34/52 - The 52 Project

Hi again, 

Well, my goal of being able to take actual portraits of my children with my "real" camera, every week, through all the change and transition and taking care of a newborn-ness of our lives right now is rather unattainable :). But, I think the mere act of selecting a photo even just from my phone of each of them, and taking the time to reflect on each of them, every week, is still extremely valuable to me. I think I can see a light at the end of this tunnel, though--and am looking forward to capturing my sweet babies with my real camera every week again soon :)!

Vincent - Where has my scrawny little newborn gone?? Where are those skinny lil chicken legs, that soft, wrinkly, loose skin, that floppy, squishy, foldable body? Who is this chubby, round, wide-eyed person who greets me every morning with more expression and alertness than the morning before? Who will stop fussing when mommy comes near, and will give mommy happy, crooked grins and wonderfully long strings of baby conversation? Who can actually be distracted from crying by playing with daddy, or being laid on the floor for some tummy time? I can't believe how quickly you've changed from a newborn to a baby, my love. You are joy and a wonder, and we are just so lucky you're ours.

Teague - You are officially too big for the biggest size of diapers out there, before you even turn three!! You were insanely excited to be wearing "Bus Ightyear" on your new pull-ups, and didn't stop checking yourself out in the mirror for about fifteen minutes! We hope to start potty-training soon, but for now, we're just thankful pull-ups exist!

Well, you and I are still working out this whole "you're not my only baby anymore" thing. Mommy is slowly learning that her attitude almost 100% controls how our day goes, my dear. If mommy's grumpy and short-tempered, so are you. But if mommy does a heart-check and focuses on what's really important, we're both infinitely more cheerful and willing to help each other through the day. You're still my precious boy, Teague Jackson. You amaze and delight me, and I am so thankful you're mine. 

"A portrait of my sons, once a week every week in 2014."

33/52 - The 52 Project

Well, I am quite late this week, and I am using two photos from my Instagram, which I don't prefer, but we had a very stressful week, what with tiny Vincent hitting his 6-week growth spurt *hard*, and my sweet Teague finally starting to show signs of the stress and frustration of sharing mommy for six weeks. I was exhausted from lack of sleep, and the near-constant nursing of my growing little boy, and from worry and guilt over my oldest baby's hurt and sadness. But, we survived. Vincent jumped a clothing size, seemingly overnight, and mommy and Teague are working on finding each other in the midst of all this craziness and change. It's been rough, but my two boys are unbelievably precious, and I wouldn't trade this experience with my very own babies for anything in the world! Except maybe sleep ;).

Teague - You are precious and darling, especially when you're so proud and delighted to be eating your very first bowl of cereal. Mommy needs to remember this when she is sleep-deprived and your brother is screaming, and you just want some attention. Even when that comes in the form of you joining in the screaming yourself :).

Vincent - I can't even stand your luscious wonderfulness. You filled out so much this week--I can't believe my scrawny little floppy newborn is all but gone! You officially gave us real, happy, huge, crazy baby smiles this week, along with some ridiculously adorable coos and babbles. Every day, you look bigger, cuter, more amazing. I love seeing these tiny glimpses of who you are in there, I just want to know you!! Oh, and the fact that your little baby face looks rather uncannily like MY baby pictures is just icing on the cake :). Your wispy, silky newborn hair still looks red in the sun or under a lamp, so we are hoping that stays! But no matter what, you are our sweet, amazing baby, and we couldn't adore you more!!

"A portrait of my sons, once a week every week in 2014."

32/52 - The 52 Project

Vincent - I still can't get enough of your adorable sweetness.

Teague - I couldn't believe how much my heartstrings were pulled as I watched you getting bowled over and over down the slip 'n' slide by your daddy. Your elation & delight were intensified by the sunlight highlighting your grins and laughter, and your huge blue eyes framed by your sopping wet hair. You were so tiny, so happy, so brave...and yet you suddenly seemed so old. Like you'd suddenly grown up and I'd missed it. How I felt all this simply while watching you play, I don't know. But I know I love you fiercely, and I'm so proud of you it hurts.

"A portrait of my sons, once a week every week in 2014."

31/52 - The 52 Project

Delighted to have finally successfully shot both my babies this week with my DSLR :).

Vincent: You just keep getting sweeter.

Teague: Looking suddenly like a seven-year-old on your brand-new bike. You haven't figured out how to actually pedal it yet, but you're only two, after all! And you look good on there, baby. Breaking mommy's heart.

"A portrait of my sons, once a week every week in 2014."