: February 2008 »
Tuesday / 1 January 2008
The Beginning
It was two weeks ago that I decided I wanted to start a new online space: a blog, a journal, a notebook of sorts. Whatever it would be called I would use the space to collect pieces of myself. Over the next several days I created a site to be officially launched on New Years Day. One item off the New Resolution list, I planned.
So I did. Between feedings and fussings with not much time at all I designed a simple little site called dawnm.com/notebook. If you are reading this, wow, I actually did it. While not much, it’s my first non baby related accomplishment since, well, I don’t even remember when. A major milestone in my new life as a mom.
As I sit here this morning ready to post my first “real” entry with baby Kendall asleep on my lap all I feel like doing is quitting.
I can’t do this. I don’t remember how to write. Who will read it? What if I fail?
I remind myself...
Yes, you can.
Of course you do, don't over analyze. Let the words flow from your fingertips.
It doesn't matter. This is for you first. Everyone else second.
And the last answer leads to a question ... what if you succeed?
Hello 2008. Be Good to Us.
Every New Year's I take the opportunity to make a list of promises to myself. Things that I know will make me happy. Things that I know will bring joy to my life. In 2008, I promise to:
- Recommit to photography. Try new things. See in a new light. Experiment. Document. Most importantly, take too many pictures.
- Covet less. Revel in what you have more. Sounds easy, but it's not.
- Write more. It's good for the brain, heart and soul.
- Try new things. I've been making this promise for years. As a picky eater, I consider it a success if I tried a handful of new foods in one year. In 2007, I learned to love broccoli, even if it's not covered in cheese.
- Practice Courage. Something to help with all the other promises.
Wednesday / 2 January 2008
Seen + Noted Around the Web
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take note for kmae's playroom
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"Anxiety is a super-lightweight To-do list application for Mac OS X Leopard that synchronizes with iCal and Mail."
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Photoshop actions to create a Holga effect ... also includes an online version for a low resolution file.
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Set includes 25 individual high resolution brushes. Pretty. Pretty. Save for next year.
Tuesday / 8 January 2008
My Favorite Part of Kendall's Nursery
I had all these great intentions to create letters like this myself, but I was pregnant, tired, my due date was fast approaching and I'm not nearly as crafty as I like to think I am. Luckily, we found Anna Bella Kids. They had so many cute letters we almost couldn't decide until we came across these and knew they fit her room just perfectly. About four weeks later with letters hung neatly on the wall I learned that it's sweet relief to stick with what I'm good at while allowing everyone else the same.
Wednesday / 9 January 2008
Scrub a Dub Dub Kmae's in Da Tub
Finally. We mastered bathtime to the point that I am able to step away to photograph the event making this photographer mama a happy photographer mama.
The key is to set up about 10 minutes before she's about to wake up from a nap. We put a portable heater in our bathroom and turn our house heat up to 73 degrees. Then, next to but far enough away that there is not a fire hazard, we take two hooded towels and put a heating pad between them. One towel for the initial drying off, the second for warmth and extra drying before we get her into her pajamas. Finally, next to the towels we keep a fresh diaper and a pacifier for soothing. By the time she wakes up and has a feeding her bathing experience, yes experience, is all ready for her.
There is no crying or fussying. Bathtime is now an enjoyable experience for everyone. Thank you and goodnight.
. . .
Favorite Bathtime Tools: PRIMO EuroBath & Johnsons Bedtime Washcloths
Friday / 11 January 2008
No. 2
That's what we've taken to calling her, because let's be honest she can't be no. 1 anymore. Not with Kendall around. It's sad because she spent 12 years of her life be spoiled rotten by me and then Bill. She was our baby. Luckily she's old enough now that she doesn't even care too much.
Some days I think she'd rather sit in the window all day opposed to get attention from us. That is as long as we remember to bring her in our bedroom for bedtime and feed her of course.
Saturday / 12 January 2008
Seen + Noted Around the Web
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using the trackpad on my macbook is difficult while feeding the little one.
Sunday / 13 January 2008
Seen + Noted Around the Web
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Derek Powazek shares an ingenious method of noting copyright on images. Love this idea!
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"Fear of failure is a ticket to mediocrity. If you're not failing from time to time, you're not pushing yourself. And if you’re not pushing yourself, you're coasting."
Thursday / 24 January 2008
Ok.
Everyone seems to want to know if I am ok. There are brief moments when I'm not, but overall I am ok. I honestly think my mom's passing hasn't "hit" me yet. Denial, said Bill. Or maybe it is because I've been mourning for the past ten years. I think of all the time I spent feeling sorry for myself ... for not having a mom that could help me shop for my wedding dress or could come see my first home away from home. I could have spent all that time appreciating how lucky I was that she was even around at all. But, I didn't and I have to get over it. I can't go back and change it. I have to learn and be better for it. It's something I'll have to work out.
Friday / 25 January 2008
Seen + Noted Around the Web
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These have me dreaming of Kmae's 1st birthday party.
Good Things
Seen + Noted
March 2008
February 2008
January 2008
Dawn M Photography
Chicago Uncommon
Ms Dawn M
PO Box 81062
Chicago, IL 60681


