Sunday Snapshot: {Let's Get Serious}

I'm pretty excited about this week's Sunday Snapshot!

It all started on Thursday morning. My husband and I were looking at some photos that I took, and I told him that I wanted to get a new lens and a Speedlite. We discussed me finally getting serious about my hobby. I was browsing blogs, and say a link for Clickin Moms[1. Photography forum for moms/women.]. I wanted to join last year, but I knew that I was going to be in an on/off relationship with my camera. I signed up minutes later, and I have no regrets about it.

The first thing I noticed is that a lot of photographers are big on editing. I hadn't considered photo editing before Thursday. I decided to look more into it, and ended up purchasing Adobe PhotoShop Elements 11. So far I've discovered actions, channels, and levels. Here is my Sunday Snapshot.

On Friday, my husband called to wake me up. He told me that I could order my 50mm f1.8 lens! I ran to the computer and purchased it through Amazon with Saturday delivery! When he came home from work, he let me order a Speedlite and some more SD cards. Now that he's gone all out to support my hobby, I really want to keep at it.

I've been messing around with the 50mm since I got it. I think I prefer to use it with manual focus. It's taking some time to get used to having to move around instead of being able to zoom, but the shots are worth it. The three shots to the right were all taken with the 50mm in natural light. Yes, I rearranged the empty bedroom/storage room so that I can have a place to practice natural light photography.

I'm really excited to make some progress with my photography. I've been snapping for years...saying that I'm going to take classes. This year is my year to make things happen. Determination.

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Happy One Month

Chunk[1. My nickname for Ivy...] is one month old today! She's getting to be a ton of fun, now that she stays awake longer. She's such a happy baby, and I really hope she stays that way.

I have eight more weeks to spend with my babies before I have to return to work. Ivy hates bottles and pacifiers right now. I'm going to exclusively breastfeed for another month before I attempt to transition her. I also need to get on the ball with looking for a daycare. I was set on sending them back to the one I used with JJ, but that's on the other side of town. I'm probably going to start on Monday, just to be sure that I can secure some spots at whichever I choose.

J and I have discussed me being a stay-at-home mom. My parents don't think it's a good idea, but I'm really considering it. After April 21st, I'll be working from 8-5:30[2. 6:30 on Fridays] and some Saturdays. I'm mostly worried about not having much time to spend with my children. They are my life, you know? *sigh* Life is too complicated. Here's a few more photos from today.

Wordless Wednesday: Something New

I'm usually not a big fan of DiGiorno pizzas, but I was looking for something new. My husband usually buys me the really cheap frozen pizzas, and I had a chance to pick my own. I went with DiGiorno because it looked the most like "real" pizza.

It was great! I love that it had whole pepperoni slices. The veggies looked fresh, and I could tell what each one was. The cheese melted perfectly. The only thing I didn't care for was how hard the crust got during the cooking process. It was supposed to be thin crispy crust, but "crispy" ended up cutting my mouth.

I have another one that's stuffed crust. They are on sale this week, so I'm definitely going back for more if I like that one!

Hello Monday

Baby Ivy is four weeks old today! And...

The weekend is over![1. Not that it matters much to me...] JJ's play date went well. I had a great time talking with my friend/coworker. My parents also made a surprise visit! Dad helped me reposition the shelves in the cabinet that I wanted to put J's supplements in.[2. Yes...he needs an ENTIRE cabinet.] I can see my bar now!

Yesterday, it didn't rain.[3. So happy about that!] The weather was very nice and warm, so we went to church and my parents house. It was Ivy's first time going to church. She stayed awake the entire time, and didn't cry once!

Everyone loved her tutu and tights. They thought she had on shoes. I'm not a girly girl, but outfits like this make me want to be... At least when I'm shopping for her.

My brother and his boys drove up from Georgia to see the baby, and JJ had a blast with them. It's so great to see him interacting with other children. He doesn't talk about it, but I'm sure he misses his friends at the day care. April isn't too far away, though.

I'm off to check out Foodgawker.[4. Thanks, Ash]