of “oohs” and “awes” as we gently tucked in little arms and legs for each set up. Christian liked to have his man business on display; his tiny knees bent and crossed at the ankles reminding him of the comforts of mom. Lesson learned: Don’t say “little man business” while Dad is around. He might take offense to certain parts being labeled little, tiny, cute etc. Instead it’s better to overcompensate with big words like huge, enormous, and gargantuan. The last one REALLY sounds manly and would make any new papa proud.
Babies poop. Babies pee. It’s a fact of life. The couch, the bed, Mom in her only pair of jeans that fit post-pregnancy. Lesson learned; be prepared to have things tinkled on or worse, machine washable is a plus and baby wipes wipe more than little bums.
Though I’m somewhat happy with the way they turned out, I’ve realized the need for a soft box and a detachable flash would help tremendously. Shadows would disappear and be replaced with even, wrap-around light to create a depth and details. It’s on my B&H Photo wish list. Lesson learned: Do the best with what you’ve got and that necessity (and a poor-gals budget) is the mother of invention.
I also had the opportunity to make custom baby announcements – six different styles – for Mom and Dad to choose from. It was fun to let the “scrapper” out of the closet and use different digital papers, embellishments and the like I’ve been collecting.
Bottom line, love the mommies, love the babies and love what you (try) to do.
Props. to Mrs. DLee P for crocheting the “pod”.
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