Baby M's First Photo Shoot

These photos are already a little outdated...we took them when Maren was just 9 days old (and she turned 1 month old on Sunday!). Thanks Raquel for doing a beautiful job. I don't think Chris or I realized how much babies pooped until we had Maren naked for 30 minutes. In the end, I had to wash Chris's shirt and pants, my shirt and pants, several towels and I sent Raquel home with some poop on her back drop. She assured us it was normal. We are so pleased with how they turned out, and we are now realizing how much babies change in such a short period.

A Few More Pics

She likes washing her hair...

...and sleeping


...and she loves her mom.

She's Here!!!

At last Maren Lucille Nielson has joined our family. She weighs exactly 8 pounds, is 19 inches long, and is perfect in every way. She was born at 8:25 on November 28th. I'm writing this post for Autumn as she is recovering. Here is a picture to hold you over until I can post more...

Winter Songs

For those who love Christmas music, might I suggest this new Christmas album. Fiona Apple's "Frosty the Snowman" is what caught my eye (being a Fiona Fan and all), but I really love the rest of the CD.

Happy Anniversary!

"A great marriage is not when the 'perfect couple' come together. It is when an imperfect couple learns to enjoy their differences."
- Dave Meurer

It's been a wonderful seven years!

Happy Wednesday!

Just had to share some happy news this morning. First, I want to reveal in the joy of waking up to new snow. This is a picture from our bedroom window. Second, the library bond for the building of a new library in Springville passed! Read more details here.

Creative Inspiration

It's always exciting to find a new book, especially from the library. I came across these two awesome reads lately and had to share:

I Love Dirt!: 52 Activities to Help You and Your Kids Discover the Wonders of Nature by Jennifer Ward

This book presents 52 activities divided into the four seasons. It introduces children to nature's wonders through simple (and free) activities, most which can be done in the backyard. I also thought it was a good reminder for adults to get out and enjoy the beautiful world around them, especially during this time of year.

The Creative Family: How to Encourage Imagination and Nurture Family Connections by Amanda Blake Soule

(speaking of children) "They know how to be creative. They know it with every ounce of their being - it isn't conscious or rational. It is simply who they are. Until something stands in their way, they will be creative."

Some of my favorite activities and ideas from the book:
1. Bulletin boards and inspiration wire to display inspirational pieces, artwork, photos, etc.
2. Pattern for a felt pencil roll (to store colored pencils, pens, markers, etc. for on-the-go). There is also a really awesome (but more complicated) pattern for the pencil roll in Joelle Hoverson's Last-Minute Patchwork + Quilted Gifts .
3. Ideas for choosing "The Best Toys" includes questions like "Is it beautiful?", "Is it simple?", "What is it made of?" I really liked this section, since it seems like kids have too many toys (most of which are cheap, create clutter in our homes, and don't activate the imagination).
4. A chapter on connecting with the family has some good ideas about celebrating birthdays and holidays.