Bryer's first Halloween!

Cutest baby elephant ever! <3

 I have an Anatomy & Physiology class every Monday evening which fell on Halloween so I originally planned for Bryer to go trick or treating with her cousins since I had class. But then I decided that I really didn't want to miss my baby's first Halloween and ditched class early so I could take her trick or treating. I'm glad I did. <3

 Our first stop was of course at our neighbor Pam's house, who loves to spoil her. Her porch was very festive so we sat her in front of the pumpkins for some photos. That milky way never left her mouth the entire evening. : )

 I especially love this one because we tried really hard to get her to look at the camera but she couldn't keep her eyes off of the witch. haha

I hope everyone else had a fun Halloween making memories and eating lots of candy. We did! = D

<3

Beautiful photos by Megan Van Sipe

We've gotten to know a lot of wonderful people during our journey in Iowa, and Megan is one of them. I am so glad that we have crossed paths and had the opportunity to get to know her and Evan. We value their friendship so much. Here's some photos that Megan took during some of our outings.

I'll never forget how much Bryer enjoyed this day. We went to the downtown market and had a picnic with Megan. <3

After they moved to Titonka Iowa we went to visit and found a little road in the middle of a field and felt like laying out a blanket and having a photoshoot.

Simple Sunday

I love days like this. Nowhere to go, comfy clothes, and spending time with those I love. Today I sat aside homework and made time to do some things I haven't gotten to enjoy for a while. Like editing photo's I have taken, going on a walk and capturing the colors of the season, reading books to my little one... Here's some photos from the walk I took today with Bryer, Elisia, and Brianna.

 A couple of weekends ago we went to visit our friends Megan and Evan at their new home in Titonka Iowa. We went out and shot a few photos of Bryer. That's what I worked on today.

 
The leaves have fallen all over our yard and it was so nice on Friday so we decided to go outside and rake. I put Bryer in her moby wrap and she helped too! It was a fun day. <3

Fall in Iowa

I absolutely love this season here. It’s so beautiful! The colors of the leaves on the trees and as they fall, the ripe corn fields, and the brisk warm wind. I’m loving every minute of it. 

A couple weekends ago we took our neighbor Curtis out for a senior photo session. The weather was perfect.We'll be posting the photos on the Domani Photography blog and Facebook page.

My little feather head even came along. She had so much fun being daddy's assistant! I just couldn't resist her cuteness so I snapped a few shots of her as well. 

 Bryer turned 8 months old on October 4th! I can't believe how fast she is growing. I'm trying so hard to savor every moment of her baby stages. She loves to interact with those around her. She babbles a lot and squeals with laughter. Every time she hears music she dances and every time I sing to her she sings too. She loves to play peek-a-boo and is starting to wave. We're still co-sleeping a lot but she's getting much better at sleeping by herself in her crib for half of the night and nap time. She is also doing well eating solids and still breastfeeding. I just got a baby bullet food maker and I love it! I've been making her fresh fruits and veggies. Her favorites are pairs, avocado, sweet potato, and squash.<3

a short update on life

So I haven't blogged in well...forever. Let's catch up. :) My pregnancy came to an end back in February and we welcomed Miss Bryer Michelle into the world. <3 She was born February 4, 2011, 7 lbs 8 oz., 20 1/2 in. long and SO beautiful. We had an amazing bonding experience right away.

 We all adjusted well when we brought her home. It was like she had been with us all along. She was one happy and alert newborn for the most part and was a natural at nursing and unfortunately, co-sleeping...

 

At 5 weeks old we got around to  doing her very first photo shoot.

 She continues to grow and evolve. Each new day she does something new. I can't believe how fast she changes. She is 7 months old and sitting, crawling, pulling up, singing, and dancing. I love her so much!

 I am loving being a mom and enjoying every minute with her!

We have officially lived in Estherville Iowa for a little over a year now! Just eight more months and CJ will have his wind degree and I should have my AA transfer degree. With CJ and I both being in school full time life has been a bit crazy! I don't have much time for anything else except being a mom and a student, but a fall photo shoot with Bryer is definitely in my list of things to do. 

Life has been good to me lately. I love my family and am very blessed! I hope everyone is wonderful and having a happy fall season so far. I hope that all my friends and loved ones or whoever is reading this are making the most out of life and remembering what is most important, no matter how hard it is to keep your head up when life gets you down. There is always positive things to look for and something to be thankful for each day that you live. Smile, take a walk alone, feel the breeze, observe something beautiful, laugh out loud, call up an old friend, spend time with someone you love, think about your most happiest memory. Surround yourself with people and things that uplift you, and spend your time doing something meaningful, something you love. Make every moment count.

God Bless :)