An UNprofessional Photo Shoot

Most teachers roll their eyes at the saying, "those who can't do, teach." But I'm here to tell you that I taught plenty of things I didn't know how to do. For example, the two years I taught at the jr high were spent running the stage crew. At the time, my stage experience was limited to a couple musicals in high school. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing when I was given the assignment. My goal was to stay one day ahead of my students, but often I found myself scrambling for a lesson 5 minutes before the kids showed up (ironically some of those last-minute lessons were some of my best. Go figure.) Somehow I sort of figured out the lighting board, the sound mixer, the curtains, and even some set design. And if I do say so myself, the 2 musicals we pulled off while I was there were a smashing success. (I'll never forget Galinda the good witch and her bubble wand. And figuring out how to make Peter and Wendy fly. Good times.)

My new job at the high school included being the yearbook adviser. Again - I had no clue what I was doing, and faking it in front of high school students isn't quite as easy. What are all yearbooks full of? Pictures. How much photography experience did I have? Absolutely none. Again, I sort of made it work (mostly thanks to my amazing students) and my last yearbook actually won an award (I'm shamelessly proud).

All of this is just to say that I am NOT a photographer. We couldn't take the typical newborn photos while Owen was in the NICU, and since I still can't take him out in public, we were limited to the photography equipment we had at home. Which is none. So I took these with my iPhone - they're not perfect, but since Owen is the subject they are perfect in my eyes. And just fyi - these were taken shortly after we left the NICU - I promise he's much bigger now!

Be still my heart!!

3 Months

It's so wild to think that 1/4 of Owen's first year is behind us. Crazy!! Not only did we hit the 3 month mark but he also finally outgrew his Newborn-sized diapers this weekend. :)  He usually only spits up on me about once a day (I'll take it) and for the most part has kindly stopped going wee wee during diaper changes (that a boy!)

My sista gave me the great idea on how to take some cute monthly photos, and I finally got around to touching up his 1 and 2 month pics.  (He was pretty fidgety for those, and I think my camera was on a weird setting, but we're slowly figuring it out.).

*Quilt made by my amazing aunt Barbara. I'm in love with it (especially the colors!)

*Quilt made by an old family friend. It's so soft and luscious.

*Thanks to Jaime for this adorable print :)

Owen's Baby Blessing

We just came out of an incredible weekend. Saturday and Sunday were spent listening to inspirational talks from our prophet and other church leaders. Sunday was Easter. We didn't do anything traditional for the holiday - I didn't even make deviled eggs this year (gasp!) But Easter is one of my favorite holidays because we get to devote an entire day to celebrating the blessing and gift of eternal life. Because of Him we will be with Lydia again. So amazing. And in the midst of all that, we managed to have Owen's baby blessing. It was a day full of immense gratitude for the miracle that he is and the joy that he has brought into our lives. He is such a good baby and during his "debut" his behavior did not disappoint. :) He was awake and alert and just LOVED being around all his aunts, uncles and cousins (we kept the invite list limited to immediate family to limit his germ exposure - even then I was still a nervous wreck).

Thankfully you can't see the side of Dan's head where I had a "whoops" moment when I cut his hair. :)

The proud Daddy-O. Let it be noted that I had some really cute baby booties for Owen to wear. Totally forgot to put them on. Mom fail.

The Spjute fam. Minus the Ball clan. And we can't wait for Owen's little bestie cousin to be born in (hopefully) a few more days. :)

The Ditto fam. Minus the Sara on her mission in Canada.

The Spjute cousins who were SO excited to see "baby Owen" for the first time. This whole sequester thing is kind of (really) the worst.

And a couple more family photos (minus Lydia of course). The good weather was perfect so we could be outside for the festivities.

This boy knows his Mom (and I kind of love it)!