the latest snapshots

On Easter, Gabe led worship at church, while Ellis and I stayed home in our germ-free environment (ha!).  I decided to do an Easter photo-shoot a la Sear's style.  As it turns out, holding up an infant in a basket with one hand while trying to aim and shoot the camera with the other hand is quite challenging.  Believe it or not, here are the best shots of our photo shoot!

I think this is my most favorite:

I love photographing Ellis' chubby sleeping face.

Ellis and Gabe sat and chatted in our rocking chair for the longest time the other night.  She was completely captivated by him. There are a few more pictures further down in this post.

Here are some more shots where I'm holding her and unable to look through the camera while I shoot and hope for the best.

If you look closely, you'll see Ellis sticking out her tongue.

She is so much FUN to have around!

i'm that mom.

I entered ellis in a cute baby photo contest. What can I say? I think she's adorable and we could win $2500. Here's the link if you want to vote...here.

You can SKIP all the dumb offers by clicking on "skip" at the bottom of each page. After like 10 of them, you get to the VOTE page.

Happy Easter!

11 on 11, with one to grow on

Pics from my seester-in-law's baby shower:

While we were all downstairs, Averi and Maci were upstairs "washing" Maci's hair for the "party...in the park...for Grammy."  So funny.

 

10 on 10...11 on 11

I had every intention in participating in this fun idea yesterday, but alas, it did not happen (it's proving hard to plan on much with a new baby and figuring out how to sleep at night...).  SO. Today. I'll do 11 on 11. Don't give up on me, I'm really looking forward to this!

due date: today

Today you smiled at me for the second time.  Thank you for doing that  :)

Soon

 

For some time now (like 5 years, or so) I've considered myself to be in a bit of an artistic slump.  Some may consider 5 years to be more than what qualifies as a "slump" but I'm calling it that anyway.

Ironically enough, I've been an art teacher for the duration of this "slump".  My slump has not included the ability to be creative on other peoples' behalf.  In other words, I think my work with students has not suffered.  My work with students has been what I want it to be (more often than not...), which may in fact be why my own personal creative outlet has not been what I want it to be.

Now I find myself the mama to one sweet little muse, in the springtime, not working, reading all sorts of creative blogs written by all sorts of creative women doing what I want to be doing.  On top of all that, I'm totally sleep-deprived === and most of us know that this is often the state of mind that great ideas appear.  So I've got that going for me.

I'm not going to make any promises that what is on my creative horizon will knock your socks off and I'm not going to start my etsy shop just yet, but I finally feel like I've got some ideas and motivation at the same time.  And that's big for me.

For the time being, you'll find me holding the little babe, daydreaming about sewing and painting and crafting and creating. It's easy enough to blog with one free hand while the other is holding a baby, but threading a needle is another story. But, soon. 

  

(another new post after this one)

It was nine weeks ago today that we first heard your sweet voice, kissed your tiny cheek, and touched your delicate skin.  Happy nine week birthday, Ellis.  We love you more than we ever knew it was possible to love someone you've just met.

We admire you and your strong spirit so much.  You've come a long way, little baby.

At 2 lb. 13 oz.:

Over 5 lb., and counting:

let's vote

Gabe is going on a rafting trip.  I'm going to get my hair cut and colored.  

I'm sure you're asking yourself, "But why?  Brooke's hair is already "colored"--a couple of colors, in fact.  It's like day and night, what with the dark on top and light on the ends."

I have had my hair cut exactly one time since this incident.  It's time to brave the salons once again.

Now.  Should I go with brown or blonde?  Can I pull off a new color by going brunette? And when I say "new" I am of course ignoring the fact that my hair has been turning browner with each passing year for the last 10 years.  I'm asking you.  What do you think I should do?  I also have the itch to go short.  The problem is that I'm indecisive, so I would appreciate any advice you might care to give.

I will for sure make certain that my stylist can see this time around.  Fool me once (into assuming you can see, just because you're willing to come near my head with scissors and then charge me for it) shame on you...as the saying goes.