Life As We Know It

I'm still alive. Really, I am

I've been slacking on two major things this month: Blogging and Taking Pictures.

As I'd said before... I have a folder for each month.  Inside the month folder are dated folders for the days.  Normally, I have 10-15 (and sometimes more!) folders of pictures.  This month... I have three.  I took pictures on 12/2, 12/13 and today, 12/16.  That is it.  And nothing is with my 30D, meaning... all those pictures are pure snapshots.  I'm really slacking.

I guess to update, I'll do a little outline, because I just have little random things to write about.  Nothing huge and meaningful.  (like a TFT... that I've been slacking on for... ohh... weeks). 

My Blogger Secret Santa
Yesterday I got a box- a HEAVY box- on my front porch.  From Denise Harkey!  It was jam packed full of goodies and it was like Christmas morning opening it up.  I had to take multiple pictures to get everything in!

L-R:  Mini Snowman in a Box, Christmas Jars book, Everything Christmas mini book, plate and mug for Santa (I was JUST thinking I needed to find some and I love these!) and a bag of nuts (which Ryan devoured!).

L-R: (in back) Black photo album, container with Reindeer food (I was thinking about making this as well... well, I don't need to now!), a dog frame, "B" ornament, photo box (everything was packed in) and a homemade card.

How stinking awesome?!  Thank you so much Denise.

Snowy, Sick Day
I was all geared up to go to church this morning. However, Porter woke up with a fever of 101* last night and although he woke up just fine this am, both he and I are stuffed up and miserable feeling.  And... we woke up to this outside:

So, we're going to hang out, watch Cars for the 5,832nd time this weekend, and just relax.  The wind is blowing, so at this time I don't plan on going out and playing in the snow with P.  Maybe later if it stops blowing. 

I need to go grocery shopping later, but I think that'll be it for today.

Christmas Cookies
I'm gearing up for a baking day with LeeAnn and Lukas.  We're going to make Christmas Cookies!   We're ironing out the details for what kind we're going to make, and I can not wait until next weekend!  YUM. 

Well, that's about it for now.  I thought I had more to share, but guess not.  I'll try to write more at naptime!

Burnt out, washed out... slacker.

I've been a slacker blogger ever since NaBloPoMo.  Sorry about that. 

• I've been a bit consumed with baby stuff right now.  Trying to decide what to do about the bedding that I want (that is WAY too expensive...).  I finally found someone online that does custom bedding if you provide the fabric, and she's not too expensive either.  So, I contacted her today and hopefully will hear back from her soon and be able to have the bedding made!

• I also have been racking my brain, the internet and baby books (as well as some friends' brains) for baby names.  I really want for Ryan and I to be able to decide on a name for this little guy soon.  Not that we don't have 24+ weeks left, but I really like to refer to my babies as something other than "baby".  I just posted a poll so if you want, stop by over there and vote!  I've been a slacker on that blog as well (ok, so all of my blogs!) and I'm sure people are sick of checking and not seeing any updates.

• Now that I think I've figured out what to do about the new baby's bedding, I'm trying to figure out what to do about Porter's bedding.  He'll be getting a new bed either for his birthday in February or at least by the time the baby comes, and I want to redo his room for this big change.  Problem is, I can't seem to find bedding that I *love* for him.  Well, wait, scratch that.  I found bedding that I love, that I'd totally be willing to fork out the money for, but its discontinued in the outlet section of Land of Nod.  Phooey!  I've scoured the internet and ebay for any possible sites that might have this for sale with no luck.  If anyone else comes across anything similar to these, or better yet... finds these online in a twin size... I'll send you a big honkin' blog kiss. 

Land of Nod Keep on Truckin' (which I know Porter would LOVE!)

(if you look closely, the blue comforter is reversible and has the same trucks stitched into the fabric)

Land of Nod I've Got Your Number

Land of Nod Twill Out
I've also contemplated this comforter cover (I hate that its just a cover though.. what a PAIN!).  I like the wall color and the wall decorations (stripes and wall art).  This is purchasable, but I don't love it near as much as the previous two.  Especially for a two year old.

• Tomorrow I'm going to scrapbook with LeeAnn.  We have a house showing (second one in the past week!).  I am crossing my fingers our house sells soon as I'm sick of being crammed in here.  I know its just worse because its the holidays and we have the tree up and a bazillion presents stashed here and there, but still.... 900sq feet is just not enough for 4 people and 2 dogs.

Not much else to update.  I'll leave you with a few pictures of Porter.  I've been working on a "Porter Update" post but haven't posted it just yet. 

The Rundown. What a day.

• Its 6:45.  I'm sitting here missing P-man.  Haven't seen him since I dropped him off at Ry's parents this morning.
• I worked until noon, and then headed straight to the east side of Detroit for a session.
• Hour and a half drive. Each way.  No one was home for me to talk to on the way there. Or back.  Grr.
• Got home.  House is trashed.
  
• Laundry and dishes galore. Garbage bags from last Friday is still sitting on front porch.  I'm calling for garbage service tomorrow.  Hubby is now officially fired from his 'take the garbage to work and dump it in the dumpster' job. 
• Proofed a picture that I LOVE from todays session. 
• Spent some time answering emails
• Decided to make a lettuce sandwich for dinner (basically... a BLT but minus the B and T).  Went to put Miracle Whip on.  Thought to myself "Hmm... we've had this awhile."  Yep.  It expired May 2007.  Gross.  So, that ruined my dinner. 
• Ate two pieces of cinnamon toast instead.
• Waiting for Ryan to bring Porter home.  He ended up hanging out at his parents for the evening.
• Why is the Bloglines Plumber up AGAIN!  grr. 

What a day.  I'm tired.  Tomorrow isn't going to be much better.  I have a session at 3:30... I've had to reschedule them twice because of our crappy weather.  Crossing my fingers the weather is nice tomorrow!  Its supposed to be 60* and sunny.  PLEASE!!

TGIF

Run-down of our day:

• Woke up.  Lazy.
• Finally showered and actually got out the door before 10am
• Checked out ceramic tile at Menards.  Porter got to play in the play area there.
• Had lunch with Ryan. Subway. YUM.  P actually ate it pretty well.  Subs seem to be "difficult" for toddlers.  I like that they got rid of the deli style buns.  We'll definitely be choosing that over McD's now. 
• Went to YMCA and signed up for swim lessons.  Porter charmed most of the people there, and nearly gave one old bitty a heart attack as he started walking down the stairs by himself. He was running up the ramp and then going around and walking down the stairs, and going around and around and around, amusing himself.  She started to yell at him "NOO! NOO get AWAY from the stairs!"  I peeked around the corner to see what little dude was getting into, and realized she was freaking out.  I told her he was ok, he could manage stairs alone LOL.
• Home.  Naptime.
  (didn't take P to ice skating... M-W-F the daytime skating is at 12:30 and by then he is ready for a nap.  Next week LeeAnn and I are trying to work out a time to go when they have the 11am open skate.  I'll fill you in on how he does... first time ice skating!!)
  
• Chatted with Heather.
• Proofed some client orders.
• Ate two pieces of yellow cake with chocolate frosting.  YUM.

Porter nearly drove me out of my mind today.  The kid is pushing his limits left and right.  Whining in the car.  Throwing toys.  Attempting to dump/bang milk out of his cup onto the coffee table.  Wanting down from the table and then the next minute wanting another BIIIIIIIIIITE!!

UGh.  And, my husband was no help today either.  Normally, he's a wonderful, involved and helpful husband/father.  I can *almost* always say he pulls his fair share in parenting and housework, which is more than I can say for some dads I know.  Today.  Ryan. Not so helpful.  Pushed all my buttons and irritated me more than helped. 

GRRR. 

Not much of a post...

Nothing great happening around here.  We've had a relaxing weekend so far, I've decided to stop working on photography (client) related stuff from Fridays-Sundays.  Its made for a very relaxing and stress free weekend.  Other than Porter being oddly bad lately.  He is normally SUCH a good listener... he does what he's told, and lately he's been SUCH a good boy. We're always told by people who have been around him that he's such a good listener and that he's so well behaved.  A month or two ago we went through a little spell where he had to have time outs etc, but for quite awhile now he's been such a good listener, not getting into trouble, etc.  Well, the last 2 days he's been so naughty.  Not listening when he's told to do something (such as go in his room to get his diaper changed, etc etc), and getting into things he has been told multiple times not to get into.  He's been in time out twice today.  I know, I know, its this AGE... but honestly, this is so not like him.  He's driving me crazy lately. 

Here are a few pictures from this weekend.  His new infatuation is the Bumbo Seat ("bummo.  seet!" pronounced with the pause inbetween the words haha!).  Leslie had borrowed it for Reyna, and recently returned it to us, so its been hanging out in our living room.  Porter loves to watch tv in the "bummo. seet!" That, or "Ahhh bree's seeet!" (the booster that Aubri used the weekend we babysat her.  I guess that warrants it "HER" seat).

By the way, Jess... these were taken with my new 30mm 1.4.  So far, I like it.  I haven't been able to really see the tack sharpness that I imagined, but then again... I never get tack sharp pictures of Porter... something about taking pics of your own kids.  Ugh. 

I love how he's curling his toes in this picture. That is something that I do alllll the time.  I even stand and do my makeup with my feet curled... as in, I curl my toes and stand on the side of my feet.  Weird, I know.

Is it possible... my child is.... BERSHON??

OMG I swear, I could pull out 50 images of Porter being soooo Bershon when I try to actually take 'good' pictures of him. 

Tonight I put on an outfit I want to use to take his pictures downtown.  I haven't updated his "send to family" pictures since he was 11 months old.  I might just wait until he's 2, but... it'll be cold and snowy in February and I don't want to deal with that.  So, we may do 18mos and 2.5 years instead of the "traditional"... cause we know I'm not "traditional".  I also have a credit with a canvas company for a free 16x20 canvas, and I'd like to get a really good picture of him for that.  My credit expires in 15 days.  So, the pic has to either be one I took already or one I take in the next 2 weeks. 

Anyhow, I love this shirt I found on super clearance this summer.  I need to find a cuter pair of jeans, so I may check out Gap this weekend, and the converse (which you can't see too well) look SO freaking cute with this.  However, check out his expression...

Another meme... because I have nothing better to write.

20 years ago I . . .
1. I was just starting Kindergarten
2. Loved watching The Price is Right with my grandma
3. Had a crush on Andy Volk in Mrs. Dowley's class.

10 years ago I . . .
1. was beginning my sophomore year of high school, where I would meet my future husband
2. was beginning my transition from super horse loving dork to halfway decent normal looking teenager
3. I think I visited my aunt in Georgia for Thanksgiving with my grandma.

5 years ago I . . .
1. Had just became a first time homeowner (well, on Ryan's $$ haha!!)
2. Went skiing at Shanty Creek... its been 5 years since I've skied!!
3. got engaged to Mr. Ryan Barczak. 

3 years ago I . . .
1. Went to the most amazing resort in Mexico- Iberostar Paraiso Beach
2. Didn't participate in the presidential election.
3. Bought a pop-up camper

1 year ago I . .
1. Started making homemade baby food.
2. Was about to begin the adjustment from staying at home with 6 month old Porter to working part time.
3. Was very depressed about my job situation- or lack of. 

So far this year I . . .
1. Have received two traffic tickets.
2. Have started my own business
3. Took two vacations... Florida and St. Louis.  And no camping trips... :(

Yesterday I . . .
1. Ate two pieces of cheesecake for breakfast and didn't regret it.
2. Begged Porter to repeat his adorable "La youuu" a million times.
3. Ran errands with Porter... bank... post office... Target (of course!!)

Today I . . .
1. took Porter over to LeeAnn and Lukas' for a playdate and met a new friend... Kayla and her boys Mitchell and Wesley.
2. Proofed two sessions. 
3. Went to dinner with Ry, Porter and Mom and Dad Barczak

Tomorrow I. . .
1. Will go to school to help finish setting up the classroom before the open house
2. Have a photo session
3. Will attempt to rush from my session to the school to be able to attend the Open House.

In the next year I shall . . .
1. Maybe hopefully get pregnant with baby #2
2. Hopefully, with lots of crossed fingers, buried St. Joseph statues, and a few potions containing rats heart and goats blood, will sell our house.
3. Attempt to look for a full time teaching position