 One part of becoming a new mom I was not prepared for is the influx of photos in your life. Professional, SOC (that's straight out of the camera), online editing, and storage.
Once you have all of your lovely pics...what do you do with them?
I quickly learned that between the feedings, diaper changes, and random naps...I needed a system for photo management and stat!
Disclaimer: I am still tweaking the system. It's not perfect and it may not work for you, but it may get you to start thinking about what to do post-pregnancy. Enjoy!
Professional photos: Find someone who has a vision for fun photos and get some scheduled ASAP. I found a photographer in my childbirth class, scheduled a session with him post-baby, and am nothing but thrilled with the amazing pics he took of our new family. I found someone different for a family session after baby #2. The session was harried but the pics don't show it. Different person, different vision for photos, different vibe. Not bad, but different.
SOC: I'm a milestone photographer. That's not intentional, but after looking back at all of the kid's pics I see a trend. First avacado, first time looking in a mirror, first time watching fireworks. You see the trend? I have to make myself think- today would be a good day to just capture ::life::. I'm still a work in progress on this one.
Editing: I don't have the time or inclination to learn Photoshop. If you know it- congrats. For all of the rest of us there's picmonkey. Strange name, super easy, great results. A little cropping doesn't hurt anyone.
Storage: I have three methods. I have a stairwell photo gallery for the professional photos, a yearly album (created online with Snapfish), and I'm currently looking into a online photo storage option. I have been using facebook to store images, but I'm not content with the site. Check out this link for more thoughts on all things facebook.
Is this only for Newborn Nights?
Our Newborn Nights is an awesome option, but it's not the only one we've made available through this deal. You are also able to get in on an Infant Massage or Condensed Lamaze class! How do I purchase a class?
Click on the "buy now" link on the right side of the page. This will take you to a new page offering all three options and pricing. What days are the classes available?
Check out our page Pregnancy Classes for available dates, times, and locations. If this deal needs us to add on, we're more than willing! If you don't see a date that fits you-send me a message and I'll do my best to accomodate!
 If you're a regular reader around these parts, you know I've been absent from this blog for a bit now. Note to self: two blogs is too hard to keep up with! If you want to know what I've been up to, hop on over to cake for breakfast. For whatever reason that blog gets my love and attention (it even got a makeover this week!). I believe one of my new year's resolutions will be a merge of the two. If you're new, you may have jumped over here via this lovely living social deal. ::Welcome::I'm off to wipe a nose, kiss an ouchie, get some milk, change some diapers, massage a baby girl, make breakfast, research natural postpartum remedies,...super powers necessary for the job! .............................................
 I found these for less than $3 a piece while searching on Amazon. Food trays help keep the mess and pieces of table toys in one spot. They are also close to indestructible and easy peasy to clean! I'll be ordering a few soon.
 I'm looking for some ideas about educational Christmas toys for the kiddos. I'm hoping to start Dean on some "table toy" time soon, but I don't have many quiet, table toys. I'm thinking along the lines of sorting, puzzles, writing, play dough, etc.
Let me know if there's a toy your little one loves to concentrate on!
 I successfully completed decorating for Christmas on Saturday with a new strategy- less is more. With all of the baby gear still out for Vivi (walker, bouncy chair, high seat, etc) we're feeling the squeeze.
This year I have a small (but beautiful) fir tree, pine cones and candles out, and all other decor has been limited to the walls.
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Last night I hosted 7 kiddos 3 and under and this house was rockin! What a blessing to share life with my two dear friends. We are all in similar situations with the kids, which makes it great for us to bounce ideas off of each other. We all understand the abounding love and the difficult days!
Our Bible study (aka Community Group) has lots of little ones in it too. I'm hoping to host them for a birthday party for Jesus! I'd love to get the kiddos involved with a craft project, and serve this gorgeous rainbow cake- looks pretty fun for a party!
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A few of you have asked how Maven has been doing lately. We're doing great and gearing up for the winter/spring classes! Right now I'm busy working on all the behind-the-scenes fun. I'm planning on giving some sneak peeks this week! Can't wait to share what I've been up to!
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Any thoughts on what to get D for Christmas this year? The man usually buys what he wants and has begun asking for boring, grown-up gifts (aka socks). Santa will bring him some new socks, but really I've got to figure something else out too! Suggestions welcome!
 Like many new moms, I have spent so much time nesting in the last few years, that the kiddo's nursery is pretty darn cute. They have a fun, cheerful room that's organized and easy to keep clean. I actually enjoy going in there to play- that's a win in my book! My room, however, has become a dumping ground that has always gotten the least amount of my attention. Time to turn those nesting instincts that are still lingering (yay!) towards D and I. Because right now: Laundry+miscellaneous piles+absolutely no decorating=stressful master retreat I'm hoping that putting this "out there" will hold me accountable. Here's the to do list:wide, horizontal beige stripes on the wall the bed is on like young house love rocked in their guest bath art above the bed like joy's hopediy headboard again from young house love *buy a couple of box springs and frame to get the bed up off the floor- yep, you read that one correctly* organize papers and storage- looking for some inspiration from this lovely lady SarahI already have tons of the supplies needed. Fingers crossed I'll make progress with my 5 minutes here and 10 minutes there each day!
 The holidays are upon us. Hooray!
Our calendars are packed with purposeful family moments here. I promise...as soon as I get around to getting them pulled together!
I almost can't bear looking at pinterest during this season- it's like a flashing neon sign reminding me that I don't have it all together. Between working a traditional 9-5, rolling my sleeves up here at maven, loving on a husband that works 3rd shift, potty training a toddler, and baby that I literally can't stop kissing...I have no time for the super duper crafts I keep eyeing.
I had 5 minutes to myself tonight. Instead of getting my craft on, I had a small cup of instant, flavored coffee and wrote out a list of baby girl names. I'm a list maker, planning for the future. The looooong ways away future. As in- no I have nothing to announce, nor am I ready to even want to announce anything, but I'm a planner at heart. A planner who feels compelled to have a boy name and a girl name in our back pocket- just in case.
What do you do in your 5 minutes here or 10 minutes there?
It's imperative to keep on keeping on and taking those little luxurious moments for ourselves.
Craft on all you crafty people out there...someday I'll join you!
 I'm hoping to persuade Santa to drop a bracelet from this awesome organization into this girl's stocking.
I'm an early planner...always have been. So even though I might say for other shoppers to hear, "Can you believe they already have Christmas decorations out?"... I'm secretly sticking those decorations in my cart. Pregnancy is a planners dream come true! So much preparation...you could literally start the day you see the two blue lines and continue right into delivery. The hard part is that even though we spend hours of prep- it's not always fruitful.This high chair alternative is a failed plan on my part. I saw it on Urban Grace's beautiful blog. The high chair clips onto tables, counters, etc. It is really handy! It is also really, really messy!!! There is a slot between the chair and the table that food ends up falling/being thrown through. Trust me with this one- I spent more time cleaning up and less time playing with my baby boy- even if he did look cute in it!
We used his bumbo chair with tray until I bought a booster seat with removable tray with success. ....................................Santa is doing some early Christmas shopping for our little Vivi at blabla. The knit dolls are too cute for words!Oh, and have a Happy (and safe) Halloween!
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