Today, we went here:

In an effort to:

like…

and…

or…

…and…

This made me proud:

These made me giggle:

And this made me cry:

It was a much needed dose of sanity and love before the holiday season takes hold.

Prepare yourselves for a series of totally unrelated images. First up, we got all dolled up the other day to go out to dinner. I think she literally looked like a doll.

Logs (AKA The Middle Child) has taken such an active role when it comes to his baby sister. He loves to help feed her and the other day, I was lucky enough to happen upon him reading one of his favorite stories to her. Sigh.

The second set is Amry with her Pop. Truth be told, I’ve been dying to get a shot of Pop’s hands (they’re just so cool) next to baby skin ever since I found out we were having our first child. Pop (Virgil’s dad) is pretty elusive, though, and managed to escape me…until I snuck these in this weekend!

Speaking of sneaks, here’s one for you, D!

And finally, a look into what has consumed our entire summer.  It’s been all things butterfly in the Anderson household. Collecting, humidifying, mounting, displaying, mapping, classifying, drawing, reading.  Tristan knows all of their scientific names, geographic origin, and the types of plants upon which the corresponding caterpillar feeds. It’s absolutely amazing!

Would you like to hear about "My day?"

T asked me if I would go with him to take the dogs for a walk tonight. Much to his surprise (and my own) I said yes.  I’ve been so wrapped up in work and baby girl, that it’s not often that I get to spend one on one time with either of my boys. I’m not sure who enjoyed the walk the most: T, me, or the dogs (who never get any attention from me these days). Such a lovely evening with golden summer sunset light. I know I must have been grinning from ear to ear.  Of course, I did secretly wish I could have walked with him *and* had my camera, but it was nice to just be.  It was nice to just be with him.  And listen to him, for real.

He’s really grown up a lot this summer. His passion for butterflies and the thirst for knowledge on all things butterfly is incredible. I had intended to start a blog about our homeschooling adventures–you guys wouldn’t believe the projects the boys have been working on this summer; I’m so proud of what they’ve accomplished–but I’m actually finding it difficult just keeping up with this one.  Plus, it wouldn’t be very conducive to my new approach toward work and family these days:

Live more. Blog less.

(Twitter sometimes).

Exciting, life-changing, and a little terrifying to me…all at the same time.

It’s hard to believe that not too long ago, I totally didn’t see the point in blogging and My Space was annoying. I remember hearing about Facebook when the VT shootings took place, but had no idea what it was.  And now, I blog, Twitter, and FB almost daily…pretty much at the same time. 

We’re all in the Matrix, people…

(Thanks for the link, Troy. Also loved Jessica’s take on Social Media.)

While packing up for tomorrow’s session, I came across this hat. I thought I’d pretend it was cold here today.

Updates and random ramblings:

1. There are only 6–count them–6 holiday session openings left.

2. I have two birth photography session openings left for 2009–one for October and one for early December.

3. For those of you that have contacted me about mini sessions or getting together during our Washington, D.C. and Richomond, VA trip, I’m pretty sure I’ve got a plan worked out.  I will be sending information out in a week or so to let you know what’s going on.

4. We spent yesterday at the Snake Farm and the Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch.  Snake Farm–hot and a little scary being in a room full of the world’s most venomous snakes. Wildlife Ranch–amazing…an absolute blast, but be sure to watch out for rogue ostriches.

5. This morning, we realized that yesterday would have been Virgil’s first day back at work.  I like homeschool. ;-)

6. We’ve also realized that we’ve been very busy homeschooling all summer long.  I’m working on a blog to chronicle our journey.  I tried to get it posted this week, but by the 7th interruption (Amry needed a new diaper, Logan was stuck on a puzzle piece, Tristan wanted a new brush to use in Photoshop), it was a futile task. Maybe we’ll have it up by the end of the year.

7. Falling asleep at keyboa…

I finally got around to doing her monthly photo session today (8 mos!!!), and had to share my little blue-eyed angel.  Last pic – she learned to clap tonight!

I’m ready for winter.

Partly because I got our electric bill today and almost passed out from shock.

Mostly because I want to stuff Amry into this outfit from Boden.

I just need to ramble on for a minute.

She’s 7 months old.  Which is only 5 months away from 1 year.  Which is causing me great emotional pain. Gosh, it was almost a year ago when we found out we were having a little girl. I was so incredibly excited to get the chance to have a daughter, but I had no concept of just how much of a blessing she would be.  I also had no idea how much she would change her big brothers.  Her relationships with them are so unique, so close, and so special already…

…T loves her.  In a big way.  With his entire heart. Unconditionally.  She can do no wrong in his eyes.  He’s extremely protective of her.  Every morning he comes into our room and she’s the first (and sometimes only) person he acknowledges.  He has a certain voice that he uses with her and only her.  Their bond is deep.  It goes beyond what I can comprehend.

Then there’s Logi Bear.  Their relationship is based on good times and good humor. It’s jovial. It’s light. It’s effortless. He can just look at her and she cracks up. They love to laugh together.  I envision many dinners filled with witty banter and laughing until we cry. 

 And I see many hugs of support and encouragement and strength and love.

Family.  Nothing sweeter.

Taking a short break from proofing to share more 6 mos pics of the “prince-stess” as the boys call her.

(I’d say she’s changed just a little bit in 6 months)

I happened upon this little story session tonight and my heart melted.  Mostly because I’m so happy that Amry has such a wonderful dad who loves her.  Partly because I wish I did.