my baby's not such a baby

Look at sweet baby I! Isn't she so precious. She was a jem to photograph... slept the beginning half and then we got some awake photos. When I look at these, I'm reminded that Eli is not such a baby. Well, he'll always be my "baby" but the newborn babiness is gone. I will forever remember and treasure those times with each of my kids. I am starting the weaning process. My body just can't keep up with the demands of this growing boy. We'll take it slow, for both of our sakes! It's a bittersweet moment. Yet, how exciting is it to have an almost 1 year old toddling all over the house. I remember a year ago. Tired all the time, very uncomfortable and found it hard to wrap xmas gift, anxious to meet the little being growing in me. Some things you will always remember = )

As for other things, the girls had their xmas program this weekend at church. What a hoot! Mackie stood up there proudly with her chest out. Schuyler stood next to one of her good buds with a big grin across her face. We only took the video (no camera - too much to juggle). I can't wait to watch it again and, in the future some day it till give us a good laugh. Gma Riese - if you're reading, remind me to get this out when we see you at xmas time = )

We are going to visit Santa tomorrow. Can't wait to see what Eli will think!

I will blog!

The frenzy of the season has caught me off guard but I will not let it over come me - HA! Yesterday I enjoyed a snow day with the kids as LPS was closed and therefore the Montessori was closed. Do you know how long it takes to get 3 kids and 1 adult ready to go outside sledding. By my count it is somewhere around 20 minutes from start to finish! The downhill walk path next to our house was a sheet of ice and made for some great sledding. Eli even enjoyed it as one of his older sister's would hold onto him. We also got one round of Christmas cookies baked. I'm afraid they are going to be gone before we get more done!

I'm WAY behind on Christmas this year. I really have no clue what to get for Schuyler. It's usually McKenzie who I struggle with. All the ideas I have would be more suitable for her bday in April. I don't really even have any ideas for myself! I think the fact we have no presents under the tree is bothering Schuyler b/c she made "pretend" presents yesterday and put them under the tree. After dinner we had to open them all. Really quite clever. Mark got Husker hats, I got a bracelet and socks, Mack got a Barbie and Eli got a ball. You can tell she actually put thought into her pretend gifts = )

I'm also behind on pic posts as well. Anyhow, here is a little guy I did in April. Look how he's grown. He's graduated from Linda's (where Eli goes) and is now 18-19 months! Such a handsome little dude!

I'm a big boy now!

Wow! My poor neglected blog. We have been plaqued by colds and sickness, as I'm sure many of you have as well. Eli ran a fever last week from Monday night until Thursday night and then got a rash afterwords. Mark got a case of the stomach flu. Schuyler had what we thought was a UTI but luckily it turned out negative. (I did get the pleasure of sitting with her and Mack for 45 minutes in the bathroom at the Dr.'s office until Schuyler was able to pee in the cup!) My rash/hives that I have had for over a month can now be attributed to something. After an appointment with the allergist yesterday, we have found I'm allergic to mold and dust mite. At this time, I will continue my normal diet and there are no significant changes other than a double dose of Allegra for a weeks time. I'm thankful it's not other food allergens or our dog!!

Ready for some big news, well at least for me. This is my last week of being a full-time employee. I have been given approval to go part-time, for now, at least 36 hours per week! Yeah!

The Christmas spirit is really hitting me. The tree is up, but no lights or decorations yet. I have a girl's xmas party this weekend and a couples one next week. I have only 1 present purchased so I need to get going!!

Here's our little climber in action...

There's a walker in the house...

Well, last Monday it became official, Eli is up and walking. Sometimes he is a bit of a drunken sailor but walking no less. It can be 4-5 steps or 10-12. This little man is obsessed with all balls... golf balls, soccer balls, footballs, squishy balls, etc... It was his first word, clear as day "ball"? He's got dada down but still waiting for mama.

The girls had dentist appts last week. It was Mackie's first. She may have some crowding on her upper teeth that may eventually require ortho work but we'll see how her mouth continues to grow and address that when she's older. Mackie is also a teeth grinder and if you ever sleep next to her it may drive you insane - it does Mark. This is really common for children her age and they can grind very aggressively and still not damage there teeth. So, ear plugs for anyone sleeping next to her = ) Otherwise, healthy teeth and no cavaties for either!

I'm slowly wrapping up photography for the season (with the exception of 2 potential newborns). Still have a lot of proofing to do though!!

Here is my beautiful God child and her twin brother who turned 1 in October...

Doctors, Dentist, Conferences and Halloween

Whew! I have a lot of updating. Where to start.

Last Thursday was Schuyler's hearing recheck. Thankfully, she can hear just fine. However, the Dr. did remove a yucky, black, waxy thing from her ear. Could be from the time her friend from school dumped dirt in them when they were playing Dr. Yes, we had a little chat about that! All kids received flu shots. Mackie was the only one with issues. I'm afraid she takes after her mother in this area. Just as the shot was going in, she looked over and instantly freaked out. She moved and I was unable to hold her and the needle got stuck and some of the vacine shot out. Luckily, we got enough in her we didn't have to repeat the process. This is good sense there would have been no hope at least that day.

Monday, I got my flu shot. Why is it the day I get it I always feel yucky. I had to go to bed early. Mackie had her first *injury* at gymnastics. She jammed her fingers and we decided not to finish the class, just as a precaution. She is fine. Then, it was off to conferences. Both girls are doing well. I have mentioned that Schuyler is very into reading. She is also learning about animal classifications. Mackie is creating her sound book.

Tuesday, I had 4 fillings. Yuck! My mouth was numb until about 10:00 at night. Nitrice is such a wonderful thing. I have no doubt that with out it, I would have fainted, maybe even multiple times!

Halloween was great. We had 2 beautiful princesses and one tiger. Mr. Tiger was VERY tired. He made it through the block but fell asleep in route to see relatives.

Thursday was another visit to the Dr. - this time for me. Saturday was the start of an itchy rash. Originally, I thought it would go away. Then, I though possilbe poison oak or poison ivy. But my rash didn't fit the qualifications. So, off to the Dr. I am having an allergic reaction to something I ate or inhaled. Nothing to worry about at this time unless it repeats. I was on an antihistamine but am now on a low dose steroid to kick it in the butt!!

Here are the halloweeners and one of our kindergarten student. One last thing, I got a new wireless mouse and I LOVE it.

right brain or left brain?

In my blogging travels, I came across this site.

Which way is this dancer spinning: Clockwise or Counter Clockwise?If clockwise, then you use more of the right side of the brain and vice versa.

Most of us would see the dancer turning anti-clockwise though you can try to focus and change the direction; see if you can do it.

(I wish I could get these to display side-by-side by I can't).

LEFT BRAIN FUNCTIONS
uses logic
detail oriented
facts rule
words and language
present and past
math and science
can comprehend
knowing
acknowledges
order/pattern perception
knows object name
reality based
forms strategies
practical
safe

RIGHT BRAIN FUNCTIONS
uses feeling
"big picture" oriented
imagination rules
symbols and images
present and future
philosophy & religion
can "get it" (i.e. meaning)
believes
appreciates
spatial perception
knows object function
fantasy based
presents possibilities
impetuous
risk taking

I see her going clockwise!! I have stared (too long) to get her to go the other way. Finally, after concentrating one her feet long enough, I got her going the other way. But the minute I look away, she's back to clockwise. Very interesting, I see me being a blend of both brains. Isn't it funny how my day job is so left brain and photography is so right brain!

Which way do you see her spinning? Were you able to make her change directions?

As for family happenings, Schuyler is continuing to blossom educationally. She can count by 10's, 100's and 1,000's. She is astounding us in her reading ability. She has been wanting to write sentences and make "books". So, I wrote out several sentences the other night and she read them and copied them to her own piece of paper.

The school had parent observation this past week, which is always great from a parent stand point to watch your child in the classroom setting without he/she knowing. McKenzie is a "fast and furious" worker. When I began, she was eating snack, them she went to pumpkin scrubbing. I'm surprised the pumpkin had any skin on it after she was done she was scrubbing so hard and fast. Then she mopped some of her mess although I'm not sure how much she got mopped up for as fast as she was going. Next, off to painting. It's amazing she can paint with out looking as she socializes with her friends!!! Meanwhile, Schuyler was enjoying some geometric/matching work (not easy for me to explain), then some reading with Mr. Time (imagine that), and then reading with a friend.

Disclaimer: The above is not intended to be bragging rights but merely to inform everybody what the kids are up to. I have no idea if where they are is considered average, above average, or below average. I am simply a proud mom amazed at the ability of children to learn new concepts. (Maybe a bit envious it comes so easy to them=) Anyhow, I apologize if it comes off any other way then intended.

And, what is a post with out pictures. Remember how I had strep a couple weeks ago? Prior to me knowing it was strep I took pictures at the Montessori. I was able to get one of the girls - without having to wipe their mouths, debugger the noses or comb the hair. The Director was a wonderful assistant for me!

Just 2 more adorable classmates...

sneak peak for my aunt!

After the Huskers had a very depressing loss on Saturday, I was able to lift my mood some by shooting my cousin's senior picture. It was very dreary and in fact misting so I was somewhat concerned how they would turn out. Here is just a quick peak of Justin. (I just picked 2 to show for no particular reason).

JR - I had so much fun! Thanks for letting me be creative and try some fun things. I hope you like the end result! Our kids LOVE you too - silly cousin Justin! And, during wardrobe change, I was able to snap a few of the kiddos.

I went to the dentist on Monday. Add yet another cavity to my existing 3! Ughhh! This is what kids will do to you (among other things)!

Mackie had a little incident last night. She was running up the stairs and tripped and got her lip. It sure bled A LOT. Somehow she got it in her hair, on my shirt, and her shirt. Of course it happens at the most inconvenient time as Mark is getting groceries and Eli has woke up and is SCREAMING. All is better this a.m.!

Photographers busy time

It is the official busy time for all photographers. People love the fall time and no doubt are starting to think about Christmas, both presents and cards. I have been extremely busy! However, I have been forced to slow down with a serious case of strep throat. I am resting (something which can be hard for me) and am starting to feel better.

Monday was supposed to be a fun day for Eli and I but I had to call Mark home b/c I felt so bad. I didn't even make it to Eli's 9 month appt. (Note: I have NEVER missed a well child visit for any of my kids). My father stepped in to help and took Mack to gymnastics. Tuesday my hubby forced me to go to the Dr. I have not seen a regular Dr. for 3 years!! (Many of you have heard me say this before but I don't like Dr.'s). With a little help from the antiobiotic and some much needed rest I am on the mend!

Sunday was Schuyler's last soccer game. She scored 3 goals!! She is bummed it is over but we will be playing in the spring again. Hopefully, with some of the same girls and the same coach.

Eli is doing great. He is climbing! He is still 97% for height and 60% for weight. Oh, speaking of Eli, let me give all you mom's or dad's out there a friendly tip. Do NOT cut your child's hair! The long hair around Eli's ear's has been bothering me. So, I decide it needs to be cut and can't wait. (Again, this is while I'm in my sick state). Well, I knicked his ear with the scissors. He didn't even yelp or cry. I barely got it but I felt terrible!!

Mark enjoyed a round of golf this weekend with a little tournament at Quarry Oaks. They did good. The winnings paid for the round plus some. That's the best kind of round in my book!

Here is a little of what I've been up to....

I had not done a Newborn for a LONG time. Then, lucky me, I get 2!

Okay, friends, family and clients, if you are wanting a fall session, please contact met ASAP as I will be taking limited appointments. Also, all Christmas card orders need to be placed no later than December 1st to allow time for printing and shipping. (Assuming you want them delivered by Christmas = )

rambling on...

That's what I do sometimes. Ramble.

Sunday Schuyler had her soccer game. She score 3 (maybe 4 goals). She has become quite the little player (a chip off the ol' block - just kidding). Yes, I am very much enjoying it as well as Mark. She is hosting pick up games in our front or back yard with the neighbor kids. They have cones and a goal! It's so fun to watch these games. When a child scores they look to their parents with a look like "did I really do that?"

Mackie is enjoying gymnastics and holding her own in a class with 3 boys - serves her well. After this past session the teacher came out to talk to me. Of course I immediately wonder, uh oh, what did Mackie do? Her teacher, Fox (yes, that is her name), had only good things to say. She said McKenzie is doing really well and if she chooses to stick with it she could be quite the little gymnast. She said that all the kids in the class are a competive bunch. But, while the boys are saying "I can do this or I can do that" McKenzie just goes and does it! I of course told her thank you but it is way too soon to tell what Mack will be interested in.

Schuyler is reading. It's incredible. Just tonight we were reading the beginning reader book by Dr. Suess. It truly is amazing. She even wanted to do homework (not that they have any in kindergarten). So, she did some spelling work...Schuyler, Dad, Mom, Hat, Cat and Dog.

Here is a conversation from McKenzie.

"Mom, I have a sparkle here", says Mack as she points to her body.

"A sparkle?", I reply. I look down and see it's a freckle. "Oh honey, that's a freckle."

Mack - "I have another fartkle here," pointing to her big toe.

"It's actually a freckle", I repeat.

"I have another fartkle on my behind", Mack says. She bares her rear and shows me her freckle. She really does make us laugh!

Here are a few GA wedding shots...

"Another Saturday night...

and I ain't got nobody..." Okay, not exactly my situation. Mine would be more like, "Another Saturday night and I got too much proofing."

We had our first ever garage sale. We participated with quite a few other neighbors. I would have never imagined it would be SO much work. I got 5 hours of sleep on Thursday night. Mackie came down with a low grade fever Thursday evening. So, both her and Eli were up that night. So, it wasn't even a solid 5 hours of sleep. Friday went well. I was exhausted afterwards and sat down on the couch around 8:30 after a glass of wine. Mark said I was out within 5 minutes. Today was busy but I wasn't quite as sleep deprivated!

Here are a few pictures from our trip to GA.




I love this photography except for one thing...Can you guess what it is....?
Our feet are chopped off!!

Back from Georgia!

We're back, from Georgia that is! In preparation last week, I neglected the blog. I had the best intentions to write a brief update but there was just too much to do. So, I'm sure this will be lengthy.

To start, Mark and I took the girls to their first ever Husker volleyball game at the Qwest Center in Omaha. (Sunday, Sept 2nd). We joined Mark's Dad, brother, and our niece and nephew. It was a fun time and the girls really enjoyed it, especially Schuyler who is a HUGE Husker volleyball fan. Eli stayed at home and bonded with Grandma. He also decided to get another tooth. Instead of one of the middle top teeth, he decided to pop out an eye tooth on the top. The other one is starting to get close. We might have a little vampire for Halloween = )

Tuesday the 4th, Schuyler began her first day of kindergarten. She was so excited. We picked out some cute matchy outfits for the girls and I did their hair for them. Both Daddy and I dropped her off on her first day. It's fun to ask her what she did during the day.

Wednesday we drove with Eli to Kansas City since this is where our flight was departing from. We spent the night with my bro and SIL and got to meet the puppies, Eernie and Sophie. They are so cute!!! Thursday a.m. we set off for Savannah, GA. We had a great time! We actually spent most of our time on Tybee Island, just 30-40 minutes eash of Savannah. We stayed in a cute little beach house literally just 4 blocks from the Atlantic Ocean. The beach was beautiful and the weather perfect. Eli and I got to experience the ocean for the first time. He loved it when the waves would roll in and would squeal with delight. We had some fabulous seafood, barbecue, grits, and other southern traditions, such as Low Country Boil. For a Low Country Boil, all you need is huge pot and burner of some sort and you toss everything in. Ours consisted of shrimp, sausage, chicken, red potatoes, corn, and rice. It was delicious! Eli and I spent a morning in the historic district of Savannah while Mark took in 18 holes at one of the local courses. The main reason for our visit was the wedding of Mark's best friend, Justin Fogo. Mark ended up standing in as the best man since Justin's bro couldn't make it. The wedding and reception were beautiful! I can't wait to share pictures but will warn all of you it will be a while as I have a large back log of proofing I must do. Other tid bits: It was high tide while we were there so when we were driving through the intercoastal areas, the water was probably only 5 - 10 feet away from the road. We saw turtle crossing signs. Just a few things you don't see in NE!! I saw my first ever jelly fish (it was washed up on the shore). That's probably enough of GA for ya'll!

We returned to mini-van trouble! It's getting a new transmission which comes with a hefty price tag so my bathroom remodel will have to wait =( Great Grandma has been gracious enough to lend us her car!!

Mack had her first gymnastics class last night. She caught on very quickly. Schuyler begins dance again tonight. Let the activities begin!

Here is just one image from the previous wedding I did...

Schuyler's changing so much!

Sometimes I feel like my kiddos are changing before my very eyes! It seems so much is happening with Schuyler! The tooth fairy came to visit again this weekend. She now has lost both bottom-middle teeth. She also played in her first soccer game on Sunday. If any of you want a good laugh and are in the Lincoln area you should stop out for one of her games. It's too cute. It's the first time playing for all these little girls and there are some moments where they just don't have a clue. Schuyler scored a goal, although it was for the other team = ) Monday, she learned to ride without training wheels. I'm not sure *learned* is the correct word. She wanted to try riding without training wheels. I gave her a little push and began running after her, only to see her continue riding off without any assistance. She got a little tipsy the next house down but no major fall. She got right back on and off she went again.

Eli has learned to kiss. Well kind of. He smacks his lips together and then smiles. He has been giving daddy and I the most gigantious bear hugs.

The wedding I shot last week went well. I know I have a blog stalker out there who has been waiting so I'll post a few.

I'm off, tomorrow, Thursday as the girls don't have school. Busy weekend ahead with family coming for the first Husker game. Schuyler might get to see her first Husker volleyball game. We have not told her so no spilling the beans (grandparents I'm talking to you)! Her official first day of kindergarten will be Tuesday. Dance will also resume that night. Wed we leave for Savannah. Actually, our flight leaves from Kansas City on Thurs a.m. so we're going to spend Wed with my bro and SIL.

Okay random pictures to leave you with...

Ian...this is for you!!

As I mentioned in my previous post, I had brought my camera to the funeral. So, is it a bad sign when the first words out of my nephew's mouth after he see's me and the camera are "Are you going to blog this?" Of course! Ask and you shall receive. Here is the very handsome young man himself. (I'm sure right about now he's making gagging faces at me=)

Just so things are some what fair, here are 2 of the girls. Flying high in the very cool old swings.

Here is one with my cousin (technically Mark's cousin). Our girls love their cousin, especially Schuyler. I have no idea what Schuyler is doing in this picture. Justin - I'm giving you a break at this time but only b/c I get the real deal for senior pictures come September = )
Here is the inside of Assumption Church.
Guess who came to our house this weekend? The tooth fairy! Schuyler pulled her own tooth shorty before dinner on Saturday. She was so proud of herself (and so are daddy and I!). She calls the space where the tooth was her *door*. Can't wait to show you her new grin!

Thank you for the thoughts and prayers

I just wanted to say a quick thank you for the thoughts and prayers that so many of you have extended to our family. We feel very blessed to have such a wonderful support system of family and friends = )

Not being Catholic, I was unaware that the day Gpa was buried was Assumption Day. Or, as I have learned, the day Mary was assumed into heaven. (Hope this is correct, if not, please correct me). So, Gpa was buried in Assumption Church, which fittingly, is located in Assumption, Nebraska on Assumption road. The town consisted of 5 houses. (This is not an official count =).

Is it morbid that I brought my camera along. Hope not! I took a few pics of the church as well as the kids playing with their cousins.

Not much planned for the weekend! Mark and I may go shopping in Omaha with the kids. We'll see.

I just want to say, I LOVE repeat customers. Why you ask? Because I can watch there kiddos grow! It's so cool to go back and compare. Here is Anna last year. And below is the little sweetie now = )

I like this one. I call it "I lick you"!!!

The good Lord called Mark's grandpa home just before midnight on Saturday. Mark was able to spend some time with him and the rest of the family Friday and Saturday. He even spent the night in the hospital with him on Friday and got to see him open his eyes. Funeral will be held on Wednesday in Hastings and the rosary will be tomorrow night.

Schuyler is old enough to understand what is going on so we have been answering many questions regarding death (to the best of our abilities). "What is a funeral? When will I get to say good-bye? Are they digging the hole?..."

On another note, there is a lot of teeth going on at the Riese household. I failed to mention Eli got his frist tooth back on July 29th. It is the middle-right bottom one. The other one is taking it's time coming through and is causing issues for poor Eli. Meanwhile, we found out on last Wednesday (Aug 8th) that Schuyler has her first "wiggly" tooth as she calls it. It's the bottom middle-left. The other middle one is ever so slightly loose. She is very excited. Heck, I'm excited too!

We had a busy weekend. I made it through the wedding just fine. Then, Saturday and Sunday the kids' had pool bday parties to attend. One was Mackie's best friend from school. (Remember Katie?) The other was the little neighbor boy who just turned one. Can't wait for him and Eli to be running around next year (or maybe even this fall).

I will be out of town the next few days. Any emails, phone calls, etc... will be returned on Thursday. Here are a few pictures to leave you with...

Jumping in the house of God!

Okay, strange title I know. But the kids finished up vacation bible school last week and they were always dancing/jumping to this song. It's kind of Christian rap like! Mack changes up the words to "Jumping in the house with God!" There goal for was 350 kids and they surpassed with 358! You should have heard the worship area when they announced it. It was louder than a high school basketball game! On the final day, they sang all their songs and we watched a video of all the activities. Sunday, they got up on the risers in the worship area and performed. Both girls did fantastic! It was Mackie's first year and I think she was overwhelmed at times. She took Tuesday off to stay home and recoupe. This year's theme was Avalanche Ranch. Sunday was a bittersweet moment as we said goodbye to our Director of Children's ministry. Our children's program is so successful, due in part to her committment and dedication. Oh the bright side, God has answered our calling and has found a fabulous replacement!

Schuyler had her kindergartne appointment last Mon. She is 90% for height and 80% for weight. Can't remember what this corresponds to in inches and pounds? She is tough as nails. The girl didn't even flinch when she had 3 shots and hemoglobin check! Maybe I should take a lesson from her! Her hearing will have to be recheched as she was hearing 10 decibels less in one ear. Dr. thought it may be due to a large chunk of ear wax.

Mark had a golf tourney this weekend so we didn't see much of him. The kids and I had a good time. We went swimming in Gma's pool, even Eli! I even managed to get some much needed cleaning in!

I have a wedding to shoot this Friday for the couple below. Send positive thoughts my way = )

july is almost over?

Can it really be that July is almost over? Schuyler's first day of Kindergarten is Sept 4th and approaching quickly. She has her kindergarten Dr. appt on Monday. The other day, she made us a little book of words she can spell. Lamp, gift, pig, ring, and one other I can't read = ) It's so neat. But, what is truly great is watching her become a caring human being. This year she and the other kindergartner's assume leadership roles. During the summer, she is in the toddler room helping out, serving lunch, helping with walks, helping put on shoes, etc... I witnessed firsthand how well she does the other day at pick up time. A toddler was throwing a huge tantrum on the floor. She looked at John, went over and offered her hand and said "your mom is waiting for you". Off he went = )

Swimming lessons concluded last night and both girls moved to the next class. Next time we resume, Schuyler will be in level 3 and Mack will be in level Aqua Kids (it's like level 1 1/2. For those swimmers who are ready for level 2 but not tall enough). This weekend when we were in Hastings at the waterpark, it was very apparent what great strides both made this year in swimming. Hastings was fun! The kids were busy non-stop. Schuyler enjoyed her first baseball games with Grandpa!

Eli is going non-stop. We are trying desperately to got our house in order. He's in the bathroom, girls' room, etc... There is no containing him. He goes from sit to crawl back to sit! He is pulling himself up on everything. I walk in to get him after nap and he's in his bed standing. Sheesh. That happened fast. He is enjoying all foods! Rice cereal is still his favorite!

Vacation bible school starts next week! Kids will be tired!