Call me a dork … May 16, 2008

But I’m sad New Kids on the Block aren’t coming to New Orleans!

I was a huge NKOTB fan back in the day, it was THE first concert I ever went to, I think I was in 5th or 6th grade.  I’ll never forget it, it was amazing!  I had all the tapes, shirts, posters, magazines, I was obsessive just like every other girl at the time!  I never went the mainstream “Joey is hot” route, though.  Everyone liked Joey, I preferred Jordan, Jon and Donnie, each at different points.  I attended that concert with my BFF at the time, Casey Vastola, who sadly, passed away about 3 years ago.  I never did really get the whole story about what happened to her, but I think I remember it being something about a bad prescription drug reaction??  Again, I can’t remember and I googled it, but nothing came up.  Casey and I were only friends for about a year or two in grade school, t hen I completely lost contact with her.  I did run into her at a Westbank daiquiri shop about a year before I heard of her death, but we didn’t talk, I wasn’t sure if she recognized me.

Anyway, I just watched NKOTB on the Today show and unfortunately, they looked kind of rusty, but I’d still love to go to their concert anyway!  (Hush up Wade!)  I bet I still know every word to every song!

A few to share… May 13, 2008

Not much new going on, just been busy … well, not really working, reading   I just loved the Twilight series so much, I couldn’t put the books down and I read all 3 of them in about 4 days.  I finally finished book 3 today and I can not wait for the 4th book to come out in August!

After the book was done, though, I did actually have some work to get done.  I had a couple of sessions to proof and a couple of clients to meet with.  Hayden and I will be going to NO again this weekend while Wade is at his fishing tournament (good luck, we love you!!)

Yesterday was our anniversary and we spent a surprisingly relaxing night at home.  Hayden didn’t nap yesterday so we had him in bed by 7:30 then Wade and I got to eat a delicious filet dinner in peace!!  Today was another no nap day (seeing a pattern yet?? grrrr) so Hayden is sleeping early again tonight.  Its nice to have a relaxing nighttime, but its hell trying to get through the day without a nap.

This afternoon I got tired of struggling with Hayden to make him lay down, so I finally got fed up and put him in his own bed, in his own room and put up the baby gate.  I figured, if he didn’t want to sleep, fine, but he had to at least stay in his room for a while and rest while I got some work done.  He only cried for a few minutes, so I closed my office door and worked for about an hour, but I heard him playing in there.  When I peeked out the door, I saw a few things in the hallway that he had thrown over the gate, but nothing major, so I ignored it b/c I know he does this for attention.  When I came out about 15 minutes later to take the gate down, I couldn’t believe what he’d done.  He had emptied all of his kitchen food and utensils into the hall, dumped his box of books, thrown all of his magnetic letters and chalk, took everything out of his top dresser drawer (full of paper and art supplies) and thrown it over the gate, tossed in a few stuffed animals and topped it off with his pillow and all the blankets from his bed.  Oh, and his suitcase was on top.  I don’t think I’ve been that angry with him in a long time.  I yelled for a second, then realized I needed to calm down, so I came in my office for a minute.

It may not sound like much and both my mom and Wade laughed when I told them, but I wanted to cry.  I know its probably just hormones right now, but I’m very short tempered and easily irritated and also SICK of cleaning up after him.  I can’t get him to understand the concept of cleaning up for anything!  Its so frustrating to have to clean his room day after day after day, especially on the days when he empties his book case just for the fun of it.  His room was an absolute disaster for about 1 1/2 weeks and I wouldn’t touch it, I just couldn’t make myself go in there to do it.  So yesterday, I finally broke down and spent a long time getting everything picked up, organized and in its place, so when I walked into the hall today and saw all of my effort gone to waste, I just couldn’t handle it.  Right now, all the stuff from the hallway is just shoved right inside his doorway.  I just can’t deal with it right now b/c I know that an hour after I’m done, it will all be wrecked again!

Ok, sorry about that, this post was not supposed to be a rant   I just wanted to post these cute pictures of my cousin’s little boy Aiden, who is 6 months old as well as some pictures of Ethan and Hayden I took last week.

And these 2 are good pictures, but they are the only random pictures I’ve got of Hayden from recently and I thought he looked cute in them.  I was testing out some new lighting equipment that I just got in preparation for a client and he was helping me out    As you can see, the lighting test wasn’t going so well

Blog slackin’ … again May 11, 2008

Oh, and Happy Mother’s Day!

I do have just as good of an excuse this time … from the time of my last post until about two weeks ago, I was in a last minute Senior session frenzy. Wade’s mom also came for a visit at the end of April, I had a doctor’s appointment (everything is looking good) and we celebrated Mandy’s 25th birthday and Eleni’s 6th birthday. Last week I had a last Senior session, a newborn session and a 1 year old session, so business is looking pretty good for now. Its nice to have a break from the constant weekend Senior shoots, but I’ve already started getting things together to start the Senior 2009 season! On top of that, I’m getting ready for my two weddings, which are only 2 weeks away. AND I had my first bridal session, with 2 more on the books for this month … whew! So see, I have a good reason to forget about blogging, right?? I also created a new blog for my business and started working on updating my website. Check out my new blog here:

http://jamieheylphotography.com/blog/

We ventured a little more in depth with potty training last week, but now I’m not so sure about it. Hayden had 2 accidents in a 5 minute span of time and the next day, had another accident, but we didn’t realize until a little bit afterwards b/c he didnt seem to mind soaking wet underwear … plus, we had no idea where the accident happened! Thank goodness we have concrete floors!

I’m now 16 weeks along and we have our “BIG” ultrasound on June 3. I can’t wait!!! People keep asking what I’m hoping for and honestly, I don’t care either way. I’d love a little girl, because what mother doesn’t want a daughter, but I’d love to have another little boy and a brother for Hayden as well! I think (hope) my weight has slowed a bit, but I’ve been steadily getting bigger and I’m showing quite a bit already. I know its time for a new belly shot as well, I’ll try to get that soon! I think I’ve been feeling the baby move the last week, but its so hard to tell at this point, it still feels a lot like gas bubbles, so I’m still waiting for that one definite kick!

Our weekends have been pretty busy the last couple of weeks, being in New Orleans quite a bit for various things. Yesterday we spent the day in MS visiting with my grandma and various other relatives. It was a nice, relaxing day and Hayden got to play with Eleni a lot, which he loved. Ethan had little Aiden to play with, my cousin’s 6 month old who is absolutely precious! The only pictures I took all day were of Ethan! Somehow, I never feel like pulling out the camera when I know I should, definitely something I need to improve on.

Right now, we’re at my mom and dad’s and I’m extremely tired because I stayed up until 3:30 reading a new book that I absolutely could not put down. Its called Twilight and its a teenage vampire love story … I wasn’t interested much when Kelly first mentioned it to me, but she lent the book to me and I started reading it 2 days ago. When I laid down last night, I was only on page 95 and already exhausted, so I meant to just read a couple of chapters. Well, this book is definitely one of the most compelling books I’ve ever picked up and I HAD to finish it! There are 2 more books in the series, with another due out in August. Kelly has the next 2, but I don’t think I can wait to get them from her, so I’ll probably pick up book 2 on my way home this afternoon. I just can’t wait to find out what’s going to happen!

I do have a few various pictures that I need to edit and upload, so I’ll try to get them up this week.

OH!  And can you believe that a year ago today, Wade and I were closing on our first house!?  And tomorrow is our one year wedding anniversary!  I can’t believe its already been a year (and I can’t wait to eat our leftover cake LOLOLOL)  We’re going to try to go out to eat at Cafe JoJo’s tomorrow or Tuesday, if I can manage to find a babysitter   I LOVE Cafe JoJo’s!!!

This is cool … April 19, 2008

We don’t order pizza often because Wade doesn’t really like to, he says pizza is way too fattening (but Popeye’s is apparently ok lol)  Anyway, I order it as often as I can when I’m home alone because I LOVE it.  Mandy and I had Pizza Hut last weekend, and it was my first time using the internet to order, VERY COOL.  Today, I decided I wanted to go with Domino’s, its always been my favorite, I love the hand tossed crust and to me, Domino’s is more like those yummy New York pizzas.  So, I place my order online and THIS is what I get as confirmation!!  Isn’t it neat?  Basically, it lets me track my pizzas progress from when I ordered, to the time it gets to me.  Ok, maybe I’m a dork, but I thought it was neat.  And WOW, was Domino’s fast!  I ordered the pizza at 6 and it was at my house by about 6:20.  First I saw that someone named Hollie started to make my pizza, less than one minute after I ordered.  Then “Hollie” put my pizza in the oven, then it was put in a HeatWave bag, then “Larrry” left to deliver it to me!  It got here piping hot and delicious!  Oh, and it was the new Brooklyn style pizza, which I could only eat once slice of.  It was very good, but the slices are about twice the size of regular slices and you have to fold them in half to eat them, just like in New York lol.  ]

Ok, that’s my pointless post for today, I’m off to proof pictures!

Peepee in the pott-ee … peepee in the pott – ee! April 18, 2008

So today, Hayden actually peed in the potty for the first time, woohoo!

This morning he had a doctor’s appointment, just a well check-up for being 2 1/2 years old. I don’t think you typically go for that age, but we never found a pediatrician here, so I thought it’d be a good time. I really really liked the doctor, but I’m not sure about the actual clinic. Its ok, I guess, just not the greatest. The nurse was sweet, though, and so was Dr. Thorguson.

Anyway, my child is huge, literally. He’s 38 pounds and 38 inches tall … that is 95% for weight and 75-90% for height. And he isn’t fat at all, there is no fat on him anywhere, so I’m not sure where the weight goes! lol He’s right on for milestones for his age, actually past them in most cases and the doctor said his speech sounds excellent. That was really reassuring! Not that I worry anymore b/c the child talks up a storm and is quite the parrot these days (he’s said “Oh shit” in the right context a few times LOL) But the doctor said right now at his age, strangers should understand at least 1/2 of what he says and she understood it all He wouldn’t let her look at his tongue, though, when I mentioned him being tongue-tied, but she said it probably is fine. The way he says “w” for “l’s” sometimes (like “wuv” for love) she said kids do that until 4 or 5, so it isn’t anything to worry about. She also gave us some Allegra for his allergies and eczema, which we have to somehow get him to take twice a day. Hopefully, it works well, I’d love for him to stop itching at night!

After the doctor’s office, we headed to Houma for some shopping and fun. I got a few new maternity shirts from Ross and Hayden got an Incredibles car, then we headed to Chuck E Cheese. Hayden just loves that place, especially the cars he can ride. He isn’t even scared of the mouse, either! He must have eaten 2+ pieces of pizza, too, I was shocked how much he was eating! We had a great time, though. After that, we headed to Target to pick up some essentials – toilet paper, Clorox wipes, some $1 section stuff (yes, essential lol), then we headed home. He fell asleep in the car, ugh, which meant no real nap for today, so he’s been a pain in my butt the last few hours. I should be editing pictures right now, especially with my busy weekend / week coming up (6 seniors in 4 days!), but instead, I’m blogging about pee pee … hey, priorities here!

In about 45 minutes, I’m going to get my hair chopped off. Hopefully I don’t chicken out, I expect it to be pretty drastic! I guess we’ll see!

Oh, and about the potty, Hayden had already gone in his diaper, and I figured we’d dump it in the potty so he could flush it and see what he’s supposed to do.  After, I sat him on the potty, not expecting much, and next thing I know, he’s looking down, watching himself pee LOLOLOL.  Of course, I made a huge deal, hugged him, sang for him and gave him a piece of chocolate

Hayden and his train bank April 17, 2008

This morning, Hayden got a surprise in the mail.  Its a package we’ve been waiting on for a long time, ever since Gigi said they ordered something for him over a month ago and wouldn’t tell us what it was.  She said that it was something Uncle Corey and Gramps just had to have for Hayden!  Well, they were right, he loves it!  Its about 4 feet tall and makes train noises and flashes when you put money in it.  Combining Hayden’s love of putting change into banks with his love of trains!  There are a few more pictures of him playing with it in our April 2008 gallery.  It also came with a really soft train blanket, that he laid down on the floor with and said he was tired (of course, he didn’t go to sleep lol)

Thank you Gramps, Uncle Corey and Gigi!

12 Weeks April 16, 2008

Ok, this is something I didn’t really share with Hayden’s pregnancy because, well, b/c I HATE the way I look pregnant, especially in the beginning.  I don’t just get that cute lower bump, my whole belly sticks out, the top and the bottom   And since I started this pregnancy almost 10 pounds heavier than my usual average weight, I’m really disliking the way I look, but oh well, here goes nothing!

I’ve been in maternity pants for quite a few weeks now, not really because I had to be, but because it was more comfortable.  Other than the sinus thing I’m just getting over, I’ve felt really great the last week or so.  I think I’m finally getting my energy back, yay!  I have a doctor’s appointment in two weeks then, at my May appointment, we’re supposedly getting our ultrasound to find out the sex, so only about 1 1/2 more months!  I’m trying not to get my hopes up too much, though.  I’ll be about 19 weeks at that time and sometimes they make you wait until after 20 weeks, my doctor for Hayden did that and I was SO disappointed when I had to wait an extra month to find out.

So, that’s about all that’s going on, I’m going to go finish off this delicious piece of chocolate cake, then try to get some Seniors proofed.  Night!

Potty Time! April 16, 2008

Yes, I’m aware that one day he will KILL me for posting a photo of him like this on the net … but for now, isn’t it cute?? lol

We haven’t officially begun to potty train, but we’re well on our way.  I’ve said that I was going to start really going at it after my busy season is over, sometime in May, but all of a sudden, Hayden’s taken an interest in the potty, so we’re using that to our advantage.  He hasn’t actually done anything on it yet, but he’s been asking several times a day to go to the potty.  Usually, after he poops, he says he needs to go to the potty, so at least I *think* he’s getting the idea.  He also won’t put on big boy underwear yet, but like I said, we’re taking baby steps!

I have a confession … April 16, 2008

I SUCK at taking pictures of my own child. Give me anyone else’s child, no problem. But put Hayden in front of the camera and its like I forget what I’m doing. I think its the thrill of knowing that he’s actually LETTING take pictures of him and I’m trying to get as many as I can before he gets bored and runs off, so I’m just snapping away without giving a thought to composition, settings, color balance, etc. I know, I know, I can’t always be the professional photographer, there are times I do have to just get snapshots for the sake of memories, but when your 2 1/2 year old son pulls out a (brand new) prop rug and plops down saying, “Mommy, take a picture!” … well, its an absolute miracle. I haven’t been able to get him to sit for a photo since he turned 2 in October and that was only because I gave him a sucker to eat while I snapped away.

So, here they are, in all their “mommy goggle” glory … black and white, of course, b/c the aqua blue rug clashed a bit with his green and bright orange camo jammies (this was right before bedtime, maybe just another clever stall-tactic lol) He also chose the props – the stuffed monkey, Little People car, Ikea chairs and brand new Cracker Barrel rocker (“like Ef-fan has too”)

You can check out all the pictures in this gallery, I can’t seem to get this stupid (“Mommy, don’t say that word!!”) program to attach photos tonight

2 1/2 Years Old

Sick, ugh April 15, 2008

So, coming up on one of my busiest weekends yet, I had to go and get sick.  Starting on Friday afternoon, I began to feel the weather change.  I was all stopped up, my sinuses were horrible.  That night, I couldn’t sleep because I couldn’t breath.  Things progressed through Saturday, Sunday, Monday and even today, I’m still feeling sick.  I’m losing my voice and my throat is scratchy.  I very rarely get sick, so it really sucks when I do.  I have a lot of Seniors to proof, too, so being sick right now is not very convenient.

Hayden was with my parents all weekend and he had a great time.  He was sick, too, which I think was mostly just allergies and sinus.  He’s just been stopped up, runny nose, etc.

So, yesterday, Wade was on the couch, doing something on his Blackberry and Hayden wanted him to go play in his room.  Wade kept telling him to wait a second, then Hayden took the Blackberry, hid it in one of his books across the room, then looked at Wade and said, “Now what?”  LOL

I just had to take a second to blog that because it was pretty funny.

We’ve had some pretty weather, but its been chilly, so we’ve been staying inside because of being sick.  I’ll try to get out later this week and take some new pics of Hayden!