Not An Ideal Day...

Mind if I whine...just a little? I've just had one of those days where something you've been anticipating just didn't go the way you'd hoped at all...Paige's face pretty much says it.

While peeking at various blogs one night (when I was supposed to be studying--much like tonight!) I came across a new photographer in Fremont. Her work was beautiful, the stories heartwarming...and she's affordable! Too good to be true! I e-mailed her and set up a session for the three of us as soon as possible, before it became any colder and the leaves fell from the trees.

That day was today...a day after a night when Paige woke up too early and didn't nap, I stayed up late studying because I was on call (forgetting that I had an early morning meeting at work), and Matt just didn't sleep well either. And a bad hair day. And still trying to figure out what to wear (all of us) 2 minutes before we have to leave. Paige didn't want to smile or look at the camera, or even play with us & do all the little "Paigey" things that she always does. I somehow cut my thumb early in the session, and bled on Paige's light blue sweater dress. It was super muddy, and I foolishly wore my beautiful new suede shoes. Ashley had offered to reschedule since it was still wet up in Grant, where we did the shoot, but I have to work the rest of the week...why didn't I take her up on the offer and try rescheduling to next week?? Because I'm not in my right mind anymore, people!

She assured us over and over that she was getting really great pics, and even showed them to us as she went. What a nice gal. I've already begun spreading the word about her...I hope she starts a referral plan soon! I've never seen a bad pic on Ashley's blog, so clearly she must be a miracle worker...we'll find out in a couple of weeks. And I'll be sure to post the link here if we end up on her blog!

Nicki and The Big Scary Birthday

Whether I wanted it to or not, it did. And I have. I have left my twenties (kicking and screaming) and am now 30. Really? It just doesn't seem to suit me...and I can't bring myself to say it...but really, what am I so hung up on it for??? As one of my co-workers informed me on the eve of the big 3-0, "Thirty is like the new 12...or something like that...it keeps getting younger & younger...um, yeah..." Thanks Chris.

My birthday was back on the 8th, and I had been working on a post to commemorate it...that had to be edited after the super-awesome happenings of the weekend AFTER my birthday! Get ready, this is long...

We had dinner at Mom & Dad Parrotts on Tuesday, then on my birthday just the three of us went to The Electric Cheetah, a really cool local restaurant in town. They use as many local ingredients as possible, and all the food is super-fresh and pretty original, not to mention y.u.m.m.y. (I had Thanksgiving salad!). And any parent love a restaurant that serves up sippy cups and oyster crackers for your little one (since we're constantly forgetting the cup), plus check out these high chairs:


Awesome. The table was covered in kraft paper, and the well-meaning hostess gave Paige an assortment of crayons...which, to Paige, are great for sticking in her mouth or dropping on the floor to watch Mom pick 'em up. Matt put the crayons to use by writing "I'M 30 TODAY" nice and big, with arrows pointing to me, but thankfully it was fairly dimly lit, and the server wasn't too observant (but still very nice, remember sippy cup AND crackers!).

Friday we went to Mom & Dad B's house, and had a lovely dinner out...but I had been getting quite sick by the end of last week (I still think it's allergies, but okay, maybe it's a cold), so Saturday I was stuck in bed. I had to miss Dad's 5th/6th grade football game, but that sleep was just what I needed. I slowly got better over the next week, and on Friday, we were off to Post Family Farm for a hayride and bonfire with church friends. (If anyone has pics, I'd love to see them!)

Now, while we were at the hayride, my friends were having dinner with my wonderful friend, Emi, who was visiting for the first time since she moved to Colorado Springs over a year ago. When Matt decided we should go to Mom & Dad P's for the weekend I have to admit, I was pretty peeved...this was my chance to spend time with someone I really missed! She kept sending me texts that they were in Grand Rapids and to come out after the hayride, and I kept getting more and more cranky. We got to Holland, Matt suggested that just the two of us go out, so I reluctantly got ready. We headed downtown to New Holland Brewery, walked upstairs...and there were our friends--including Emi--with balloons, cake and presents waiting! To top it all off, our favorite band, Sweet Japonic (whose website now features a link to Paige's dancing) was playing! What a fantastic surprise...I have the bestest hubby, family and friends!




So you know what, it happened, it's still happening, and you know what? It's not so bad.