Photography Observations - September

I only pulled out my camera a handful of times this month. My children were sick a fair bit, which meant A) we didn't get to do a whole lot this month and B) my children were not happy subjects during that time. Although, I did get this one, poor kid:

One of the few sessions that I did have this month was with myself! During the afternoon of my birthday, I set up my tripod to get some self-portraits. I got a few silly shots, in addition to some actually decent images.

Plus, my awesome birthday cheesecake that James made from scratch!

We took the kids to the North Carolina Transportation Museum for a Day Out With Thomas event. It was awesome! Joel loved every second. He liked riding the big train, he liked seeing the big Thomas and Percy engines, he liked the Bob the Builder sandbox, the model trains, the temporary tattoo on his arm, the Thomas-themed games, the bouncy house, and especially the little Powerwheels Thomas that he rode around and around and around. It was a fantastic family outing!

Lastly, we have my traditional monthly photos of the boys.

30

Tomorrow is my 30th birthday.

A year ago on my birthday, I remember thinking how weird it was going to be to turn 30. I seriously didn't feel old enough for that yet!

My birthday last year (super pregnant with baby X). This girl was not ready to turn 30.

It's here now, and I can't say that I'm struggling with the idea any more. The last year has been...candidly, it's been rough. Moving away from family and friends, dealing with postpartum depression, adjusting to life as a stay-at-home mom of TWO crazy, beautiful boys...it's been a roller coaster ride, for sure.

With this birthday, I wanted to reflect a little. Turning 30 feels like a huge milestone to me. I mean, it's a whole new decade! At the cusp of it, I'd say that my 30s definitely have some appeal. I've finally reached the point where I have to acknowledge that I'm a grown up. (Hahaha, yes it took this long.)

"...one year older and wiser too..."

The last decade has been pretty awesome, all things considered. The biggest highlights? Getting married! Pushing little humans out of my body. Earning my 4th degree black belt. Publishing two kick-butt fantasy novels. Refereeing at Nationals. Graduating college (with honors!) Serving as vice chair of Families Supporting Adoption. Stage managing Henry V on the Adams stage. So many good times with friends and loved ones. Working, playing, traveling, competing, writing, listening. All the memories!

My life has shifted, especially over the course of this past year. I am in mom-mode. Most of my day-to-day activities are centered around Joel and Xander, and the time I get to spend on my personal goals is so much more limited than it used to be. I don't regret that, though it's definitely hard sometimes.


Looking forward, I wonder what the next decade will hold. I am a dreamer of dreams. I want to earn my fifth degree, and open a studio with James. I have books to write! I would love to travel to another continent. I am determined to learn to speak Spanish. I want to get a Master's Degree (that may have to wait another decade, we'll just have to see!) And so much more.

Most importantly, though, I want to be a good mom. Motherhood is challenging, and not always the most rewarding occupation. It's hard not to lose myself in the daily grind of it all. But even after my hardest days, when they're finally in bed, I find myself looking at pictures and videos of their antics, smiling at their beautiful faces. Joel and Xander bring me so much joy. They are worth the heartache and the tears.

I think about their future all the time. I think about what I want their childhood to be. I dream about soccer games and camping trips, little black belts and musicians. I plan how I can make those things happen for them. I love teaching Joel, I love seeing the light bulb go on when he figures out something new. Those little experiences are the absolute highlight of my days right now.

So if my personal goals get delayed...c'est la vie. There is only so much time in the day, and mine is well-spent treasuring these little monsters.

I believe turning 30 is going to feel fabulous!

1st Birthday!

Our Joel Riley turned 1 on Wednesday! It is incredible to look at the last year and realize how much our lives have changed. This little man brings us so much joy, even amidst the frustrations of parenthood.  We had a blast celebrating Joel's birthday.

 

The day started out not so birthday-like. Joel had his 12-month doctor's checkup, including his shots. My mom thought I was crazy to schedule his immunizations on his birthday, fearing he would be cranky and feeling unwell for his party. But, like all his past times getting his shots, he did totally fine. He cried monstrously when it happened, fell asleep in the car on the way home, slept for a couple of hours, and when he woke up, he was our happy birthday boy!

We invited our families over Wednesday evening. The weather conspired against us (we decided that Joel must have wished for snow for his birthday) and so out of necessity we held the party inside. It was a little crowded (James has lots of siblings!) but it worked all right. James and I were actually quite surprised by how many of our family members came. It was wonderful to see how loved our Joel-baby is by our family.

 I made a couple of ice cream cakes, as well as a pan of cupcakes. I wanted Joel to be able to have a cake smash, but a cupcake just seemed more reasonable to me! So, after everyone had arrived, we sang happy birthday to him, lit the candle (which he tried to touch) and Daddy helped him blow it out.

 He went after his cupcake with gusto, although his enjoyment of said cake was slightly more questionable...

 "Not sure about this, Mama..."

After everyone had cake, we settled down for present-opening. I have to confess, I was surprised at the number of gifts that Joel received. James and I only got him a couple of things, ourselves. Our goal is to always keep birthdays fairly low-key for our children. This birthday definitely did not fit that mold! But that was all right. This is probably the only birthday where we'll be near family, so it made us really happy.

  Joel loved going through the bags, although he seemed more interested in the tags than the presents at first! And of course, had to munch on some wrapping paper.

 He was pretty studious about examining each of the gifts. Joel's a very curious little boy, and he was fascinated by several of his presents.

Joel got totally spoiled! Yesterday, we got all his new things out of the boxes and left them in our living room. He had a blast playing with everything off and on all day. I suppose eventually I'll get it all put away, but right now it's fun to watch him explore and experiment.

Here's to the next year! Can't wait to see what adventures this little man has in store!