Days 24-30: First week home with baby

Because there were some days with only one shot and others with a dozen, I'm just going to share my best or favorite shots over here, since the rest will get shared over at the Friedbaby blog, with more info about adjusting to like as a mom of two.

Day 24: Special visitor at the hospital

Day 25: Heading home from the hospital (I set up the shot, grandma clicked the button)

Day 26: Brotherly love...watching Curious George

Day 27: Taking a schluf in the rocker, by the light of the bathroom

Day 28: Paperwork and snuggles at the pediatrician

Day 29: First bath

Day 30: Sweet Sleeping Son

Day 23: Welcome Baby Boy

I think the post title speaks for itself.  On January 23, we welcomed baby Asher to the world and to our family.  I didn't have the energy to capture much, since we pulled an all-nighter for his birth, but here are some of his first photos.

Day 23: Happy Birth Day to our sweet boy

Days 15-22: It's the final countdown

I'm dragging myself out from the weeds of new baby care to finally play a bit of catch up with my photography project.  I must confess that in my fatigue and exhaustion juggling two little boys and their plethora of needs, I have missed more days than I would care to admit.  I had grand aspirations for taking exceptional newborn photos of this child, capturing all sorts of precious moments and whatnot, but honestly, I'm lucky to make it through the eat, wake, sleep, repeat cycle while keeping me, C and the hubby fed, clothed and happy.  However, hitting a bit of a hiccup won't stop me.  My 365 might not be perfectly consecutive, but I'm going to keep chugging with these photos.

So without further ado, here are the photos from the final stretch before the new baby arrived:

 

Day 15: Out for a walk in the snow

Friday, January 16th was the first session of jBaby's "You + 2" playgroup for moms with more than one child.  I was so glad that we had such a great group of moms sign up, including a few close friends of mine with their littles.  I love the bright clear sunlight that streams into the Kidville gym, so of course I brought my camera along.

Day 16:  Little Miss Scarlett at the first ever session of jBaby "You + 2" playgroup

C jumping like a maniac in his new superman shirt.

Over the weekend, we had a first for C - we took him bowling at a local bowling alley, and he absolutely loved it.  He was fascinated by the whole experience: the shoes, the ball return machine, rolling the ball, watching the pins drop, people watching and more.  We had such a great time.

Day 17: Bowling - the new favorite pastime

Day 18: A lazy day at home means more fun jumping on the bed

Day 19: Swim class fun

Day 20 was a long and uneventful day.  I had what turned out to be my last prenatal appointment, where I snapped this quick shot of my room name.  The midwife's office doesn't number the rooms, instead naming them things like wisdom, serenity, etc.  As we discussed the potential for induction, I decided to take a hint from my room name and hold off rushing into things.  Glad it did.

Day 20: Patience = Wisdom

By Day 21, we were going through the motions getting through each day.  Just a couple days from my due date, I was lumbering and uncomfortable, but still C and I trudged to his gymnastics class and I attempted to chase him through the many steps of the obstacle courses Coach Tami set up.  I brought my camera along for a couple shots.

Day 21: I feel the same way C, I feel the same way

And finally, Day 22.  On Thursday, late at night, my water broke and we headed to the hospital.  I snapped this quick photo before we headed into triage to get the party started and meet our new little man.  

Day 22: New baby, here we come!

Days 10-14: Lazy Winter Days

It. Is. Cold.  January is not my favorite, any year (and let's be honest, February too).  But this year, bundling over a giant bump, while trying to bundle a toddler and get in and out is rough.  Our big weekend adventure on Saturday was the nature museum (yep, we were there once this year already - I am sensing what will become a recurring theme).  We stumbled upon a story time and activity all about owls in the kid's play area, and C was totally fascinated.

Day 10: "Hey mom, look at my new owl"

Sunday was laziness embodied.  We didn't do much.  It was great.  When C woke up from his nap, I snuck my camera in with me and snapped a few shots just as he was waking up.

Day 11: C and his tags

Monday was a super fun morning.  C had swimming class and then we met friends at Kookaburra Play Cafe (still need to finish that darn punch card before they are officially out of business).  When en route from one to the other (and the car was parked), I turned back to take a photo of C in his car seat.  He looked at me, held up his baseball like a camera, and said, "Mom, I'll take your picture too." Too, too cute.

Day 12: "Mom, I'll take your picture too"

Monday night, I grabbed my camera again, because I didn't love the pics from the morning.  And I ended up capturing quite a few bathtub gems. He is always so expressive in there, and all soggy and sweet, he ends up looking pretty angelic...til the splashing begins at least.

On Tuesday afternoon, C woke up on the wrong side of the crib and was all sorts of defiant.  I grabbed this shot of him refusing to get up off the floor and start his afternoon post nap.

Day 13:  Get up? Never.

Finally, today we had our first session of gymnastics after a long winter break hiatus.  Chasing him there is a full-time job, so I definitely didn't even try to take any pictures.  But on a whim, I grabbed my camera at the water fountain - one of C's favorite things.  He always ends up drenched, and honestly it is probably a germ-filled cesspool, but if it motivates him to head toward the exit (it's right by the door), then I don't care. Ah, parenting. Isn't it grand?

Day 14: My thirsty boy

Days 6-9: Hello Polar Vortex

The weather outside has been frightful indeed.  Tuesday was a quiet day, with C back at preschool.  I had a profoundly uneventful doctor's appointment, where I got to hear that baby is doing a good job cooking and is still comfy and cozy in there.

Day 6: Lots of obstetrics tools that aren't making my baby come any faster

On Wednesday, we were cooped up at home waiting for carpet cleaners and riding out the freezing temps, since the high was a whopping one degree.  On a whim, I grabbed my camera and captured C having a ball jumping on the bed.  He was so darn cute, and was such a good sport staying home all day long.  

Day 7: Jumping on the bed

Thursday was much tougher, as far as sanity went. I'd be lying if I said that we weren't driving each other a bit crazy by 8 a.m. (even on a preschool day, no less).  I snapped a quick pic during a stand-off battle with C not willing to put on his jacket.  Gotta find the beauty in every situation, right?

Day 8:  No I will not put on my coat

After nap, we hung out at home and were lazy.  My third trimester energy is pretty low. Highlight of the afternoon was creating an indoor pond, one of C's new favorite indoor activities. It is messy and wet and silly, and while it normally will occupy him for quite a while, of course on Thursday he had dumped a TON of water out and then lost interest completely.  Ah, the joys of parenthood.

Today we spent the morning with our pals, and I had the luck of taking an adorable little girl (who may or may not have the best name - since we share it), and it reminded me of the relative ease to come of photographing minimally mobile babies.  Toddlers are so tough in that respect (you know, and all others too).  

Day 9: Hello Baby Rachel!