how he came to be

November 24th - My birthday. I was feeling pretty cruddy all day and thought I might have a stomach virus. Needness to say, it was not the best birthday I'd ever had.

November 25th- Thanksgiving. I'm feeling much better and get to enjoy the Thanksgiving feast and festivities. And knowing it might be my best chance, I decide to do shop black friday, starting at midnight. I stayed up until 2:30 that night.

November 26th - The stomach thing is back, and I'm beginning to think might have overdone it a little. :) Feeling especially pregnant and ready to be done with it all, I posted this message at 6:36pm on Facebook. "Dear baby, I now give you permission to come out. Any time you're ready. Like, now, maybe."

November 27th - I am feeling a little better, but still not up to par. I got up with the kids around 8am and let Brian sleep in. After he got up and got ready for the day I decided to lay down, around 10am. While laying down I felt one really strong contraction but didn't think much of it. Abby came and layed down next to me and asked me if I would get something for her she couldn't reach. So I got up and as I did, woooosh. My water broke. I walked into the bathroom and just stood there, completely gobsmacked. My water broke early with both of the other kids, but I didn't think it would happen a third time! So I got my bearings back and walked into the kitchen where Brian was eating breakfast with Carter, and I said, "you wanna have a baby today?" He looked down at my completely soaked jeans and said, "NO. WAY." And we both just stood there in shock.

When I gave the baby permission to come out the night before, I really didn't mean it. I didn't have any laundry done, my hospital bag wasn't packed, I still had five family photoshoots left to edit, we were planning on putting up Christmas decorations that day.... the list went on and on. Based on my doctor's appointment a few days before, I really thought there was no way I was having the baby early. But lo and behold, he was on his way, almost three weeks early.

So before we left for the hospital I took a shower, we did a load of laundry and packed my bag. We dropped the kids off at Brian's parents house and got to the hospital at noon.

My new OB (I switched doctors after I miscarried) was out of town for the Thanksgiving holiday, so she did not get to deliver my baby. :( But with a c-section, its pretty impersonal to begin with, so I was okay with it. They got me into the OR pretty quickly and Andrew was born at 1:28pm. He came out squawking and beet red, but the minute they put him next to me and I stroked his cheek, he calmed right down. And that's the way he's been ever since. He'll get worked up over being hungry or having a dirty diaper, but the minute I put my face next to his and stroke his cheek he's puddy in my hands. Or maybe its the other way around. :)

And that's the story of how Andrew was born.

Here's one of his three-week pictures.

Now out of the night
New as the dawn
Into the light
This child
Innocent child
Trusting and warm
This child is born

One small heart
One pair of eyes
One work of art
Here in my arms

Here he lies
Trusting and warm
Blessed this morn!
A child is born

meet andrew christopher mcmurdie

born November 27th 2010, 1:28pm
7 pounds 5 ounces
19 inches long
the rest of the story to come...

the moment

Today I went through some of my old blog entries from a few years ago. I must say it's now a little difficult to read my blog entries from before Abby's (and Carter's) official HL diagnosis, because I seemed so happy and niave. It's bitter-sweet to enjoy the pictures and memories and growth of my babies, but the "now" me is saying, oh, just wait and see. Your life is going to be turned upside down. And then I read this post and every emotion came flooding back to me. I will never forget that day.

And in a few weeks, we might possibly have to go through that again. We know the odds are pretty good that he could have Pendred Syndrome. We are going to be okay and at peace with whatever the outcome is going to be. But it doesn't matter how much we've prepared ourselves for the red "referred" slip to come back after his HL newborn screen. If it happens, those emotions are going to come flooding back again: the worry, doubt, sadness, and acceptance that our child is going to struggle with this for the rest of his life.

And in a way, I feel like some of the joy of having a baby has been stripped away from me. Everyone expects a healthy, beautiful newborn because they have no reason to think otherwise. But for us, we can't just enjoy the moment, because we know it's possible that our child won't be "normal."

This kid's going to be okay if he has hearing loss. He is being born into a family and a community that understands it and knows what to do. The resources at our disposal are phenominal and we will give him the best care possible. And we will love him no less and maybe even more because of his special needs. But as every parent that has a child with a disability knows, it still doesn't change that moment when you first know . No matter your past experience, it is still terrifying.

will you make it to your c-section date
or come early like the rest?

will you have Carter's soulful eyes
or Abby's sunshine smile?

will we know what your name is
or will we have to draw straws?

will you be good natured
or have the soul of an old grouchy man?

will you have a full head of hair
or a smattering of blonde?

will you have perfect hearing
or will genetics play its ace again?

we're anxious to meet you, little one.

update for posterity

We're all doing good around here. Abby is growing like a weed, doing excellent in school and talking up a storm. Her teachers consider her "gifted" and hope that once we get her caught up with language and communication she'll be able to not only be mainstreamed, but be in a gifted and talented program. However, she's only been implanted for a year, and although we don't want to lower our expectations, it is likely that she will not be mainstreamed in Kindergarten. She would instead continue with the regional day school program in a mainstream elementary school that pulls out for the services she will need. But first grade... she'll be mainstreamed. I have full confidence.



Abby has been having bad dreams lately and therefore is fighting me like crazy to go to bed. Putting her to bed used to be one of my most favorite times of the day, but now its my own little nightmare. I know this won't last forever, but when you're in the thick of it, its pretty frustrating.

On the flip side however, me and Abby are tight. She is such a sweet, compassionate little girl and HATES upsetting me or making anyone unhappy. She is cuddly and loving, which is totally opposite of how she was when she was a toddler. She has lots of friends and has her teachers in the palm of her hand. She has matured so much and we are able to have full conversations, which is something that I have longed for for so long.

Raising Abby and Carter has not been the easiest thing in the world. Because of their hearing loss, communication wise I felt like I had two 2-year-olds for three years. Do you know how frustrating that is? To not be able to communicate with your children they way you want to? Anyway, we are coming out of that tunnel and it's so nice!



Carter is also growing up and doing so well in school. He's talking more and more and even creating long 8 and 9 word sentences. The other day he was playing with one of the teacher's assistants in the play kitchen in his classroom and he told her "I'm going to pour it all over your pants." And he also has quite a sense of humor. That same teacher was pretending to iron with Carter and she told him to "get all the wrinkles out" so he put the iron up to her face and started ironing out her wrinkles.

He is totally potty trained now (YAY) and so we will be diaper free for less than two months before we start the diaper routine all over again.



Carter is growing out of his constant grouchiness, but he still has his moments. And he is still a pretty sensitive kid. Carter and Abby are the best of friends and the worst of enemies. They love to play together, and I hate to say it, but I think they love to fight too. It's maddening, but when you have kids that close together, I think its inevitable.

So that's Abby and Carter in a really small nutshell.

my favorite picture

challenged

I'm not good at flower arranging. So I resort to copying from magazines. I loved this flower arrangement because its not your traditional boring fall arrangement; its a little bit modern, which is what I like. You'd think it would be easy to look at a picture and copy it, but not for me. I spent an hour at Hobby Lobby staring at the flowers in bewilderment. There's so many! And they're expensive! So I finally settled on these flower, which are different than the ones in the inspiration picture, but they were cheap. I got a huge clear glass fish bowl for $7 and spray painted it white, and I spent $12 on the flowers. So its a $20 flower arrangement, which isn't super cheap, but I like it. What do you think?

very brady

I took this shot of Abby the other day, (Can you tell she loves the camera?) and I was trying a couple of editing techniques, none of which I was very excited about. But I wanted to post this one because to me it looks like I cut it out of an episode of "The Brady Bunch." Don't ya think?

tap, tap....

Is this thing on?

Sorry I'm such a bad blogger lately. Does anyone even read my blog anymore?

I'm going to try to play catch up, although not a whole lot has happened around here.

I am 29 weeks pregnant and except for the ever increasing size of my belly bump, I really don't feel like I'm this far along. It has been one strange pregnancy. The first four months seemed to go on for-e-ver, but now that the worst has passed I really can't believe I'm in my third trimeseter, and I'm really not ready for him to come just yet. I feel good, and I'm able to to do the things I need to do and even everything I want to do, which I admit, is too much. With the holidays coming and the photography busy season, I need this little one to stay inside for just a little bit longer! Trust me, I do not take this healthy pregnancy for granted in the least and I hope he and I remain healthy till our due date.

We don't have a baby name. We have a few that we like okay, but nothing that we're sold on. I think we're going to have to wait till he's born. I have a feeling I will know right away what we should name him once we meet him in person.

So anyway, I will update on the kids and such soon.

dear carter,

I know that's the way it goes.
Little mamma's boys do grow up.
They stop the random cuddles.
They resist mommy kisses.
They insist on doing things themselves.
They go off to school and lose that special time alone with mommy.
I know that's the way it goes.

I just didn't think I would have such a hard time with it.

I feel like I'm clinging onto little Carter, but you so desperately want to be big boy Carter.

But guess what, buddy?

I'm not going to stop my random cuddles.
I'll kiss you despite your resistance.
I will guide you along as you try to do things yourself.
And I will make moments where we can spend time together.
Because you will always be my little boy.

one reason why i love brian

Carter wasn't nearly as into it as he was.

it's been a while

I should probably post something.

Abby speech sample, April 2010

This is speech sample from April, 5 2010. We had been working on the "f" sound and reading "The Foot Book." Pardon the really crappy video quality. This was the last pic/video/anything that I ever took with this camera. I really thought it was going to die in the first few seconds, but I ended up getting a lot.

Make an on-line slideshow at www.OneTrueMedia.com

happy hearing birthday, abby!

Yesterday was Abby's one-year cochlear implant hearing birthday and I completely missed it! For some reason I had it in my head that it was August 26th and not the 24th. Oh well! We'll celebrate it today!

I have been so, so bad about getting speech samples this year, and now that a whole year has passed I truly regret not having anything to look back on. We have tests galore, but not much in way of video or audio. The progress that she has made in a year has been nothing short of miraculous. We have worked hard, her teachers, audiologists and therapists have worked hard, but it is Abby's determination, desire and hard work that has contributed the most to her progress. I am so proud of her!

I have full faith that she will be able to go to regular public school next year and be mainstreamed in a general kindergarten class. We have lots to work on this year, but she is getting so close, and our teachers and therapists are very optimistic.

So happy CI birthday, Abby! We love you and we're proud of you!

Guess what?

It's going to be under 100 degrees this week! Low 90's to be exact!

So in celebration, I'm offering an

UNDER 100 SALE*

45 minute photo session
20 digital negatives on CD
only $75!!!

I have only a few slots open for this special:

Wednesday, August 25th 7:00-7:45pm

Thursday, August 26th, 8:45am-9:30am

Friday, August 27th, 8:45am-9:30am


*Sale is only good for the dates and times listed above
*Sale does not apply to families of 5 or more.

dear blog,

.
.
I've been cheating on you with Facebook.

You were my first, and I'll always come back to you, but in those moments when I just want to write one little thing, Facebook is the one. I'm sorry... But only a little.

Friend me if you want to know what I'm doing on a daily basis!

Love,

Me

first day of school

Today Abby and Carter both went to school. I dropped Carter off first and only had one solitary moment when I felt like crying. But he did so well and didn't even seem to notice when I left. Then I took Abby to her class, hung out there for a few minutes and then slipped out as they were starting circle time.



...And then I spent the next two hours wasting time in Plano waiting on the go ahead to pick up a part for our broken car a/c and take it to the shop. But locating a single switch from a Kia dealer and getting a hold of our "reliable" mechanic was easier said than done. (Its a really long story.) So I made the 20 minute trek home at 10:30am in a hot car with no hopes that the car would be fixed today. And then I had to go pick up the kids in the heat of the day with no air conditioning. I was in the car for over an hour and I thought I was going to DIE. And looking back at the kids with their sweaty beet red faces made me so sad! I don't know how people did it back in the days of no a/c.

But despite the middle section of the day, it all went really well! Abby loves her new teacher and had a lot of fun, and Carter (who I've been kinda worried about) did so good and actually took a nap in school. wait.... I think I hear angels singing....

sometimes

Most days I'm okay with this whole hearing loss thing. I mean, its been a part of our lives now for three years and has become commonplace. But there are some days, sometimes just small moments, when my heart aches for Abby and Carter to hear normally. Today has been especially hard.

revealing

So Abby has had an ear infection in her HA ear for four days now and she has not worn her hearing aid since the start of the infection. I guess I never really noticed how much better she hears when she has both her hearing aid and her CI in, because she wears them both religiously and we haven't worked her CI independently in a really long time. But now it is painfully obvious, and its a little discouraging. I have to repeat things two or three times for her to understand me, she almost always wants to look at me when I talk so she can read my lips (which I don't want her to become dependent on) and in loud situations where she normally copes really well, she can't even make out me yelling at her.

We celebrate her one year CI hearing birthday later this month, and I can't believe how quickly it has passed, and how extremely well she has done with her implant. But the past few days has really made me realize that we're not out of the woods yet. She has so much more to learn, and there will come a day when she will lose the hearing completely in her right ear and she will no longer have that hearing to rely on. All of that makes me sad and I don't want to think about it. But with this new revelation, I am determined to help her feel confident when hearing in any and every situation. With her hearing aid or not, with one good ear or two, we will help her to be as happy and successful as possible.

But I really can't wait till that ear infection goes away!

New

I added a new picture to Abby's picture page for anyone bored enough to look. :) Click on the "Abby's Art" button in the right column.

nostalgic

I'm feeling a little nostalgic today, thinking about how much my little boy has grown up. Maybe its that his hair is long enough where it doesn't lay down flat anymore, or maybe its his exploding vocabulary and interest in everyone around him. He isn't afraid to walk up to a stranger and ask them what their name is, much to my proud dismay. (is it possible to be dismayed and proud at the same time??)

Anyway, I had to look back at some pictures and see how much he's changed, and oh my gosh. Baldy chubs is totally gone. He's now a lean, tan little surfer boy with white hair and a mean set of abs. I miss old Carter, but love the boy he's becoming.

wordless wednesday

two pictures from galveston

that's all for now

family portrait

I don't even remember the last time we've had a family picture taken. So while we were in Galveston Matt took a few shots of us. This was our best one. I think we need more practice at this family portrait thing.



Anyway, we had an absolutely fabulous, relaxing time in Galveston and I wish we could go back once a month or something. I have pictures, just no time to post them. :)

well half of you were right...

It's a BOY!

Now we just have to think of a name.

blessed

Abby (as usual) asked to say prayer at dinner tonight, but this time her prayer was especially detailed and specific and I giggled as she spoke. As we said "Amen" I kept my eyes closed a little longer and drunk in the miracle of the prayer she had given. And then I looked up at Brian and said, "She is DEAF, and she was able to give a prayer like that." Brian gave me a knowing nod and said "I know, its incredible."

It truely is a miracle and I am so, so, so, SO grateful for the blessing of her hearing through her hearing aid and cochlear implant.

I will never take her hearing for granted, and I will be forever grateful for it.

baby 3

So people have been asking me, "What do you think it is?" and "What do you want it to be?"

And honestly I have no idea what I think it might be, and up until this week, I wasn't really sure I had a preference if it was a boy or a girl.

But I think I know what I want now. I'm just not telling. I don't want to offend the baby, you know. :)

But what about you? Boy? Girl?

I find out on August 5th!

Take the poll!

4th of july weekend

We had a busy, action packed fourth of July weekend! I actually took pictures, which I've been bad about lately. But I'm in a rush to post this, so I didn't have time to edit them, so you get to see my pics in all their naked glory. Did I just type naked glory?

Friday we had Cousin's School, which is a weekly semi-preschool thing we do with all the cousins in the McMurdie family. We have a lesson, music time and then a craft. Then we usually have lunch and go swimming. However, this Friday everyone else had other plans after lunch so it was just me and the kids. It rained, but the kids didn't care.









That night we went to ci-ci's pizza. Always a good time at ci-ci's.


And yes, Abby was blinged out the whole weekend. Go America!



Saturday we went to our ward breakfast and the kids joined the bike parade. Wish I would have taken pictures of that. It was crazy fun. Then after breakfast we went to the lake with Brian's family, which is a common occurance in the summer. But this summer is going to be different, because Carter discovered the jet skiis.



He was SO excited, and then once he got on he wouldn't get off. He rode that thing four or five different times with Brian and then Grandpa. Carter is a natural daredevil, and now I have something else to add to my gray hair list. Abby just enjoyed playing in the water with the girls. But at the end she got on the jet ski for the first time and loved it too.


(Don't ask about the pose. I haven't been letting her read SI swimsuit edition. Promise.)

After the lake we did our traditional trip to the fireworks stand a few miles from our house. Have to get a picture every time.


That night we were supposed to go to Concert in the Gardens with my family, but because of the rain, we decided not to risk it and stay around here instead. Of course, it didn't rain, and the concert was wonderful, and I'm sad that we didn't go, but we had fun anyway. We hung out with Brian's family that night and watched the fireworks.

Sunday we went to my Mom's house for hamburgers and fireworks. Brian helped John (the fireworks guru in our family) set the off, and they had lots of fun. The bugs were AWFUL, and Abby and Carter have mosquito bites everywhere, and I mean EVERYWHERE. But it was fun nonetheless.

I took pics on missy's camera, so maybe she'll get around to giving me those.

Okay! Off to speech therapy!

drumroll please...

Today I am excited to announce the launching of my brand new photography website!
mandiemcmurdie.com

Go on over and take a look!

Special thanks to Missy, who, in a huge conflict of interest, helped me redesign my logo, website, and blog. Her talent exceeds description! You are an amazing artist and a wonderful sister!

good times

We saw Toy Story 3 tonight with the kids. I laughed, I cried, I went to the bathroom with Abby three times while we were there. Before the movie Abby and I got in the photobooth for a few pictures. Its been a while since I posted any pics of the kids, and like YEARS since I posted a pic of me... so here ya go. I loved the movie, but I think taking these pictures might have been my favorite part of the night.

so far

the summer has been going pretty well. We've managed to keep a really full schedule with playdates, swimming and such so there's not much time to be bored. However, when Abby and Carter are alone, they manage to get on eachothers nerves really fast. I guess that's partly due to them being only 17 months apart. We've been watching more TV than usual, which might classify me as being a bad mom, but I don't care, and figure what's a little more tv for a month or two going to hurt??? We balance it with other educational activities, so its not all bad.

I'm 15 weeks and feeling so much better. Except I have a pretty bad cold or sinus infection or something, which in 100 degree weather completely drains me. Today I feel worse than I have all week so I'm going to the doctor and hope she gives me an antibiotic. But I have a feeling she's just going to tell me to suck it up.

somethin big

is coming July 1st! Okay, maybe its not as amazing as announcing a pregnancy, but its exciting nonetheless! So stay tuned. I know. You can hardly stand it.

wallamellon

No summer is complete without a few watermelon pictures. And considering how much my kids love watermelon, there'll be plently more photo opportunities.

dreaded longing

You know those milestones in your child's life that you dread, but knowing they've reached it means they're learning and growing?

For example, the "why?" question marathon. Abby has been asking why questions for a long time now, but has never done the proverbial long string of whys that preschoolers are known for. But today she did it.

Mom: I'm hungry.
Abby: Why are you hungry mommy?
M: Because it's time for dinner.
A: Why is it time for dinner?
M: Because we eat at night and its almost night time.
A: Why is it night time?
M: Because Jesus made it night time.
A: Why did Jesus make it night time?
M: Because Heavenly Father told him to.
A: ...Silence...

Thank goodness. Cause I wasn't ready to go there.

Abby's Art

I thought it would be kinda fun to start posting some of Abby's artwork on her own blog. I do this not to brag, but to document her progression. I think she has a gift, and I really want her to grow in her talents and have pride in her abilities.

If you'd like to take a look, click on the "Abby's Art" button in the right column.

pregnancy - week 13

I hardly remember a thing about being pregnant with Carter, although I remember a lot about Abby's. And I looked back at my blog and the entire pregnancy I only wrote one thing about it HERE. So I'm going to try to be better about documenting this journey so that I'll have it for posterity. So if you don't want to hear me gripe about first trimester woes, feel free to stop reading now.

I do know that this baby is different than the other two. I think the reason why I don't remember much about Carter's is that my pregnancy with him was just like Abby's. I got a little nauseous, never threw up, had headaches all the time for about six months, had initial low progesterone counts, both pregnancies ended with my water breaking on its own, with two weeks left till due date.

So far, I've hardly been nauseous at all, except when I'm hungry. Instead my stomach is wracked with torment every time I eat. If I don't eat I get nauseous, if I do eat I sit huddled in the fetal position for an hour or two. No matter what I eat. So really, not eating sounds like the best choice sometimes. Which is good, cause I haven't gained any weight so far. I've thrown up once, had three migraines and a little annoying headach once or twice a week.

However, the past two weeks have been so much better. I started feeling better a few days before Maui and have since been feeling really good. Still get nauseous if I don't eat regularily, but my headaches are very few and far between, and my stomach is settling down a bit. But I still have some triggers.With the other two pregnancies, I craved Barg's rootbeer. Now ANY carbonation sends me back to the fetal position again. Like tonight. Durned orange crush soda.

I'm still totally exhausted though, but that should be passing in the next week or two. And maybe now that I'm feeling better I can catch up on my client work and actually go outside and play with the kids.

Oh, and my dreams, although always very vivid, are now especially insane and fanstatical. One night I was Kung Fu Panda kicking some serious butt, and another night we were fleeing a sunami deep in the heart of Texas. And its funny, cause I didn't seem to mind that waves were feet from our homes. All I was worried about was that our 72 hour kits were outdated and Carter only had size 1 daipers to wear. Nothing like a good dream to get you motivated.

my phone went swimming yesterday

...in a cup of water. So if you've tried to contact me on my cell phone after 12 noon yesterday, I didn't get the message. Until I can get a new phone, please email me at brianmandie@gmail.com. Or if you know my house # you can call me there too.

I knew I was dependent on my phone, but I didn't know how much! I only have five numbers saved on my house phone. No numbers written anywhere, and who memorizes numbers anymore? Everything is in my phone. And now its dead and there are a lot of people I can't contact right now. Including clients. Maddening.

talents

We all have our talents. Sewing is NOT one of mine. Me and the bobbin have a very volitle relationship and my sewing attempts always end with me tangled up in thread screaming at the bobbin. And although I am somewhat proficient at basic sewing skills, I can in no way say that I have any talent whatsoever.

Baby showers are a great place to feel really bad about your lack of homemaking skills. I've been to a few lately where ladies just "whipped up" a beautiful crochet blanket for someone, or made incredibly cute handstiched bloomers and burp cloths. But the one that took the cake for me was Shannon's blanket at my sister Missy's shower. I'm just gonna say it. I was GREEN with envy. She made an activity mat out of some adorable fabrics and the workmanship was impeccible. I almost crammed it into my purse and bolted, but I figured Missy would find me out. Eventually.

Anyway, you can see more of Shannon's work here.

maui

Maui is awesome.

We're having a great time.

But I'm just aching for my babies.

I'm glad for this time away, this break from reality, but going home will be sweet.

holy cow, abby

Lots of times Abby draws what she sees, but this was completely from memory. The yellow/black polka dotted tie is awesome.

creative juices

The other day I was driving through a neighbhorhood and saw a man sitting on his front sidewalk writing "happy birthday" in sidewalk chalk. I don't know if it was for his wife, or one of his children, or another family member, but I thought, how creative is that? And then I thought, more guys should be that creative when doing things for their loved ones. especially their wives. But most men just don't have the time or creativity, or inclination to do something other than the traditional.

So then I thought, wouldn't it be cool if we all came up with some great, creative ideas that husbands can do for their wives on special occasions, and then compile them into a nice little document, and give them a copy. Then, when a special occasion comes along, all they have to do is take a look at the great resource we made them, pick one, and do it. And we will think they are the most thoughtful, creative man in the world.

So while I'm gone, leave a comment with a few ideas. And if your husband has done something creative, now's your time to brag on him.

seven nights

SEVEN nights that I will be away from my children. It hit me a few days ago. I don't want to say goodbye to my kids. I don't want to leave them for that long. Yeah, I know I need a break, and I can't back out now, and when I get there and settle in I will probably love it, but in the meantime I'm beside myself. I haven't even told Abby yet because I don't want her to be sad, which will make ME sad. Carter knows, but he doesn't grasp it like Abby will. I know they will have fun while we're gone, and they will be in good hands at Melinda's house, but I am going to miss them terribly.

At least we will be with all of Brian's family who will have also ditched their kids with other people. We can commiserate together I guess.

happy #3 carter!

Happy Birthday, Buddy!

Here are some of the things that Carter likes to do:

Flirt with the cashiers at the store. Sometimes he'll even give a thumbs up and wink. Not kidding.

Stand on his head. Sometimes I'll come into a room and see him hanging off a chair head first in kind of a headstand position. He'll stay that way for a long time too!

Eat all his food. He's gotten a better appetite in the last couple of weeks and I think he's finally starting to grow a little!

Take baths. The kid LOVES to take baths.

Still loves watching George, Mickey mouse clubhouse, Incredibles and now loves the movie Iron Giant.

Doesn't like to draw. He leaves that for his sister.

Run, jump, play, and ride his bike.

Growl like a lion.

Turn around in the pew at church and get laughs from the people behind us.

Give hugs and kisses.

heavy reading

Brian and I are going to Hawaii at the end of the month and I plan on spending a LOT of time laying on the beach, soaking in the sun, and reading some good books. Except the last time I picked up a book (other than the scriptures and kids books) was a looong time ago. I have no idea what to get! Criteria: romance, funny, interesting plot, maybe some suspense, I'd prefer fiction over non-fiction but most of all they need to be CLEAN. No cursing, no funny business.

Got any suggestions? Anything you want to loan me? I'll love you forever.

forte

Out of all the posing possibilites in photography, I think I'm probably best at the individual head shot. Maybe because it's the easiest. :) I just wanted to show you a recent before and after. For you photographers out there, I've listed my settings as well.

SOOC (straight out of camera)
f/1.8 Shutter 1/320, ISO 100


Edited


All I did was sharpen, reduce the red in her face a tiny bit, lighten the image, add a little contrast and touch up a few blemishes. I didn't touch the eyes.

happy mother's day to me!

I'm 9 weeks along now and everything is looking SO much better than my last pregnancy did. But we could still use your prayers that everything goes well and we end up with a healthy baby!

baby shelby

My sister Missy just had a baby two weeks ago and she came over the other day to hang out and take some pictures in my mock studio. Since my sister is a photographer also (and a freakin' good one) I wanted to act as assistant and let her do the shooting. But Shelby was the PERFECT newborn model so in the end I had to get out my camera and take a few pics. She is such a sweet little thing. Ugh!

Besides, I'm going to need as much practice as I can get so I'm ready to photograph my own baby in December. ;)

8 things

1. Carter is fully recovered from his surgery, is gaining weight back and even has his cute little husky voice back. So glad about that!
2. My sister, Missy, had her baby two weeks ago. She and my mom and Melinda came over to play today. I set up my little newborn photography studio and we did some pics of her. I can't believe how easy going and moldable she was! It was awesome.
3. I think we need to do a mapping session with Abby. It's been about 6 months and I notice that her /s/ sound is not very sharp anymore. But other than that, she's a superstar. She talking so well and I'm AMAZED and her progress and know she's going to keep amazing us for a long time.
4. Speaking of, Abby said the prayer in church on Sunday in front of all the Primary kids. I helped her because she was pretty scared, but she was clear and understandable and she did such a great job. Its a lot to ask a four- year-old to get up in front of everyone and say an intelligble prayer, let alone a child that is DEAF! As I sat her down and walked out of the room my eyes welled up with tears. Her CI/hearing aids are a miracle. SHE is a miracle.
5. Brian hasn't been traveling for a couple of weeks now and hopefully will be in town for a great portion of the summer. He's been traveling since we've been married, so I guess you could say its old hat. But its not home without him home.
6. Brian got called to be Elder's Quorum President in our ward and so that will keep him very busy. But its a big calling and I'm proud of him for being worthy and willing to accept the assignment.
7. Our dryer went kaput two weeks ago so we bought a new set. We got dem new front loading contraptions and I think I'm in love, although it has been an adjustment! We stack them on top of eachother and we're going to build a little workstation in the area beside it so hopefully it will improve my laundry workflow. Because laundry seems to consume my life. I don't know how you people with 4+ kids do it.
8. It's midnight and I'm going to bed.

blogging rut

I guess I'm in a blogging rut. I have things I want to blog about, but I've been so busy that its really the last thing that I want to do when I have a free moment. And really, right now all I feel like doing is posting a picture.

I attempted bluebonnet pictures with my kids at Mt. Sachse but the bluebonnet crop was pretty lame and it was way too bright outside, so we ended up exploring instead. I LOVE watching the kids run free.

make a wish

I haven't fallen off the face of the Earth. Just teetering on the edge of it. I'll get back in the swing of blogging soon, but in the meantime, check out Carter's luscious lips. And if you're really bored, hop over to my photoblog. Got some new stuff posted. Ok, so yeah, I love my photoblog more right now. Don't hate.

78?!

When I made that poll a month ago I really only expected about 40 people, but 78? Wow! Do I even know 78 people?

If you're a stalker and you'd like to make yourself known, please leave me a comment. And nice to meet you in advance!

in the weeds

Last week was rough. Brian was out of town, I have half a dozen clients to edit and no time to do it, our dryer broke, I had a migraine mid-week, I had a photo shoot every single day this week except for Saturday and that was a rain-out. I have been totally in the weeds, but next week promises to be better.

I have lots to blog about. Now I just need to find the time.

timeless

I love photographs. They capture a moment in time, a personality, a feeling, and no matter what changes in your life, you can always go back to a picture and be right back in that moment. The ones you lost become alive to you, the happy times you had are remembered, the emotions of that moment are real again and its as if no time has passed. It all comes flooding back, and you're there, in a field of bluebonnets, with the ones you love, and you're happy.
My mom and dad, circa 1980-something

Bluebonnet pictures are timeless, and your children will cherish them, like I cherish mine.

I'm offering four Bluebonnet Mini-Sessions on

Friday, April 16th

The cost is $40, which includes a 20-minute session and 8 digital negatives

Location is in Richardson near Renner and George Bush

Times available are:

6:00 (booked)

6:25

6:50

7:15 (booked)

call 214-316-0161 or email mandiemcmurdie@gmail.com to book your session.

Oh, and you might want to hurry.

what did you get in your easter basket?

I got a happy Carter bug.



The doctor (and everyone else and their dog) warned us that recovery was going to be a beast, but Carter really hasn't had a bad day since his surgery. He's had some bad moments when he was really tired or we waited too long in between medicine doses, but other than that, he's really suprised me. Now, they were right about everything else though... the knock-down-drag-out medicine administration and the refusing to drink fluids, among other things. But yeah, the prone-to-being-grouchy Carter has dealt with this really well, and I am so grateful! Tomorrow we pare down his medication, so we'll see how he does.

I just went into the bedroom to check up on him, and he was breathing clearly and deeply with no snoring. That makes me happy.

brian's birthday

was almost two weeks ago, but I was a bad wife and didn't mention it on the blog. So, um, happy birthday, Brian!

And for your viewing entertainment, here's the McMurdie family singers. Notice I quit after three words? I knew it was going to be hopeless to keep a tonal center. Anyway, I also wanted to post this to document Abby's progression since her CI activation. She's had it now for a little over seven months, and the improvement is astounding! I am so proud of her and her progress. She loves her implant. She calls it her "coke--plant" and wears it every waking minute. She can even change out the batteries and put it back in her ear all by herself!

And come on, Carter is so stinkin cute!!!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com

booked

My Saturdays are booked until May 8th for photo sessions, but I do have some openings during the week if you'd like to book a session in April. I am accepting babies, kids, seniors, and small families. I would especially love to shoot your baby. With my camera, that is. I've created a little studio space in my house in order to accomodate the little ones, and I am excited to get to use it more. So come on! Don't be shy!

Oh, and for those of you interested in doing a bluebonnet mini-session, I said I wasn't going to do them this year, but I've changed my mind. Now we've just got to wait until they bloom and I'll set a date and time! Stay tuned for more details!

If you're interested in booking a session, you can email me at mandiemcmurdie@gmail.com or call me at 214-316-0161.

More details HERE.

like mother, like daughter?

Here's a picture of Abby taken today



And here's one of me at her same age. (With my childhood bff Jerry Parks.) I don't have a lot of pictures of me that age without my tongue sticking out or me making smirks at the camera. This was one of the only normal ones. Sound familiar?



So, do you think we look alike???