Treasuring Life....

We've had a couple days of snow here, so we are bundled in tight and warm. The end of December and the beginning of January have been brutally cold here, and so we got our heating bill yesterday. It wasn't pretty. We are already pretty conservative with our heat, but I marched over and lowered it another degree. We'll see if that helps.

Sugar has been pretty active lately. I've been trying to get Seth to feel her kicks, but every time I'd put his hand on my belly, she would just stop. Last night she was having a party, and I called Seth over. He places his hand on my belly, and right away Sugar has this massive somersault. Seth just looked at me wide eyed in shock, and then we both burst out into laughter. I think Sugar became a reality for him last night.

I've been picking up a few things here and there for her. I saw this dress at Gymboree and had to have it...


And I finally found the perfect Baby Memory Book for her. Love it! It's already been written in. Now.... just to fnd time to sit and actually *finish* Lucas'. Lol.



My sister is talking about throwing me a diaper shower sometime in March. Which is perfect, because I will still have two in diapers for another year or so. Of course since Sugar is #3, I already have most of what I need, but I've discovered Kaboodle, and yesterday had fun creating a wish list of some minor girly things, like bibs and blankets.

I have entered the uncomfortable stage in my pregnancy. I'm sleeping fitfully, and I must have a pillow between my knees. Its a chore to turn over too. I'm already experiencing minor contractions when I climb stairs or walk too long. And when I'm on my couch, I just can't seem to get enough support behind my back. However, I try not to complain too much, because I know that this is the last time. The last time I am pregnant, the last time I can feel life inside of me. So I'm trying to treasure it all.

Aquarium

We spent last Friday at the Baltimore Aquarium.... it was nice to get out and do something fun. The boys had a blast looking at the fish. Lucas hated getting strapped into the back carrier (you can't use strollers there, and give you a back carrier instead) but once he got hoisted up, and had a cool vantage point, he was just peachy. And look who's getting rounder? LOL.

{Snow Day}

First snow of the year... Lucas wasn't sure what to think at first, then he LOVED it (as long as his gloves stayed on). Seth was just happy to be a complete monkey, and of course the hot chocolate afterwards wasn't bad either.

Photography is currently a little slow, which is to be expected for January. That's OK! It means more time for storytime at the library and trips to the playplace at the mall.

Are you staying warm?

The Time Has Come....

The time has come for me to say Goodbye and hang up my Design Hat... I want to try and focus on my Custom Portraiture business. And as bittersweet as that is, it is GREAT for you!

60% OFF EVERYTHING (reflected during check out).

Andrea Burns Designs at TDC

Don't forget the Double Ups!

Sale ends Jan 31, and when they are gone... they are G.O.N.E!

Hair....

I have this love/ hate relationship with my hair. I grow it long because long hair is a symbol of feminine beauty to me (oh, my latin upbringing!) But once it is long, I am desperate for something trendy and sassy, and stylish. So, in essence... I am never really happy.

This is what I looked like Friday morning when I woke up...

I was desperate for something new, something fresh. I wanted something shorter and with sidebangs... I've really taken notice of my rather largish forehead lately, lol. My ends were really dry too, from all of our pool trips last year. So I had an appointment Friday afternoon, and took the following two photos with me.... Notice the length in both.

Mother's Day 2007

My girlfriend Lisa

Walked in, told the stylist what I wanted. Showed her the pictures, laid them out in front of her. I told her I didn't care for cutting into the layers, ie; thinning. And then she made that first snip. And after that first snip, you can't really go back can you?

Five-six healthy inches and an hour later, I got this.... (beware, Nate is NOT a photog, lol)

Quite a shock, since it is a good couple inches shorter than what the photos show. I can barely get it in a low ponytail. It's taken me all weekend, but I think I'm finally starting to get used to it. It does actually swing and bounce, lol. I think I will like it much more in a couple months once it grows another inch or so.

Recent Wedding....

{altar giggles}

Congrats Danny & Jessy!

Winter '09 Newsletter

Please contact me via my Contact Page on my website.

Ode to Food Chopper

Oh, my Pampered Chef Food Chopper, how much do I love thee? You came into my life at Christmas, and you have been put to the test. You passed with many flying colors, and you will forever be a part of my kitchen. You slice and dice, and chop with the greatest ease, and FASTER than any human being. Onions do not stand a chance with you. Food Chopper... I *heart* you.

{K Family Showcase}

This is a lovely family from my church. The kids (all 15 and older) gifted mom & dad with the family session for Christmas. Isn't that so sweet? Mom didn't even know I was coming till the morning of the shoot.









LOVE this last one. I think this shows who "THEY" are more than any of the others. Thanks K fam!

{24 Weeks}

Watch Sugar grow! LOL~ look at my hair go too... time for a cut anyone?

No Computer....

Monday night Nate came downstairs , literally sat at the computer... and it just went black, and then it started flashing... lol. Not cool. Our Dell desktop is 4 years old, and we are trying to squeeze another year out of it. So last night we went to Best Buy and picked up a new 19" Samsung flat screen monitor. I have to get used it, lol.

The things you can do when there is no computer! I had a VERY BUSY day yesterday regardless! My house is Spic & SPAN! I did laundry, straightened & organized, dusted, vacuumed, mopped, grocery shopped, made homemade spaghetti sauce, & baked cherry shortbread cookies.... I hobbled into Best Buy like and old woman. I think a bit too much for this pregnant woman. But man, does my house thank me!

Today I need to finish proofing a family session I had last Saturday.

And since I haven't posted a recipe in a long time, here is a new favorite. Good ole' winter comfort food!

Chicken Pot Pie

4 TBS butter
4 TBS flour
1 c chicken broth
1 c milk
2 c chicken, cooked and cubed/ shredded
1 1/2 c potatoes, cooked & cubed
1 c. frozen mixed vegetables (or peas & carrots)
2 pie crusts

Melt butter in large saucepan. Stir in flour until thickened. Slowly add milk & broth, stirring constantly until thickened. Simmer for 5 minutes. line pie pan with pie crust. Combine sauce, chicken, potatoes, and vegetables. Pour into pie plate. Top with 2nd crust. Trim and vent. Bake at 350* for 35 to 40 min.

mmmm.... enjoy!

Certifiable....

Look at that face. LOVE my new lens, check out his creamy skin and that beautiful bokeh. I did nothing to his skin here, promise!

I have a bunch of stuff planned today... I have to hit the Post Office and the Bank. I also need to do some rearranging in Seth's room~ Lucas officially moves in tonight. We're just rolling the crib in for now, but it starts tonight. Joy. They need to get used to hearing each other's noises and such.

I figure we can transition him into his twin bed by March, early April at the latest.

Christmas is over, its barely January, and I'm already thinking about Lucas' 2nd birthday in March. I'm certifiable I think. I already have an idea about his gifts and his cake (banana caramel cake/ cupcakes with caramel icing... maybe in the shape of a plane?) He love to play with my cooking utensils and loves planes, so I'm thinking... a small kitchen set and some planes (naturally, LOL!).

January Third

Happy Belated New Year's! 2008 was very exciting for me, a time of growth personally and business wise. However, I am ecstatic at what 2009 holds. Growth to my family, and hopefully even more growth to my creativity and my business.

I don't really have any "resolutions" per say... but I fully intend to run in Wash. DC's Army 10 Miler in October. I am going to take my running to the next level this coming year. My dear friend Frannie amazed my socks off last year, when she committed to a marathon. Listening to her describe her training, watching her dedication, seeing her photos... all of then inspired me to try all of this myself. She's going to be running with me in that race. I'm considering my own marathon in 2010, but we'll see how 10 miles goes first, lol. I will most likely start training in July, so stay tuned.

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I had my 24 week appointment yesterday. Everything is normal, heartbeat, blood pressure. I swear I'm so boring! But agian, in this case boring is great! I was given the OK to start Zantac for my heartburn.

The ugly part... dang the Holidays.... I gained 8 lbs this past month. (blush) Good thing its January and baked goods/ sweets are done.

I go back in 4 weeks for my Glucose test.

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Nate and I also undecorated the house yesterday. Its always good to unclutter! We still have some straightening to do. I'm also planning on packing up some of the boys' toys and starting a rotation of toys every few months. Are these nesting urges? LOL~ maybe.