Category Archives: photography

Obligatory Pregnancy Post

Posted on January 2, 2012 | 8 Comments

Um. I haven’t done a pregnancy post on here since I announced that we were having baby Boley #2. It was kind of dramatic start to things, but I am happy to report that it has been super easy since then. All the midwife appointments have been really quick and boring–besides hearing the heartbeat which is never boring–and I haven’t had a lot of questions or issues. I feel at peace.

Although I am excited to meet our second son, I am not incredibly anxious or impatient. Since I was lucky enough to have an uncomplicated delivery with Benton, I have a lot of confidence about the upcoming birth in April, so there isn’t much stress there. We already have the baby gear that we need for the most part, so I am not worried about all that. Things are just moving along smoothly.

I am SO HAPPY about this. Boring, or uneventful as I should say, is just fine when it comes to pregnancy issues. And don’t hate me, but I’m pretty much enjoying myself. I am 20 lbs less than I was at this point in the game last time, and I haven’t hit the tired phase of the 3rd trimester just yet. I am nesting like mad. Things have never been more clean around here and I feel good.

Things that I do wonder about are the day-to-day logistics of taking care of a newborn and a toddler. I know how challenging breastfeeding can be in the beginning, and I remember sometimes nursing for up to eight hours a day with B. So that is probably my number one anxiety with this baby. I just don’t know how all that will work, but I am sure we will figure it out.

I think I’m actually more excited about meeting this baby than I was with my first. Or maybe since I am less anxious about the unknown, there is more room for happy anticipation. This time, I feel more like I am waiting for a person then a baby if that makes any sense. A new family member.

I know each and every kid is very different and this one could be the complete opposite of laid back baby Benton. But I’m now equipped with a support system, some base knowledge, more patience, and a confidence that I didn’t yet possess when I was a brand new mom with B. I also have confidence in my partner and have the advantage of seeing him as a dad already. That is no longer a mystery factor. Justin and I are a good team, and we have our share of victories and losses just as any good team does.

I’m sure I will have more to say about this pregnancy, but for now, that is all the important stuff. Non important stuff? I really needed a lot of orange juice today and cleaned and organized every inch of the kitchen cupboards and pantry. NESTING ALL THE THINGS CLEANING ALL THE THINGS MORE NESTING MORE MORE MORE CLEAN.

If you don’t follow me on Twitter or Facebook, then you will likely stomp your feet now because I haven’t posted the obligatory belly photos on the blog. Apologies, apologies. I think all of them are iPhone pictures so far. Let me see if I can find some.

K, here you go.

21ish weeks

22ish weeks

23ish week comparison.

And my favorite shot so far. He is such a dear.

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Posted in Daily Picture, family, happiness, maternity series, photography, pregnancy

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One Week

Posted on July 17, 2010 | 13 Comments

7 days ago, Benton was a couple of hours from being born. It seems like a lifetime ago. We have been cuddling, sleeping, eating, filling diapers, and gazing. As it should be. I will write more about the first days later, but right now I am just really proud to have a post with a couple of paragraphs and some cute pictures.

We celebrated the one-week birthday by Benton peeing on me when I thought I was being a nice mom to give him some FRESH AIR down there. Rookie move. And now he is spending some time with dad as he studies for the upcoming bar exam.

Here is the one week photo shoot on daddy’s chest.

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Posted in baby, photography

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A Year Ago

Posted on June 26, 2010 | 1 Comment

One of the advantages of posting photos all over the internet, is the date and time stamp that goes with that habit. I’ve never been one to frame many photos at home, keep a scrapbook, or any type of photo album. But I have a Flickr account. And I have this place. It’s rad to be able to see what was going on exactly a year ago to the day. I imagine this online photo habit will be great for looking back on wee baby Boley when he is not so wee anymore.

On the night June 26th 2009, I was riding with two beautiful ladies in a rickshaw with a belly full of some of the best food I have ever eaten. We were in Austin Texas for the HOW Design Conference. What a trip.

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Posted in Daily Picture, dining, photography

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Semi-Barefoot and Pregnant In the Kitchen

Posted on June 1, 2010 | 3 Comments

I would like to congratulate myself on having the wisdom to extend my 4 day weekend to a 5 day weekend. It is almost enough time to forget what projects I am working on at the office.

Almost.

So what does one do on the extra day off? Nothing too important. Nothing too productive. Nothing pressing. Nothing that requires me to wear constrictive footwear or open a Microsoft Office program. Things in this category may include filming billowy curtains, photographing pristinely groomed cat toes, grocery shopping in a near-empty store, a pedicure, reorganizing the music collection on the iPod from scratch, and some cookie baking. (Also cringing at the oil gusher in the gulf, but I don’t want to bum you out more than the million websites already have. but SERIOUSLY. That is painful. “Ugh” doesn’t begin to express my feelings on that.) Top it off with some photo editing and a blog entry and you have a mostly cortisol-free day of pre-infant bliss.

The cookies that I made feature Cranberries, Dark Chocolate, and Almonds. They are based on the recipe here, with my own additions listed prior, and a pinch of cinnamon. I kept half the cookies, and delivered the rest to my neighbors. Because I don’t feel like weighing a million pounds. And soon the neighbors will have to put up with some crying. They deserve some pre-baby cookies as well.

One of the perils of pregnancy. Not being able to lick the beaters because of the raw eggs :(

My feet are so weird looking these days. But I know it's temporary. Right?

I spend a lot of time in the kitchen, and this is one of my favorite parts. Our photo collage on the fridge. Can't wait to add the little guy to this. Maybe I can photograph some baby toes instead of cat toes for a change.

Now I would like to talk about something very serious. I have found the epitome of ice creams. (Aside from all homemade versions of course.) Praise be to Häagen-Dazs. They have done something truly amazing. They have crafted something heavenly without anything beyond Milk, Sugar, Eggs, Cream, and Mint. (Other flavors listed here). Less is more. I don’t miss the Guar Gum, Carrageenan, Hydrogenated Soybean Oil, Propylene Glycol Monostearate,  or  Monocalcium Phosphates. The five simple ingredients in this sublime little pint equal the best texture and purest flavored ice cream that I have bought in a grocery store. No nasty aftertaste. No gooey gummy texture. No too-fluffy air puffed-over-sugared globs. Just good stuff.

*I am not being compensated by Häagen-Dazs for this post in any way. (Although being paid in ice cream would not be a horrible thing, right? Just saying.)

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Posted in Cooking/Baking, photography, pregnant

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31 Week Watermelon

Posted on May 25, 2010 | 10 Comments

As promised, I am jumping ahead from 27 weeks to the current state of things. Which is about 31 weeks and 3 days. I don’t really know what to do about the food comparison anymore. Baby B isn’t going to get much longer than he has been for the last month, but he will certainly be getting fatter. I am entering a stage where he is supposed to DOUBLE IN SIZE over the next 6 weeks. So only one fruit really comes to mind.

Watermelon.

That is what it feels like anyway.

Mmmm. Fruit. I can’t get enough fruits and veggies lately. Ever since the weather hit 80-90 degrees I have been craving raw stuff. This is awesome because it is way easier to eat healthy in the heat. Things that are not awesome in the heat? PANTS. I refuse to wear them if it is above 80. So that is why you see the hippie dress in this series.

It is funny when people tell me that I don’t look like I have gained (XX)lbs. They are being so nice to the pregnant lady. I miss my old face the most. This was a year ago. I am hoping to be back there by May of next year. I MISS YOU, FACE! oxox

Even though I am having the typical third trimester woes, I have to admit that I am kind of enjoying myself. It is such an exciting time, that the physical problems pale in comparison with the overwhelming change that is about to happen at our house. I don’t feel like I am in the home stretch yet, but I can nearly see it. Although every stranger that talks to me gets all excited and exclaims “ANY DAY NOW!!!!” Um. No.

Justin is going to guest post here in a bit to give his dad-to-be perspective on all the pre-baby happenings. Should be a good one. Stick around.

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Posted in photography, pregnancy, Uncategorized

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Spring Lovelies (and Un-lovlies)

Posted on April 11, 2010 | 3 Comments

You know what’s fun? Procrastinating when you should be packing! So I thought I would post some photos that need to live somewhere other than my memory card.

One of the pleasures of being pregnant is experiencing mood swings. This is not typical to my personality, so I am living through vastly different emotions from one day to the next for the first time.

Here is a list of things that are lovely right now, and general contribute to a great mood. There is also a list of things that I find hateful most days. And they should be avoided at all costs.

Lovelies:

  • Spring!
  • Commuting home in the warm sun.
  • New things growing out of the ground.
  • Parfaits. From Catch and Carry, Baci, Rom, Starbucks, or Starfruit. Yes.
  • Dessert.
  • Fruit.
  • Being in the park.
  • Sleeping through the night on occasion.
  • Thinking about the new apartment.
  • Thinking about meeting the baby.
  • Talking about the baby with Justin.
  • Spotting strollers.
  • Baby kicks.
  • Our once a week date.
  • Bedtime.
  • Tea.
  • Meals with friends.
  • Leaving the building for lunch.
  • Sleeping in.
  • Not wearing a coat.
  • Lemons.
  • Cats napping on the porch.
  • The days getting longer.
  • Having moments of clarity where I realize how lucky I am.
  • Taking pictures during the magic hour.
  • Clearing the memory card after an upload.
  • The sunroof opened all the way in my car.
  • Green ballet flats.
  • Andersonville. (I will miss you)
  • When Justin comes home on the early train after night class.
  • Hearing how much he loves his job.
  • There are only a couple of weeks left of law school.
  • Words With Friends on iPhone. PLAY WITH ME. My name is Megagood.

UN-lovlies (AKA First-World Problems of a Preg):

  • When Spring disappears suddenly, due to living in Chicago.
  • Walking home from the train when it is cold and wet.
  • Wearing coats that don’t allow me to zip the belly up.
  • Gaining weight and having to ration parfait and Desserts.
  • Packing boxes.
  • Adding more things to the growing to-do list.
  • Justin has started a new habit of snoring after 7 years. I love you, husband, BUT I MIGHT SMOTHER YOU.
  • K, sorry. But you now also have some kind of coughing/wheezing habit. We have to fix this. SMOTHER.
  • Seriously, I think he has some kind of allergy that may be fixed with the move. But if not, there are two choices. Allergist or SMOTHERING. And I don’t want to be a single mom, so let’s settle this rationally. It makes me feel bad to be so irritated with someone’s suffering. But I can’t help it right now.
  • The vibrating chair that the landlord uses above us. The whole stupid house shakes.
  • The produce selection at Jewel
  • Telling people how I feel all the time. “Feeling great!” Actually, I feel fat and my hips hurt and I can’t sit or stand for very long. And I get out of breath from walking up to the train platform.
  • I haven’t slept through the night in months. And this will likely continue for months to come.
  • Being in a bad mood irritates me further. This is the worst.

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Posted in Daily Picture, photography, pregnancy

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23 Week Papaya

Posted on March 29, 2010 | 3 Comments

Wait—what happened to 22 weeks?

I don’t know what you are talking about.

No really, where is that part of the series?

You are mumbling, I can’t understand the words you are saying. Can I offer you some juice?

I am not a huge fan of Papaya, but when you mix it with pineapple, wonderful things happen. Pineapple is intensely sweet and tangy, and the buttery and musky papaya cuts some of the sharpness when you juice them together. Martha Stewart agrees that this is a good combination. She also puts mint in this mixture, because she is like that. I would have too, but I have pregnancy brain, and ended up with a package of Andes mints instead.  I remembered the fresh mint when I was already pinned into the check out line. And there is no more wiggling between the cart and the candy shelf to escape back into the produce department for a forgotten item. I am clearly too large and too slow for that kind of behavior.

This may look shockingly large. (I am of course talking about the papaya and not my gigantic FACE.) But you have to remember that the comparison to fruit is dumb. They are really only comparing the length from the head to the toe of the baby, and the actual size of the fruit as a whole has little to do with the actual babe within. But I do in fact have an 11+ inch human growing in there.

Little mister is even getting big enough that he got to kick his dad. While resting his hand on my belly yesterday, Justin felt the first pummeling from his son. It was a sweet moment.

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Posted in maternity series, photography, pregnancy

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Breathing is Good

Posted on March 21, 2010 | 1 Comment

As I type this, I am finding it hard to breath. The body I am living in is starting to feel foreign to me. I know it is technically the same one I have had for years, but it seriously feels like I am wearing a costume. A heavy one. It is increasingly difficult to get a deep breath due to less space for lungs, extra blood pulsing through my body, and carrying more weight. Specifically on the chest. Ahem.

When I tell Justin about my woes, he reminds me that I’m a “good baby grower.” Thanks, that’s sweet, but that doesn’t really help me breathe. I guess there is nothing much we can do. So I sit here listening to my own heartbeat pound in my ears, feeling my blood pulse through every part of my body like there is a race on. And if I am wearing a necklace, it will bounce with each ridiculously exaggerated heartbeat. I guess this is normal?

Otherwise, I’m feeling pretty well, considering there is another human growing in my abdomen.

Life is continuing at break-neck speed and I am keeping up for now. This week’s big event was finding our new apartment. We had been searching for a while, and just found something that is going to work out nearly perfectly for us. I was so excited yesterday that I got a stomach ache. We are also moving a month and a half early. Which is probably a good thing since I am only going to continue to suffocate under my own weight as the months go by. Time to start packing and saying goodbye to lovely Andersonville. But we are excited to get to know our new hood, Rogers Park. And it is the perfect season to explore.

Yes, spring is officially here. Although Chicago welcomed it with a snowstorm.

RUDE.

But the week before the snow was pretty great. The day before the snow was nice enough to open windows and walk to the park without a coat on. Luckily I had the day off to soak in some vitamin D before putting on the puffy coat once again. March is such a weird month here.

The rink is melting!

The rink is melting!

Schween rests by an open porch window

Then hunts her shadow with intensity. This points to the sad fact that she hasn't seen much sun for months.

Oh, and these are taco pot pies. Nothing to do with spring really. Just a weird dinner we had on Thursday. I know it sounds white trash, but they were actually pretty awesome.

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Posted in Daily Picture, photography, pregnancy

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21 Week Banana (muffin) Boley

Posted on March 18, 2010 | 3 Comments

Last week was banana week. A 10.5 inch banana to be specific. Let me know if you ever see one of these, because that is ridiculously large. And most bananas are no more than 8.5 inches at best. But, this whole thing is ridiculous anyway, so I have officially stopped caring if the fruit is the right size or not. Because generally it just won’t be. All I know is that baby Boley is growing, so that is sweet.

This week, I am trying the patented Black and White Except Banana Filter™. Fancy. This is mostly due to my skin being a wreck. Hopefully, some sunshine will help with this problem. What ever happened to perfect glowing skin and hair during pregnancy? Yeah, I am wearing a headband here, too. Meh.

Porp has limited time for phone calls from the banana phone. She can’t be bothered.

Banana hands!

So the above picture may appear gross to you, but when making banana muffins, the more brown your naners, the better. These are prime muffin naners. I have written a couple times about this recipe, because it is one of my all-time favorites. If you only make one of the recipes in this series, make this one. Hundreds of thousands of people agree it is most delicious. Seriously. THOUSANDS.

Besides the bananas, there is a key ingredient that you cannot skip. The cinnamon, butter, sugar crumb topping:

Don’t forget to put it on the muffins BEFORE baking.

Then bake for 18-20 minutes and go see what Norp is up to. Clearly, she is exhausted from all her calls. She has assumed awkward harp-seal-napping-pose on top of no less than two perfectly fluffed plush blankets on her recliner.

Ta-dah!

Everyone will be a fan of these. Try eating them warm, paired with an ice-cold glass of milk before bed. Or warm in the morning with a cup of coffee. They are amazing even if you aren’t a big fan of muffins.

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Posted in baking, cats, maternity series, photography, pregnancy

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Will Work for Lenses

Posted on June 7, 2009 | 2 Comments

The peonies that I got at the farmer’s market are fully splayed and were at their peak this morning. This is a perfect example of a time when I would be using a macro lens for the closeups. I want one so badly. Can I take any photos for you? Do you need any pets photographed? Babies? Food? Do you have an awesome garden and want me to photograph it so you can hang it on your wall to enjoy year round? I hope so. Because I would be more than happy to do this for you. I can also design stuff. And then maybe I can get a new lens. Let’s talk.

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Posted in Daily Picture, photography

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