ps....

two posts in one night - my, my!

Since I have been so down and dreary lately...I figured I need to talk about a few things that I am excited about!

1.  its superbowl week! I heart football - and since my man Manning isn't in the game this year - I have to pull for Eli.  GO GIANTS!!
2.  Miss Hannah is coming over for her newborn pictures on Sunday and I cannot wait to snuggle with her.  I love newborn sessions!
3. Avery's appointment is in 3 weeks - and although I am seriously nervous - that means a whole day with just me, Craig, and Avery which doesn't happen.  Ever.  I am soo excited to spend the whole day with my crazy middle child.  She is seriously nuts and makes me laugh 24/7
4.  Houston trip = shopping for new props!
5. Also in 3 weeks I have another mini vacation and we are going to start on the new studio! 1st step - painting, which I love.
6. Income tax time is almost here and I get to order my new photo baby and pay off the last credit card.  The Trahan Family will officially have no debt for the first time in our married life. WHAT!
7. I weighed this morning and I only have 8 more pounds to loose for my goal.  WOHOO
8.  my mortgage went down almost $100.  Can we save savings?? Trahan Family is on a roll...no debt and savings. WHAT!
9.  my husband is awesome.  true story.
10. we are nearing Ella's favorite 3 weeks in the year....Valentines Day (I have no idea why, but she loves the idea of pink hearts everywhere!), my birthday and her birthday.  She is counting down and soo sweet and excited.  Her 5th birthday both terrifies and excites me!  She is becoming a little lady  :)

January 27th

This week I feel drained.  Half the week I was still on vaca but the other half took me down.  I had my hopes on things changing for my family and it didn't happen.  I'm pretty sure that is all it took to drain me.  I walked around work all Wednesday trying not to cry my eyes out. When the kids see me put on my khakis they start to cry.  Avery tried to block the door.  How I leave every morning without mascara running down my cheek I have no idea. Will my life ever be different?

Avery has her TC appointment in less than a month and I am really starting to feel it.  I have no nails left from the anxiety.  I think I am so nervous because I don't know what to expect.  When talking the the operator on the phone she asked what was going to take place at this appointment.  I have no idea.  I feel so out of the loop.  When we thought her sickness was due to absorption problems I knew my stuff.  I could tell you all about iron, absorption, blood deficiencies....but now I am lost.  I could google - but then I would just freak myself out.  We won't know anything until after this appointment which is to find out why.  Why does she loose so much blood and blood cells?  She has been pale lately and lots of nastiness....which normally means her levels are low.  I think a call to the doctor is coming this week. 

 .............................................................................................

I do have a few things to look forward to.  Sessions have been booking like crazy - which keeps me busy but is awesome.  I was worried this year was going to be like last and I would die from January - May.  As of right now, I have 1 spot open for February and 2 for March.  Such a blessing! I look forward to the day when this is my only job and I can confidently call myself a full time photographer.  

The kids are well and happy.  Owen turned 6 months old two days ago and he still lights up my day.  When I come home from work he smiles so big I feel like I could die from his cuteness.  He is starting to talk and it is soo adorable.  He learned a new trick - talking while he is eating so food goes up his nose.  The girls are their normal self.  Ella is really enjoying taking her pictures every week and I think I have a future assistant.  Avery has become a little talker! She and I went to the store alone the other day and talked the whole time.  She is nuts! 

Sickness and Happy Momma Moments

My house is stinky with sickness...no really, it stinks. Everyone has been sick except for Craig.  Ella - fever.  Owen - fever.  Avery - EVERYTHING.  Let's just say we have been through an entire pack of pull-ups in 3 days and she is breaking my heart every night by waking me up crying, "my booty is bleeding" (its not - but to her I guess it is).  We can't be too careful with Avery - since she has a history of blood and immune deficiencies - when she gets sick and it doesn't run its course normally then we start to question whether or not her blood levels are normal.  Fun stuff, eh?  Took her to the doctor today - blood levels good - and she has a bacterial infection.  We knew it was only a matter of time before she got sick this fall.....

Last night, and remember I am sick too....she wakes me up at 2:00, 2:20, 2:45, and finally at 3:17 when I cannot listen to her cries anymore from "her booty bleeding" I let her sleep with us.  Not the best idea, since I had no idea what she had and my throat is so swollen I can't speak, but how long can you listen to your little one say, "momma I want to hold you" while crying her eyes out before you just let her snuggle with you??

Right before we fell asleep, I am brushing her hair off her face while she finally starts to relax.  I whisper, "I love you"....she whispers, "I love you more" (PS - first time she has ever said that..not love you, but the more!).  My heart melts.  We fall asleep with her in my arms.

Avery and I - August 2010, 14 months

Fall Picture Time

Today we did the kids fall pictures (as you can see I didn't wait too long to edit!)  As many of you know - I despise taking my own kids pictures.  You know how your kids act better for someone else than you?  Same thing goes for a photographers kids.  But - I do see light at the end of the tunnel - Ella has improved greatly which means, hopefully, that Avery will too in time.  Nevertheless - I love them! :)

this is typical Avery - and the one most likely of the two to go on the wall  :) 

love. 

my little man. 

this is how she spent most of the session....

Big Sister talks.

Recent conversation overheard from the office....

Ella:  Now Avery, we are going to watch Elf.  BUT - Elf is not real. Santa is not real, but Elf is funny.  We like to watch it.  It's called entertainment.
Avery:  Uhhh...okay.