2 years ago...

Two years ago today I looked like a human blotation device. This little baby girl was a week overdue and my patience expired a month before that. I wanted and waited for a little girl, and now that she was on the way, frankly, she was taking too long to come. But finally, in the wee hours of a Sunday morning, I woke up because I peed myself...well, turns out it wasn't pee but water. The amniotic kind. Of my four kiddos, she's the only one that came because the my water broke. It was totally cool, but kind of gross. 

Anyway enough grodiness. Two years have passed in a flash, and now my sweet baby is looking more like a little girl instead of a baby. Which makes me sad and happy all at once. I love my Ruby and I'm so grateful to have her in my life. She's sweet and sassy and friendly and fun. Happy Birthday sweetie. 

I'm so Vain

I really think it's funny when I take a picture of someone, and later that someone responds by telling me how vain they feel about the picture. I take this to mean the picture was so freaking awesome that they can't stop looking at it . . . well, I really haven't had that problem myself - looking at myself in pictures.
See, to be honest, I don't like pictures of myself. I try not to step in front of the camera unless one of the models I had scheduled for a shoot is a no show. Then of course I have to be the model. And those poor students.
I'm the worst in front of the camera. I blink a lot, I have my one perfected pose (which screams UNNATURAL), and I have a lot of distracting moles. So shooting me can be difficult.

Today Mark (hubby photog in training) shot me sitting on a park bench with my sweet Ruby. It may be that Ruby brings out the best in me, or I have finally disowned my one perfected pose, but I tend to think Mark's picking up photography like a pro. I love this shot so much.

Like other people I've shot, I now feel vain because I can't stop looking at myself.

Peace.

Finally, Tonja whisked me away yesterday. A moment of solace. Peace. Away from the kids . . . well, until Mark came down, found us at the park, and deposited the kids on me. Great. *eye roll* At least I had my honkin' death-con 5 camera with me. Instead of wallowing in the torment of the seven kids (my 4 and my sister's 3) I took advantage and shot my sweet Ruby.

Ruby, are you really 8 1/2 months old? Sweet girl, I love you.

I Just Cant Get Enough

This sweet little doll sure does love her daddy. Since she turned seven months yesterday I though it only appropriate to have a little Ruby photoshoot. I love you little girl...

Normally this next one would be in the trash pile, but I couldn't resist that tummy!

Ruby Ruby Ruby...I Just Cant Get Enough

Kayleen, my wonderfully talented, photographer friend popped on down for the weekend with this lovely piece of FRINGE! How cool is it? Kind of weird...but super cool. So, of course I have my little model on hand. Ruby had a great time playing around (and by playing, I mean eating) the fringe. So here are just a handful of shots from yesterday. I think my favorite is the first. Even though she's eating the fringe I love her interested expression. What a doll.

Oh, and Thanks Finn and Tracey for the hat. It's a good thing I spent time at your yard sale. Now you know the real reason I was so interested in helping out.

Ruby Ruby Ruby RUBY!

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't thank my Father in Heaven for sweet Ruby! If you've met her you know what a smiley happy baby she is. Ruby I love you because:

1. Pink is your favorite color...well, mine, but you have to wear it because you're a baby and don't have the capability of telling me 'no' yet.

2. You're biggest smiles are for me...that could be because I'm your sole food source, but I'll accept them anyways.

3. You love to go shopping for clothes...oh wait, that's me, but you look darn cute in all the outfits I find.

4. Your kissy lips and your squdgey body...I wanna pinch you all day long.

Ruby, you Rock!

Fashion Tips by Ruby

Tip 1: Be Bold
When your fellow co-workers ask, "How are you today?" Your outfit will do the talking for you, "GRRRRRReat!"
Nothing lures in those around you like the bold statement of a striking Leopard print thigh high dress and Baby Ugg boots to match. Remember fellow bloggers, its a jungle out there...so dress for success. (Are you digging on all my puns yet?)

Tip 2: Pretend like whoever is talking to you is the FUNNIEST PERSON ALIVE.
Ruby has this down tight, and I'll tell you, I'm putty in this little vixen's hand. She really knows how to keep your attention and make you feel warm and fuzzy.
Since it's the season of LOVE, go ahead and take a tip from Ruby. Dress like a wild and crazy Cat, and laugh like you've got nothing to loose.

Tips of the day are randomly brought to you by Ruby and her great gifted wardrobe. For future tips on how to make your life more coordinated and successful, check back often. (hahahahaha...ok, really I'm having way too much fun today.)

STYLE TIPS: 101

Style is of the utmost importance...well at least a couple days a month when I actually get dressed, wash my hair, and get out of the house. Ruby, my life-time, who I will live through vicariously, darling baby, will demonstrate the tips for today.

1. THEME IT: Ruby's eye-catching theme of the day is 'VIVID VALENTINE'. (Try really hard not to roll your eyes, I am totally serious) Search your closet for matching items that could coordinate to your theme. Try to steer clear of anything that screams 1990's...for that matter, throw it out. oh, wait, even better: Yard Sale It!2. Start at the Top, and add a Bang at the Bottom: Pick a pair of shoes that knock your outfit out of the blah blah's ball park. Since she is still a pretty small baby, Ruby's most important accessory (shoes) are made of sock like material...however, scoff not because notice the pink heart? Yep, that's right, all in the theme. 3. Look in the Mirror: As experienced in a previous post that was utterly embarrassing to Mark, my sometimes style-challenged hubby, forgoing a look in the mirror can be disastrous. Make sure you check yourself out before you leave the house.4. Let them Love all over your outfit. Once you perfected your theme of the day, let the boys...or girl (for my faithful one guy reader) drool all over your fancy schmacy self.

My Ruby!

This past weekend I spent some time taking studio shots with my friend Kayleen. Here are some that I loved of Ruby. And thanks Kayleen for taking the shot of me and Ruby. I actually have only a handful of pictures of us together. I love it.

2 CUTE 2 BE 4-GOTTEN!

Two months have gone by Ruby. Can you even believe it? You have grown so fast, I love it, and I am a little sad to see it too...maybe you will understand that too one day.

I love you...mommy.

6 weeks old!

Here is my sweet ruby baby! Isn't she adorable. 6 weeks has gone by so fast. I love this picture because it shows her ruby red lips...what a doll!

Ruby Ruby Ruby RUBY!

My friend, a great photographer, Tammy Merryweather, took these wonderful shots of Ruby just after she was born! I am so in love with my little girl! GIRLS ARE THE BEST!

He is totally wrapped around her tiny little fingers...I knew he would see the light and glory of having a sweet baby girl! She is daddy's little girl.

I took the shots of her in pink this morning...her first morning at home! Isn't she so lovely?!?

AND THE WINNERS ARE:

for choosing the closest date and time - Rachel Plunkett (Nov. 2nd 6pm)

for choosing the EXACT weight - Jay and Cassie (7 lbs 5 oz)

You have both won random cute gifts that I have hand made, please email me your mailing address and you will recieve a great surprise!