WOW! How long has it been?

Since I've posted some layouts?? A long time I gather....since I can't find any in my archives newer than JANUARY!! Egads.

:::::::::::::::BINKY:::::::::::::::
credits HERE

:::::::::::::::LINCOLN PARK ZOO:::::::::::::::
credits HERE

:::::::::::::::WINGS:::::::::::::::
credits HERE

:::::::::::::::SWEET:::::::::::::::
credits HERE

:::::::::::::::KYLE AT WHITES:::::::::::::::
Shocking, I know - a layout that doesn't feature Liam. credits HERE

Yes, Virginia, nice & honest people DO exist!

Last week during our Thursday run, Pat and I came across a seemingly discarded baby carrier. It looked like it had been out all night - dirty, wet, and dejected :) OK, I know carriers don't have feelings, but this one was an Ergo...the same carrier that Liam and I favor now over our wraps. I decided if it was still there after our run, I would pick it up, wash it, and try to return it to its owner.

So I did....but I didn't get a chance to post a "found" ad on Craigslist or post flyers because we were in a scurry to get things set to go to Indiana this weekend. But luckily, a friend who I had mentioned the missing carrier to saw a flyer this weekend and called to leave the number. So I called the family and a very grateful mama and baby got their Ergo back this afternoon. Made me feel good and all warm and fuzzy inside! Hooray for doing the right thing, and for helping fellow humans :)

Orchards a go go

We're visiting Indiana this weekend hanging out with Shannon, Patricia and Michael whilst their parents are off in West Virginia white water rafting somewhere.....we spent last night keeping our Friday Game Night tradition alive with Clue, and we also taught the kids how to play Yahtzee. It was pretty fun!

Soooo......today we had the bright idea of going to an orchard / pumpkin patch because Pat and I really, really wanted some apple cinnamon donuts. On a Saturday. So we loaded up the car.....took the scenic route through Gary.....and 45 minutes later we ended up at a wonderful little orchard with a MILLION of our closest friends. Three giant parking lots. All full with cars from Wisonsin, Illinois and Indiana. Craziness I tell you. Craziness.

Shannon and I fought our way through the crowds to get some cider and donuts - and we didn't even bother to go to the kiddie farm or hay ride because everything cost a gazillion dollars. Liam was kind of sort of cranky because I think he's coming down with something....either another molar or a cold or something. Anywho - I'll be damned if I was going to drive all that way and not get a few photos.




It was a beautiful day, and the drive back was much quicker (we took a different way). There was also no major fights between kids. And, the donuts were pretty delicious - so all and all it was a good day :)

*sigh* Do I REALLY want to do this??

Just one question. How on earth am I ever going to be a *real* photographer if I can't even photograph my own child?

*sigh*

I purchased an umbrella and light stand to help my indoor light (or lack there of) plight. Helps tremendously, but the only way to really learn how to use it is to, well, use it. Pat refuses to be my subject. So my only other option is Liam. I guess I really underestimated how helpful it is to have another set of hands. (click for a larger image)

You get the picture. Right?

:::::::::::::::::::::: OTHER NEWS ::::::::::::::::::::::

Our dear neighbor Kelly is happily on her way to Denver (SOOO PROUD OF YOU KEL!). We're going to miss her somethin' fierce. Her tenants don't move in until the 26th, so until then I have a nice big empty space to use as a pseudo studio :)

:::::::::::::::::::::: OTHER SHOOTS ::::::::::::::::::::::

Baby shoot went well this morning.....I used my manual focus lens so I had a lot of shots that were blurry, but some that are pretty good I think. AND, the cute naked baby peed all over my blankets :) LOL - I'm sure it won't be the last time! Also took some photos of baby girl Serene today - got a few shots of her and Liam (he finally slowed down because he was kind of tired and ready for a nap). It will take me a bit to process them all....but I will share I promise!

:::::::::::::::::::::: MORE OTHER NEWS ::::::::::::::::::::::

And lastly, I am going to be trading my photography skills for a friend's graphic design skills. This is for my logo design / brand. We've got an initial meeting on Friday....once again, the Momfia saves the day. Amazing women in that group, I tell ya!! Camri - I can't WAIT to work with you!!!

K. That is all. I'm officially sick of being on the computer, so I'm signing off for a while. Ciao.

Playgroup super stars

OK, there are no super stars of our playgroup....but since I didn't bust out the ol' camera until everyone was on their way out, I only caught a couple few cherubic faces.

Sleeping Josie. Or is it Nico? Crap. I can't tell.

Sweet O.

Pretty Mya!

Super smiley Maddy

Ellie-Roo. Her molars kind of hurt right now.
And the real Super Star...Lil' Man Liam :)

Momfia Playgroup

If I'm not making much sense while writing this, its because I'm half watching the mentalist and half paying attention to this.....

I hosted our weekly playgroup today, and I must say it went well!! I had the same anxiety feeling that I had before I hosted the recipe exchange......but I took about an hour long shower and I felt much better :) We stayed inside even though it was a nice day because our neighbor was moving out. I figured it would be better to forgo the fresh air to keep our babies from getting squished :)

I made yummy yummy peanut butter-oatmeal-chocolate cookies, had a little fruit and veggie tray and we were good to go. I have some photos to share, but will upload them a little later.

On the business front, things are up and running so to speak. I'm in the process of logo and website design, hoping to get those done in the next we or so. I've got four shoots lined up in the next two weeks.....hope to get some good shots :)

World's BEST pumpkin joke!

I'm pretty sure I've posted this before, but it never fails to make me laugh :) LOL even!!

Q: What do you get when you divide the diameter of a jack-o-lantern by it's circumference?

A: Pumpkin "Pi"

Young @ Heart

Going to the movies is expensive. $15 a ticket, plus at least $20 for refreshments....tack on another $40 for a babysitter...that's approaching $90 for a movie that isn't guaranteed to be good. Quite a gamble, I'd say. For that reason, we've stopped going to the theatre and signed up for Netflix quite a while ago.

A great decision....except we see just as many bad movies as we do good, really. Semi-Pro anyone?? Recently though, as a result of Pat's The Ultimate Trailer Show obsession, I heard about a particularly interesting movie.

Young @ Heart

You've probably seen a promo for this movie, too, I would bet. well, it is "Indie" and a documentary, so maybe you haven't. Regardless if you have or have not.....go out and rent it. NOW. But, I warn you, do not drink 1/2 bottle of red wine before / or during viewing. Cranks up the cry factor 10 fold I think. It is everything the critics acclaimed and more. Beautiful story. Beautiful people. LOVED it.

So now I'm in a very contemplative state though - especially regarding my grandparents. I was very fortunate to know all of my grandparents, 3 out of 4 into adulthood (my grandma Mayer passed away in....'86 I think?). Now, only Grandma Medel is still alive and kickin' - and living with my parents. And she's beautiful. And fiesty. Here she is trying to wrangle a 9 month old Liam back in July.....I think Grandma Dora only has about 20 inches on him :)



So what is my point here. Well, there isn't one really. Except I love my Grandma :) And I totally think old people are adorable. They have this wisdom which comes with their incredible life experience.....and I think that rocks. If you are lucky enough, sit down and talk to them. About anything really. I was lucky enough to get my grandpa Mayer on video talking about his experience as an Army Medic in WWII....although my ex-husband still has the tape somewhere (grrr....). And Grandma Medel talking about her father and run ins with Banditos in Mexico. They all have a story to tell, as long as you'll listen.

Oh, and they are also wrinkly and have big ears, which is also cute. Have you hugged an octogenarian today?

Are the Germies gone yet??

The O'Brien household isn't quite germ free yet, but at least we're not getting any worse. Seriously, I feel like we should put yellow caution tape over our door so no one comes in and gets infected. I've been cleaning everything like mad with disinfecting wipes, sucking down a lot of tea and vitamin C, and sucking Liam's nose out on the hour practically. (Which, by the way, he HATES! Not that I blame him....last time someone sucked crap out of my nose I damn near passed out.) He's eating and playing more normally though, which is good.

Yesterday was a pretty fun day - I spent the afternoon with Adrian and Serene checking out houses in North Mayfair. Liam was supposed to come with, but he was CRANKY x 10 from being sick, so I left him home with Daddy. We saw six houses - one that was awesome and I wanted to buy RIGHT NOW, one that was pretty good, two that were OK but needed lots of work and two that were one step away from being haunted crack houses. It really was great to see the neighborhood and reassuring that *when* (see, I'm bringing good karma too me...its *when* and not *if*) our condo sells we'll be able to buy a real live house.

The other great thing that happened yesterday is that I finished my business plan!! I still have a few details to tighten up (i.e. numbers that aren't necessarily real but that I pulled out of my ass) but the tough part is DONE!!! WHOOO HOOO!!! After its officially all cleaned up, then I can get started on the fun stuff (i.e. website development, business cards and advertising!). I'm on a roll, so I'll polish it up today :) HOORAY!

Thank goodnes....

Still feeling a bit under the weather. Liam is feeling well though.....but now Pat is sick, which is sometimes more difficult to deal with than a one year old.

But, in the darkness - a ray of light - a beacon of sunshine

Adrian :)

She came over today and brought a big vat of soup. Wonderful, delicious, real chicken soup. It was AMAZING and sure beat the pants off the crap in a can that I was going to eat. She said I had to load up on limes for the vitamin C - which I did - a trick picked up in Mexico....all consomme must be garnished with fresh squeezed lime. AND jalapeno to knock that cold / flu out. Well....I did put the slices in. And I did eat one slice. Well, OK, 1/2 slice. Alright alright a teeny tiny piece of slice...and it did clear me up. But I'm way too wussified to eat a lot of that stuff. I also threw in fresh crisped tortilla strips and cilantro to boot.

Seriously made my night. More people need to do more nice things in the world like this....then we would have Whirld Peas. Karma will get you back girl...hopefully with thousands and thousands of dollars :) Until then, just accept my eternal gratitude and love :)

Playgroup-O-Rama

Today we had a lovely playgroup at Kate, Josie & Nico's home in Wicker Park. Good times - good peeps - and wonderful chocolate chip cookies. It would have been perfect, had it not been for Liam's SUPREMO whiney-ness. Seriously - it was annoying. He is totally a mamma's boy, that I will not dispute. And honestly, most times its kind of cute. I definitely don't mind being the center of his world. But today he could not be more than one foot away from me without crying / whining / whimpering. If I did sneak away for a second while he was distracted by a toy, he would turn, look for me and start CRY-ING. My playgroup mamas know by now to just pick him up and to go look for me, because there is nothing else he wants. I mean, come ON - am I not allowed to go away for two seconds to get a cup of coffee?? ReallY??? It is EXHAUSTING dealing with that sometimes.

Especially since the playgroup is supposed to be a time for him to interact and be social, not to mention a time for me to hang out with super cool chicks. But noisy situations, lots of people, just isn't his gig. He didn't want to share his goldfish, didn't want to be touched by any of the other kids, didn't want to share any toys....NOTHING. He was fine if I took him away from the group to play quietly.......Maybe he's just anti-social??? Any ideas??? HELP!!!

what's good for the goose

Soooo - whatever nastiness Liam had for his stomach virus / diarrhea-ness apparently was lovingly transported to me. Last night, I had some serious, uh, bathroom issues - complete with waking up a couple times during the night and having chills and such. I didn't feel much better this morning, but managed to shower and go to church without yakking all over the place. Actually, there hasn't been much barfage at all despite the consistent urge to do so. I finally ate some chicken noodle soup at about 4:00pm, the first meal of the day for me. I feel slightly more human....only slightly.

:::::::::::: HOME SELLING ISSUES :::::::::::

I know its a shitty market - I think we all know that. But still, it doesn't make it hurt any less that no one wants to buy our home! I love my home.....so it seems like someone else should love it too. And since they don't, by association they don't like me either. I know its a far stretch to make that association (nor should it really matter) - but that's how I feel sometimes. We've been on the market now for about 90 days-ish (not absurd at all in the molasses market). On the bright side, our realtor, the Great Adrian, is doing a bang up job getting us out there, and we've had quite a bit of traffic with people coming to look through. If only the right people out there would find us - the world would be right.

Adrian and I are going to start looking at properties to help narrow down our future home search. In addition to bringing house selling karma, I would like to have a better idea how far our money will go and where the best neighborhoods to search are. I held off doing it because I didn't know when / if our place would sell. But now, I'm certain our home WILL sell, so to maintain that positive vibe we're going to move forward. Make sense? If not - its not all that surprising since I haven't eaten much today.

:::::::::::: MOMENT OF ZEN :::::::::::

My son is cute. That is all.

FINALLY wired back up

After about a billion hours....our wireless internet is finally back up. THank the SWEET lord! I was about to go bonkers.

And, just as I was looking forward to spending a nice evening out with my mom-friends.....Liam started yakking and ralphing all over God's Green earth. *sigh* poor little man! We had to stop and buy a $25 T shirt for him (and Pat too, after Liam puked all over him) because I didn't have a spare outfit in the diaper bag. I *literally* just took it out of the bag this morning....and got distracted so I never replaced it. Isn't that always the case??

Well, for now, Liam has stopped erupting, so hopefully he'll make it through the night. Keep your fingers crossed!

Happy Birthday Liam!!!

HOOORAY! Liam is ONE!

Instead of making a loving, memorable post about the antics of his first year on earth....I am being angry and upset at our internet provider. Who fixed our internet connection but now our wireless is all f'd in the a. UGH. I WISH I COULD JUST FIX IT!!!!!!!!!!!

Maybe I'll be less angry later.....we'll have to wait and see.

Its late....

My back hurts. My feet hurt. and I'm tired. Alas, here I am, wide awake, trying to finish the last minute details for Liam's party. I would have been running around about 100 times less had I just decided to buy a birthday cake instead of make one myself. But nooooOOoooOOooo....Kim just had to make delicious carrot cake for our recipe exchange that I just HAD to have again....so that's what I spent the majority of my time doing today. It is delicious though, even if the decorating job does look a bit ghetto. Whatev, it still beats the Great Birthday Disaster of 2007.

Now, I'm working on the picture / video Montage. I wasn't even going to do one (I mean, I wanted to, but then talked myself out of it), but then after visiting a friend and watching her wedding montage thingy, I got all emotional and figured it would probably be a good idea to do something of the sort. so I am. And its taking F-O-R-E-V-E-R!!! It better turn out bad ass or I'm going to be PISSED!

Regardless - it looks like it will be a beautiful day tomorrow, so it should be a good time :) Can't wait for Liam to open some presents!!!

One of my playgroup chickies, Ireen, dropped off a much awaited birthday outfit today (its made by her, and another awesome mama, Kate). I SOOOooOOOooo totally appreciated her coming over - of course, it was nice to see her, but man, it just stinks big stinky butt not having a car somethings. Anywho, the outfit is for Liam to wear at the par-tay tomorrow. I can't tell you what it is, you'll have to wait and see the photos. But, I can tell you - it is AWESOME and SOOO adorable, you might just explode from the cuteness. I also gave her the wedding album I've been working on for a good chunk of my time the past few weeks. My very first piece of commissioned work! It came out so lovely...I was proud of myself! I learned quite a bit, and can't wait to work on more. AND - I earned 1/2 of the money I need to go toward an external flash for my camera!!! ooHHhOOohHHH - Investment money :)

*side note* The video is still compiling. WOW - Liam has grown so much this year!! Sniff sniff...I'm getting so nostalgic!! *end side note*

That's about it for now....I'm sure I'll have oodles of photos to post after tomorrow evening :)

VIVA Mexico!!

Today is the 16th of September, Mexico's Independence Day! To all my Mexican friends and family, I say

VIVA MEXICO!

It was not just two years ago when I was drunk in Metepec's Zocalo, ending the night in a multicultural celebration at an Englishwoman's home. I was crying and bawling by the end of that night wondering how on Earth Bush had turned the tables and made the world hate America (or rather, him). That's why you shouldn't drink and discuss world politics. Also, it was the very last time I had a cigarette and rode in an Old School VW bug. AND, the very last time I wore a giant sombrero. I lost it that night.... I purchased it in said Zocalo and left it at said Englishwoman's. It said "Viva Mexico Cabrones".

Now....I celebrate with my family...my sweet husband and darling son...quietly while drinking a glass of wine. There will be no offical Gritos here....but rest assured Mexico will always be in my heart :)

Liam and I are famous!

A while ago you may remember that Liam and I were models in a photo shoot in exchange for a beautiful Gypsy Mama wraps.....Loved it so much I bought another one :)

Well, they're in the process of renovating the site, and our model photos are up!!!

Come check us out!
Isjoha Baby Bali Stretch

Fortuna Baby Bali Stretch

It kind of makes me a bit reminiscent. He looks so itty bitty there! I think it was around March? So he was about 6 months old....we don't use our wraps too much anymore. I would always turn to them if I was going to be carrying him for a long period of time, which doesn't happen much these days since Liam is all crazy runnin' about! And man, is that kid HEAVY! He much prefers hanging out in the stroller, or I have an Ergo that I use for quick trips on and off the bus. I think the last time I wrapped was 4th of July weekend? We were on a boat, so a stroller just wasn't going to cut it.

Aaahhh, but the wraps....so beautiful and snuggly! I have the Fortuna (and a Bali Baby Breeze Lalita) and they are such nice wraps. I've used it for Serene (Adrians daughter) a couple of times recently and its so nice to have a warm baby strapped to your chest :)

Great Night, Good Day!

Last night, I got over my fear of hosting a party in our condo by having our Bi-monthly Momfia Mom's Night Out at our joint last night.....it went smashingly!!! I was so nervous throughout the day - I even gave myself a stomachache.....but geez, it was nothing to worry about. I think there is always some inherent fear for me - being accepted, being wanted, being "a cool kid", being good enough....sometimes I let that fear get the best of me, but alas, I did OK.


It was a recipe exchange, so everyone brought a dish, so we ate very, very well, and I only had to supply wine. I didn't even really mind that our place was so tiny. The 9 of us fit just well :) And, Pat and I will eat like kings for the next few days :)

I got to bed at around 1AM, but Liam slept in until 8AM this morning!!! Really, he was quite pleasant all stinkin' day! Not that he's not a happy baby normally......he is, but lately he's been kind of a pissant. I think he's getting his 1st molars in.....but I digress.

Today, he was just the happiest, sweetest, snuggliest kid :) Just made me happy to be his mama. Everything he did totally made me laugh....we played pat-a-cake, peek-a-boo, and I taught him how to bite a piece of an apple. He's not very good at biting pieces of food off yet. He pretty much shoves all his food in his mouth at once...chewing optional. This isn't a very good method of eating for a mother that has SEVERE choking paranoia. I realize he will get better at this skill eventually, but until then, I guess I'll be paranoid.

When I put him to bed this evening, he was all snuggly wuggly in my arms. We won't have very much time left bottle feeding. I think we're supposed to cut that out around one year. Truth be told I can't wait. I'm pretty sick of washing bottles and worrying about BPA.

I'm coming to grips with the fact that he'll be one. A friend said "Babies are a great way to start out as humans, but growing up is pretty cool too". I completely agree - every new skill Liam shows off makes me the proudest happiest mom in the world.....and I can't wait to see what he has in store for us next!

Liam Breakin' it Down

Liam really does crack me up! As much as I lament over him growing up and getting bigger, its soooo cool when he picks up a new skill! His latest and greatest.....dancing and clapping! He really only dances to Rock N Roll though - the other genres he could take or leave :) Ahhh, already showing his daddy's pickiness!

Haircuts and turning 1

Every day I look at little man Liam and just marvel at how much he's grown. He's not my baby anymore :( He's a big boy!!! He got a haircut today, and of course, I cut it too short so he looks even MORE grown up....I can't believe he's turning one in a couple short weeks!!!!

Here's the before shot from yesterday....check out his new kicks Daddy bought him on his way home from a business trip!!!:

"Awww mom - my hair is too long and scraggly. Daddy says I look like a hippie."


And the after shot this afternoon.....*sigh* so grown up - high and tight!!! Also, Liam has been doing this thing lately that is way too cute for his own good. He sticks his tongue out while he's concentrating on something.....the crazy thing is, Pat does it too! As does his brother and his kids. Crazy, eh?