Two year photos - sneak peek

We had a photo shoot about two weeks ago with Melissa Corcoran of http://www.melissacorcoranphoto.com/. We can't wait to see the final photos. But until then, see our sneak peek.

http://melissacorcoranphoto.com/blog/sweet-pea-bellingham-family-photographer/

[8 Days]

I have 8 days until my "baby" turns 2. I am so excited to see how she grows in the next year. But for now I want to take a look back at my little muffin baby.

Newborn (one day old)

Newborn shoot (6days old - http://www.onetreephotography.com/)

One month old

6 months old

12 months old (at Disneyland on her birthday) 

15 months old

18 months old

21 months

22 months (Tulip Festival)

23 months (Sesame Street Live - Elmo Makes Music)

and to come...her 2nd birthday photo shoot (and lots of Minnie Mouse birthday party pictures)

Relay for Life - Mom's Day Photo Shoot

I was so lucky to be involved in a wonderful fundraising opportunity. A local photographer lost her mother to cancer over 10 years ago. She said she didn't have very many photos of her with her mother. Because aren't most moms the ones BEHIND the camera? So she decided that this Mother's Day she would offer 20 minute mini sessions for FREE, to capture moms with their babies. Any photos purchased, the cost gets donated to Relay for Life to help pay for mammograms for women with no health insurance. Jen Martin of Jen Martin Studios pulled off 35 mini sessions in ONE day. Amazing!

[Raindrops on roses, and whiskers on kittens]

I haven't done one of these posts, like ever I don't think (maybe baby stuff, but eh, that was awhile ago). So I thought I might do a post of "a few of my favorite things."

Lets get started!

1) Rosebud Salve

2) Curling Rod (purchased at the LA County Fair years ago - but recently getting more use)

3) My Fitness Pal (http://www.myfitnesspal.com/) A free online weight loss and exercise journal. I've been on it for 12 weeks, have lost 3 pounds and find it so motivating. Check it out. I WAS going to re-join Weight Watchers but was so glad I checked this out. And its FREE!

4) eos Pomegranate Raspberry Shave Cream- makes my skin so soft and smells so good.  Wal-Mart

5) Polar FT4 Heart Rate Monitor - I just got this as an early Mother's Day present but I love it. It monitors your heart rate (duh?) during a workout and then tells you how many calories you burned. This works so well with what I'm doing on My Fitness Pal. Don't believe what the cardio machines at the gym tell you.

6) Sunshine - I'm a Cali girl at heart, but living in the Pacific North West. The weather is changing. The sun stays out longer (I repeat), the SUN stays out longer. We play outside after I get off work. We play at the park without a parka. It's supposed to be 75 on Mother's Day. Hallelujah!

Taken Sunday during a drive (with the sunroof open)!

7&8) Etsy and Pinterest - no explanation needed.

9) Nook Tablet - how did I almost forget this one? Love this thing.

10) Fifty Shades of Grey - It's a book. Check it out!

I saved the best for last - my love bug!

The Dandelion

The official flower of the Military child is the Dandelion. Why? The plant puts down roots almost anywhere, and it's almost impossible to destroy. It's an unpretentious plant, yet good looking. It's a survivor in a broad range of climates. Military children bloom everywhere the winds carry them. They are hardy and upright. Their roots are strong, cultivated deeply in the culture of the military, planted swiftly and surely. They're ready to fly in the breezes that take them to new adventures, new lands, and new friends.

Experts say that military children are well-rounded, culturally aware, tolerant, and extremely resilient. Military children have learned from an early age that home is where their hearts are, that a good friend can be found in every corner of the world and in every color, and that education doesn't only come from school. They live history. They learn that to survive means to adapt, that the door that closes one chapter of their life opens up to a new and exciting adventure full of new friends and new experiences.

She's almost 2!

Party planning is in full effect. Lots of pink and white polka dots, minnie mouse and crafting going on. First we start with the amazing invitation created by my good friend Jenni over at Sweet Craftikins.

I've made a Minnie Mouse fabric bunting and a cupcake liner wreath. All pinterest crafts! (I am NOT crafty, so if I can do these so can you!)

Wreath tutorial ; Bunting Tutorial (I did single sided and hot glue instead of sewing machine)

Letter from a Mother to a Daughter

This was sent to me by my good friend Melanie. It brought tears to my eyes. I love you mom, know that!

My dear girl,
The day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If when we talk, I repeat the same thing a thousand times, don’t interrupt to say: “You said the same thing a minute ago”... Just listen, please. Try to remember the times when you were little and I would read the same story night after night until you would fall asleep. When I don’t want to take a bath, don’t be mad and don’t embarrass me. Remember when I had to run after you making excuses and trying to get you to take a shower when you were just a girl? When you see how ignorant I am when it comes to new technology, give me the time to learn and don’t look at me that way... remember, honey, I patiently taught you how to do many things like eating appropriately, getting dressed, combing your hair and dealing with life’s issues every day... the day you see I’m getting old, I ask you to please be patient, but most of all, try to understand what I’m going through. If I occasionaly lose track of what we’re talking about, give me the time to remember, and if I can’t, don’t be nervous, impatient or arrogant. Just know in your heart that the most important thing for me is to be with you. And when my old, tired legs don’t let me move as quickly as before, give me your hand the same way that I offered mine to you when you first walked. When those days come, don’t feel sad... just be with me, and understand me while I get to the end of my life with love. I’ll cherish and thank you for the gift of time and joy we shared. With a big smile and the huge love I’ve always had for you, I just want to say, I love you... my darling daughter.