tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89085988504381668402024-03-13T11:41:12.410-07:00Sweet River PhotographyI'm an on-location natural light photographer from Kent, WA serving the greater Seattle and South Sound area. My passion is for birth photography! In birth or family sessions, I strive to capture details and the spontaneous moments that truly reflect the beauty in your life, and that you will treasure for ever. Sit back with a cup of coffee and enjoy my musings, or better yet - pop me an email and introduce yourself. I love meeting new people!Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.comBlogger165125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-4803566624410827422013-11-11T21:08:00.001-08:002013-11-11T21:13:57.746-08:00Wish for Awareness<div>
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I lost count of the number of conspiratorial conversations I fielded on Halloween night, our first Halloween Since Diabetes. </div>
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"So, how is Bella handling not being able to have Halloween candy this year?"</div>
"Uhm..."</div>
"You know, since she has diabetes."</div>
"Well, we didn't have candy last year. We don't really do candy since sugar has always messed with her pretty badly."</div>
"Oh. So then how did she get diabetes?"</div>
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Over and over.<br />
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<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/private/30941476_Rjg3Hm#!i=2900913568&k=ntphd5w&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/photos/i-ntphd5w/0/M/i-ntphd5w-M.jpg" title="" /></a> </div>
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I
feel the urge to correct them on behalf of all Type 1s and explain that
Bella COULD have candy if that was part of our diet. But it wasn't
before, so we aren't starting it now just to prove that we can.</div>
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That part seems to twist people's brains a little too
hard, so I've been leaving it out. But I have a deep need to correct
Type 1 misconceptions and it feels so wrong to leave people in their
ignorance.</div>
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It's not their fault. It's the ridiculous doctors who
thought that the insulin diseases should keep the same name even after
they realized they were not treated the same. It's the fact that diets DID used to be
limited, due to limited insulin technology. It's the fact that Type 2 is
now an epidemic and everyone in America knows a Type 2 diabetic.
Diabetes is growing at an alarming rate, but of all diabetics, only 5%
are Type 1, and only 15% of those are kids. How can we begin to keep up?<br />
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<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/private/30941476_Rjg3Hm#!i=2900913618&k=3LVqJQp&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/photos/i-3LVqJQp/0/M/i-3LVqJQp-M.jpg" title="" /></a> </div>
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The names are similar and do not indicate a significant difference, but
the fact is that they are not the same disease and the lifestyles and treatments
associated with them are not the same. In the confusion, Bella's
diagnosis is extremely misunderstood - in superficial ways like keeping
her away from sweet food, and in deeper ways like assuming it's our fault when she is sick or that
it's no big deal and she will "grow out of it" now that she is on a
diet.<br />
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These misunderstandings hurt in small ways and in big ways, when there is no urgency for better treatments or a cure because people do not understand the life threatening reality of the situation.<br />
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<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/private/30941476_Rjg3Hm#!i=2900951170&k=BqCWrW7&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/photos/i-BqCWrW7/0/M/i-BqCWrW7-M.jpg" title="" /></a> </div>
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Diabetes has nothing to do with our diet. Type 1 Diabetics can
eat whatever the heck they want, as long as they give themselves the
right amount of insulin so their body can process it. No, the process
doesn't go as smoothly as it would in someone with a working pancreas,
but thanks to fast acting insulin that was invented in the last 15
years, all we have to do is check sugar, count carbs and give insulin. Sure, everyone
would benefit from a healthy diet, but there is no diet restriction for
Type 1 Diabetics.<br />
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There is for us. There already was. <br />
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<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/private/30941476_Rjg3Hm#%21i=2900913553&k=ZdPnf88&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/photos/i-ZdPnf88/0/M/i-ZdPnf88-M.jpg" title="" /></a><br />
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These unrelated restrictions are now heaped onto Bella as people
incorrectly put the two pieces of her life together and tell her it's
too bad she can't have a treat because she is diabetic.</div>
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The
hard part is watching Bella absorb the label that our well meaning
family and friends incorrectly apply to her, blaming a body part she cannot change no matter how hard she wishes. We ALREADY didn't eat
gluten or dairy or many sugary treats. That was already our diet. For years,
we have had amazing friends and family who make sure gf goodies are
available and leave the candy out of party bags, but make sure there is
still something fun inside. That consideration has always made the girls
feel included, and was never blamed on them.<br />
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Last year we skipped candy because it isn't healthy for our bodies.
This year it's assumed it's Because Bella is Diabetic. Last year we
didn't share cake at parties because the girls are on a gluten free
diet. This year it's assumed Because Bella is Diabetic. It's
exasperating to have yet another educational conversation in front of
Bella about Her Condition when most of the time she's really just trying
to be a normal kid. <br />
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<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/private/30941476_Rjg3Hm#!i=2900913545&k=DQzxcbM&lb=1&s=A" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/photos/i-DQzxcbM/0/M/i-DQzxcbM-M.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a><a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/private/30941476_Rjg3Hm#!i=2900913553&k=ZdPnf88&lb=1&s=A" title=""></a> <br />
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She'll learn to stand up for her rights soon, but how strange it
must feel to always be talked about, always have misinformed kids and
adults telling you you can't do something that you know full well you
can. She doesn't deserve to bear the burden of misinformation, and yet
she does every day. I have a lot of talks with her about why people say
things about her that are untrue, especially when I have to let a
misconception slide in front of her, so that hopefully she will grow up
knowing how to advocate for herself. Bearing the REAL struggles of
diabetes is hard enough without incorrect assumptions from good
intentioned people.<br />
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So, onward with awareness. If I couldn't have a cure, and
couldn't have miracle technology, then my wish would just be that
everyone took interest and understood so that Bella would not have a burden of misinformation on top of the disease itself. And the more people understand, the more support we will have for a cure. </div>
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Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-25760334095834349792013-09-24T08:48:00.002-07:002013-09-24T08:48:26.489-07:00Two months later.<div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/28393544_2FdpQ4#!i=2787575601&k=NwR8c3z&lb=1&s=A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/i-NwR8c3z/0/M/130724_0011-M.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">er admission</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Two months. Two months of life. Two months that
would not have been possible 90 years ago, and would have been unlikely
even 50 years ago. Two months of our new normal, thanks to ERs, insulin,
and very accurate and convenient glucose monitoring. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/28393544_2FdpQ4#!i=2787575535&k=zfNG54b&lb=1&s=A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/i-zfNG54b/0/M/BB1_7822-M.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">morning insulin dose</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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In the two months that we have been part of the the Type 1
Diabetes community, we have heard of several children who did not make
it to diagnosis. It looks like the flu. It looks like a hot, sweaty,
thirsty summer kid. It looks like not-quite-right.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/28393544_2FdpQ4#!i=2787599985&k=Pk2jnqw&lb=1&s=A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/i-Pk2jnqw/0/M/DSC_8819-M.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">four days before diagnosis, very thirsty, having to pee and not wanting to walk</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
In their memory, and in appreciation of Bella's second chance
at life, I am sharing the symptoms so that maybe some one will put
together the puzzle pieces for another child and save a life.<br />
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<ul>
<li>Extreme thirst</li>
<li>Frequent urination</li>
<li>Sudden vision changes (blurry vision)</li>
<li>Sugar in urine (yeast infections)</li>
<li>Fruity, sweet, or wine-like odor on breath</li>
</ul>
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<ul>
<li>Increased appetite</li>
<li>Sudden weight loss</li>
<li>Drowsiness, lethargy</li>
<li>Heavy, labored breathing</li>
<li>Stupor, unconsciousness</li>
</ul>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/28393544_2FdpQ4#!i=2787600287&k=3HhxLBV&lb=1&s=A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/i-3HhxLBV/0/M/BB1_7544-M.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">three days before diagnosis, water by her side and refusing to stand up to play</td></tr>
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<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/28393544_2FdpQ4#!i=2787599985&k=Pk2jnqw&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a><br />
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Bella ended up with every single one of these symptoms. Some kids never have to experience DKA <a href="http://blog.sweetriverphoto.com/p/type-1-diabetes.html" target="_blank">like Bella did</a>, since a few of the early symptoms (chugging water, wetting the bed,
blurry vision, yeast infection) are enough to bring a kid to the
doctor, and a perceptive doctor knows what to test for. We had an exceptionally warm summer with new activities, and they masked Bella's warning signs.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/28393544_2FdpQ4#!i=2787575606&k=Sg3XNWs&lb=1&s=A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/i-Sg3XNWs/0/M/130716_0006-M.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">in the weeks before, she suddenly needed naps</td></tr>
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<br />
Knowing the symptoms is a start. I knew the symptoms and still
didn't see them in my own child. The first day she chugged water, I
thought to myself, "Holy cow, she's chugging like she's diabetic," and
then I pushed it out of my head as impossible. When someone commented on
it weeks later, I said, "yeah, that has me super worried because it is
not a healthy symptom." I could have spared her a month of pain if only
I had taken her in, but who brings their kid to the doctor for chugging
water on a hot summer, and she seemed fine, so I shoved it to the back
of my head. All of it. The weight loss, the lethargy, the headaches, the
yeast infection, and even the vomiting and labored breathing and sweet
breath until the last minute. It takes everything in me and a good long
look at my now healthy child to not hate myself for missing her
diagnosis. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/28393544_2FdpQ4#!i=2787575603&k=Vcg5CwV&lb=1&s=A" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/i-Vcg5CwV/0/M/BB1_7581-M.jpg" title="" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">two days before diagnosis, no energy at all. the following night she started vomiting from severe DKA</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
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And still doctors miss these blatant signs and send kids home.
Some kids make it back to the ER, and some do not. Urge your doctors to
take a simple sugar test if you have to go in for flu-like symptoms. It
takes seconds. It saves lives. Remember the symptoms. Drinking,
peeing, weight loss. By the time it gets to vomiting, sweet breath, and
coma it is a serious problem that needs immediate ER attention.
Diabetes is becoming more and more prevalent, but few people know the
warning signs. Knowing these symptoms could save your child's life, or a
neighbor's, or someone at school. We were lucky and have a second
lease on life. The more people who know, the more lives will be saved.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/28393544_2FdpQ4#!i=2787618608&k=47L7Q93&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/i-47L7Q93/0/M/130910_0016-M.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a> Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-89409625882817628892013-08-21T21:56:00.001-07:002013-08-21T21:56:54.348-07:0010 on 10 August<div style="text-align: left;">
"Nothing changes and nothing changes and then a month is gone and then a year" - <a href="http://blog.sweetriverphoto.com/2013/07/10-on-10-july.html">me, last month.</a></div>
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Until everything changes.</div>
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And that Everything has made this post very hard to write because I can't believe how different life is now. Some things manage to stay the same. But <a href="http://blog.sweetriverphoto.com/p/type-1-diabetes.html" target="_blank">our lives were turned upside down</a> this month, and we are not the same.</div>
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Same quiet mornings.
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<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/28393544_2FdpQ4#!i=2716216967&k=FDBZ2rk&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/i-FDBZ2rk/0/M/DSC_9216-M.jpg" title="" /></a> </div>
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Same quiet hours spent drawing.</div>
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<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/28393544_2FdpQ4#!i=2716216996&k=KVgLT6v&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/i-KVgLT6v/0/M/DSC_9222-M.jpg" title="" /></a> </div>
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<br /></div>
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And a party that I went to -</div>
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that I was in no state to attend </div>
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while stressing over my own daughter </div>
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and mourning the loss of a friend's.</div>
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That I did my best to sit through </div>
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(but I didn't manage to take even a phone picture) </div>
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and then thankfully had to leave for a shoot. </div>
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I can escape in photography.</div>
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Unless I'm in a parking lot on I-5.</div>
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And then I just sit there.</div>
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But it's better than being in a room full of people who don't share your grief.</div>
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<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/28393544_2FdpQ4#!i=2716216914&k=WGcW5Bn&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/i-WGcW5Bn/0/M/130810_0005-M.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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<br /></div>
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And I spent the afternoon refilling my heart with these two beautiful souls, whose wedding I have the privilege of capturing in October.</div>
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<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/28393544_2FdpQ4#!i=2716217010&k=97zFG6R&lb=1&s=A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/i-97zFG6R/0/M/DSC_9271-M.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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And then this.</div>
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This picture hurts me because Bella is cuddling the first tomato of the season. </div>
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And she can't eat it yet. </div>
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And she is being so so understanding of that and snuggling it instead.</div>
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So Lia does the same.</div>
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<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/28393544_2FdpQ4#!i=2716216926&k=NtQ5r52&lb=1&s=A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/i-NtQ5r52/0/M/130810_0013-M.jpg" title="" /> </a></div>
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Time for Bella's dinner check.</div>
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<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/28393544_2FdpQ4#!i=2716216932&k=crKC5q3&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/i-crKC5q3/0/M/130810_0017-M.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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A few days of needles adds up</div>
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and the holes and bruises are small </div>
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and dotting her little body</div>
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and Bella doesn't complain.</div>
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(But I do, I can't help it.)</div>
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<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/28393544_2FdpQ4#!i=2716216959&k=2ZcS7gm&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/i-2ZcS7gm/0/M/130810_0021-M.jpg" title="" /></a> </div>
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Still, some things stay the same. </div>
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<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/28393544_2FdpQ4#!i=2716217012&k=mpL4tMV&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/i-mpL4tMV/0/M/DSC_9356-M.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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Or improve. </div>
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She can run again. </div>
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She hasn't run in months.</div>
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She didn't run last month. </div>
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Or bike.</div>
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And we didn't know why.</div>
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<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/28393544_2FdpQ4#!i=2716217045&k=XgkmZt8&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/i-XgkmZt8/0/M/DSC_9358-M.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a></div>
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So there's joy in the simple things.</div>
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And my night ends watching the sun set at a cafe with friends </div>
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(a gathering occasioned by unbearable grief)</div>
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but we are together </div>
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and for the moment that is enough </div>
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and we find our smiles. </div>
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Life goes on as usual this month, but nothing is the same.</div>
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Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-17001002876816417582013-07-12T21:18:00.001-07:002013-07-12T21:18:14.251-07:0010 on 10 JulyJuly! I really do not understand how the days keep slipping out from under my feet. Nothing changes and nothing changes and then a month is gone and then a year. It's nice to have 10 on 10 because change is slow and ever present with kids. You're going along and then all of a sudden you realize that things are nothing like they used to be, though you can't remember them changing. <br />
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So I will love waking up snuggled next to this one for as long as I can, in spite of her morning squirming and mosquito bite itching.<br />
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Soft, bright summer mornings.<br />
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And then we sat around the house all day waiting to sign for a camera in the mail and in all the nothingness, I forgot it was 10-on-10 day. My mom even visited and I didn't take a single picture. Amazing how I can remind myself relentlessly and still forget when I'm in the middle of a project. :O)<br />
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The fairy donning her beloved gloves as we waited for the mail truck.<br />
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Testing out the camera. These don't count towards the ten, I swear!<br />
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Bella playing big sister, realizes she can undo Lia's helmet all herself.<br />
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Hopscotch after a painful math lesson. She drew this one all herself and left the numbers out this time.<br />
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Quiet time in the kitchen while I cook.<br />
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My view while cooking. I love our new white cabinets.<br />
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Daddy's home!<br />
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And to bed. They always pick him instead of me, and by bedtime I have to agree!<br />
<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/28393544_2FdpQ4#!i=2631587211&k=q8Sxp3B&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/i-q8Sxp3B/0/M/DSC_3083-M.jpg" title="" /></a>Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-67246286571614740762013-07-12T21:06:00.004-07:002013-07-12T21:06:58.537-07:0010 on 10 June10 on 10 for June! Apparently I took and processed all my images and forgot to blog them. :O)<br />
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So wonderful waking up to this bouquet fresh from my uncle's garden. Those white peonies are the most fragrant flowers I have ever smelled. I call them the stinky flowers because they are really THAT fragrant. They smell like your great grandma all loaded with perfume.<br />
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A shoot for the farm - planting broccoli starts.<br />
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Dropping Dave off at work.<br />
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And waiting waiting waiting at the doctor.<br />
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And more waiting. We waited for an hour, essentially to drop off pee. Hooray. I can say in retrospect that it was worth it, but alas, it was a long morning.<br />
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A beautiful day at the lake.<br />
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Hungry and waiting miserably for dinner.<br />
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Fresh picked strawberries!<br />
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And bathtime, at long last.<br />
<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/28393544_2FdpQ4#!i=2569870312&k=wbkPsPZ&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/i-wbkPsPZ/0/M/DSC_6036-M.jpg" title="" /></a><br />
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Sneaky little one reading herself to sleep.<br />
<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/28393544_2FdpQ4#!i=2569870314&k=PzXNN88&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/i-PzXNN88/0/M/DSC_6053-M.jpg" title="" /></a>Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-81598063301416431022013-05-14T22:52:00.000-07:002013-05-14T22:52:08.338-07:0010 on 10 MayOn Fridays, I go into Seattle and watch my friend's two kids, so our day is very full! We've done this for a year an a half now and their family is very much a part of our lives.<br />
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The biggest change this month is that we have sun(!) and that my baby is now 5 and can ride a two-wheeler. Oh, and Lia made it through the train park without headphones! <br />
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<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/28393544_2FdpQ4#!i=2513396829&k=Ncpr4Xk&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2013-Blog/i-Ncpr4Xk/0/M/130510_0049-M.jpg" title="" /></a>Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-59078866559005863632013-05-14T22:38:00.000-07:002013-05-14T22:38:25.478-07:0010 on 10 MarchMy first 10 on 10: March 2013<br />
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A lazy day at home... one of many that blur together in an endless stream. And yet. Just two months later these memories are just that. Each day is imperceptibly different until these memories are distant nostalgia. (Hm... apparently I was still attempting naptime for Lia and getting work done during that hour. HAH!)<br />
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<br />Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-13452100424146671432012-06-12T09:32:00.001-07:002012-06-12T09:32:16.758-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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On Sunday, my little one turns two. I'm not stunned like I was <a href="http://tumblieweed.blogspot.com/2010/05/two-and-then-some.html" target="_blank">when Bella turned two</a>. Lia is chatty and headstrong and chubby and seems very two, to me. When Bella was two, <i>Two </i>seemed like an unbelievably large, grown up number. I might as well send her to college next year.<br />
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Now thinking of <i>Five </i>takes the wind out of me, and two seems like a drop in the bucket of babyhood. Plus it helps that when Bella was two, I was getting ready in my mind for her to be a big sister in a matter of weeks. When she was two, there was <a href="http://tumblieweed.blogspot.com/2010/09/so-it-begins-again.html" target="_blank">a little marshmallow of a baby</a> hanging out with us, always making Bella's age seem like the new grown-up.<br />
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It's very strange having a two-year-old and no baby on the way to alter perspective. <i>Two </i>is still my squishy, snuggly, nursing baby. Whether there will be another two year old in our family some day, I don't know. It seems to make it easier enjoy today if we leave that possibility open. Then I don't panic at every little event, thinking, <i>This is the last second birthday we get to celebrate! This is the last time someone in our family is two years, two months, and a day and a half old! There goes another minute of the Last of the Babyhood. MUST. ENJOY. ENJOY HARDER. NOW!!</i><br />
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And still, there are the days when I hope I am paying close enough attention, getting in enough cuddles. No mom wants to regret passing on just one more cuddle while time relentlessly marches on.<br />
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Last year's birthday already seems so far away that I barely remember <a href="http://blog.sweetriverphoto.com/2011/06/happy-birthday-lillia.html" target="_blank">that chubby face</a>. It won't be long before this new grown up face looks like a baby. So snuggle, I do.<br />
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Happy birthday, little one. I will get back in the habit of jotting down some of your favorite things and funny quirks, so that in a few years I can use them as bait to get you to sit and snuggle with me while we giggle over your baby days. For now, I must end this and go stock up on the last of my one-year-old snuggles. I love you!<br />
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<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#%21i=1897309956&k=KRxKQBC&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/i-KRxKQBC/0/M/DSC3530-SRP-M.jpg" title="" /></a> </div>Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-80219539784922621512012-06-05T20:28:00.001-07:002012-06-05T20:29:19.551-07:00And the winner is...<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#%21i=1888973282&k=Kp4HPzX&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/i-Kp4HPzX/0/M/P1080498-SRP-M.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a></div>
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Thank you to everyone who participated in <a href="http://blog.sweetriverphoto.com/2012/05/raffle-like-no-other.html" target="_blank">our raffle this month</a>, by donating or sharing with friends! Every little bit brings Cat closer to reaching her goal - a chance at a life saving surgery and getting to live her life more fully.<br />
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Please continue to follow her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SanDeigoWeGO" target="_blank">journey on Facebook</a>. Share it with everyone so she can reach her goal, and stop by to offer some encouragement. She has been in the hospital for a month now, away from her daughter and friends, on a visit that was only supposed to last a few days. As a mother, I can only imagine the pain of being away from my baby a whole month. So let's send some love her way!<br />
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Now, on to the excitement!<br />
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We have three prizes up for grabs:<br />
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One grand prize: One Portrait Session including Complete Digital Collection
- a $650 value! (Session must take place in the greater Seattle,
Portland, or Corvallis areas. Session must be completed by August
13th, 2012.)</div>
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Two secondary prizes: A collection of 5x7 greeting cards with original prints that may be framed after use.</div>
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Without further ado, our randomly chosen winners:</div>
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<b>Grand prize: Keisha Reis</b></div>
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<b>Secondary prizes: Brie Chelton and Chrysoula Tsavelas</b></div>
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To everyone who participated, a heartfelt THANK YOU. I was so nervous picking the numbers tonight and made my husband do it since I truly wish I could issue a prize to each and every person. Congrats again to the winners - I'll be in touch!Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-44042021754946832532012-05-28T22:01:00.002-07:002012-05-28T22:02:49.382-07:00a little glam<br />
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A bit of glam to share with you today. I love doing individual portraits, and this was an especially fun session. I can't believe I'm just now blogging it!<br />
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Meet my wonderful friend, Brie! We took a bit of time out of her visit from Oregon to make some portraits that highlight every little bit of her beauty. </div>
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Personally, I think everyone deserves to see themselves in this way and I love capturing it for people. I myself certainly need some photographic reminders after a long day (or week) in which I may or may not have made it out of jammies, let alone gotten to brush my hair. Sometimes we get lost in ourselves and forget that the beauty is there all the time, no matter what. :O) Hey, well I did say that these are some of my favorite kinds of sessions! <br />
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P.S. If you haven't <a href="http://blog.sweetriverphoto.com/2012/05/raffle-like-no-other.html" target="_blank">entered the raffle</a> yet, make sure you do before the end of the week! It's for a great cause, and you, too, could enjoy a relaxing afternoon just feeling beautiful and have portraits to show for it. :O)<br />
<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#%21i=1872036005&k=qG95zcS&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><br /></a>Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-84593236898586506102012-05-21T21:26:00.000-07:002012-05-21T21:27:04.632-07:00Rainbow!We had the most beautiful rainbow right at sunset tonight. While I often complain about missing the heat and thunderstorms of the other places I have lived, I really love that in the spring in Seattle I get to see a rainbow usually every few weeks! Tonight was the first time I have seen one during a sunset and it was beautiful!<br />
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I sat and watched the clouds meander on by til the sun set and the rainbow faded from view. What a great show!<br />
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A wonderful way to end a Monday - and if you are feeling particularly lucky (perhaps someone found the pot of gold?) do take a moment to enter the raffle I'm currently holding! <a href="http://blog.sweetriverphoto.com/2012/05/raffle-like-no-other.html" target="_blank">Check it out here</a>!Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-6394803477464065422012-05-10T21:09:00.000-07:002012-05-10T21:16:32.101-07:00A raffle like no other!**A big post today! Please take the time to read it through, because at the end there is a great opportunity for everyone!**<br />
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For most moms, life with a baby is busy, exhausting, and full of little gripes like, 'Augh! Another tantrum leaving the park today!' Or, 'Oh man, going on a walk with a toddler is torturously slow.' Few of us take the time to really consider what a treat it is to have the ability to experience all the ups and downs of keeping up with a child. <br />
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<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#%21i=1840623013&k=4Ht43vj&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/i-4Ht43vj/0/M/DSC0349-SRP-M.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a></div>
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I'd like like to introduce you to my dear friend, Catherine. She is an amazing mom and wishes only to have the chance to enjoy the wondrous bits of life that most moms cherish without a second thought. But with <a href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0001554/" target="_blank">Sickle Cell Anemia</a> and <a href="http://heartcenter.ucsd.edu/health-information/conditions/Pages/pulmonary-arterial-hypertension.aspx" target="_blank">Pulmonary Hypertension</a>, the cards are stacked against her. She has been on constant oxygen since the birth of her daughter, Ava, 17 months ago, and has made it through many difficult trials including coma, lung collapse, and extended hospital stays far from home. All the while she meets life with enthusiasm, and stays strong to be there for her daughter as she grows.<br />
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If you have never had watch your child learn to walk and wish you could hold her finger while she explores her new found talents, consider yourself lucky. If you've never had to wish you could twirl your child through the air or explain to her why you can't pick her up, consider yourself lucky. If you can make it through an entire book and groan about how many times you have to read it again, consider yourself lucky. If you have never sat in a hospital bed and hoped your baby would remember you when you come home, consider yourself lucky. If you have never had to pray that your child will have you by her side at her birthday this year and next, then you are truly lucky.<br />
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All you amazingly lucky people, this is where you come in! Catherine is blessed with wonderful family, friends, and doctors and has a chance at a <a href="http://heartcenter.ucsd.edu/pte/Pages/default.aspx" target="_blank">life-changing surgery</a> this summer, but she needs help getting there. A fundraiser has been set up to gather the funds to get her across the country where doctors are waiting to evaluate her candidacy.<br />
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<b>I will be raffling off one complete portrait session, a $650 value!</b><br />
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Don't worry, if you aren't in the Pacific Northwest, since there will be secondary prizes that can be shipped anywhere. Each entry is $10, and you may enter as many times as you'd like. Be sure to pass the word on, since the more entries I receive, the more prizes I will add to the pot! It's a win-win situation, all around!<br />
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<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#%21i=1840623023&k=97M9Qfs&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/i-97M9Qfs/0/M/DSC0356-SRP-M.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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How to enter: Please use the button on the top of this blog to purchase tickets. They are $10 a piece and you may enter as many times as you'd like. Each one brings you closer to winning, and brings Catherine closer to realizing her cross country trip and freedom from oxygen tanks! It's win-win. :0). </div>
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<b>As more raffle tickets are purchased, I will add more secondary prizes, so keep sharing with your friends all over the country!</b></div>
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I am very excited to have this raffle to offer my clients, fans and friends, so please share as much as you can! The more the merrier! (You will find more details below.)<br />
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You can get to know Catherine better and follow along on her journey here on her <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SanDeigoWeGO" target="_blank">San Diego or Bust!</a> page. Words of encouragement are always welcome!<br />
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And Cat, I plan for this to be you and Ava next summer- one more dream come true:<b> </b></div>
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<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#%21i=1840623018&k=K3qCmFP&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/i-K3qCmFP/0/M/BB19998-SRP-M.jpg" title="" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> (Portrait by <a href="http://altadawnephotography.zenfolio.com/" target="_blank">Alta Dawne Photography</a>)</span><br />
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Details: </div>
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Grand prize: One Portrait Session including Complete Digital Collection - a $650 value! Session must take place in the greater Seattle, Portland, or Corvallis areas. Session must be completed by August 13th, 2012.</div>
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Secondary prize: A collection of 5x7 greeting cards with original prints that may be framed after use.</div>
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The raffle begins today and will last through June 1st at 9pm Seattle time. All proceeds will benefit San Diego or Bust. Portrait session may be redeemed in the greater Seattle, Portland, and Corvallis areas. Secondary prizes will be shipped worldwide. Prizes may not be redeemed for cash. If winner cannot redeem grand prize, winner may choose from the secondary prizes and a new grand prize winner will be chosen.</div>
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</a></div>Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-81292307558644475602012-04-25T21:54:00.000-07:002012-04-25T21:54:23.175-07:00<div style="text-align: center;">
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When I received the call for this birth last week, I thanked my lucky stars it was the middle of the night and rushed right over! The beautiful mama called me just after her water broke, and not two hours later, baby was in her arms. I consider myself extremely lucky to have made it, since I live a full hour away. :O)<br />
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I don't think I would have missed it for the world! What an absolutely beautiful birth. Jenna's husband was steadfast, supporting her every moment and concentrating on nothing else.<br />
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Just as the baby was about to be born, daddy switched places, caught his darling daughter and handed her over to mama. Such a precious moment, and a wonderful memory for them all.<br />
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Stay tuned for the slideshow, which I will link as soon as I'm finished. In the mean time, check out the rest of <a href="http://jenna-baby.sweetriverphoto.com/" target="_blank">Norah's welcome page</a>! Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-72354681928131182222012-03-06T19:37:00.000-08:002012-03-06T19:37:59.578-08:00Miss Elodie<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#%21i=1739484179&k=DZ6B8LK&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/i-DZ6B8LK/0/M/omeara-006-web-M.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />
Don't you think Elodie is just the sweetest name? It's a perfect fit for this little darling. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#%21i=1739486243&k=CMNcqT4&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/i-CMNcqT4/0/M/omeara-014-web-M.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />
Elodie's portraits were nice and laid back (my favorite kind!) since her mama <a href="http://jenfinch.com/" target="_blank">just happens to be a photographer</a>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#%21i=1739486471&k=dPmfJSx&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/i-dPmfJSx/0/M/omeara-016-web-M.jpg" title="" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#%21i=1739486952&k=MthchDB&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"></a><a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#%21i=1739486952&k=MthchDB&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/i-MthchDB/0/M/omeara-033-web-M.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a></div><br />
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We missed out on her true newborn portraits since she surprised her mama a few weeks early. It made for a fun session, though, since she was the size of a newborn but interacted like a 4 week old. <br />
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Jen, congratulations! You have certainly found yourself a keeper.<br />
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P.S. Be sure to pop over to <a href="http://elodie.sweetriverphoto.com/#/slideshow/" target="_blank">Elodie's page</a> to check out the rest of the images in her <a href="http://elodie.sweetriverphoto.com/#/slideshow/" target="_blank">slideshow</a>!Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-1077655494050068402012-02-14T20:52:00.000-08:002012-02-14T20:52:18.133-08:00Sweet peek - IslaSo excited to share this sneak peek with you! So excited, in fact that I just had to add in a few extra images because this new family is just so flippin cute.<br />
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If you have ever welcomed a new baby into your family, you'll remember this feeling so well. Just staring down at that little one, enamored with every feature, wondering how it could be possible that just a few days earlier you had never even met.<br />
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<a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#!i=1712180270&k=p7Q6wNF&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/i-p7Q6wNF/0/M/BB11200-SRP-M.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a><br />
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And this moment... newborns are so impossibly small and perfect.<br />
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Thank you, Jennifer and Jonathan! It was such a privilege to visit during these most precious newborn days, so that you can remember them forever.Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-75446530449220854412012-02-05T21:11:00.000-08:002012-02-05T21:20:51.747-08:00The reward<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">They say that your second baby's labor is the reward for <a href="http://www.sweetriverphoto.com/2010/07/happy-birthday-thomas.html" target="_blank">the first</a>. Let me just say how true that was for my dear friend, MJ. Most of her labor was all about this little dude, right here. MJ refused to have the baby until he was asleep in bed. :O) </div><br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#%21i=1699769655&k=xrSfDSw&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/i-xrSfDSw/0/M/BB17938-SRP-M.jpg" title="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
MJ was absolutely radiant in labor. You would not believe her baby was born just two hours after this!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#%21i=1699769670&k=FKJCzqZ&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/i-FKJCzqZ/0/M/BB17964-SRP-M.jpg" title="" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">This image is everything I love about home births - laboring in a quiet, comfortable, dark space in the company of those you love.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#%21i=1699769680&k=w6WCpLp&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/i-w6WCpLp/0/M/BB18067-SRP-M.jpg" title="" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">After her little man finally fell asleep, this mama wasted no time at all! Hopped in the tub, kicked into gear, set her mind to it, and pushed that baby right out. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#%21i=1699769678&k=TBmrP6G&lb=1&s=A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/i-TBmrP6G/0/M/BB18055-SRP-M.jpg" title="" /></a></div><a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#%21i=1699769702&k=SKXbBFR&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/i-SKXbBFR/0/M/BB18100-SRP-M.jpg" title="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">I think no matter how many times you do it, the moment when you meet your child just never gets old.</div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#%21i=1699769711&k=JWBHLVL&lb=1&s=A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/i-JWBHLVL/0/M/BB18114-SRP-M.jpg" title="" /></a></div><a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#%21i=1699769717&k=RNKfVtt&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/i-RNKfVtt/0/M/BB18119-SRP-M.jpg" title="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Hello, baby!</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#%21i=1699769607&k=8GqPZC4&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/i-8GqPZC4/0/M/BB18236-SRP-M.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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Enjoying the new view.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#%21i=1699769614&k=M2cmbXN&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/i-M2cmbXN/0/M/BB18356-SRP-M.jpg" title="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#%21i=1699769637&k=H5f2JdG&lb=1&s=A" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/i-H5f2JdG/0/M/BB18450-SRP-M.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a></div><br />
</div>Welcome, Silvia Elise! It was an honor to be there for your first few moments.<br />
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**Watch the full slideshow below, or click here for the <a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/Client-Slideshows-Blog/19458659_rMPSPD#%21i=1699774080&k=bNB9hWG&lb=1&s=A" target="_blank">full screen version</a>!**<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="240" scrolling="no" src="http://api.smugmug.com/services/embed/1699774080_bNB9hWG?width=425&height=240" width="425"></iframe>Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-49727463428102151722012-02-04T21:40:00.000-08:002012-02-04T21:43:09.058-08:00Tidbit #35At the park today, Bella climbed higher than ever before, and took charge of all the kids on the merry-go-round. I really never imagined I'd see this day, and it caught me off guard. My timid little park-watcher is becoming daring.Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-72221602811765164132012-02-03T22:23:00.000-08:002012-02-03T22:23:39.484-08:00Tidbit #34Sunbeams, blue skies, warm air, and YES. Yes, let's turn around for your kite. Yes, you may push the stroller. Yes, let's detour our walk. Yes, let's sit out with blankets under the stars. I saw three moons around Jupiter tonight, and some day soon you will get to, too.Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-75792185080442241862012-02-03T22:15:00.000-08:002012-02-03T22:15:35.014-08:00Tidbit #33<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#!i=1697845434&k=z22WXTp&lb=1&s=A" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug"><img alt="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/i-z22WXTp/0/L/P1070657-SRP-L.jpg" title="Photo & Video Sharing by SmugMug" /></a></div><br />
Trapped in the house all day. Make my escape and burst out the door; breathe in the crisp night air and look up. Clear, satin sky full of infinite old friends and I am grounded again.Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-83362716357442161892012-02-03T22:06:00.000-08:002012-02-03T22:06:14.799-08:00Tidbits #30 thru 32#30 - Mon: Friends. So grateful for amazing friends who scoop me up and let me decompress in just the way I need. <br />
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#31 - Tues: Lia sounds like she's on helium. Bella had a Shirley Temple voice, and Lia has a rough, squeaky voice. When she's super excited, she even breathes the words IN. <br />
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#32 - Weds: Sitting at the computer. Lia is procrastinating bedtime, standing against me, putting her head in my lap and looking up at me.Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-61673904418162136622012-01-30T21:55:00.000-08:002012-01-30T21:55:02.868-08:00The Ice Storm<span class="huge">I never saw a wild thing </span><br />
<span class="huge">sorry for itself. </span><br />
<span class="huge">A small bird will drop frozen dead from a bough </span><br />
<span class="huge">without ever having felt sorry for itself.</span><br />
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David Herbert Lawrence.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"> <a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#%21i=1693032255&k=H64gGqf&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/i-H64gGqf/0/L/BB19716-SRP-L.jpg" title="" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">The ice storm was beautiful and terrible. It crippled our trees and set our region at a stand still- cold, immobile, and in awe at the kind of natural acts we so rarely see here. </div><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">All night we listened helplessly to the crash of trees as the weight of the ice snapped them in half and ripped them apart, branch by branch. The scene the next morning was unbelievable. Our hearts ached for the trees, in disbelief that nature would do this to her own. </div><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/20891999_Cpt35W#%21i=1693032295&k=SnLS38v&lb=1&s=A" title=""><img alt="" src="http://sweetriver.smugmug.com/Other/2012-Blog-Photos/i-SnLS38v/0/M/BB19777-SRP-M.jpg" title="" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">The roads still look like this, lined with destruction no one will ever finish clearing. I wonder how long it will be before we no longer notice it there, no longer notice the roads lined with scattered pieces of trees, and forget how the proudest once stood, whole and flourishing. </div><br />
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The destruction is in every direction - undeniable and overwhelming. And yet, it's not the way of nature to linger on it as we do. There's no pity in storms, no sorrow in the destruction they leave. Leaves will bud out this spring, proud and unaware of the winter's cruelty. Trees will not ache for their lost limbs or fallen neighbors. Those that do not make it become part of the earth again and nourish the saplings that will replace them.<br />
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The ones that survive will continue to stand strong, no matter the weather, and stretch their branches towards the sky.<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div>Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-71822712187271874262012-01-30T20:25:00.000-08:002012-01-30T20:25:05.025-08:00Tidbit #29Unrelenting rain smacking the thin walls in huge, heavy drops. Listening in the darkness. Steady breathing from nearby. Hearts beating together as the little one gently rises and falls, sleeping on my chest again.Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-17357998619480365722012-01-30T20:21:00.000-08:002012-01-30T20:21:01.631-08:00Tidbit #28Captured candid moments at a life celebration memorial tonight. My heart is full and aching. Photographs were everywhere- both beautiful and painful in their innocence. When the two year olds grow up, they will only know their mother in their hearts and in the stories their loved ones tell. Those photographs will be the only vision they have left of her as they grow up and away from their last day together. Through the images she left behind and the stories they inspire, they will grow to know her and never doubt for a moment how much she loved them.Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-5721140236086020242012-01-28T22:21:00.000-08:002012-01-28T22:21:43.118-08:00More tidbit catchup!Tidbits 15-27 (Apparently losing power for four days has me a bit behind.)<br />
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Sun 15th: How is it that the girls put on footy jammies and suddenly they're one year younger and completely cuddleable?<br />
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Mon 16th: Tracking foot prints in the snow. It's amazing how much wildlife is all around us, and how much we miss without the snow to record everything.<br />
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Tues 17th: Music holds our lives together. Lia is already taking to singing music, but when she and Bella were sitting in a boat together, she asked Bella to sing. A new understanding opened between them and suddenly they were off in their own world.<br />
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Weds 18th: Snow day! Lia looked like a giant pink marshmallow, and every time I saw her, I had to give her a big squishy hug. There's just no way around it.<br />
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Thurs 19th: So grateful for our amazing friends, opening their homes to keep us warm and dry during this incredible storm.<br />
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Fri 20th: Away from home tonight. Lia wants to sleep on my belly to fall asleep. Okay, snuggle baby. If you insist.<br />
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Sat 21st: It seems as if nature has turned on herself, sabotaging her amazing and beautiful work. It is heartbreaking to see the trees broken, fallen, beaten, just by ice and rain. But to her, it's just another part of the great cycle.<br />
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Sun 22nd: Oh my sweet sweet baby fell asleep in my arms, with the whole hubub of the house swirling around her. I can't remember the last time that has happened. Being trapped by a baby is bliss.<br />
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Mon 23rd: When we're listening to CDs or radio, one second between songs is one second too long for Lia. Song?<br />
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Tues 24th: Apparently, Lia has decided that if she is not grumping, she's going to be the world's most hilarious comedian. (Oh, I so dearly missed her goofies during these last few months of teething.)<br />
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Weds 25th: Sometimes it's hard to believe we live here. We really do. I look up at the jagged piney tree tops and sniff the cool, rainy air and I'm instantly transported back to my childhood vacations, riding in the car, dreaming someday I would live here. Now I'm living the dream, dreary days and all.<br />
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Thurs 26th: Giant squishy nap with my girls. We must be on the same sleep cycle, so I got to lie there and listen to the girls waking up. The both smacked their lips and squeaked the same way before waking. The same as they did as babies, too.<br />
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Fri 27th: Sitting in the sunbeam. Babies asleep, Bella reading an ipad book aloud. Watching <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUs7iG1mNjI&sns=fb" target="_blank">this video</a> (on my phone, no less) and giggling. Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8908598850438166840.post-60080177506403229392012-01-14T20:52:00.000-08:002012-01-14T20:52:07.046-08:00Tidbit #14My parents came over for a sushi extravaganza tonight. It's amazing to have them so close. I hope girls will never remember a time when we couldn't just call them up and invite them over for dinner.<br />
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Sidenote: How does anyone ever get full on sushi? By the time you've prepared it, you're hungry enough for three more rolls!Shawnahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16804753876814970882noreply@blogger.com0