A Practice Sesh

I love my camera and have obsessed over photos since I got it.  

(just ask my family)

Derek got me photo editing software as a gift.

(and I have had fun learning)

I've decided to take my obsession to the next level and use it to help my family.

(let me know what you think)

This business needs a name.

(I am open to any suggestions)

 

Extra special thanks to Laura, Stella, & Maria for being my lovely subjects!

They make taking pretty pictures incredibly easy!

a day in the park

before I went back to work and before it got too-hot-to-breathe we spent a day in the park.

 it was a perfect day for soaking up the sun, fun, and puddles at the bottom of the slide.

Cheeks

It just so happens that these cheeks, all four of them, are perfect places to smoosh my nose into.

Tummy Time!

Back at it...

One week back into work.
Day One was tearful!  Hormones paired with the sadness of my fantastic leave ending left me a blubbering mess all day!  I thought I was ready - - until I left.  Then I thought I had myself pulled together - - until I dropped Derek off and had a moment to myself.  Then I told myself I was going to be okay - - until the first person I saw welcomed me back.  Then I cried for an hour.  Then I stopped crying and made it through a client visit.  Then I told myself I was fine because I was on my way home! - - until I picked Derek up and told him that I didn't want to do it again the next day.  Then I got home and figured I was good to go - - until I snuggled my baby and played with my boy and realized that being a mom makes me happier than anything in the whole wide world and I wish I could focus all of my energy on mom-nes.
Day Two brought fewer tears.  I am SO grateful that Na is watching the kiddos while I adjust to being away from them.  I have 100% trust in her and know that the kids are getting such good love and attention!  And- I am so grateful that she is helping me to figure out a schedule/getting into a groove with Maxine and the bottle.  There are no words to express the gratitude...I just can't find them!
The rest of the week really agreed with me.  I have said it before and it might sound like just positive blabber - but I really love my job - my coworkers - my freedom - and my independence in my work.  I like the ride to and from work - time for D and I to talk and be grown-ups together.  I like being in St. Louis, driving around, listening to the radio, being me...
I have felt strangely okay for a few days.  Strangely because I thought I would be fighting depression right now.  Almost "out of body"...  I feel really happy and present.  The downside is that I having feelings of "what am I supposed to be doing?" and "what do I do next?"  Not sure if this is hormonal or sleep-deprived-over-caffeinated but I hope the feeling of presence and enjoying every moment can last.  Because I AM so lucky: relationships - kids - work - home - health....
For now, back to this good stuff...

...and hoping this feeling lasts!