Little miss Sophie that I photographed last month made the cover of Conceive magazine! I knew when I photographed her at 2 weeks old that she was model material – she is just too cute! Congrats Sophie!
and here are some of the other photos from that shoot.
until next time!
-Emily
This is the Lovely Miss Sarah. She happens to be Myles’s first cousin and we are just thrilled for her and her husband as they are expecting their first baby (a girl!) at any moment now. I can’t wait to get my hands on that little bean! and in case you are are wondering about the title “Sassy” is Sarah’s childhood nickname. Best wishes for a quick and easy labor and delivery Sarah!
We’re back! and we had such a great time in the windy city (and yes it was windy and cold). There are so many great activities (even for little ones) we had no problem keeping busy. Here are just some highlights.
The Shedd aquarium was by far my favorite activity (and i think it was Simon’s too). It’s the largest all indoor aquarium in the world and it is impressive. We walked through an amazon rain forest, saw Sharks, belugas (including a baby one), penguins, sea turtles, dolphins, and countless other critters. After this day Simon sang “Baby beluga” endlessly!
Simon watching a dolphin
A stingray and a shark!
getting some famous deep dish pizza at Geno’s East.
witting on the walls is encouraged at this restaurant.
Sue, the largest most complete T-Rex fossil in existence. Simon walked around yelling “T-Rex ROAR” after seeing Sue.
the sky deck ledge at the top of the Willis (formally Sears tower).
Digging for dinosaur fossils at the Chicago children’s
watching baby chicks hatch at the Museum of Science and Industry.
playing with water at the MSI toddler area.
playing in the hotel swimming pool – a favorite activity!
Can you believe that my little guy is 2 years old today. It has been a sweet journey and we have had so much fun being parents!
I have seen a few of my friends do really cute interviews with their little ones and I tried really hard with Simon but when I ask him “What’s your favorite color?” he responds with stuff like “huh?! I want juice!”. “Favorite” is a far off concept for him but for the record his favorite color is still purple.
A few things about Simon at age 2
We are putting off having a party for him for a couple of weeks because we are going to be in Chicago all this week (really putting that potty training to the test). But I will update with photos form his “digger” party once it happens.
until then!
-Emily
I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! We had a great time. I barely picked up my camera the entire time. Instead we videoed present opening and the other fun festivities. So here are a few snapshots from Christmas eve and Christmas day, some by me but mostly taken by my mom and cousin.
On Christmas eve we give new pajamas. This year Simon was actually old enough to understand opening presents and was excited to open his first one on Christmas ever. He slowly tore off the paper and opened the pjs. He then unfolded them and looked at them (they have dogs on them which I thought he would like). I asked if he knew what they were he said “jammies” and then threw them on the floor. I guess it wasn’t quite what he expected : )
Here is our Christmas highlights video.
Christmas 2009 from Emily Weaver Brown on Vimeo.
This was our Christmas Card this year. It actually went out on time and I believe it has been received by almost everyone by now : )
(Simon was trying to escape)
edited to add Simon’s Santa Picture. It’s too funny not to share. He was NOT happy about sitting on Santa’s lap
It’s the 4th and final week of advent and tonight we lit the last advent candle, the one that represents love. (We will lite the center “Christ Candle” on Christmas eve. ) This weekend was busy so it was nice to sit down to dinner as a family and I have stumbled on a little secret to impressing a toddler – candlelight dinner. It’s such a simple way to make your dinner “special” I am surprised that it didn’t occur to me before.
We have been doing this the last few meals we have had together, and it sure made our sweet potato and black bean chili extra special. I hope everyone gets a chance to sit down with there family for a meal this week, and if you do give candlelight a try : )
until next time!
-Emily
I just realized that I never posted any photos from this little guys photo shoot and he was SO cute! And pretty much wide awake the entire session!
such a sweet little round face!
Today marks the beginning of the 3rd week of Advent. Each candle represents an aspect of the spiritual preparation for the coming of the Lord, Jesus Christ. This is the week of the Shepherds’ Candle or Joy Candle for Advent. The shepherds represent the message of great joy that is brought to the world about Jesus’ birth. The deep purple color of the candles symbolizes a time of penance and preparation, it signifies royalty repentance, and suffering. During the 3rd week the color of the candle changes to rose or pink this marks the week as a time to rejoice over the closeness of Christmas and the coming of Christ. If you want to read more about the tradition of the color of the advent colors this is an excellent article.
Simon, lighting the 3rd candle. After he lit it he correctly counted to 3 all on his own volition. (I was impressed)
Here he is getting his nightly chocolate. He is now obsessed with opening the “Baby Jesus” door and we have to keep telling him that he can’t open it until Christmas eve.
I have gotten so many positive comments and emails about our Advent tradition that I wanted to share a resource for those inserted in starting their own tradition. Teachingmom.com is an excellent website that has something for everyday – from coloring pages you can print, craft activities, recommended books, Christmas songs, and art history. You will not be bored. I don’t even think it’s possible to do all the activities and suggested reading for each day – it’s a pretty exhaustive resource.
thanks!
-Emily
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