Friday, March 3, 2017
Wallaces Newborn Family Photoshoot
I knew I wanted to do a family photoshoot with baby Wallace, and had hoped to do it within his first ten days of life to really capture him at his sleepiest. But then my eyes almost popped out of my skull while birthing said baby and I looked like a vampire for a solid three weeks, so we postponed it until I looked more human.
Katie Derus Photography is seriously the bomb. We have used Katie twice now and both times I have been super impressed with her skills dealing with our wild children and then the final product is excellent, too. Katie came to our house to capture some casual, family photos on 7.31.17 when Wallace was a day over three weeks old. My mom and Grandma were here so of course we had to grab a four generations shot to start the event!
And then we went right into the 'four kids' shot on the couch.
This is when Porter showed us that he is three and has his own ideas of what to do for a photoshoot. He was pretty naughty throughout but apparently Katie still managed to capture his smile...and I do love the 'real life' shots the best.
But Wallace woke up and stole the show anyway.
He does have two mommies, you know.
Family of six, holy moly!!
I sure do love these people of mine.
I did not have the time, energy, or focus to buy any new clothes for us for this shoot. So I picked the one dress that I feel sort of pretty in right now, then went with 'super bright' colors for everyone else. I love how colorful this shoot turned out to be!
I mean, seriously?? Sweet boy.
Truman, age seven, and the best big brother ever. Also: toothless and handsome.
The original two kids;)
Cecelia, five years old, and sure to hold her own with the three boys. Tough as nails, this one.
On our sidewalk, in front of the house: I really love these images.
Four kids! New challenge will always be to get them all smiling in a picture together. Seems like the ultimate mecca of all photos!
Then I wanted a shot of us from above, laying on each other, all squished together. These don't disappoint although I was sweating profusely here.
Truman looking at Wallace....seriously?! And Porter's (and Cecelia's!) eyes are breathtaking.
Woah, all of us looking happy! Party of six.
I like this one, too. These are near our backyard where the porta potty is sitting currently. Glad we did this shoot right before the big construction began!
My crew.
Nate and I with our fourth child. It strikes me to see this picture, compared to those images with 'just' Truman as a baby...everything and nothing has changed in seven years. Married for ten, together for FIFTEEN. And just look at that little caboose of a baby!
And this guy? He's shaping up to be a great big brother. Porter, age three, is the master of all potty talk and our class clown.
One more try for shots with the four kids....love this one a lot.
Gah, so sweet. Even if Truman is slightly freaking out holding Wallace without the Boppy or pillows.
This isn't even all of the images, but mostly my favorite ones. How will I choose which to make into prints for the house, and which to use for a birth announcement?? What a great problem to have.
Thursday, March 2, 2017
How to Choose a Counselor
Deciding it's time to speak with a professional counselor can be difficult. You've realized you need help, but who do you call? Do you talk to friends and family about a referral, or do you keep your therapy discreet? Do you simply pick a name out of the phone book? Or ask a religious leader for suggestions?
I like to remind people that they are able to choose their counselor, and a good fit is vital to successful therapy. Some research suggests that the fit between the counselor and the client is more important than the techniques of the counselor! When you start looking for a counselor, you'll want to find that good fit, and here are some tips to help.
1. Read about them. Most counselors have a website that explains their theoretical orientation and the psychological theories that guide their practice. Read their descriptions and see if you agree with them. One helpful website is http://therapists.psychologytoday.com/
2. Call them on the phone. Ask them if you can talk for a couple minutes to see if you are a good fit. Give them a brief description of the problem and ask them how they would help. Ask them how often they have worked with similar issues, and how long therapy would take.
3. Call a couple more counselors. Ask them the same questions. Tell yourself you are interviewing someone for the position of your counselor. Remember, you get to choose your counselor.
4. Choose your favorite. Think about all the conversations you had with different counselors. Who did you feel most comfortable with? Which one listened the best? Whose price and availability fit your lifestyle the best?
The relationship between counselor and client is special and unique. This is the person you will share your feelings with: your hopes, your fears, your worries, and your triumphs. A counselor will challenge you to reach your goals and help you avoid negative patterns of behavior. Find the counselor that you can open up to and that you can listen to.
After your first meeting with the counselor, ask yourself some more questions.
Did I feel safe? Did I feel judged or accepted? Did I feel listened to or hurried along? Do I feel like I can trust this person to guide me to my goals? If not, try a different counselor.
The relationship between counselor and client is special and unique. This is the person you will share your feelings with: your hopes, your fears, your worries, and your triumphs. A counselor will challenge you to reach your goals and help you avoid negative patterns of behavior. Find the counselor that you can open up to and that you can listen to.
After your first meeting with the counselor, ask yourself some more questions.
Did I feel safe? Did I feel judged or accepted? Did I feel listened to or hurried along? Do I feel like I can trust this person to guide me to my goals? If not, try a different counselor.
Seven
Seven years married to this man. Together for nearly twelve.
It's cliche to say, but I love him more today than I did when we were two clueless college kids. I remember the 'world stopping' feeling when I'd spot Nate across campus. I remember those butterflies that would rise up into my throat when he'd email/call/talk to me. He was something different, and I probably knew he was The One from early on. Oh, how I loved that college frat boy and he fell hard for this sorority girl, too.
If you would have told me back then that I'd marry Nate, move to Wisconsin with him, start this new life together, and that I'd have three of his children I don't think I would have been surprised. But there would have been no way for my 21 year old self to fully comprehend what this life with him would entail.
It's so much better than I could have predicted. It's harder, more challenging and more chaotic than I dreamed. But it's full of such joy, gratitude, and laughter---how can you possibly tell a 21 year old girl that it really does get better each year? How can you tell her that the dreamy frat boy turns out to be the most amazing man, husband, and father that she will know? That it will be quite the ride but worth every bump?
Our wedding day was hands-down one of the happiest of our lives. But it was only the beginning of our happiest days. There have been plenty of ugly moments thrown into the past seven years but today, on our anniversary, I can't stop smiling thinking about the good ones.
(our wedding invitation, framed and on my night stand)
To my husband, on our seventh anniversary: I love you. Thank you for balancing my crazy side and supporting my strengths. Thank you for making me a mother to these children that are our world. Someday we will have time for Julia and Nate again, without the demands of little kids on top of our marriage. But until then, just know that I can't imagine doing this with anyone else. We are quite the team. Here's to the next seven.
Wedding Day: 2007
First Anniversary: 2008 (San Diego trip)
Second Anniversary: 2009 (Chicago Trip)
Third Anniversary: 2010 (New baby! No trip!)
Fourth Anniversary: 2011 (Chicago Trip)
Fifth Anniversary: 2012 (Last day of being pregnant with Cecelia!, dinner and dessert...then labor)
Sixth Anniversary: 2013 (dinner and drinks, a family of four)
Seventh Anniversary: 2014 (place holder pictures until we can go out to dinner together later this week. Memorial Day Weekend fun at Lake Michigan (another post to come)!)
Super pregnant for two out of seven anniversaries--not too bad.
Picture by Truman, taken yesterday.
Happy Anniversary, Nate;) Lucky number seven, baby.
Wednesday, March 1, 2017
Week In Pictures
Recent happenings through the eyes of my phone camera.
Came to work on Monday and had MORE birthday surprises from another coworker!
Where Chim watches me cook dinner.
Was so excited about this fortune until I ripped it! Still counts, right?
Quality dinner last Sunday night - pizza and brownies. #wifeoftheyear
Never gets old - Sprinkles on her cupcake!
I've had enough of this APRIL weather!
Even with the weather, we drove to Chicago to meet nephew #2!
And of course on the way home I spilled all over myself.
Hope everyone had a great weekend!
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