Sunday, July 31, 2011

I'm "that" mom & maternity photos

Ok, so before our life changed and got totally crazy I always looked at moms with lots of young kids and thought, I could never ever do that.  You know, I was going to have my perfectly spaced out 2 children, minimizing stress and not be a baby popping women.  Nothing at all against moms who have lots of kids in a row, it really is a beautiful thing and I know many moms who do and are so incredible, I just always thought it wasn't for me.  It is kind of funny and ironic that people who see me now think that I am "that" mom, ha!  I still don't think I am all that cut out for it, but that will be my life in about 8 weeks or less.......  and now that we are going to have 3 children Brett and I often joke about having more (and I don't know that we are always joking).

In many ways though I do see this pregnancy as my last and I am trying to enjoy each moment of it!  I love being pregnant, there is something about this amazing tiny miracle that I can feel moving in my body.........it reminds me of God's great love of how even during the most difficult circumstances in life He shows what incredible things can be done.  I am so thankful each day baby Sarah is inside of me, still moving, still alive, she's not quite ready to come yet.   Although, I love being pregnant I can't wait to meet her, to see what she looks like, acts like, to know her.  Will she look like Brett, Me,  Maya, or maybe even a little like Norah?  It will be so fun to see!

So I asked my friend Celine several months ago if she would be willing to do some maternity photos for me.  She doesn't consider herself a professional photographer, but I have seen some of the photos she has done, I know she has been teaching herself a ton, we have similar styles, and she is a mommy of 2, pregnant herself, and knows my story.  I knew she would able to capture the joy of pregnancy so well!  Side Note : I am soooo sooo excited that Celine is going to join me with having 3 children under 3 (she is due in December).  Celine inspires me in so many ways, especially mommy-hood.  I always have such great conversations with her, she has been such a wonderful friend and she is the one who encouraged me to look into getting a Doula (which we just hired).  So thank you Celine for driving and hour with 2 toddlers to get some photos of my baby belly.  You did an awesome job!!

I know many of you have already seen these on facebook, so for those of you who haven't seen them yet here is a glimpse at my maternity photos.

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Maya
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Norah
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yes, i will do anything to avoid a buger in a photo..... even use Norah's dress.... but apparently as you can see, I didn't get it all because you can still see it in the photo below....
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Family photos
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My fav
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Our Maternity Photos. Maya, Norah, and Baby Sarah. I love this one!
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I feel so privileged in so many ways that I knew Norah's mommy and have photos of how much Carrisa loved Norah even when she was in her belly.

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Maternity Photo Sneak Peak

My friend Celine took some maternity photos for me!  She is so awesome, and super talented!  Here is a quick sneak peak.

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more to come



Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Baby Madeline and How you can Help with Norah's adoption fund!

Lots of my friends are having babies, which is so fun!  My friends the Rutledge's just had their second child, baby Madeline on Monday.  I offered to take a few newborn photos of her, because newborns just lay there and are so precious!  I am NOT a professional photographer, nor do I plan to be.  This is just a hobby, something that I want to do for my own friends and family.  I really do enjoy it, but don't know a whole lot, so here is my amateur newborn photo shoot.

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Ok, so here is the scoop, we are on another role to raise a little more support for Norah's adoption fund.  I know not all of you want to buy girlie infant headbands so I am doing a different fundraiser and  there are 3 ways you can help!

#1: Donate Handmade Items
  I am taking donations of any handmade baby/childrens items.  Blankets, burp clothes, hooter hiders, headbands, handmade clothes, handmade toys, any etsy/trendy type of thingthat YOU make or if you know of anyone who makes something that is willing to donate.  I am going to be setting up an auction on my blog with all types of cool and unique handmade baby/children items. If you would like to donate please email me.  jennirdh@gmail.com

#2:Spread the Word
If you don't make anything, ask someone you know who does and is willing to donate

#3 Participate in the Auction
In a few weeks I will start the auctions, there will be more details to come

We have been so blessed with love and support, thanks so much for all of your help!

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Summer Fun

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We love the summer!  Hot days, popsicles, lemonade, pools, being outside, BBQ's, long nights!  We just love everything about the summer!  Colorado is a great place to live in the summer because it is not humid and most days are in the 80's so you can still do so much outside without dying.  We have done lots this summer!  We attempted a hike....yeah we couldn't really find the waterfall we were looking for, Parent Fail!  We go swimming A LOT!  The girls play outside all the time!  We have "kid" date nights!  Just so many fun things!  Here are some  LOTS of photos to show you some of our summer fun!

Pool Time, My Favorite!


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1,2,3.........
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Daddy made Steak, delicious!
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The Fountains
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(the little boy in the photo followed Maya around everywhere, we did not know him. I think he liked her!

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Popsicles
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Individual Date Night
Brett took Maya to her first Professional Soccer game: The Colorado Rapids

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Norah and I made Banana Bread
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Daddy and Mommy Date night
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Hiking
(this was the hike to the waterfall we never found....)
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yes, she is wearing a tutu even for hiking

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I am really enjoying our first summer with Norah! It is so fun to watch her be so excited about so many different things and to be a playmate for Maya.
What kinds of fun things do you like to do in the summer?

Also, I am going to be re-vamping my blog, looking for a good cheap blog designer, any recommendations?