This and That and Eggs!

So much has happened in the month of September that I feel like my head is swimming. September has been the busiest month yet for my photography business, which has been super fun. September has been the start of co op preschool for us which has been fun and busy. September has been a hard month emotionally because my dad had heart surgery. And... September has been the month that Road Street started laying eggs! We have had one a day for the past 9 days! So cool. We are just waiting for the other two chickens to catch up!
Since my dad was in the hospital I have really been thinking about my role as a nurse. Here is where I toot my own horn, toot toot!! Seriously, though. My dad had two nurses that we absolutely amazing! Nurses make all the difference when it comes to your hospital stay. You see the Doc for about 15 minutes during the whole day but you are with your nurse all day. It was my first time being on the other side of medical care and it was quite humbling. His nurses made him feel safe and well cared for and gave us a sense of comfort knowing that we were leaving him in good hands. This past weekend at my nursing job, I took extra care with my patients and their families knowing that they are probably going to remember how I cared for them during such a special and challenging time in their lives. I think that I am a good nurse but after being on the other side I want to be a better one.
Any who.... lots of photos to share soon. Have a great week!

First Day of Preschool For Cooper

This is our third year doing co op preschool. I just realized that in all that time I don't think I have shared anything about it on the blog, which is a shocker because I am a wordy gal. We love co op. It creates such a rich environment for the children and such a great sense of community. We are in the co op preschool system that provided by North Seattle Community College. I would recommend it to anyone who has the time as it does take a bit of commitment from the parents. That commitment is what makes is so great. It doesn't hurt that we have an awesome teacher!
We are looking forward to a great year!

Dad

Today as I write this post I have knots in my stomach. Right now, my mom and my siblings are kissing my dad goodbye as they wheel him into the OR. I opted to stay home with my sleeping babies. My dear friend is coming over soon so that I can join them. Today dad is having open heart surgery. In my heart of hearts, I know he will be fine and be better when it is all said and done. He knew, he knew something just wasn't right, and being a man to follow his gut, he persisted. The doc obliged and he was right. He needed surgery. Dad is a rock, Dad is strong, Dad has a heart of gold. To see him looking small and vulnerable in his hospital bed is tough. It will be a long recovery and it is in times like these that I am so thankful for my huge family and for my dear friends. As I booked my flight (on my way to the airport, a first for me) I texted my friend who lives here in Abq and I said, "dad needs surgery, can you help with the kids". In a second she texted back and said "absolutely". She has taken the day off work. That's friendship. So many other friends have offered their support. And family, well, how could we survive without them. They are here to keep me grounded. We support each others need to cry, whine, and laugh in a time like this. We can lean on them physically and emotionally. I am so thankful right now. Thankful for family, thankful for modern medicine that will save my dad, thankful for this space to get it all off my chest, thankful for health, and thankful for all of you who have been praying and sending us your positive thoughts.
Keep Dad in your prayers. We love you Dad!

A Little Bit On a Big Girl

Fina is fast turning into a toddler. She was good to me, she stayed a baby a very long time. But now, she is crawling with the best of them, cruising along anything she can, and climbing. She has started to talk. My heart melted when she said Cooper for the first time. No, it is not clear as day but it is her way of saying Cooper. She says Dada, and mommoms. Mommoms is what she says when she wants to nurse. I don't know how it is possible, but she gets cuter every second. Sometimes I look at her and I think I might break down into tears because she is so adorable and I love her so much. She is always in a good mood and brings us so much joy.
I seriously could have posted every photo I took of her during this little "session" but I scaled down a bit.
Love. That is what I feel for her, complete and total love.

Labor Day

We spent the better part of this past weekend with my sisters and their families. Seriously, how lucky are we to be living in the same state? We still have sibs in LA and Abq, but now Seattle is where most of us are! Our kids are growing up together and that is priceless.
We spent Labor Day in Ann's yard while the kids played in the baby pool then we headed over to Elisa's for a yummy dinner. Fina sported her first bikini and man was she cute. This is the only time in your life where a little belly looks perfect in a bikini. Cooper was busy "sinking boats" in the pool and was not available to be photographed. I think having a photographer mama is weighing on him. He is currently obsessed with all things Titanic and sinking anything he can get his hot little hands on. He insists that I read him the Titanic book we have every night, which is a small chapter book and takes me nearly half an hour to read. I love watching him learn! Livia is always a bit shy when we first arrive and prefers to take comfort in her mama's lap but once she gets going, she keeps up with Coop. I love the sweet photos of her being her sweet self!
It was a nice weekend filled with food, drink, and relaxation.

Bath In The Sink

Why is it that babies are so darn cute when bathed in the sink? I still remember bathing Cooper in the sink and have photos where he and Fina could be the same baby. Now that she is into things, she needs a bath much more often. Too cute!

Coop

This guy. He has been very cute lately. We are having so much fun with him right no. He talks your ear off and has many questions. School is starting up for him in a few weeks and this year he goes 4 days for 3 hours at a time. I go with him one of the days because it is a co op. I must say, I will miss him at home and I know his sister will too. So far, 4 is a really good age.
I have been very busy with my photography and with Coopers school. I will be blogging my latest photo shoots very soon.
I hope you all had a great 3 day weekend!

{This Moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.