Everyday Grace

Welcome, Clark Joseph!

2012-02-16T16:33:00.001-08:00

Clark Joseph was born Saturday, February 11, 2012, at 10:32am.

7lbs, 3 oz - (9 oz smaller than his sister)
20.5 inches - (1.5 in longer than his sister)

*****

Just a bit about his arrival day - full birth story to come later.

The beautiful view from our Labor & Delivery Room:

21st century labor:

My very 1st look at my tiny man:

Hold my hand, Mamma:

Mom, that was tough. I'm tired.

The FABULOUS Dr. Nguyen! Thanks for making it on time!

Cute - and apparently totally normal - purple feet.

Ecstatic parents:

Clark's own Rainbow. (When Grace was born, we saw a rainbow from our room while I was in labor. Clark had to wait until we were moved to our post-partum room - but we love that he got a rainbow too!)

Time Flies.

2011-11-23T23:51:00.001-08:00

27 Weeks.

2011-11-23T23:36:00.001-08:00

I've been pretty camera shy this pregnancy, but I suppose it still should be recorded...

Backyard Campout

2011-10-15T15:18:00.001-07:00

After getting a sleeping bag a few weeks ago, Grace has been dying to go camping. As a very experienced hiker and backpacker, Daddy was happy to oblige. The unusually warm weather this week provided the perfect opportunity to get in a camp out before winter.

The happy camper, all ready to go:

Setting up the tent:

Checking out her new digs:

Waiting for the campfire:

(Side note: Camping should not be allowed to be this pretty!)

Good think our campground comes with a playground:

Cooking dinner & hanging out with other campers:

Mmmm, hot dog....

Even more yummy: smores!

See? Much yummier.

After the campfire was out, we read a story, and then Grace and Daddy (and nearly flashlight/lighted object in our possession) climbed into the tent. I went to sleep inside in my own bed :) I didn't expect Grace to last all night in the tent...but at 6:30am, I had to go wake up both my campers to come eat some pancakes! Grace is already asking when she can camp out again (as in, tonight??).

Thanks for a fun evening, Daddy!

Shiny Red Tricycle

2011-10-05T20:45:00.001-07:00

First Day of School

2011-09-09T22:34:00.001-07:00

Grace started preschool today!!

Started off with a yummy breakfast...

Proceeded to the obligatory 1st Day Photo Session...

Which continued at school...

And found her way straight to the dress up clothes, within 30 seconds of entering the room.

The photos stop here, because mommy just had to stop and watch...and cry.

Grace showed fantastic independence...if she'd had it her way, I never would have even come in the room with her. She tried to turn around and wave goodbye at the threshold of the door.

Within 5 minutes, she asked when I was leaving.

And when I came to pick her up, 3 hours later, she cried...because she didn't want to leave (or take off the dress up clothes).

I think she's counting the minutes until Monday.

Easter in August?

2011-08-19T21:00:00.001-07:00

Because August is the perfect time to bring out the Easter stuff and hop like a bunny.

Cast Buddies

2011-08-19T20:55:00.001-07:00

Just a taste of how our summer has gone...

I suppose it's time.

2011-01-30T17:57:00.001-08:00

Bye bye Crib...

Welcome, Big Girl Bed.

Backlog: Thanksgiving

2011-01-20T09:03:00.001-08:00

I suppose I'll just let the pictures do the talking here...

Christmas Eve

2011-01-20T08:44:00.001-08:00

Growing up, we always got to open ONE present on Christmas Eve.

It was always pajamas. Always.

And it took me FAR too long to catch on to that.

I wonder how long it'll take Grace to figure it out....

Visiting Santa

2011-01-20T08:37:00.001-08:00

This went considerably better than last year.

December 2009:

December 2010:

"Nice to meet you, Mr. Santa."

"Um...."

Why do we look disheveled? Because we went to visit Santa by riding the train at Irvine Regional Park...in the middle of So Cal's torrential December rains this year. We are cold, we are wet, but that will not keep us from Santa!

Besides, candy canes make it better.

Christmas Stories.

2010-12-20T21:18:00.001-08:00

Grace and Daddy, reading a Christmas book.

Cute, right?

Let's look closer.

They are reading "The Fir Tree," by Hans Christian Andersen. It's apparently a classic Christmas fairy tale. And I have no idea why. I mean, sure, it's about a Christmas tree, and it's by a famous fairy tale writer. But it is DEPRESSING! (Seriously. Go click the link and read it.) It's about a tree who can't wait to grow up and be something important, he gets 1 day of glory as a Christmas tree, and then, as the last line of the books states, "the tree was burned to ashes." Cheery, huh? I mean, sure, it's got a message that at some point I want my child to learn - something along the lines of 'appreciate what is now, don't always be antsy for the next thing,' but...I just am not ok with a cute little Christmas book whose last line is "And the tree was burned to ashes." ?!?!?!!! The best (worst?) part? Ralph and I both had this book in our collections as kids growing up! This one belonged to one of us...and Grace LOVES to read this book. I think I did too, as a kid...I don't think I 'got' it. 'Cause now it bums me out.

Anyway...Merry Christmas!

Could you stop growing up now, please?

2010-12-20T21:09:00.001-08:00

I want to freeze you just as you are :)

"Gingerbread" Houses

2010-12-20T21:08:00.001-08:00

Last week, we invited a few friends over to indulge in a Christmas-time kid classic: lots and lots of SUGAR.

We decorated cookies, cupcakes, and gingerbread houses. And by gingerbread houses, I mean graham crackers stuck to milk cartons.

I didn't get a whole lot of pictures...I was sort of busy keeping sugary decor on the table (and off of many other things...including, but not limited to, my dog...)

Also see Emily's post. (Aw, come on. Go. Her kids are too cute for words.)

The "Christmas Ballerina Fairy" waiting for her guests.

The table all ready to go.

Grace's cookies.

This one is for Daddy.

Grace's house - decorated ALL BY HERSELF. Seriously. I didn't do a thing.

The artist at work.

My Little Butterfly

2010-09-18T10:08:00.001-07:00

Earlier this summer, I left Grace and Ralph home by themselves for a couple of hours. Since Ralph is apparently much more crafty than I, he seized the opportunity to make his little girl butterfly wings out of a Trader Joe's bag.

Wow. Do I feel like the slacker parent?

She wants to grow up so fast...

2010-09-18T10:02:00.001-07:00

Summer = Living in a Bathing Suit

2010-07-13T15:21:00.001-07:00

And apparently, summer also means the occasional nap on the ~~dirty~~ cool kitchen floor.

Summer Travels, Part 1 [Cornell]

2010-06-28T21:31:00.001-07:00

Last month, we travelled to upstate New York for Ralph's youngest brother's graduation from Cornell.

As someone who used to fly a lot, and who cursed babies and toddlers on planes before I was a parent, I was ~~totally freaked out~~ a bit nervous about this trip...mostly figuring that there was a large does of karmic payback coming my way for my younger, less tolerant traveling days.

We plotted our cross country trek very carefully: we would fly out of LGB, so as not to have to endure the chaos (and longer security waits) of LAX. We scheduled the long haul flight to begin shortly before naptime, so that we could get on the plane, be excited about flying, and then have our traveling angel drift off for her nap to the sounds of a cruising altitude engine.

And then we woke up the morning of our trip, and had to reschedule nearly every travel detail (flights, hotels, cars, naptimes) due to a cancelled flight. I'll spare you the ugly details (and most of my frustration and rage)...but our carefully planned Long Beach --> JFK --> Syracuse turned into Long Beach --> Seattle --> Boston. Totally the same.

At any rate, we made it - and Grace was fabulous throughout it all. We even got the coveted "I didn't even know you had a baby with you!" compliment from a fellow passenger. Success!

**************

So...onto the reason for the trip! Cornell! Jon!
(This post will just have pics from our time at Cornell. More from this ~~epic~~ weeklong trip later.)

In pictures...

Jon & Ezra, chillin.

Grace & Mommy...at Anthropology.

Grace & Grammy...

Grace checks out the "Harry Potter Library"

Riding the tram to commencement. (Side note: Seriously?!?! We had to ride a tram?!? Go look up Cornell on a map. It's in the middle of freaking nowhere!!)

The gym, for Jon's school's graduation.

Conversation that took place while I took this photo:
Grace: "Hello? Hello Nola? Hi? How you doing? You have a good nap? Ok. Ok bye."

The Grad & his Mommy

Grad & Grammy

Grad & brothers - and my kid, passed out asleep behind Taggie.

more to come....

Monday is Laundry Day...

2010-06-28T13:44:00.001-07:00

A Couple Super Sale Finds (with a special shout out)

2010-06-17T19:41:00.001-07:00

I find a good degree of amusement in hunting Anthropologie's site for 'pop-back' sale items of seasons past. (I post 'em here for those of you who want to join in my retail obsession...)

Here are a couple I found last week - for 10 bucks each! Woo hoo!

I got this in navy, but could only find a picture of the white

And this one goes out to Mer and Amy in particular - the giant buttons have SNAILS on them!

So wander on over the Anthropologie Archaeologie, and see what you find...

A Whale of a Party: Grace's 2nd Birthday

2010-06-06T22:16:00.001-07:00

Enjoying the playhouse from Grandma & Grandpa, and checking out the decorations:

Last year, the biggest duck decoration I could find was about 2 feet tall. This year, I *totally* topped that. I present...the GIANT whale (and Miss K).

Grace & her cupcake of choice:

Blowing out her candles...and her celebration upon doing so:

Shunning the paparazzi?

After the cupcake? I lollipop!

And ANOTHER cupcake with Grandpa! (Note the post-first-cupcake costume change.)

Posing with Aunt Melissa:

And just posing for her fans:

With Grammy, Daddy, and Aunt Katy:

Hooray for Birthdays!

A Whale of a Party [Details]

2010-06-06T21:59:00.001-07:00

Good.

2010-06-05T11:42:00.001-07:00

A Good Dad.

A Good Friend.

A Good Husband.

A Good Man.

A Good Choice.
Happy Anniversary, my love.

COMING ATTRACTIONS: The Spada's are Walking to Help Fight Cystic Fibrosis

2010-05-24T12:09:00.000-07:00

Friends and Family:

On June 12^th, we will be participating in Great Strides, a walk for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation to fund life-saving research for CF.

Cystic Fibrosis is a devastating genetic disease. It causes the buildup of thick, sticky mucus that clogs the lungs, leading serious respiratory damage. Mucus also obstructs the pancreas, leading to nutritional deficiencies. The daily battle to fight this disease is expensive, time consuming, and unrelenting. And even with a strong fight, the median age of survival for people with CF is only in the thirties. What is needed is a cure!

We are eager to be part of Great Strides, and will be walking with Team Jonah in honor of five year old Jonah Ostermann.

Jonah, right, with twin brother Javan
(picture by little ol' me back in Nov. - more here)

We also walk to honor the friends and family we have lost to CF - an elementary school playmate, a college friend, and 3 of Ralph's Mother's siblings.

Since its first walk in 2006, Team Jonah has grown to well over 100 walkers and has raised over $102,000 for the CF Foundation! We hope to raise at least $25,000 this year. As a family, we want to do our part to raise as much as we can toward this very ambitious goal.

Here is how you can help: Please make a donation that will help find a cure for Jonah and the 30,000 other people in the United States who battle this disease every day. The CF Foundation is a very efficient organization and nearly 90 percent of every dollar raised is available for investment in life-saving programs to support research, care, and education. This is an exciting time—research is currently being done on therapies that won’t just manage the symptoms of CF, but may cure it by reversing the basic defect. This research is very expensive to fund, but the potential rewards are priceless.

Please take a moment to show your support in our endeavor by making a donation today. The easiest way is to visit www.TeamJonah.com and click on 'The Spada Family' to make a secure online donation. Or if you prefer, you may write a check payable to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation and mail it to: Team Jonah P.O. Box 4326 Lakewood, CA 90711. Please put our names in the memo line so that the donation can be credited toward our family's fundraising goal.

We are very eager to show our support for Jonah, his family, and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation by raising money for Team Jonah. Any amount you can donate will be greatly appreciated. All contributions are fully tax deductible.

Thank you for your support and generosity.

Sincerely,
The Spada's

Not Crafty

2010-05-21T16:26:00.000-07:00

I grew up thinking I lacked the (basically ubiquitous) female crafting gene.

In Girl Scouts, summer camp, and Sunday School, I HATED the part of the agenda that included constuction paper, glue, paint, popsicle sticks, and pipe cleaners. (Ok, maybe pipe cleaners aren't so bad. But really, they're sort of a strange thing to encourage young kids to play with, no?)

But now...I'm starting to think that I just wasn't given the opportunity to explore my craftiness in the right mediums. (Either that, or becoming a mommy has permanently altered my brain...well, ok, that's true...but I meant in reference to the crafty part of it...anyway...)

I've discovered that I AM, indeed, sorta crafty.

Sure, photography certainly has a 'crafty' element to it, but that's not really where I was going with this.

I've tried my hand at some (super basic) jewelry making - and folks (really, my mom's more generous friends) even bought some of the stuff I made.

I've made my peace with paper and glue (but not Popsicle sticks!!), and I enjoy making cards & invitations.

Looky! I made these for my friend Amy's baby shower!

And...I am SO up for any craft that involves lots and lots of sugar!!

I made these for Amy's Shower....

And I just finished these for my kid's birthday tomorrow!

Ready and waiting for the whale party to begin!

I got the idea (read: detailed step by step instructions) from this book. (And I feel totally validated, by the way, 'cause Amazon files it in the 'creative' section.) Can't wait to try something else...who needs some cupcakes??

Anthro Sale Finds

2010-05-20T08:12:00.001-07:00

Anthropologie kicked off their semi-annual 'Tag Sale' on Tuesday. Around the Anthro blogging community (you didn't know such a thing existed, did you? Delve into the Anthro ~~stalking~~ blogging world here and here, for starters.), the sale was much hyped, and then hailed as a let down. It may not be super stellar online, but I found some great stuff in store!

Exhibit A:

Eltham crops - $10!! (Down from $118!)

Exhibit B:

Country Fair Dress, by Anna Sui. (Yes, the skirt is covered in circus images.) $20, down from $198!

Ah, I love me a good sale deal. Anyone else find something fun at the sale?

Do you like my hat?

2010-05-15T22:08:00.001-07:00

It must be cherry flavored...

2010-04-30T16:14:00.001-07:00

My Valentines [Backlog: February]

2010-04-27T16:21:00.000-07:00

A Trip to Grammy's [Backlog: February]

2010-04-27T07:49:00.000-07:00

We headed up to Lompoc one pretty February day....

We hung out with cousin James:

Blew some bubbles:

Checked out some bushes:

Ran on the neighbor's lawn:

Wore some hats:

Gave some hugs:

Watched more bubbles:

And gave Grammy a back rub:

Visiting Grandma at Work [Backlog: January]

2010-04-26T16:18:00.001-07:00

Wow, I've been a mommy-blogging slacker!

When you're Grandma is a kindergarten teacher, you never know what you'll find visiting her at work...

Neon foam spaceship and a fishy book? Check.

Conquest

2010-03-16T20:50:00.001-07:00

Patti writes all the blog posts because she is more articulate, funny, and has a great eye for humorous and beautiful picture composition. However, I need to share tonight's bath time with Grace.

In my nightly effort to distract whilst washing her hair, I offered to sing a song with Grace. Please let it be known that I am neither good at this, nor have a large library of lyrics at my disposal. I think that Grace has started to notice. Nevertheless, I persist.

Me: "ABC's?"
Grace: "No."

"Row Row Row Your Boat?"
"No."

"Leo the Lion?"
"No."

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?"
"No."

"Conquest?"
"Conquest!!"

I proceed to sing our favorite USC fight song with moderate excitement on the part of Grace. When I complete, she asks for "another song." I proceed through my extensive offerings.

"ABC's?"
"No."

"Row Row Row Your Boat?"
"No."

"Leo the Lion?"
"No."

"Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer?"
"No."

"Conquest?"
"No."

Hmmm...that worked last time...

"So-Cal Spellout?"
"So-Cal Spellout!"

After one rendition...
"More Spellout!"

After a second...
"More Spellout!"

After ten...
"More Spellout!"

Uh-Oh

2010-03-02T08:33:00.001-08:00

Through an odd confluence of events that could really only happen at the Spada House....there is SUGAR in my iron.

Really? Really?!? Seriously?!? Oy.

Photoshop Practice

2010-02-22T21:47:00.001-08:00

Ah, young love...

Toddler Logic

2010-02-10T14:34:00.001-08:00

While watching me take the sheets off the bed to wash them:

Grace: Help. (As in, I want to help you.)
Me: (handing her the pillow cases) Put these in the washing machine. We need to wash them.

Moments later, I find:

(That's my pillowcase on the bath room floor.)

Hmm....I suppose that is the place most associated with washing things in her mind. Well played, kid.

Holy Cuteness, Batman!

2010-01-28T16:14:00.000-08:00

Ok, really, who taught her to pose like this?

The Return of the Sun

2010-01-27T16:04:00.001-08:00

After its absence all last week, we welcomed the sun back by taking to the backyard on Monday. (You know, for like, a day, until it rained again.)

So pretty...

...and speedy!

Here, I'll teach Stitch to do...um, something...with the ball!

That was effective.

Maybe a different ball...

Ok, we're over the ball.

For as obnoxious as he is, he's still darn cute.

Look! My kid's so talented! She can balance a ball on her head! (Ok, not really. She was throwing it in the air, and I happened to catch this awesome moment.)

Yay for the backyard!

Thumbs.

2010-01-27T08:30:00.000-08:00

I read somewhere that the thumb is now the dominant finger for my generation. (Really?!? Who tracks this stuff?!?!)

Clearly, it is for the next generation, too.

By the way, Grace gets the credit for Daddy's 'accessorizing' here. Just for the record.

When did she get so old?

2010-01-26T19:31:00.001-08:00

Fashion Trends, According to Grace

2010-01-12T15:55:00.001-08:00

Shades are making a strong comeback this season.

Worn especially well when accented by Gymbo the Clown.

Happiness is...

2010-01-01T17:14:00.000-08:00

...Sprinting through the kitchen in your tutu.

Christmas Party at Gymboree

2010-01-01T15:09:00.001-08:00

A few days before Christmas, Grace's beloved Gymboree hosted a Christmas party. Santa even made a visit! Here's how it all went down:

Grace's favorite: the tunnel.

Dancing with Jingle Bells.

Not sure about this guy...I'll keep a safe distance with Daddy in between us...

This is Grace's only pic with Santa this year. I knew she'd scream. I clicked the shutter anyway.

Ah, away from the scary old guy, and back to the slide. Much better.

Making crafts with Mommy.

BEST part of the party. Cookies!

Bubble time.

Dancing with the bubbles.

Merry Christmas! Thanks, Gymboree!

A little dress, a little chair, and a lot of history.

2009-12-22T21:35:00.001-08:00

Disclaimer: Gratuitous photo shoot of my adorable kid ahead. You've been warned.

The dress Grace is wearing in these pictures was her Grandmother's Christmas dress, circa 1955. It was made by hand by her Great-Great-Grandmother.

The rocking chair first belonged to her Great-Grandfather.

We put 'em all together on Thanksgiving for a little photo shoot to record her connection with all the love that came before her.

Rainy Days

2009-12-15T21:38:00.000-08:00

When I was a kid, rainy days were special days. My mom made 'rainy day kits,' chock full of the best toys, games, and art supplies, and we were not allowed to touch the kits - unless it rained. It was a great way to ward off the boredom of being cooped up inside all day.

So, in that spirit, Grace and I started our own rainy day tradition this past couple of weeks. Bubbles. Inside. Everywhere.

Heck, I'm going to have to clean the floors anyway.

Plain Ol' Theivery

2009-12-13T19:53:00.001-08:00

I guess I just wanna be like Haley.

My friend Haley posted this poem on her blog today. I love Madeleine L'Engle, and I love this poem. And so I am stealing it. (Thanks, friend!)

The Winter Is Cold, Is Cold
by Madeleine L’Engle

The winter is cold, is cold.
All’s spent in keeping warm.
Has joy been frozen, too?
I blow upon my hands
Stiff from the biting wind.
My heart beats slow, beats slow.
What has become of joy?

If joy’s gone from my heart
Then it is closed to You
Who made it, gave it life.
If I protect myself
I’m hiding, Lord, from you.
How we defend ourselves
In ancient suits of mail!

Protected from the sword,
Shrinking from the wound,
We look for happiness,
Small, safety-seeking, dulled,
Selfish, exclusive, in-turned.
Elusive, evasive, peace comes
Only when it’s not sought.

Help me forget the cold
That grips the grasping world.
Let me stretch out my hands
To purifying fire,
Clutching fingers uncurled.
Look! Here is the melting joy.
My heart beats once again

She said it...

2009-12-08T08:24:00.001-08:00

So we've been up and out of bed for all of half an hour this morning, and my kid has already said three things that have made Mommy a little tearful.

1. She was wondering around the living room, spotted the Christmas tree, and started saying, "Mommy. Lights" over and over and over. So I turned on the tree lights, and she sat her little chair and said, in a hushed little whisper, "Wow!"

2. More wandering around the living room, chattering at nothing, when she stopped and looked at me and said, "Mommy. Amazing."

3. (This one happened first, but I saved it for the end for dramatic effect. I'm clever like that.) While I changed her diaper this morning, she was thumbing through a little board book she has on Easter. Lately, she likes to 'read' books to herself, so I was ignoring most of the chattering directed at the book. But she kept saying a couple of syllables over and over, so finally I paid attention to the page she was on - the page that depicts the women standing at the empty tomb. Grace was saying, over and over, "Not there! Not there!"

Indeed, my precious Grace, He is not there. And it is amazing.

I suppose I suspected it before now, but now I'm utterly convinced: God reveals himself to even our tiniest souls in his own way, in ways that they understand, long before any 'age of accountability' that we may be able to discern.

So...I'm thinking it's gonna be a great day!

She said it...

2009-12-07T13:18:00.001-08:00

While watching me clean up the rice I fed her for lunch:

"Mess. Fun."

Well, maybe for you, kid.

Brrrr!

2009-12-04T22:33:00.001-08:00

It's 60˚ in SoCal! You know what that means - time to break out the winter clothing!!

What do you mean, "unnecessary?!?"

What's That?

2009-12-02T14:54:00.001-08:00

What's That? Over on the other blog?

Cute photos of the Bergs! Go!

She said it...

2009-12-02T14:00:00.001-08:00

This morning in the car, Ralph and I were alternating asking Grace to name who was in the car: "Who's driving? Daddy." "Who are you? Grace." Etc.

Well, Daddy was trying to be cute, and asked "Who's this beautiful woman sitting next to me?" Grace answered, "Mommy." (Aww...)

Then Daddy asked, "Who's the most beautiful woman in the world?"

Grace answered, "Daddy!"

Hmrph.

Take a Walk...

2009-11-30T21:52:00.001-08:00

...on over to the Brave Little Duck blog and take a look at the Melvins.

You'll be happy you did. They're cute.

She said it...

2009-11-30T19:19:00.001-08:00

I'm going to outright steal this 'blog segment' from a friend of mine over at Carrying Ballast. Now, hers are way funnier, being that her kids are 2 and 4 and genetically disposed to be hilarious... but I'm hoping we'll get there.

Moments after this:

I heard, "Hooray! Hooray for Lollipop!"

Well said, little one.

Happy Half Birthday, Grace!

2009-11-30T16:02:00.000-08:00

Taking a nod from a friend (ok, outright stealing their tradition), we celebrated Grace's 'half birthday' last week with half a cupcake.

She likes this tradition.

Crossing her fingers...perhaps for the other half???

Not a chance. Mommy ate it. :)

On the Other Blog: The Douglass Family

2009-11-24T22:53:00.001-08:00

Check out Sunday's shoot here on the other blog.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Photos from Saturday's Shoot

2009-11-23T17:13:00.001-08:00

...with the Rice Family are up, here. Enjoy!

On the Other blog: Catching up...

2009-11-18T22:56:00.001-08:00

...on my photo editing from this weekend. Check out Saturday's 2nd shoot here to see more this super cute family.

The Past 2 Weeks

2009-11-17T17:28:00.001-08:00

I haven't posted any pics of my kid in a whole 2 weeks! Say it ain't so!

Well, lest you think that I'm only aiming my camera at kids I'm not related to these days, here's some of what Grace has been up to lately.

Standing in while mommy sets up a photo shoot (and learning secrets from the duck?):

Consuming (and getting on herself - note the hair) copious amounts of yogurt:

Dabbling in photography:

Reading for leisure:

Learning piano:

Eating zucchini:

And watching lots of football.

Ok, People.

2009-11-17T12:04:00.001-08:00

Hello?? Anyone out there???

You all let me go 4 whole days with this post spelled "SnEEk pEAk." Oops.

Make it up to me. Go here and see more of this good lookin' family at the El Dorado Nature Center.

And please: friends don't let friends leave stuff misspelled.

I heart photoshop.

2009-11-15T21:30:00.000-08:00

I realize that this is pretty elementary stuff for those of you who are graphic arts & computing gurus...but I'm learning new ways to use Photoshop all the time, mostly by stumbling upon things.

I was SO STOKED to discover 'real use' for the 'merge group photos' feature in PS Elements 6.

I took this

and this

and made this:

Hooray!

Go see more of the adorableness that is Jordan + Bob + Max here on the Brave Little Duck blog.

On the Other Blog: A Peek

2009-11-10T21:00:00.001-08:00

Take a quick look at how I spent my afternoon here or here.

Happy Birthday...

2009-11-09T22:32:00.001-08:00

Iris and Eli!

More here, on the other blog.

On the Other Blog: My 1st Maternity Shoot!

2009-11-04T11:01:00.001-08:00

Check out Rachael + "Bob" here.

Halloween 2009 Summary

2009-11-03T13:35:00.000-08:00

Pumpkin Patches excepted, Halloween 2009 was a hit with Miss Grace.

She doesn't really 'get' Trick or Treating yet (which is just fine with me...), but she did seem to enjoy her costume - much more than I expected! I'm not sure she understood that she WAS a flower - mostly, she thought that when she wore her costume she should LOOK for flowers. Whatever. It was cute.

See?:

She was not, however, too sure about the booties that went with her costume:

She loved her ghost finger puppet:

And she loved running around - ok, waddling, in that thing - at Sunrise:

Grace also got to enjoy Halloween Cookie Cake:

She watched while we carved pumpkins, but wanted no part in it, because it was "Meh-shee." So mommy carved her pumpkin with shapes she can ID:

Halloween Night, we went to Old Towne Orange with my photo class, to do some 'night shooting.' So this is how my flower spent a lot of the night:

While mommy took shots like this:

Hope your Halloween was great too!

WHALE! WHALE!

2009-11-01T17:37:00.001-08:00

My kid is OBSESSED with this commercial. If it plays while she's in the room, we have to rewind it and watch it an average of 23 times. If she sees sports on TV, she starts yelling 'WHALE! WHALE!' (which sounds alot like WHEEL! WHEEL! and has resulted in some confusion and frustration) until we can find it.

And so it begins.
Next up: watching the latest pixar flick for the 5,738 time.

MDHS Fall Choral Concert

2009-10-30T16:55:00.001-07:00

Check out some of my photos of the MDHS Choral Concert last weekend here.

Update 7:40pm. Link corrected. That was embarrassing.

On the Other Blog: My First Wedding!

2009-10-27T23:05:00.001-07:00

I got to 2nd shoot at a wedding last weekend! Check it out here.

Lunch with the Bergs @ Irvine Spectrum

2009-10-26T22:00:00.001-07:00

We got a quick visit from our favorite Seattle family, the Bergs, last week. We took the opportunity to show Jamie what "fall" is like in So Cal.

It was so fun to see you, Matt, Sharon, & Jamie! Let's have our weather and your weather talk.

What my husband thinks of me & my camera

2009-10-26T21:45:00.001-07:00

Then and Now: Cal Poly Pumpkin Festival

2009-10-18T12:25:00.001-07:00

Saturday, we returned to Cal Poly Pomona for the annual Pumpkin Festival - our Pumpkin Patch of choice. We went for the first time last year, when Grace was 4 months old, and instantly knew we had a new tradition. I've looked forward to this day for a whole year - I had visions last year of little toddler Grace frolicking happily among the pumpkins.

Well...things don't often go like I pictured 'em in my head.

But we have come a long way in a year. So I present:

The Pumpkin Festival: Then and Now.

Grace and Daddy:

Mommy and Grace looking at pumpkins:

Grace and Daddy, exploring the Patch:

Grace, contemplating pumpkins? Remember that part about things not going as planned...?

(Sure, judge me if you like, for posting a picture of my kid screaming. Hey, that's what she looked like that day. I'll not have her growing up with delusions that she was a perpetually smiley child.)

I suppose I can always hope for frolicking next year. Oh, and a day cooler than 82, please.

The First that Mommy Can't Handle

2009-10-16T21:59:00.001-07:00

I'm not really a mom who misses or mourns the 'baby stage.' Don't get me wrong: I love Grace, and loved her baby days, but each 'growing up' milestone that she reaches makes me super excited, not sad that my baby is growing up.

Except this one.

Grace got her first haircut today.

We hadn't really planned on it - it just sort of happened. And for me, it's probably better this way, like ripping off a band-aid, or jumping in to an icy pool.

I've been anxious about her first haircut for months. (She's needed one for months. And since I wouldn't do it, she's perfected the full-hand-pull-the-bangs-out-of-my-face move, preferably with food already smeared on her hands.) Anyway, my anxiety was not about vanity, or worrying it wouldn't go well.

Really, I couldn't pin point why the thought of her first haircut worked me up so much, since I really do enjoy her growing up. But as I sat in the car, when it was all over, and looked at the tiny clippings of blonde hair in my plastic baggy, I understood.

I grew that hair. That hair, the tiny ends of it, was inside me, and on her head when she was born.

Ok, enough of that. On with it.

We went to Kiddy Kastle - the same place I used to get my haircut as a kid. Only back then, there was an over the top adorable poofy dress store next store - think formal wear meets a tutu with 80's puffed sleeves on a 6 year old. Now there's some sort of financial management firm. Sigh.

And for what you really came for: the photos:

Checking out her awesome haircutting boat that would be her home for, oh, the next 5 minutes.

This part seems alright...

Um....

Um, I don't think I like this....

A Little Stunned - the whole thing only took about 4 minutes.

Checking out the complimentary bow...

Look, bangs! Just like Mom!

Ta-Da!

Her favorite part was the cookie they gave her when she was done.

Jenna & Mike's Engagement Shoot

2009-10-12T23:09:00.001-07:00

A few of my favorites are up here on my other blog.

Congratulations, Suzi and Manoj!

2009-10-11T10:27:00.001-07:00

Kiddie Costume Score!

2009-10-09T14:53:00.001-07:00

I admire and honor those fabulous crafty moms who make their kids' halloween costumes. I am not this kind of mom. I do not really want to be this kind of mom. I have a defective craft gene. I am perfectly happy purchase my kid's halloween costume.

And I'm even more happy about it when it's a deal :)

(Side note: yes, we're Christians, and yes, we still think it's ok for our kid 'do' halloween. See here and here.)

So if you're with me: Costumes are on sale now at www.childrensplace.com. 30% off original price. Prices are the same online and in store (which is becoming rare at places like Old Navy, Gap, and the like).

But wait! Before you get in your car, print this: 20% off until November 1. Thanks, www.retailmenot.com!

So here it is: Grace's $12.60 costume. Hooray!

Now, to see if she'll actually leave the hat on....

Monkeying around with Dad, Grammy, and a Camera. Oh, and Monkey.

2009-10-07T19:33:00.001-07:00

Watching Football.

Queen of the Couch.

Bumpin' Up & Down in My Little Red Wagon

2009-10-03T19:13:00.000-07:00

Grace's Grandma has dreamed - I think since before Grace was born - of Grace riding in a red wagon. Well, Friday was the day! Grandma brought Grace the Cadillac of wagons - and it was an instant hit!

For me??

So excited!!

Ready for my first ride!

Here we go!

Brought a friend along...

...to cuddle and get comfy with.

Thanks Grandma!!!

Gymboree

2009-10-03T15:31:00.001-07:00

Grace and I have been going to Gymboree weekly all summer - and (gasp!) I've never taken my camera along. Until now.

Her favorite - erm - apparatus?: the balance-beam boards.

Forgive the color cast here, and in subsequent photos. It's BRIGHT in gymboree...and I'm too lazy to fix it in photoshop right now. (Note: Your DSLR Auto-white balance setting can rarely be trusted, but especially not in the high color-plasticky-fluorescent lighted gymboree.)

Looking up at Jimbo the clown - who Grace LOVES.

Other favorite apparatus: the rocking boat/step bridge combo.

Parachute time.

"Where to go next? I'll hold my belly and think about it."

More Claire, More Fun.

2009-10-02T15:07:00.001-07:00

More from yesterday's shoot with Baby Claire over at: Brave Little Duck.

I did it! I did it! I did it!

2009-10-01T14:28:00.001-07:00

Last month, I had a photography class assignment that became, for several weeks, the bane of my existence.

Shadow. Abstract, mysterious, shadowy photography.

This assignment kicked my photographic tush. Photography is about LIGHT. Heck, this class is supposed to be about *light.* Now, I know we don't see light without dark, and we could launch into a whole discussion here about the existence or recognition of good only in contrast to evil, blah, blah, blah....but I'll spare you. For now, at least.

The other killer part here was the 'abstract' directive. I don't do this. I don't really want to do this. I photograph because I want a picture of what the THING actually looked like. I'm not really into abstract art of any sort - I'm much to literal to appreciate such things - but I'm REALLY not that into abstract photography. It's just not my bag.

But at any rate...after no less than THREE (virtual) visits to my professor - and this from the girl who NEVER went to office hours in college unless it was a requirement built into the syllabus, and then I resented it thoroughly - and over ONE THOUSAND images shot, I ended up with these 3:

And I got an A!!!

On the Other Blog: Claire

2009-10-01T13:20:00.001-07:00

Check out this cutie here.

More Sassiness (Recall: Sassy = Glasses)

2009-09-25T20:20:00.001-07:00

What's up, yo?

Beach Landscapes

2009-09-25T08:53:00.001-07:00

Check out my submissions for my photo class Beach Landscape project at my other blog.

It's HOT.

2009-09-23T14:32:00.001-07:00

103℉.

Thank goodness for Elmo.

I'm pretty sure that if you closely here, you'll see him in her eyes.

Grace Speak

2009-09-23T10:12:00.000-07:00

I vowed I wouldn't do this. I said I wouldn't be 'that mom.' But I did it. I counted. (Seriously, have you met me? Like I could resist.)

Grace can say over 100 words.

Among my favorites:

"Tractor." Seriously. I'm not sure she's ever even seen one. She calls every loud mechanical noise (truck, motorcycle, etc.) a tractor. I blame Grandma.

"Taco." Again, I don't think she's ever had a taco. But Grandpa somehow got himself nicknamed 'Grandpa Taco.' Apparently, that one's sticking.

"Octopus." Why do we, as a society, think it's important that our youngest members be able to identify African plains animals and deep sea creatures?

As with any kid, there are may words that I have to, er, interpret for those not steeped in Grace-speak. Among the cuter ones:

"Eep-pee" = Airplane. Which she can identify by the sound, before seeing it. She often hears one before I do.

Looking for the 'eep-pee' Grace just heard.

"Bee-yap" = Grape. No idea why.

Grace and her grapes.

Sharing.

Walking & Consequenses.

2009-09-22T20:22:00.001-07:00

As mentioned in a previous post, I am over the moon that Grace is finally walking. While I waited...and waited...for Grace to realize that she really could take off on her own if she's only let go of my finger, I think every single mother I've ever met told me some variation of "Oh no, you don't really want her to walk...everything changes...they get into everything...it's so much easier when they don't walk...," etc.

I totally disagree.

Ok, well, maybe mostly disagree. I do feel like everything has changed. But only for the better. With Grace's realization that she could walk independently, she instantly became a KID. My baby is gone. She's no longer an extra appendage of mine, but an autonomous little person. And I LOVE it.

At her tiny tot swingset in the backyard, she can walk up the steps and slide down all on her own. She can climb, endlessly, in and out of the laundry basket all on her own. She can ping pong back and forth between Mom and Dad, giving kisses and tickling toes, all on her own. I genuinely think she's happier. She's definitely funnier.

Shoes, Sales, and Sui - Oh my!

2009-09-14T20:21:00.001-07:00

So, I've made the rather conscious decision recently that this blog is going to transition from being JUST about Grace to being about my life's adventures as Grace's mommy...which OCCASIONALLY means there might just be a non-Grace related post now and again. (Shocking, I know, that I might have a life outside of my kid! Well, it's shocking for me sometimes. And I have got to get ahold of that. This seems like a cathartic place to start...)

So here goes....

My friend Michelle wrote an adorable (and unnecessarily self conscious) post about super cute shoes she found a couple of months ago. She's fabulous, and I want to be like her - so take a look at my shoe splurge today!

You'll note the Target clearance tags on each pair - they were $6.24 each! Seriously! (If you've known me for more than 10 minutes, you know that I LOVE a good deal - more than chocolate, and almost as much as a USC Football win. So: Insert elation here.)

I also had to have these, which were not on sale, but still HOT for $30. (And totally justifiable, considering all that I *saved* on the other 3 pair...)

I did not plan to go on a shoe shopping spree today - these are just the perils of what can happen when Grace won't nap. :)

Why are you still sitting there? Go buy cute shoes at Target!

P.S.: Public service announcements
1.Target women's shoes are buy 1, get one half off online.
2. For my fellow Anthropologie lovers: Anna Sui is one of my favorite designers carried by Anthro, and I basically can never afford her stuff. She has a Target collection this fall. Go. Now.

Sunday Lunch

2009-09-13T21:14:00.001-07:00

We took a bike ride to In-N-Out for lunch today. Grace was a big fan.

Stretching to make more room in her belly. Please note the belly already hanging out of her shirt.

And then she promptly passed out on the ride home. Snapped this pic when we stopped at the park, as we'd planned, to play. Oops.

"Sassy"

2009-09-13T21:00:00.001-07:00

Grace is into sunglasses lately - and when she says "glasses," it sounds like "sassy." Love it!

One Year ago...

2009-09-12T08:20:00.001-07:00

(ok, 1 year ago tomorrow...) was Grace's first tailgate. We beat Ohio state.

Let's do that again.

Backlog: USC vs. San Jose

2009-09-11T20:13:00.000-07:00

Last Saturday, Ralph and I attended the USC vs. San Jose St. game - my first in almost TWO YEARS! (A travesty, I know.) I didn't get to any games last year, on account of having a 4 month old.

I mean, we were tecnically inside the coliseum. Barely. This was the view from our seats:

Is it any wonder I watched the entire replay of the game on Monday?

Nonetheless, it was awesome. We won. (Duh.) And there was kettle corn.

The view for tomorrow's game vs. Ohio State should be a tad different with ESPN 3D. Woo hoo!

Remember.

2009-09-11T08:26:00.000-07:00

8 years ago this morning, I woke up in my USC student apartment, and checked my computer screen for messages left overnight. I did this first thing, every morning.

On this particular morning, I found a AIM message from Notre Dame Joe that said, simply, "turn on the TV."

I did, and it changed my life.

We all were changed.

(Side note: we were so cutting edge: social media spread news WAY before twitter.)

Where were you 8 years ago?

And how will you remember?

FINALLY!!!

2009-09-07T11:38:00.000-07:00

Five on Friday

2009-09-04T16:01:00.000-07:00

Lively Alivia

2009-09-02T15:47:00.000-07:00

Miss Alivia and I spent a hazy, smokey morning at the Japanese Gardens yesterday.

Part of the fun of kiddie photography for me is getting familiar with different munchkin ages & stages. My own daughter is only 15 months old, so I especially see preschooler photo sessions at a preview of what's to come.

And what did I learn from Miss Alivia, age 3? SPUNK! This gal was so fun, busy, and energetic!

Oh, and I learned that not all kids are as 'ok' with bugs as I thought! If there was an ant in sight, it was a no-go for this gal. (Which I totally sympathize with, by the way!)

We could have played for HOURS on the bridge:

LOVE these shoes! Where were these when I got married?!?!

I'm a winner!

2009-09-01T16:34:00.000-07:00

I'm taking a photography seminar on available light photography at a local community college this semester.

Today, we had a in-class assignment that focused on using shadows. We each had 45 minutes to shoot and upload our work. And then the class voted for a winner - and it was me!

The prize winning photo:

My reward: 35 extra credit points! YES!

Eli's Lids Giveaway!

2009-08-31T12:25:00.001-07:00

My buddy, Kara-Noel, owns a fabulously cute kiddie hat and clothing business, Eli's Lids. They're hosting a WHOLE MONTH of giveaways: check 'em out by clicking on cutie Eli below!

Eli's Lids Giveaway!

2009-08-31T12:22:00.000-07:00

My buddy, Kara-Noel, owns a fabulously cute kiddie hat and clothing business, Eli's Lids. They're hosting a WHOLE MONTH of giveaways: check 'em out by clicking on cutie Eli below!

Happy Birthday, Nathan and Mia!

2009-08-24T16:33:00.000-07:00

Immediately before this weekend's awesome Egyptian cultural experience, we stopped by Nathan & Mia's birthday party! Their Mamma did some smart thinkin' and held a joint party for her kiddos, whose birthdays are pretty close together.

Birthday boy:

Birthday girl:

If these 2 adorable munchkins look familiar, it might be because we had an awesome photo shoot last weekend.

Look, Mom even made it into a picture! Thanks, Dad!

It was so hard to leave such sweet friends - and the awesome backyard! Grace and Dad got to stay a bit longer while I dashed off the Dina & Mike's. It was a CRAZY Saturday!

Weekend in Egypt

2009-08-24T12:26:00.000-07:00

We spent part of this weekend with essentially every Egyptian in Orange County.

Look, Grace loved it:

Check out more pictures from Dina & Mike's engagement here.

Dina & Mike's Engagement

2009-08-24T12:25:00.000-07:00

This weekend, I had the honor of attending a Coptic Orthodox Engagement Ceremony for my good friend, Dina, and her fabulous fiance, Mike.

Beautiful Dina:

Handsome Mike:

One of the (several) priests conducting the ceremony:

Coptic Christians exchange rings at the Engagement Ceremony. The rings are worn on the right hand by both the man and the woman during the engagement, and then the rings are moved to their left hands at the wedding.

Dina and her proud Mamma:

Signing the engagement contract:

After the ceremony, there was food, cake, dancing, Egyptian music - quite the party!

Congratulations, Dina & Mike!