lost and not found.

My plan was to do a nice little give away here with something I had but like so many things in my home, has grown legs and wondered off to some dark corner to hide. Just in case you were wondering what said give away was/still will be, it's a $25 gift certificate to Studio Calico. I know, good one right? I'm going to tear through my craft room this week and I will find that sucker.  Still trying to get a feel for this new format. Wordpress is quite different than Typepad. As you can see, the banner is still just blinking boxes. I'm hoping to get to that soon. Thank you for all the positive feedback. I love the design. I've been wanting something more spiffy but didn't have the time or knowledge. If any of you were wondering....I didn't design this blog myself. Oh no. I purchased the design from Prophotoblogs.com. It was a limited edition and I was able to snatch one up before they were gone and they went fast.

On the mommy front....I have to admit that I don't give this kid enough credit. Let me explain. He is now a few weeks shy of being 6 months. Until a few weeks ago, he was still getting up twice, sometimes 3 times a night. After doing some reading, I found that I had created this monster. I should not have been so quick to give him the bottle each time he awoke at night. Little did I know that I was the one who was instilling this habit in my son. By this point, he should be sleeping through the night. I read several methods on how to quit this habit, one was the cry it out method which I found hard. I searched out  a solution that was sort of in between. The first night, he awoke and I let him cry for a little bit, then picked him up. He cried hysterically and I knew at this point, the bottle was necessary. At the time it was my instinct to do so instead of letting him cry for another umpteen minutes. The next day, I started to keep track of his feeding habits and there was my answer....he wasn't eating enough during the day. By day 3, he only got up once but only to let out a little cry and went right back to bed. Two weeks later, he's a champ sleeper. 11 straight hours of peaceful rest.

When I first read about all this, I immediately thought, this is going to be impossible. How am I suppose to break a habit he's had for the past 5 months? I didn't believe the book when it said the problem would resolve within 4-7 days. Pfft. Right.

Well, they were right. It did. Why I didn't feel confident enough in myself as a mom or my son is beyond me and I feel ashamed that I didn't give Tyler enough credit.

And so goes the trials and tribulations of being a new mom. :) xot.

ps...the above photo is what I call naked tummy time. He loves it. I found this out by him being super cranky one day. When I took his pj's off to see if he needed a diaper change, he immediately calmed down and started rolling around and laughing. So now I make it a point to give him naked tummy time each day. Seriously...when else is cellulite so cute?

last minute sneaks.

May kits go live tonight! This month was so fun. I kid you not...the above 3 layouts were created in one day. This is why I love Studio Calico so much. It makes creating layouts so convenient and fun. The first image is from the main kit, Lawn Party. The second was made from the Clear Skies add on and the third is from Paper Lanterns.

Other items used that you may want to add to your cart tonight: AC pen in black. I stock up on these. Mister Huey in Warm Calico. I'm just about out of this awesome shade of gray. AC tape runner. I prefer the strips.

xot.

***

listening: watching: Pregnant in Heels. Getting a little teary-eyed when she talks about her miscarriage. And it really really really makes me want to have another baby asap. eating: a bowl of cereal. Special K w/strawberries. drinking: water wearing: black jersey skirt, gray tee and my Ugg slippers feeling: good...now that I'm home with my loves and I've made great progress on my eating habits. weather: overcast needing: an attitude adjustment. I was in a bad mood today. Right from the get go. There's been so much swirling around in my mind. Funny thing is I thought having a baby would make everything life easier. LOL. Man, was I wrong. It's not that I thought raising a child would be easy. I just thought that my life in general would be easier. That all the negative crap would just roll off my back because I finally got the baby I wanted for so long. Anything after battling infertility would be a piece of pie. Nope. The battle goes on. I am proud though, for pulling myself together for Tyler. Pre-babe, I would probably be taking 3 hour naps and stuffing my face with chocolate, ice cream and candy. I don't ever want him to feel the stress I feel while he's a young. He'll have plenty of time to deal with that as an adult. thinking: see above. enjoying: a little quiet time. Jeff's at work, Tyler's down for his last nap of the day and the dog is next to me having puppy dreams. wondering: if we'll need to find a daycare for Tyler. Jeff may have to go back to working the day shift. We're dreading it.

I missed the Sorrioso release last week due to working on my new blog. Here's a layout I created with this lovely digital kit from Paislee Press.

Love this kit. It's available at Oscraps now.

xot.

a new place.

you can find me here now.
still working out the details but it's a start for now. :)
xot.

Easter weekend.

Tyler didn't get any Easter baskets or eggs but we did stimulate his little brain by driving out to Seward and going to the Sealife Center with my brother and his family. We had planned on walking around this quaint fishing town but it was pouring rain. Kind of put a damper on the day being that I had packed all my camer gear and was stoked about going down by the beach and getting some family photos. Note to self**Toms are not the greatest shoes to wear in the rain.But the drive and family time was nice and worth the wet feet and flat hair.

This is my informal welcome blog post for my new home. I'm going to have a little giveaway later this week to make it official. :) xot.

This is a test.

Welcome to my new home!

I like to keep you on your toes.

sorry guys...I did choose a random winner last night but didn't get around to posting it. I was burning the midnight oil working on my new blog. Yep, I'll be moving soon, hopefully by the end of the week. I'll be celebrating my new blog by another give away, so stay tuned!

Ready to hear who won?

Are you sure?

btw...I hate doing this...only choosing one out of a few hundred. Wish you all could get a little something something.

ahh..but wait...you can. Countryside and Statefair are now available at studiocalio.com for your shopping pleasure. :)

ok...winner is....

Beautiful layout!! I love what you did with those rub ons!! And those buckets are TDF!
Commenter name: Hollie S.

Please email me asap Hollie so you can get your gifties!
xot.

Spring Hop.

Woohoo! Countryside and State Fair are now available for purchase in the Studio Calico shop! The dt is celebrating by 1) doing happy dance 2) giving away our favorites from each line.

I will be giving away 1 package of Countryside Tags (lOVE THESE), the orange phrases rub ons (both featured above) & the Statefair yellow notions (shown below)
Other items used in both projects:
Blank Canvas paint
Warm Calico Mister Huey 
AC Precision Pen 
 
Winner will be chosen Monday, April 18th.
Next stop.....Miss Vee.  

xot.

whip it.

 
When a problem comes along
You must whip it
Before the cream sits out too long
You must whip it
When somethings going wrong
You must whip it

Now whip it
Into shape
Shape it up
Get straight
Go forward
Move ahead
Try to detect it
It's not too late
To whip it
Whip it good

Love my mixed cd's from dad. Kicked off this morning with Devo, Whip It.
So appropiate for what I'm feeling right now.
Lot's of opportunities on the horizon.
Photoshoots booked, studio in the making, meetings to be had.
All good things.
And the sun, the glorious warm sun has been shining in the AK this past week which does wonders for the mind and soul.

Over the weekend, I did something I haven't done in a very long time.
I got up early Saturday morning, picked up T and met R for the most delicious breakfast at Snowcity Cafe. I can't even begin to express how much this was needed. Girl talk versus baby talk. I love my boy but I think in order to achieve that balance we all so desire, we must make time for just ourselves and our friends, even if it's once in a blue moon.

 
I squeezed in a photoshoot that morning as well.
Meet the King of Sting.

 
Just a little preview as I'm still editing away. He's an Alaskan boxer who's in training at the moment.   

And lastly...
 
That's my hand, covered in my favorite paint of all time.  Check out my project here.
 
xot. 

(awkward...I just saw that Liz Kartchner created a new website...Something Slendid. I see their slogan is "let's make something spledid" which I love but in no way meant to copy in my photo above. Anyhoo...check out the new site. It's beautifully put together and the classes look fun. I'm looking forward to the felted cupcake class.)

girl out of sorts and of course, loves friday.

Lately, I've been feeling out of sorts.
I'm going to blame it on the weather and a few other minor events that took place this week but I'm done with it and not going to complain about here.
Instead I'm going to show ultra cute pics of my son because he's helping me get through this funk. 

 

 
These were taken the day he turned 4 months.
I'm amazed how much he's progressed in these few months.
*He has has to sit up (still with a little help) otherwise he gets frustrated.
He'll probably have a little 6 pack soon...when I do have him lying down, he keeps his head up in sort of like he's doing a crunch. 
*We do this thing where we roar at each other. He started doing this low, raspy roar a few weeks ago when I got home from work one day.
*He communicates a lot. Lot's of yells, and roars and ooohhhssss. He's not a quiet baby. 
*He did roll over from his back to belly for the first time this weekend and now he's a rolly polly. No more leaving him alone on the couch.
*He does well at tummy time but still doesn't prefer that position.
*He's super active and a jumper. Will probably follow his fathers footsteps and be an ace basketball player. We're already discussing colleges. :)
*He's now 20lbs and 26inches. I know. Big. 
*He's always happy and smiling except when he's tired. He takes after mommy and gets super grumpy.
*He's started to get attached to his blanky and likes to pull it over and on his face.
*He's super ticklish under his thighs up by his butt.
*He gets a little scared around other people but will quickly warm up to them.
*Hates the carseat.
*Loves his peek a boo apple toy
*He grabs at everything and puts it in his mouth.
*He's starting to feel things out. Like the skin on my arm or the fur on our dog.
*He usually has at least one strand of my hair clutched in his hands.

Sigh. 

Anyhoo, here's a peek at an upcoming tutorial I'm going to have up on the Studio Calico blog.

Stay tuned for that.  

Lastly, I want to sort explain or retract something I said on last week's current post.

wondering: why some people can go through life being so cranky. I mean, I get it...we all have our days but sheesh, this person is constantly at a low point in her life. 

Kind of feel all upity about it. 
Not like I don't go through low points in my life...far from the truth. I just know that this particular person creates these "low points" and constant drama for herself. That's all. 
I never meant for that comment to be a broad judgement towards anyone and everyone. I feel like a shmuck for putting that out there.

Things I'm looking forward to this weekend?
Photoshoot with a boxer. Exciting about doing something different and out of my comfort zone.
Breakfast downtown with friends before said shoot.
Some much needed downtime with my guys. May even get out the stoller for walk outside, if it doesn't snow or get crazy windy. Seriously Anchoragites...that wind yesterday. Crazy, no? I was dodging trash cans, and pieces of roof shingle. Even our neighbors shed was flying in the air. No joke.
We were without power and heat all morning. Luckily the coffee stand down the road had power. Score!

Enjoy the spring weekend!
xot. 

**quilt made by Jamaica

girl loves friday.

Do you ever open up a post and just stare at the blinking cursor trying to think of something clever to write.
That's me at this very moment.
I'm not going to force it.

I will simply say,
happy Friday.
xot. 
 

currents.

 
listening: Mazzy Star
eating: greek yogurt
drinking: decaf skinny white chocolate mocha/water
wearing: skinny black jeans, soft grey tee and back oversized cardi.
feeling: a little tired. sometimes I feel even more tired when I get more sleep.
weather: blue skies...it's getting warmer!
wanting: a personal assistant. have I mentioned this before?
needing: not much. would like good morning hug from the boy though.
thinking: how awkward I can be sometimes.
enjoying: my hair. I know, sounds like I'm full of myself but I actually took the time to style it rather than running a brush through it and calling it good.
wondering: why some people can go through life being so cranky. I mean, I get it...we all have our days but sheesh, this person is constantly at a low point in her life.

I had such an awesome weekend.
Bought myself a few things on my short budget. Why have I never been to Kohls before? Also bought a few more sleepers. I'm addicted to sleepers, especially ones that zip.
My facial was fabulous. Not sure why I've never had one before..well, I know why. Because I'm cheap. But this was a gift from my guys so I had no excuse. When I got home from my mommy day, Jeff met me at the door to tell me my face was glowing. Yes, he actually used the word "glowing". Made me smile.
Family time together, visit from dad, surprise package from mom, red velvet cupcakes, shrimp & grits (my bday dinner this year)...it was all low key. Just the way I like it.

Put up some new artwork in my studio.
  
I downloaded these from one of my new favorite places on the web. New to me..not the web. There's also a great read on there about being a shy photographer. Actually there's a lot of great reads on the site. I finally found a tutorial on how to use a tilt shift lens which is pretty awesome.

Guess I should get on with my Wednesday.
Thanks for all the birthday wishes!
xot.

list 33.

1. I was born in Osan, South Korea.
2. I bit off the tip of my tongue when I was 5.
3. I was infatuated with Wonder Woman and the Smurfs.
4. I believe we get what we put in.
5. My favorite movie use to be Center Stage.
6. I was a shy cheerleader.
7. I moved out of my parents house the summer before my senior year.
8. I handle difficult people by killing them with kindness.
9. I won my first film camera in a poem contest in jr high.
10. I played volleyball.
11. No matter how successful I become as a photographer, I will always make time to scrapbook.
12. I pray in my car before I back out of the driveway.
13. I use to hate skinny jeans, now I prefer them.
14. I've never colored my hair.
15. I LOVED playing tether ball.
16. It was always easier to make friends with boys than girls.
17. My first car was a rust bucket but I loved it.
18. I never leave a store without checking their clearance section.
19. I eat crustless pb&j's.
20. The first thing I do when I come into the office is turn on Pandora.
21. I indulge in an US Weekly magazine about once a month.
22. I'm obsessed with watching the Kardashians.
23. I met Jeff when I was 14 and married him when I was 21.
24. Before the age of 27, I never wanted to have kids.
25. My early 20's were kind of a blur. 
26. Hugging my son is the most comforting feeling I've ever felt.
27. I wear more grey than one person should.
28. I love love love the bookstore.
29. I don't like putting people on the spot.
30. I'm usually the listener, not the talker.
31. If I wasn't living in Alaska, I would be in Washington.
32. I'm a homebody.
33. I'm content about turning 33. 

xot.  

Kicking off my birthday weekend with some early morning shopping followed by a facial. 
I vow to buy myself some much needed clothes rather than heading straight for the baby section.
Well...I'll probably head that way afterwards. :)

Enjoy the weekend.
xot. 

(lace frame)

sneaks.

for your viewing pleasure.

 Singin' in the Rain (main kit)a mixture of the main and the Tap Dance add on. it's been awhile since i've been totally infatuated with an ac alpha. i love this clean & simple font.  
a mixture of the main kit and add on mentioned above. i find it incredibly cool that SC includes grey cardstock in their kits.
another mixture of the main and add on. i finally used my Slice! i know the camera is actually backwards but i ended up liking the backside after slicing the image.  
 
xot.

girl loves friday.

Did you all have a nice St. Pat's day? 
Lot's of meat and potatoes and green beer? 
We didn't grub but that doesn't mean we didn't celebrate.
St. Pat's day will always be a special day for us.
You can read why in this post from last year.
Yep, last day spent with the fertility specialist. 
Sometimes I feel sad he wasn't made the old fashion way.
Almost like the "love" was taken away from the experience.
But in retrospect, there was probably more love shared that day than any other in all those years of trying to conceive.
I won't get into now but I do hope those who are having difficulties trying, don't give up your hopes. Just give up the stress and pressure we put on ourselves in the baby race. It's unnecessary and makes the situation less about love. 

Onto girl loves.

How awesome and true is this? found here.
I almost never post a photo without a link. It's the right thing to do and with all the photo sharing sites out there, it's easy to get carried away with posting gems that don't belong to us.
Be kind and give credit.

 
This Nike quote found on this photog's blog. You can read the full version here but I particularly love the end. Nothing like an inspirational quote to get you going. It brought me the biggest smile. I'm loving all this positivity around me.  

??Sooner or later, you start taking yourself seriously. You know when you need a break. You know when you need a rest. You know what to get worked up about and what to get rid of. And you know when it’s time to take care of yourself, for yourself. To do something that makes you stronger, faster, more complete.

Because you know it’s never too late to have a life. And never too late to change one.

JUST DO IT -Nike

This song is on repeat right now. I also love the Knife's original version as well.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s4_4abCWw-w]

Happy Weekend friends. xot.

currents...

...done a little different this midweek.

currently checking out blogs via google reader.

currently polishing off a banana and chugging it down with water. hello healthy eating and baby steps to losing weight. my trick is to chug water anytime i want something sweet which is my major weakness. so far it's working. i plan to reward myself friday with a white chocolate mocha.

currently annoyed at a certain person who always seems to bring that out in me.

currently looking for a long skirt. yes, i'm jumping on the long skirt trend.

currently excited for my hair appointment tomorrow! seriously looking like the it although i'm pretty impressed at my loosely pinned up side bun that I spent 20 mins doing this morning.

currently listening to Cake and loving it.

currently loving that it's staying lighter out in the late afternoons. can't wait for that midnight sun.

currently reading texts from my husband who informed me of a poopy diaper change.

currently finishing up a few tasks at work before heading out the door.

currently wondering what to do for st patty's day.

currently not happy this is a photoless post. oh well.

what are you currently up to today?

weekend.

botched polaroids.

I find it really cute when my husband carries our diaper bag. With confidence none-the-less.

 
Couldn't pass up these beauties at Costco.  
 
  
Part of our nighttime routine is bath time, marinating in this sweet smelling lotion and putting on comfy fleece pj's.

Waiting to go for a ride with momma and bark at the coffee lady.  
 
How was your weekend?
xot. 

girl loves friday (& a boudoir peek)

 
We love our fridays in these parts.
As do many of you I'm sure. 
My morning started out with a laugh. I feel kind of bad but I scared the poop out of my husband while he was sleeping. I'm still snickering about it. 
My coffee was extra delicious. I wish this particular barista would work the morning shift everyday. She makes nonfat milk tastes sinful.
The combination of a good belly laugh and tasty coffee put a pep in my step as I walked gleefully in the office. My coworker even noticed my more perkier attitude.
What can I say? Friday and I are besties.  

Going to keep this post short and sweet.

The one web love I have today is the Lara Casey project which has lit a massive bonfire under my big "just had a baby" bootie. I needed this more than anything right now and I'm in it all the way. I just completed step 1 and moving forth to step 2. I just blogged about being overwhelmed and I know mental clutter is the biggest culprit.  

A quick peek from the boudoir session which I'm still plugging away on.

 
 
 
 
Happy Friday!
xot. 
 

100 days.

 

xot.