This time...

This time last year was a Thursday night. I had just gotten home from a last run to Wichita with my mom - you know, to drop off my gallon-o-pee at the OB's office. We even made it around Kohl's and Wal-Mart. We swung through a drive-thru on the way home because I was like totally starving to death ;) When I got home, we went to eat Chinese with Val and Austin. We joked that Chinese had better not be my last meal before Pop Tart was born. Joke was on me. I kicked back in the recliner, just like many nights before. Oddly though, that night I didn't have all the contractions I'd been having. I even slept decently... until about 3 a.m. when I needed to pee. Again. That's when the 'birthday' started. My water had broke. To be honest, I didn't really want to believe it. I'd been sleeping well and would have liked to have gone back to sleep. =) But within a couple minutes it was obvious that was out of the question. Dac got up (he was sleeping on the couch by me) and we chatted, in a remarkably calm matter I might add, about whether we should go like, NOW, or whether I had time for a shower. We decided we'd better just get it in gear. I mean, after all, we needed to take one last picture. =)

Anyway, you'd heard the rest of the story before here and here. At this time last year we were still a family of three. Peety was super protective of me. We didn't know Reid was a boy. We didn't even have names finalized. We couldn't possibly have imagined what the next year would hold or just how much we'd love the little guy who'd make his debut less than 24 hours from then. 

This Thanksgiving we had a little extra somethin' special to be thankful for. =) We sure are too. Tonight, I held Reid a little tighter, a little longer. I watched him drink what might be his last bedtime bottle before reading "If I Could Keep You Little" to him. 

Now, I'm watching Garth Brooks Live from Las Vegas and wondering how the heck it's already time for this. As much as I want to hang on to my baby, I am so very thankful we have gotten to know Reid. He is healthy and we get to hold him and watch him learn new things each day. I'm happy he's turning one and happy we have such a sweet, beautiful boy to celebrate. 

Midweek Randoms

Reid is a mess. A mess that loves peas. He gets more and more ornery every day so supper time is always interesting. ;) 

Exhibit A

 Cue start of ornery grin

Last week we got a Bountiful basket but I still had a cabbage from the time before, so I threw together some bierocks. I just used canned biscuits since I was short on time but they were still pretty good.

We read this adorable book to Reid a couple times this past week. Perfect for the season. There's several "Bear" books so we'll have to add to our collection.

One of the add-on options for the baskets this week was a box of big honey crisp apples. I didn't buy it but my mom was kind enough to share some of hers. =)

We also got grapes (I tried to take a picture of what I did with the goods from the basket).

Reid has his first little birthday celebration at daycare this week. I took treats (graham cracker and frosting sandwiches...fancy, huh? ha!) I also took little scooby snack graham cracker sticks to dip in frosting. I thought they might be easier for the littlest kids but turns out they were pretty hard. Anyway, they sang happy birthday to him and I'm certain he had a good time. =)

Tuesday night, Sky came over to stay the night. We had roast, went on a kool-aid run =) and made brownies. She played video games on her computer and talked to her boyfriend, and we chatted and had a good time. I told my SIL that I'm way too young to have a teenager and way too old for slumber parties with one. ha!

She really is a cool kid and I'm glad she feels at home with us.

Wednesday, we got up and hung out for a while before I took her home. Then, I went out to help my grandma with some cleaning and baking. That evening, I made guacamole from the guac pack I got with my basket. I didn't have enough good tomatoes so it was a little lacking in that department. It was also a little too oniony but overall it was ok.

Then Val came over to help make favor bags for Reid's party (and watch Criminal Minds). We had fun and I was even able to sneak this picture of Reid sleeping. So sweet and I'm holding on tight to these next two days of baby-ness.

Today I'm making sweet potato casserole then we're headed to my grandma's for lunch then Terese's for lunch #2. Wish my belly luck. =) Happy Thanksgiving!!!

Nine Months

So... I've been doing lots of looking through photos and blog posts from last year. 

It's sort of hard to believe how quickly this past year with Reid has flown. I remember thinking pregnancy flew (yes, even at the end) but oh my... this year. Poof! It's gone.

I compiled a photo/month for the nine months I carried Reid. He was big and squirmy even then. =)

At this time last year, we had just celebrated Thanksgiving and I was officially on maternity leave. It had become extremely uncomfortable for me to sit up all day at work so I took what would end up being 5 work days off before Reid was born.

I spent my time watching Netflix, tidying up the house, my mom came and helped decorate for Christmas (ie: did it for me), and fixing my hair each day - just in case. ;)

I was physically miserable but was incredibly thankful to have stayed pregnant that long and super excited I'd be meeting my baby boy/girl (didn't know yet) very soon!

I can't believe he will be one THIS week. 

Midweek Randoms

The night Sky came over last week was a scary one. I had cut up watermelon from our Bountiful Basket and make baked potatoes for supper. I was cutting Reid's watermelon into smaller pieces and watched him eat it... seemed to be doing fine. Suddenly, he wasn't doing fine. It wasn't clear if he was choking or not but I knew something wasn't right, so I yanked the tray off the high chair and threw it to the ground while Dac worked to get him unstrapped. I took him and started thumping his back. He was wailing... still able to breathe... but red, drooling gallons-worth, and coughing a lot. A few small pieces hit the floor. I thought maybe he was better but no dice... still kept screaming. Minutes were passing and Dac took over beating his little back (in a non-abusive way, of course!) and finally, as I grabbed my phone ready to dial 911, a larger piece fell out. After that... fine. It. Was. Heart wrenching. And I was traumatized. I don't know if it was just a big piece going down wrong or if maybe he has a bit of an allergy to melon that made his throat kind of restrict a little. Either way, it's tiny pieces only for now and no watermelon for a while. I feel like that kind of put a damper on time with Sky. She was able to do some homework and we still had a good time though. 

I had to do some baking that night. Sweet potato casserole for our Worksgiving the next day.

And strawberry cheesecake cupcakes for Cori's birthday dinner the next night. Don't judge, decorating isn't my forte.

So the next night of course was Wii Night and we celebrated her birthday with a yummy dinner, cupcakes, and Sons of Anarchy. Then, I kept the celebration going when I got home and got to hold my boy who fell asleep on the drive home. =)

Friday, my Dad came down to watch Reid while we went to see the high school musical - Thoroughly Modern Millie. Let me tell ya, they did a GREAT job. I have high standards when it comes to that, and they were great. There's some talented kids! I now want to be in Thoroughly Modern Millie. The jazzy tunes... RIGHT up my alley! Also, my dad did great being on his own with Reid for the first time. =) Even had the diaper on the right way. ;) It was a bummer that my mom was sick and couldn't join them.

Saturday, my aunt Debbie came over to keep Reid while we shot an engagement session. It was fun! Windy, but fun. =) Then, while Reid napped, I went over to play with Cori's girls while Val and Terese babysat them.

Here's my sweet little nephew Tater. He had a belly ache when I first got there, but thankfully was back to his happy self in no time. =)

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Kinda love those kids. Love this guy too. I ran home to love on him for a while before heading to Wichita for a quick SAMS trip with Terese, Val, and Cori. I was looking for birthday party stuff. We ate at Noodles and CO. after - it was good. I had mac-n-cheese with parmesan crusted chicken on top. Mmmm. Anyway, while I was home, I gave him a bath. He's so much fun... the little stinker.

Sunday, we went to church. It was my turn to lead the praise song that morning. Reid enjoyed some story time with his cousin Ellie. She loves to love on him and of course, he thinks it's cool when the big kids play with him. =)

After church we went to Bricks for brunch. Reid was kind of a cranky pants so it was less than relaxing. He's usually so good when we go places but apparently we were pushin' it with the lack of nap. Right after I fed him some lunch, he went down for a nice long nap. I even got a little nap before doing some cooking. I made him mini meatloaf muffins with grated carrots, mini apple-squash-chicken muffins, and mini broccoli-cheese-quinoa muffins. I was able to pack his lunches for the week out of those and froze several too! Later, we had Bible study and then a google hangout session with some friends. =)

Monday, in an effort to use some remaining veggies from the basket, I threw together some pasta. It was probably the most veggie-laden pasta dish I'd ever had. ha! It had mushrooms, zucchini, and asparagus. This is a picture of leftovers so it doesn't look as appetizing, but it was actually ok.

That night, I cleaned like a mad-woman. The kitchen was in major need of a tune-up and I also vacuumed almost all floors. Now, if I could just do that kind of cleaning in every other room of the house. Sigh, it never ends, does it? #firstworldproblems I also finally framed a few prints that had been lying around. Yeah, these are all from around Reid's 6-month point. Better late than never.

Last night, I had hoped to take some pictures of Reid outside. BUT - by the time we got home, it was just getting to dark. This kid may or may not get 1-year photos taken. =/ Darla sent Reid this cute little dog costume to borrow since his party theme is "If You Give a Dog a Donut". His little head was juuuuust about to big for it but it worked. =) Cute little pup.

After we had this bit of fun, I made bierocks to use even more basket veggies. That took waaaaay too long and quite frankly, I was pooped. I got Reid to bed then conked out on the couch by 8:30 p.m. Woke up at 10 and went to bed without switching over the laundry and the one pair of dress pants I can fit at the moment. Thankfully I realized it in time to dry them this morning.

These cute things came in the mail yesterday. Sssshhh! Don't tell Reid, they're part of his birthday present. =)

Tonight we're having leftovers, so no slaving away in the kitchen! =) Maybe I can snap a few pictures if I hurry and if it's not too super cold. We have two sessions Saturday morning... hoping the weather cooperates for those at least!

• I'm kinda excited for Thanksgiving. I've always liked it. =) 
• I have so many projects I want to work on.
• How in the HECK is my kid turning one next week?
• Here's a fun little extra for ya! haha! Came across it while going through pictures last night. Yeah, you're welcome. =)

About Me: Ten Influentials

In case you missed it, I recently started a little "About Me" series. I'm working through a list of things I want my kids to know about me. I thought it was sort of a cool getting-to-know-you project and would also be nice for this scrapbook that Reid will eventually look through.

Here's what I've done so far:

1. List 20 random facts about yourself

2. Describe 3 legitimate fears you have and explain how they became fears

3. Describe your relationship with your spouse

4. List 10 things you would tell your 16 year-old self, if you could

5. What are the 5 things that make you most happy right now?

6. If you could have three wishes, what would you wish for?
7. What is your dream job and why?
8. What are 5 passions you have right now?
9. List 10 people who have influenced you and explain how.


Again, these are in no particular order, and goodness, I could probably name 100.


My parents - Obviously. I think that's a given - and I certainly don't mean to lessen the value. Parents are usually the top influencers in a person's life in one way or another. Mine, in ways I'm sure I'm not even aware of, have helped shape me into who I am today. They instilled a set of moral and ethical values that have defined my choices. They've always acted in love and strived to give me a multitude of opportunities and experiences. I could go on but I'll keep it brief. They are great parents, I'm thankful, and they are great grandparents to Reid now too.


A slew of other family - I could probably take up all 10 of these with family members - both mine and Dac's - but I'm going to branch out here and make myself get a little more creative. Dac and I have great families. I have plenty of family members I'm real close to that have inspired and influenced me over the years and continue to do so now. They've done so in different ways too. (I've been influenced to work with a servant's heart, appreciate and prepare delicious food, to share and be generous, to be myself and not care what others think, to be kind, to be tough, to drop everything to help each other out, to believe the more the merrier, the list goes on and on...) We're blessed.


Mary - Mary is a family friend. She's attended our little church as long as I can possibly remember. She taught my high school speech and drama classes and was the director of the many shows I was involved in. I spent countless hours with her during high school both on stage and off. She taught me to have high expectations for myself and strive for the best. While she wasn't the first person to do so, she helped instill a sense of class and professionalism in the way I present myself, and put a drive in me to work at 110%.


Bob - Bob was one of my youth group leaders. I had a few really awesome youth leaders growing up that all impacted me in good ways but I'm choosing to single out Bob as one of the most influential. Bob had a big, compassionate heart. He always greeted with a smile and bear hug... but was genuine... not an overly, unrealistically perky Patsy Paul. He really influenced me to pray, appreciate the Bible, and respect others. Gossip and laughing at someone else's expense were simply not allowed.

Sky - Sky is my 'little' through Big Brothers Big Sisters. I'm sure you've heard me talk about her before. She has influenced my heart and has already helped shape how I have and will parent Reid. She has influenced how I look at those with different back stories than my own. She's made things a little less black and white and a lot more grey. She's shown me that there's always hope... for everyone, in every situation. She's reminded me that it's ok to be different and follow your own beat. She has shown me my ability to love a child that's not my own and has widened my parameters of "family". It certainly doesn't just mean those with the same DNA, same parents, etc...

Fellow photographers - This may seem a little odd, but I have been heavily influenced by other photographers - both around here and all across the nation. Certainly I've been influenced by their work. They have inspired my own work. They've also influenced me in other ways. The community is a great one, truly. For the most part competition just isn't an issue. Not a big or unhealthy one anyway. Plenty of times we've asked to borrow something or for a second opinion, etc... and others have asked us too. We have made great friendships with a few that extend beyond talking shop. I like it. =) I feel like it's a group of people that have each others backs in life... professionally and otherwise. One photographer gave me this advice the day I went back to work after Reid was born. "It's not the quantity of time you spend with him, it's the quality." I think about this several times a week.


Pastors - I've had a few pastors really have pretty big impacts on my life... all in different ways of course. There was Mike, who was there when I was a kid. He was our leader as I went through confirmation, which was a pretty big deal. There was Billy, who probably takes the cake as far as most influential. It was partly due to timing since he was there as I was going through high school. His family was incredibly involved and very much became part of our church family. Dac and I were both involved in a Bible study that he led and became pretty close. We went and stayed with him and his wife for pre-marriage counseling and he came back to marry us. =) While at college, I attended a couple churches... one of which was Lifechurch.tv. It was SO incredibly different than what I was used to. In fact, I put off going there (kind of in protest, ha!) because it was SO big, so trendy, so, you know, BIG. (Did I mention that already?) I finally went and wish I had started going two years earlier. The philosophy of the church was one I could really get behind. The sermons... awesome. Craig really helped shape my thoughts about the kind of life I wanted to live and the importance of community. Now, Rachelle, who is at our church now but hasn't been for long, is influencing in other ways... helping to point my focus back to what matters most and what it's all about. Although all quite different, all of these pastors have been influential (as have others) and all have reminded me that Christians look different from each other. They have different political views and different strengths and different focus'. That's ok. That's cool.


Reid - Cheesy? Maybe. Reid, in his short little life, has influenced me in big ways. I am more aware of how I talk to people, especially Dac. I am more cautious about putting myself down in front of him and in general, except for the occasional venting session. He makes me want to be happier, more well-balanced, and healthier. He makes me strive to be more in the present and to stop working and worrying so much.


Dac - Dac has been a major influence. Now, I'm not the girl that completely changed when she met a boy. No. I am still very much me. I still wear my hair in a ponytail (when long enough) and still wear a uniform of t-shirt and tennis shoes. Dac has really only influenced me to add to the ME I always was before... especially since we've been married. Dac reminds me to take a minute. He encourages me to try new things and to be more open-minded. I'm someone that has a hard time committing... I have buyers remorse with shoes, can't commit to a light fixture, heck, I can't even commit to who I want to be when I grow up, but I commit to him. =) He influences me daily to be a better person.


Susan - Susan was my physical therapist a few years back. She took a very nerve-wracking, painful, sensitive situation and turned it into an experience that was kind of life changing in more ways than one. Almost immediately, I felt at ease and was able to better understand and cope. I felt stronger and more in control... and hopeful. I spent a lot of time with her over the course of a couple years and she became a friend. God's hand was definitely in that situation.

Midweek Randoms

So last Wednesday, I had made yummy baked potato soup for work (we've each signed up for a Wednesday for the next several weeks.) I had thrown a couple extra potatoes into the crock pot the night before so Dac and I had baked potatoes for supper too. =)

Tried some of these peppermint muddy buddies the other day... love puppy chow. Yum.

 I've missed getting a bountiful basket but we finally have a site here now!! My friend Cori has worked diligently to make it happen and here's my first basket. It's cheap veggies and it makes me step out of my comfort zone because I hate the thought of wasting it.

So when we got back from Kansas City Sunday, I went on a Sonic date with Kayla. Loved getting to catch up with her! Then, we went to her and Dac's cousin Courtney's baby shower. She's having a sweet little girl. I'm excited for them. =)

Then we went to Bible study.

Monday, I had a board meeting after work. I seriously feel like I haven't been home at all. It's getting a bit ridiculous.

Tuesday, Reid and I ran to Wal-Mart after work because we were totally out of staples (staple foods, that is). It can actually be a nice little time for us. After all, he's contained, and I can talk to him and play with him while we wander the congested aisles. =) But darn it if that checkout line won't make a person unhappy. ;)

Once we got home and he had some food in his mouth he was happier. =) He had cheese raviolis (for the first time) and peas. It was a winner winner ravioli dinner. 

Tonight Sky's coming over for supper and to do homework. I'll also be baking sweet potato casserole for our Worksgiving tomorrow and cupcakes for Cori the birthday girl. =)

In other news:

• I still have a cold. It's been a couple weeks now but thankfully, I seem to be nearing the end. I hope.
• I plan to see the high school musical this week. Should be fun.
• I haven't started Christmas shopping.
• I really do dislike all the stress that comes with the holidays. I used to LOVE Christmas but it's getting harder to be excited. I know I do that to myself for the most part.
• Loved this post about preparing a room for HIM at Christmas. It's worth a quick read. So often we get so caught up in the details and lose sight of the big picture. I know I struggle with that but am trying to be more aware and cautious of it.
• Burrr... it's coooooold. 

'Twas a beautiful day for a wedding

Let me preface by saying that while we took engagement pictures for this fun couple, we did not shoot the wedding, thus, I left the big heavy cameras at home and took only the ol' iPhone.Taking beautiful photos just wasn't my priority that night. I even let the photographers do their job without interruption and kept my phone down during the ceremony! =) ha! Anyway, these are hardly excellent photos. Oh well!

This weekend, Dac and left Reid behind (much to my sadness) with Aunt Darla and Uncle Darin and headed to Kansas City for my longtime friend Jackie's wedding. =) I should clarify that I was sad to leave him behind but NOT sad to leave him with them. They're great and I had major peace of mind knowing he was there. =)

I first met Jackie while playing basketball in 6th grade. We continued to share classes and were both part of We Care - a volunteer/service club at our middle school. We were part of a great group of friends

I have many a funny story involving Jackie. She was the oldest and thus drove us all around... squished into her little blue VW bug... the one with the plywood seat in the back... windows down, blaring music and our loud voices, while wind blew on our painted faces as we quickly made our way to the Bulldog football game on Friday night. The post-game party at her family's house, and the often inappropriately funny lunch table conversation. The fun never stopped with Jackie but don't get me wrong, she wasn't just the fun friend. She is caring, hospitable, puts other's feelings above her own and yet, keeps it real. She's never been afraid to tell it like it is.  

The wedding was at Belvoir Winery in Liberty, MO. It was a beautiful place on a beautiful fall day. The ceremony was outside and you couldn't have asked for more perfect weather, especially in November. It was great. Jack kept the wedding pretty small but, much in her form, it was classy, fun, and well-hosted. There was no detail overlooked and yet it wasn't fussy. Know what I mean? It was very relaxed. Anyhow, she looked beautiful and oh so happy. Jackie and I are no longer friends that hang out regularly or that even talk or keep in touch all that well, to be honest, so I don't know Mike well. Still, after seeing her smile and hearing all the wonderful things said about him during the toasts, I have no doubt he is great for her. 

I had wine and it was good.

While at the wedding I got to see a few good old friends, including this gem. =) This is Kasie, another middle school/high school bestie - one of the funniest, most thoughtful people I've ever known.

The happy couple! =)

The beautiful bride and I with my always-glowing eyes.

And another high school bestie... Katie! Katie and I were inseparable through much of middle and high school. We practically lived at each other's houses on weekends and during summer breaks. We had a bit of a girl-drama-falling-out second semester of our senior year. I never saw it coming and never expected we would be where we are now but life happens. I honestly can't even recall many details about it. We are totally cool now but it certainly is an interesting experience going from like-sisters-besties to not speaking for a year (stupid) to where we are now. She is still so Katie and I know her and she knows me, because really, we haven't changed all that much in 11 years but at the same time, we've missed so much of each others lives. It's not bad or good necessarily, it's just interesting. That's all.

I sort of felt that way about seeing all of them. It felt like home and like I was an outsider all at the same time. Whoa... I've gone deep here folks. =) I had a really good time and so did Dac!!

=) These girls will always have a special place in my heart. End mushy sentiments. Promise.

We had a great time eating, drinking, and being merry. It was so much fun to be guests at a wedding (it's been YEARS). We danced and had one heck of a good time with great people. I'm happy to have been a part of it.

Meanwhile, Reid was having a good time too. =) Dac and I talk a lot about how thankful we are to have so many people who love Reid. It's really pretty amazing.

Saturday he played at Darin and Darla's before going to his cousin Ahri's first birthday party.

Kayla sent me this picture =)

 Sweet little birthday girl. =) (photo by Darla)

 Reid and Felicity. They are kinda buddies! =) (photo by Darla)

=) I sure did miss this face!!! (photo by Kayla)

He also took a stroll for some play time at the park. (photo by Darla)

He likes to swing. (photo by Darla)

He even got a bath! =) (photo by Darla)

Sunday, he went to church and then I got to squeeze him again when we went to baby shower. =) It was a great weekend but I'm glad to be home with him!