Cupcake Photo Shoot

I am trying really hard to get some things done before baby Smith arrives. We had our "summer of Cupcake", big girl room decorating and now just some pics of Cupcake by herself. In the past I have taken her to some indoor studios and she always seemed so leery of the photographers. Well, maybe that's because they really aren't professional photographers and don't always know the perfect ways to capture children. Now listen, if you work at the mall and take pics maybe you are great at your job. For every person who is great (at anything) there is usually a dozen people who do a crappy job. I'm not trying to be a hater but it is annoying when the girl who just finished reading "Idiots guide to picture taking" shows up and says "hi, yeah, I loooooove kids and I looooooooove pictures and not sure why your kid won't look at me but I will keep taking pictures and pray that one turns out great instead of trying a new pose". That's like me saying "yeah, I'm great at eating, cursing and wanting to punch people in the throat let me make a career out of it". Come to think of it I sound like a truck driver. Okay, bad example! In all fairness I have encountered a few photographers at the mall who are fabulous but this time I wanted something different.

I found this great photographer from my friend Mrs. Peacock! She took her children Colonel Mustard, Miss Scarlet and Mrs. White to a fabulous lady for some pics! I looked through her site and found some ADORABLE poses. So instead of waiting around I booked her for an outdoor session, spent 12 hours on the internet finding the perfect tutu, shirt and hair accessories and met the photographer. Cupcake had so much fun at the park taking pics, playing with the ducks and costume changes. I was so happy that Mrs. Peacock connected me with the photographer thanks again!! I was happier when I say the beautiful pictures of our little cupcake that I booked her for Baby Smith's arrival!

We are moving up in the world

Cupcake is growing up! She goes to school, takes swimming lessons, almost ready for potty training too! We thought it would be a great idea to start moving her into a big girl bed so her new brother/sister can use her crib. We spent endless hours shopping for furniture to make her room perfect! If you know me you know that I am extremely indecisive. Well, that's not fair to say. I am great at making decisions and purchases however I am convinced the minute I buy anything something better, nicer, prettier, cheaper will be available. I always buy clothes and return endless amounts of them. If I could buy a bedroom I would bring it home to see it in natural light and return if need be. Nanny decided to join us on our quest for Cupcake's bedroom. If you don't know, Nanny is my Franc (Father of the Bride). I can always count on Nanny to join me on a wild goose chase.

After countless days, hours and hitting EVERY furniture store in a 60 mile radius WE FOUND A BEDROOM set! Cupcake was so happy and so were we. It arrived on a bright sunny day just in time for a nap. We put on our new sheets and got ready for a snuggly nap. It never happened. No worries, she must be so excited so we will wait to try out our new bed tonight! Well, it never happened. Cupcake LOVES her bed however she does not want to sleep in it! What's not to like........she has comfy sheets, down comforter, plush pillows, I wanted to sleep in it...........and I did! I spent several nap times and night times laying my big ol pregnant self in bed with Cupcake. Just when I thought she was asleep I would shimmy my fat pregnant arse to the bottom of the bed like a worm, tip toe out of the room only to hear "please don't go mommy". I felt horrible. I didn't want to leave her but I didn't want to form a bad habit of sleeping with my kids. Not to mention, I'm pregnant! I want to sleep, I need to sleep! I read all the books, googled the topic, asked everyone I knew what to do about this. We tried everything from walking her back to bed, reading more stories, ignoring her pleas and "Stand Strong" This lasted for 6 weeks! I always swore I would never give in as a parent but guess what, I did and I'm not ashamed of it. We put Cupcake back into her crib (probably not the best idea) and all welcomed a good nights sleep.

UPDATE: we moved her out of her crib because we had to get the nursery ready and guess what.........she's still not in her bed! I caved yet again and bought her a princess toddler bed! I will never talk about or judge another person again!

First day of school!

Our little Cupcake is growing up! Since Cupcake went to daycare and spent endless hours with other toddlers we felt that she needed to further her education. We signed her up at a local Christian preschool and fingers crossed she will love it. Me being the confidant mom is sure she will love it. Hubby feels that she will run for the hills and will hate it.

We talked, talked and talked all about school. Cupcake was so happy and couldn't wait to use her new back pack. The morning arrived, we had our new clothes picked out, put on and a hearty breakfast in our belly. We were all set to go! I had the camera ready but hubby said he would take the pics, I was starting to feel a bit overwhelmed and nervous for her. Hubby wasn't sure he wanted to drop her off (he didn't on her first day of daycare either). We got into the car and were ready to roll when Cupcake asked for the first time "you stay Mommy". I almost melted. I knew I wasn't staying and I wanted her to feel comfortable staying. I couldn't lie to her but I didn't want to make her nervous. I excitedly said that I couldn't stay because Mommy had to go home and clean (stop laughing) and she would have more fun with her new friends playing games. The ride got progressively worse and 5 minutes later we arrived. She was happy to arrive and take some pics HOWEVER the minute we walked into the building her kung fu grip tightened. Hubby somehow arrived for his cameo, took a picture (outside) and left. I don't think he ever made it in the building. Cupcake and I hit the hallway and walked into the classroom, tears immediately started from everyone around us. She cried a few minutes but saw the water table, sand table and baby dolls. I stayed a few minutes and when she calmed down and ripped herself off me I decided to leave. I gave Cupcake a big hug and kiss and assured her that she would be fine and have a super duper day (yes, I said super duper). I calmly walked out of the school and prayed I wouldn't get a phone call to pick her up.

3 hours later (and after a breakfast with other moms) I returned to find a happy, messy little girl with some artwork to show! She was happy, sleepy and in need of lunch! I was thrilled and couldn't wait to discuss her day, after a nap of course!

Our little cupcake is on her educational way, wish her luck!

Lovin' my baby dolls

If there is one thing that Cupcake loves it is her "babies". She can spend endless hours playing mommy, feeding, changing, hugging and putting her babies to sleep. It's amazing to watch a child "parent" her babies. It makes me feel all soft and fuzzy when she is nice to her babies, she learns that from me. Well, now she likes to say "no babies, not nice". I think she learned that from her father. She is becoming an expert at changing a dirty baby diaper. This could come in handy if we ever have more kids.