Check it out!

Some of you know that I have been taking an online photography workshop. I am having a great time learning all there is and I still have sooo far to go. Last week my teacher really liked my homework that I turned in and decided to post it on her blog saying how much she loves teaching her students and what her workshop can do for their art.  If you want to check it out here is the link. There's also a comment at the end from someone else. Totally makes me blush, but she was very encouraging to me.

http://503galleries.com/blog/my-newest-loves/

Bad Doggie

Last year, after Mason was born, our dog Cayda got into a bit of trouble and ate some potpourri while we were gone, costing us a hefty vet bill. Because of that she lost her privilege to "roam" the house and we were forced to crate her any time we left her alone. We just couldn't afford for her to get into trouble again. Recently we decided to try it out again. For awhile she was doing fine. Nothing had been disturbed while she was out. This past week or two though she hasn't been able to resist the temptation. First it was a little plastic ball that belonged to one of Mason's toys.  Then we found two little puncture wounds in a little plastic basketball. This was yesterday. Today when we came back she had finished the basketball and ate some of Mason's sandals.  Poor thing. I know she can't help herself. She's just so bored and doesn't understand why she couldn't come with us. But back into the crate she goes.

New pic of Mason

Here is a new picture of Mason.  I tried going out this evening to get some pictures for his birthday, but he was pretty uncooperative.  There are only a handful that I like.  This is one of them. Maybe later this week I can redo them.

Happy Birthday Mason!

Today was Mason's first birthday.  We didn't do much, just hung around the house.  His naps have been off all week so I wanted to make sure he was able to sleep when he wanted.  We played outside for a little bit with his new splash toy.  Picture is below.  I discovered that he needs to be in swim wear to play with it because his shirt was soaked! I'm not sure if he splashed more water out or if Cayda drank more water out. Aside from that his birthday was pretty uneventful.  This past year has flown by.  I love each new stage, but miss the ones before as well. It was nice to be able to snuggle with him as a baby. But it brings much joy to be able to make him smile and laugh. His smile could light up a room. I will miss this past year, but look forward to seeing how he changes this year.

Happy St. Patrick's Day!  I have not been able to get any real good shots of Mason lately. Maybe on Thursday for his birthday.  I can't believe he turns one in two days!  Oh where did my baby go?  

Eureka!

I know I have been a bad blogger, but nothing new has really been going on and there's probably only four people who actually look at it:-) David and Mason are both sick right now.  I think they have the flu possibly.  On a good note, Mason is finally starting to wave bye bye! Woo hoo!  It takes him a while to copy us, but eventually he does.  He has a little drum that makes noises and after a certain amount of time it goes off by itself and says Bye Bye.  David said this morning that Mason waved to it. I'm not sure if that's totally true or not, since he often exaggerates his stories, but I'll take it none the less. He also walked along the couch to get to his bottle. So walking may be getting closer than we thought.

I have been practicing on my photoshop elements software and am still hoping to take a class this summer.  Here are the before and afters.  That's all for now.  

Before

Some cuddle time

Mason is not really a cuddler. He doesn't really like to be confined. Changing his diaper and clothes are difficult because he is being forced to stay in one position. Often I have to pin him down while he's screaming his head off just to get him dressed. He'd rather be crawling around getting into trouble. I now have to put the dog's water dish on a table. Otherwise, he'll crawl straight for every time and splash in the water (he loves baths). He recently climbed all the way up our 16 stairs with no help. Next month we will have to invest in some baby gates.  Right now he is standing on our Wii platform holding on to the back of his bouncy seat. Every once in awhile though, I get a rare moment where he will snuggle with me, making my day.  Usually he will cuddle right after he wakes from his nap when he hasn't quite woken up.  But that only lasts a few minutes. This time he fell asleep in his car seat and I was able to hold him after we took him out. I would have stayed there all night if I thought he would have stayed like that. Here is a picture.