Stage Mom

I have gotten a couple of requests for new and updated pictures of the girls from friends. Nothing makes a new mom feel more proud than when people actually ask to see pictures of their babies. I used to try really hard not to be one of those moms who only talks about their kids and uses a picture of their baby as their fb profile pic. It's too late, I'm already in too deep. I'm that mom.

However, (now comes the part where you judge me and nominate me for the show "Toddlers and Tiaras") I have not been posting a ton of pictures of Clara lately because she is not photogenic yet. Don't get me wrong, she's beautiful and perfect but she doesn't photograph especially well. My cousin Jenny once laughed at me when I wouldn't show her some pictures of Lucy because as she put it, "all moms are so proud of their babies pictures and think they look perfect no matter what and you keep waiting for Lucy to show her good side." It's sad but true. Lucy had the same problem until about six months. Oh well. It is a combination of Clara not knowing how to "work the camera" yet and my lack of photography skills. Or maybe it's my camera.... do I need a more expensive one?... (my consumerism is about to kick into overdrive) Anyway, I get mad when the flash makes her look pale or I happen to catch her looking cross-eyed or half blinking. I know, I'm a stage mom and Clara has a long ways to go before her face graces the covers of magazines. I have hope, though, Lucy is only 2 1/2 and getting very close ;)

What it really comes down to is that I guess I don't want them to look any less than their best, much like I used to dress and take care of myself. First impressions are important - I personally always feel best when overdressed!! It is funny now that the energy that I used to put into myself has obviously gone into my girls and it is starting to show. I wear make up less than half of the time that I used to and jeans/stretchy (fat) pants have become an everday staple. I used to go weeks without ever stepping into pants. Not to mention, I think I would have died before going out in public with these dark roots. It's been so long since I've worn my signature giant earrings that I don't even know where half of them are anymore. Too many tugs from little fingers! Ouch!

I am hoping to get some great pictures in about two weeks with Hawkeye Photography to take family photos. I am very excited. Emily and her family hired this photographer and their family pics are beautiful! Tony said no to family pictures this year and then got a little upset when he saw the photo session on our calendar. I promised him he won't regret it. Remember those adorable pictures we had taken two years ago?? So cute!

See more of Katie Derus's photography here.

Unfortunately (for us) she moved to Denver. She is amazing!


Anyway, I have been super busy and consumed with my Homemade Christmas. I am trying to take lots of pictures of the gifts because it is official. I am opening my own Etsy store!! Link to come, but I need to get my ducks in a row; come up with a cool banner, get some nice pics taken of the merch, finalize the name...
I am still reserving "Lucy Beaucoup" for my someday-boutique. I decided after Clara was born I would have to have a line called "Clara Couture". For the Etsy shop, I may go with "Ruffle Couture"? Thoughts? Suggestions? Anyone interested in donating their graphic design services to use for a portfolio? I could always pay you in ruffle headbands, of course, too....


Would you like to see some? Okay, fine. While I'm at it, here are some pics of my adorable baby girls ;) After crawling around on the ground and about 100 snaps of the camera later, here is what I came up with. Yes, they are wearing matching pajamas - a gift from my aunt. Lucille and Clara are going to be quite annoyed with me a in a couple of years when they see that I put them in matching PJ's and headbands. My mom always said that her goal in life was to embarass her children and I am going to go ahead and adopt her way of thinking...



Lucy has the pose and sassy face down.



"No, Clara, you put your hands like this!"










Lucy taking "chewy cheeks" a bit literally.



They adore each other :)




Practicing the "no more paparazzi!" face

Some good headband shots....













After looking at these pictures, I am realizing that maybe Clara is a bit photogenic after all :)




More headbands --