Friday, October 29, 2010

Central Incisors 1 & 2

Written by Shannon Leigh

One day she didn't have any teeth at all! The next day she had 2!
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I finally got a picture of those pesky little things.
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I really can't complain about the whole teething process- at least this time around. We had a few rough naps and a diaper rash (it really happens peeps- I didn't believe it either)! But other than that she was a perfect little peach. A very happy baby.

While trying to get a photo of the actual teeth, I got a lot of hilarious shots of NOT teeth.
Take a gander.

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These two below are probably my favorite. HAHA.
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If she smiles just right, you see the tip of those two little white things. I can't imagine her with teeth... crazy.

Thursday, October 28, 2010

Karalee- One Year

Written by Shannon Leigh


Check out sweet Karalee here.
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Keepin' it Rural

Written by Shannon Leigh

Maybe Ruby has a future as a farmer?
It's strange to me that we have to go "visit" the farm. I guess I took all of the combine rides for granted growing up.
Notice that my Dad is NOT wearing his blue uniform.
Weird.
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Ruby seemed to enjoy herself.
It was a warm day (note the sockless feet).
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I took my spot on the lunch box since Matt took the "co-pilot" seat.
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She got a little scared when my dad filled the wagon. She didn't like the noise.
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It was a short ride but well worth it. What's harvest without a combine ride?

Monday, October 25, 2010

She's Mine...All mine.

Written by Shannon Leigh


Some day she'll wear nail polish this color.
Until then... I will take every opportunity to photograph her in a red wagon... for the rest of her life.

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Elliott Kids

Written by Shannon Leigh

Check out the sweet Elliott kids, HERE.
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Friday, October 22, 2010

The Man in the Blue Suit

Written by Shannon Leigh


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My dad was the man in the blue suit.

Kind of like the man in the yellow hat in the Curious George books.

Since before I was born he wore a light blue shirt and dark blue pants to work everyday, six days a week all year long, short sleeves in the summer and long sleeves in the winter.

A pair of pliers hung from the right side of his belt . My sisters and I would wrestle him and try to snatch them. He threatened to pull our teeth with those pliers.

He'd take a 10 minute nap over lunch, lying flat on his back, half of his body on the dining room carpet and his dirty boots on the kitchen floor, those big brown leather boots, with his blue suit. A light blue shirt and dark blue pants.

I could spot my dad driving a tractor from miles away because of that blue uniform. My Grandad and uncle Mike wore brown uniforms and my Dad and uncle Roger wore blue. Sometimes I'd think Roger was my dad. They looked a lot alike from far away in their blue suits.
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{Me with my dad in his blue uniform, 3 months old- July, 1985}

My Dad would come to all of my volleyball games during harvest. I don't think he missed a single one. He'd come in straight from the field in his blue suit. I'd see him come in before the game started with his brown leather boots and pliers hanging from his belt. Sometimes he'd be covered in dirt or oil. He'd come, he'd watch and he go straight back out to the field.

He'd come to my track meets too, even if they were planting. I could spot him from across the track because of that light blue shirt and dark blue pants.

He kept a little notepad and pen in his front shirt pocket. He'd scratch his ear with the pen. I always wondered what he wrote in that notepad. In fact, I'm still wondering.

As a little girl, I never knew where the blue suit came from, I just knew that it was there. Apparently it came from a uniform company that would pick up dirty uniforms and send out clean ones in return. Sounds like a pretty sweet deal to me.

Recently the uniform company raised its rates and Dudley Farms Inc. decided it was no longer worth the money.

The blue uniform was no more.

My mom always hated my dad's blue suit so she was happy to see it go. She thought it made him look like a gas station attendant. Albeit it looked similar but it lacked the predictably placed name badge above the right breast.

I, on the other hand, was sad. My dad's blue uniform was a constant to me, something I could count on. The blue suit is peppered throughout my baby book and my memories and I thought it'd be the same for Ruby.

Ruby will never know my dad in the blue suit.

In collage I took a large format photography class. I shot primarily with a 4x5 view camera. I decided to do a shoot with Dad in the field as an environmental portrait. I couldn't decide if I wanted to do black and white or color film so I did both. I am SO glad I did! These are still some of my favorites. I love the front panel tilt that makes the field and his legs out of focus, I love the red rag in his pocket and the sharpness of his eyes, I love the dirt on his forehead and left shoulder.
I love these even more because this is how I'll always remember him...

as the Man in the Blue Suit.
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Thursday, October 21, 2010

Teefey Adoption Story

Written by Shannon Leigh

Read the Teefey adoption story here!
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Wednesday, October 20, 2010

Doonan Family

Written by Shannon Leigh

Check out the Doonan family here.
They are super cute.

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Tuesday, October 19, 2010

Baby Eden

Written by Shannon Leigh

Check out Baby Eden here.
She is really precious.

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Friday, October 15, 2010

For Sale!

Written by Shannon Leigh


I am purging my photo closet - mostly because I need to make room for new stuff (oh goodie).

Let me know if you are interested!

Both are in great condition!

1. Sigma 17-70mm DC lens - $350
Perfect for any small sensor cameras, including Canon Rebels.

2. Sigma 30mm 1.4 - $350
I loved this lens. It was the first lens I bought for my first DSLR. It was perfectly paired with my Canon 40D. It's the perfect portrait lens.


Most Days...

Written by Shannon Leigh


Most days go FAST.
We wake up, we eat breakfast, we play, we laugh, we read books.
We nap, we change diapers, we do laundry, we snuggle.
We eat cheerios, we make messes.

I edit, answers emails, edit, process orders, edit - did i say edit?- every spare minute.

BUT - I ADORE staying home with my Ruby, I feel so darn lucky.
I'm not taking my "stay at home mom" status for granted- not in the least.

OK, so technically I'm more of a "work at home mom" but so far, the Lord has been extremely gracious and allowed me to do both.
I'm not sure if I'll ever be willing to give it up.

Some days I like to slow it down. We go on long leisurely walks to the post office, we lay in bed together while she touches my face, we sit on the back patio and watch Izzy run circles and laugh. She changes so fast and she won't do these things for much longer. I better soak them up while I can.

Most days Ruby does NOT wear a bow. When we are home she is in a onsie or sleeper most of the day. She's comfy, with no headband. We won't discuss my wardrobe.

That's why I adore these photos. She's not all dolled up, she isn't wearing a bow or a dress. This is the real Ruby. The one I get to spend my everyday with. Aren't I lucky?

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Photos taken September 14, 2010.

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Ross & Jenifer

Written by Shannon Leigh

Check out Ross & Jenifer here.

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We miss you, Daddy

Written by Shannon Leigh

Matt is away.
He's saving the world or saving someone lots of money, I'm not sure which.
Maybe both.

Ruby and I are having a girls week...
I'm finishing up lots of projects, editing my little heart out, and snuggling with my sweet- smelling baby.

Oh and I'm not cleaning AT ALL.
I'm enjoying the complete chaos/mess that I'm so good at creating.

Don't worry Matty, I'll have it cleaned up before you get home.
I always do.

These pictures are from our anniversary. We went to Cakes on Walnut to celebrate.
We ate tiramisu cupcakes.
It was divine.

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