A photo a day... an experiment.

I have pretty nice equipment

I have some decent knowledge

I have great editing software

I have the desire

I think I have a good eye for composition

What I do not have is a lot of time to devote to perfecting all of these.  

Hmmm. So, what ends up happening?  I take A LOT of photographs in RAW, they sit on my hardrive, I upload jpeg "snapshots" to the blog just so family and friends can keep updated on every minute detail of A and H's life, and I never really achieve what I set out to do by investing in my equipment.  Like most things around here lately (and by most things, I mean cleaning and organizing), if I don't have time to do it "right," I just don't do it.  

For as long as I can remember, I have loved taking photographs. And not just pictures to capture a moment, but real photographs. I remember having one of those Kodak cameras that had a flip top of sorts that you would open up and hold to take photos. I remember wanting to tie a string or ribbon to it so that it would hang around my neck. Because, of course, to be a real photographer, you had to have a strap around your neck. Well, I have one of those fancy cameras now (well, not that fancy anymore. I keep telling my husband I need a better one to keep up). I have an Art degree (Art History really), and a couple of black and white photography classes under my belt (darkroom, not this fancy digital stuff). I have begun playing around with graphic design and illustration with no formal training and really LOVE designing unique announcements/invitations/logos, etc.  What I really enjoy is combining my own photographs with those designs. I have spent a lot time lately on the design part and still have a LONG way to go.  What I haven't spent much time on is the photography side of things.  Again, there just isn't enough time to do it all (and of course, I want to do it all).

So, in an effort to fulfill a long neglected interest, I will take some baby steps and forget having the whole enchilada.  

I am committing to posting a photo a day for the rest of the month.  And not just any straight out of the camera shot.  I want to make myself use ALL my skills and equipment to make this happen.  This will make me start to polish those rusty camera skills, learn more about my software and you all can hold me to it!  Plus, there is something about enjoyment in there too (not to mention one more excuse not to clean up around here).  I'm sure many of them won't be very good (I am teaching myself after all and don't have time {have I said that yet?} to read silly manuals).  I'm just going to go with what looks "good" to me.  Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, right?  I'm sure some days I will struggle just to get something up, but that's the point.  I just have to DO it, good or bad. But I feel sure by the end of this little experiment, I will be able to look back and "see" what I have learned and have a better eye with which to see.  

So, here is photo number one. (The other thing you have to keep in mind is that blogger won't let me upload photos in .psd or .tif, so they lose a lot of the quality (looked washed out or overexposed to me) I work hard to achieve when you save them as jpegs.  Maybe someone can help me with that (hint, hint... Paula).

Movie star

Just a few clips of Henry for your entertainment.

Henry "danced" for the first time today.  Pretty funny to see him move to the music.  Of course, it might just be he's trying to jump since he's crazy about his new doorway jumper.  One day he'll figure out not everything jumps.  

I took this a few weeks back when Henry first tried peaches.  Guess he doesn't take after his momma when it comes to enjoying sour things. Still makes me laugh.

Ringing in the New Year

After Christmas, we packed up the car and made the long trek to Santa Fe to see my parents, better known as GiGi and Grandad. I wasn't so sure about such a long trip with two kids, but we were longing for some snow and to spend some time with my folks. I felt sure Aubrey would do fine (she did great last year), and she did, but Henry was another story. Having to stop and nurse and change and feed and stop and change and nurse and on and on sure made the trip even longer. 14 hours of fun. Actually, it wasn't too bad on the way there, but the ride home was painful. Henry wanted out of the seat more than anything and didn't nap well, and Aubrey didn't want to hear his screaming. Hopefully it won't be too long until we get back on track.

One thing is for sure, we had a great time while we were there, so it was worth two long days in the car. The weather was simply perfect. The sun was out, the air was cool (ok, cold) and the snow was everywhere. Aubrey loved playing in the snow around the house and even made two trips up the mountain for some sledding.

My mom was nice enough to watch the kids so I could go cross country skiing one day with my dad and Brian. Wow, what a challenge that was! I have been downhill skiing since I was a wee one, but I had never tired cross country. I was on the ground far more than I would like to admit. I felt sure I wouldn't be able to move the next day. It didn't help that we were up at 10,000 plus ft and not on flat or open terrain (thanks for the challenge dad)! It warmed up to 40 something and was absolutely beautiful. Thankfully, I could move the next day. I look forward to trying it again next year.

On New Year's Eve/afternoon , my dad took Aubrey to a party at the bookstore and my mom watched Henry. Brian and I took advantange of some free time and went snow shoeing, another first for me. Well, I thought cross country was a good work out. We were gasping for air after about 30 mins. We had a great time though and managed to last about 2 hours, and I managed to stay upright the whole time, which is always preferred. We had a nice dinner that night at home with my parents and didn't feel one bit ashamed of going to bed before midnight. Ok, so we didn't even last until 10pm.

We had a great visit and can't wait to go back, although I think we will wait to make the drive again until Henry kicks the mommy's milk habit. 

Thanks for living in such a great vacation spot mom and dad!

Roasting marshmallows with Grandad

I think she thought we would take it away from her at any second. She shoved the whole thing in at once.

Spending quality time with GiGi. Check out the leg warmers on Henry.  What will they think of next?

Henry's first look at the snow just outside the house.  I was testing out the skis before the big adventure. I was down on the ground and had to be rescued within minutes.  It took me forever to figure out how to get up.  It sure helps when you have a mountain slope to lean on.  Maybe I should stick to downhill.

Tummy time on the toasty floors.

Brian was very proud of his snow tunnel.  Aubrey was very proud of destroying it.

Taking a break on the Norski Trail.  Isn't it beautiful?  Not to be outdone by nature's beauty, Brian is rocking some cool shades courtesy of my dad.  "But they were all the rage..." he says.  Well, maybe in 1982 dad.  :)

Dad, Scout, Brian and me.

Sledding fun.

Notice the duct taped gloves.  A true Baumhover.

Christmas with the Baumhovers

Brian's parents, better known as Grandma and Grandpa, were able to drive up from their winter retreat in South Texas to spend Christmas with us this year. It was so nice to stay at home for Christmas AND have family here. Aubrey really "got" it this year and is fully onboard with baby Jesus and Santa. She has been known to pitch a fit or two at bedtime lately, but oh the power of Santa. The night before Christmas, all was quiet indeed when I said goodnight and closed the door. The next morning, she went running to the living room and was excited to see that Santa ate the cookie she left. Then she yelled "Mommy, Santa forgot his milk!!!" I assure you he did drink it, so I was confused. I guess she thought he would take the cup too.

Anyway, she was very patient and played with her toys one by one. We did not overwhelm her, and I'm so glad we didn't. She was so content with her first present (a t-ball stand) that we could have stopped there. She just loved playing with Grandma and Grandpa, and Buster the dog too. We had a great brunch that consisted of nothing green, or healthy for that matter. Sticky buns, sausage egg and cheese casserole. hmmm. Yep, the no dairy thing pretty much went out the window over the holidays. Henry didn't seem to mind one bit.

Speaking of the little man. He had a great first Christmas and enjoyed watching big sis rip paper. He got in on the act too. He tried hard to be a sweet boy, but was fussy the night prior and didn't nap well that day. Then, Christmas night, he really had a tough time. He woke up screaming the next day with a fever. I took him to the Dr. and it turns out he had an ear infection in one ear and was heading towards another in the other ear. I'm sure glad I took him in when I did since we were leaving the next day for Santa Fe. More details on that trip in the next post.

Spending time with Daddy.  We're sooo glad Brian has a nice long holiday break.

I love my Grandma

but I'm not so sure about avocado.

Christmas morning. 

Henry couldn't get enough of sitting on Grandpa's lap.

Brian picked out this present for Aubrey.  Hmmm. Sure looks like Brian's old slot car track that has been sitting in a box in our garage since Brian's parents unloaded it on us.  Who do you think looks more interested in it???

"Fancy" Aubrey!  Thanks for the tiara Avery, Jeny and Bob.

Blog backlog

I am WAY behind on my posts since we had Brian's parents in town for Christmas and then were gone for a week to Santa Fe to see my parents. I will try to get up to date in the next few days.  For now, I'm just happy to be out of the car.  14 hours with 2 kids did me in!  

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Merry Christmas to all!

These are a few of my favorite things...

The look on Henry's face and his messy hair when I go get him after he wakes up.

Aubrey's love for dance and her fabulous sense of style.

Baby Blues

"feet jammies" (as Aubrey calls them), with snugly toes inside.

and just for a laugh...

Like father

Like son.

Conversations with Aubrey

I think it's safe to say that Aubrey has a very curious mind and a pretty decent vocabulary these days.  There are days when it cracks me up, and others when it frustrates me!  Here are some of the latest conversations.

1. Aubrey has been into her Cinderella book lately.  She is obsessed with one scene in particular. One would think that the sweet little girl would love seeing Cinderella in her beautiful dress, or like the birds and mice.  Oh no, not Aubrey.  Here is a conversation we have on a regular basis.:

"Mommy, read the page where Cinderella's stepersisters rip her dress to pieces.  That's not nice.  Why they rip her dress?" 

And some follow on conversations.

Aubrey: "Mommy, where does Cinderella live."  

Mommy: "Where do you think she lives?" (way to throw it back at her, huh!)

Aubrey: "Oh, maybe Colorado."

Mommy: "Really, I thought she lived in Florida.  You see, there's this magical place....." you get the rest "and she lives in a big castle at Disneyworld (of course).  Maybe one day we'll take you there and you can meet her."

Aubrey: "Oh, OK.  OH AND MOMMY.  I want to see the stepersisters too.  They live there?"

Mommy: mmmm "No, honey.  I don't think so."

Aubrey: "Why?" of course.

Mommy: "I don't know. They just don't."

Aubrey:  "Mommy, I want stepersisters like Cinderella."

Mommy: "No, Aubrey, I'm pretty sure you don't.  You have a brother and he's nice."

Aubrey: "Well, I want a brother AND stepersisters.

The end.

2. Moving on.  We have an Elf friend around here lately (if you aren't familiar, check out Elf on a Shelf.  She really gets it this year. Part of the story involves naming your Elf.  

Mommy: "Aubrey, what should we name our Elf?"

Aubrey: "Oh, maybe Fancy Nancy."

Mommy: "OK, I guess."

a few days later...

Mommy: "Aubrey, what's the Elf's name? "

Aubrey: "Uh, maybe Cinderella.  Or MAYBE STEPERSISTERS!!!"

Of course, that is the one that stuck.  What is that all about! I have asked her why she likes the mean "stepersisters" (by the way, that wasn't a typo.  That is what she calls them and I love it), but she doesn't seem to be able to tell me.  

3. Another thing that just tickles me and drives me crazy...

We have always told Aubrey that she has to hold hands when we are in the street or a parking lot.  So the other day we are starting to cross a street and I tell he to hold my hand. Her response...

"No mommy.  I'm already holding hands.  See, I'm holding my own hand."

Sigh.....

4. At breakfast...

Aubrey: "Mommy, why Henry doesn't have any teeth?"

Mommy: "Because he's a baby."

Clearly not good enough...

Aubrey: "Mommy, why babies don't have any teeth."

Mommy: "Well, because they don't really need them.  They drink their dinners.  But soon, Henry will have teeth.  That's why he's starting to eat other foods."

Aubrey: "My babies don't have any teeth either...(pause)...cuz I have milk in my boobies."

Mommy: "Oh really, since when?"

Aubrey: "Uh, since yesterday."

And you thought you were having a bad hair day...

Poor little Henry as some hair issues.  I guess when you come out with a full head of the stuff, you're bound to lose a lot since you spend 90% of your time rubbing your head around on the bed or floor.  And rub his head he does.  I've watched him in his sleep sometimes just thrashing his head back and forth at warp speed.  Not sure if he's trying to scratch it or what (he does have a bad case of cradle cap to go along with his eczema), but at least he doesn't wake up when he does it.  The bad part is he has rubbed off most of the hair on the sides and back of his head. That leaves him with one heck of a comb-over.  A little toupee for my little man.  I've been told I should cut it, but I just can't bring myself to do it for fear of leaving him with a mohawk.  Also, Aubrey had no hair for two years, so it seems just weird to take a 6 month old for a haircut. Anyway, I still think he's pretty darn cute, don't you?

Frustrating... but worth the lesson

Do you know how hard it is to get two kids dressed in their Christmas best (which also involved making a hair bow at the last minute), load them into the car, drive to the mall, sit them on Santa's lap without tears, have them both look at the camera, smile for the camera, walk through the mall with a 3 year old running loose (chasing her 3 year old friend), eat lunch, and get home for naps... all in a two hour window? Well, it's pretty much impossible, but I did it today (minus getting the smiles) and I was so proud of myself... that is until I got home and realized a few hours later that I had NO idea where the two photos I paid way too much for of Santa with my non-smiling children (darn right pouting in Aubrey's case) were. Of course, because they stick you with a crazy price for a picture, they let you take your own photos if you have a camera... and luckily I did. But I'm still peeved that I lost the pictures somewhere in the mall.  Not to mention it creeps me out a bit to think of who may have the pictures of my children.

So, I just sat down to load the photos of dear ole Santa onto the computer and remembered I hadn't loaded the bazillion photos I took of the two kids the other night, again, all dressed up in hopes of "the" photo for our Christmas card. Well, turns out those are missing too. Then I remembered my camera telling me I needed to format my card when I was taking a few photos before the whirlwind trip to the mall. I didn't realize at the time that I hadn't emptied the card yet... so format I did. AGH.

What did I do to annoy the photo elves. I just need ONE good photo, I don't need one more photoshoot. I've already had to wash the Christmas outfits twice. Come on already! Thanks Alice for the beautiful dress.  We're certainly getting our use out of it :).

However, I have a huge smile as I picture my successful trip out of the house today, and as I picture my sweet little babies all dressed up. It is the moment that matters and I'm trying to remember that these days. I sometimes get so caught up in taking the best photos, that I don't actually enjoy what is happening. Is it all for the camera? I'm guilty of that for sure.  A good lesson this holiday season. Enjoy your loved ones, have FUN in the moment, and capture it in your heart. If you get the photo too, it's gravy.

Santa looks about as miserable as the kids.  Poor Aubrey was almost shaking.  She was so excited to see Santa, but I'm not sure she actually knew what that meant!

Taken just moments before Henry spit up down the front of his shirt

Star crossed lovers?  Henry and his girl, Jane Ann