Emma's Photo Shoot

This afternoon, Emma and I ventured out into the backyard to take her belated-birthday photos.  By "backyard", I mean our 1-acre of dirt.  The dirt has actually grown on me a little; plus I love the fact that on the other side of our fence there are horses (and a pony, and a donkey!).

When the horses saw us, they started heading in our direction.

Pretty soon they decided to greet us.  "Welcome to the neighborhood", I'm pretty sure they were saying.

Faces of Braxton

Last night I was tucking Emma in to bed when Brian screamed, "Shana, come quick!".  There was an urgency in his voice, and I knew he was with Braxton, so I quickly ditched Emma and ran downstairs to see what the emergency was.

"Get your camera."

After my heart caught back up to me I realized that Braxton was (temporarily) tubeless.  Brian was changing out his feeding tube and nasal cannula, so for a brief moment we had our baby completely unadorned. 

It was crazy to me how different Braxton looked.  I guess I didn't realize how used to seeing all those tubes I was.  It makes sense though, considering he's had them since he was two days old.  I don't even really notice the tubes when I look at Braxton - I know they're there, but I guess it's kind of like a beauty mark that I just don't pay any attention to. 

My friend was recently talking about how when her firstborn was a tiny baby she would take pictures upon pictures of his every expression.  Then, years later when she looks back at the pictures, she realizes that she has fifty shots of the same pose.  But to her, at the time, the slightest expression was worth documenting.

Well, now it's my turn.  Prepare yourself for a series of very different looking photos...

For the record, I don't believe this is a "real" smile.  I just happened to capture his expression at the right time. 

I am one proud Mama.  And I just think this baby is the cutest ever.

Outtakes

Here are outtakes from our attempt at a family picture on Christmas Eve night.

Because I love you.  And I have no shame.

Enjoy.

Test shot while I adjust the lighting.

Another test shot.  Thanks for smiling, Isaiah!

Yet another test shot.  Biniam takes this opportunity to attempt tying his tie.

First timer-shot.  I couldn't figure out how to get my camera on the 10-second setting.  So I had TWO seconds to push the shutter button and make it into the shot.  Ever seen a pregnant woman JUMP into a photo?  

This ones a little better.  Except I don't like how I'm so far in front.  Plus why does Brian's front look so, lumpy?

I attempted to lean further back on this one, but my feet are still in the same place.  So now it's just Pregnant Woman Falling Over.  Noah seems less than thrilled.

Finally!  Who cares what everyone's faces look like.  I made it to the back of the photo, and we figured out if Brian put his arm down the "lumps" on his front went away.  Victory!

Easter Darlings

After we returned to our townhouse from church Easter morning, I set out to capture a decent picture of all four kids in their Easter outfits.  We had so much fun taking the pictures that I just kept clicking away and the kids kept giving me good material.

I apologize in advance for this barrage of photos.  I just can't help myself.

Gettin' set up.

Trying to convince Noah to stand still and keep his jacket on. 

I think Isaiah's pretty convincing!

Not too bad, though Noah's not quite sure.

Me: "Brian, do something funny!"

Dad's almost funny.

There we go.

The laughs just keep coming!

We can't get them to stop!

Now Noah can't get enough of everyone.

And they're starting to relax.

And workin' it for the camera.

"Come on, let's show how much we love each other."

"All together now."

"Noah?"

"Noah......."

That's better.

Such sibling love.

Uh-oh, Noah's breaking away from the pack again.

I see it on his face.  He's up to something.

Don't do it, Noah.

Oh good, he's back.

But something must have happened while he was away. 

Something's just not quite right.

I knew it.....it's the wind-up.

And the Lion in him has taken over.  "Roar!"

"You like that, guys?"

"How about this?"

"RAAAAWR!!"

Phew. The end. I'm sorry.  I'll seek help immediately.