first eye adjustment, coming right up!

Tate LOVES his new eye. He has gotten used to it quicker than I ever imagined. We have only taken it out once, and it doesn't bother him at all. We are so happy with it! 


If you've seen my previous post about "The Making of Tate's Prosthetic Eye", I mentioned that we would let it "settle", then call our ocularist to have any needed adjustments made. Well, the time has finally come. The surgeon, upon follow-up of Tate receiving his new eye, recommended that we give it several weeks so we can keep any necessary adjustments to a minimum. So I called last week, and we have an appointment with our ocularist for June 21st. It'll be another all-day trip. It's over an hour away, and the appointment is expected to take at least a half-day (that's if he doesn't need to make any painting adjustments). And we can't go all the way there without making time for the nearby outlet mall... for Tate's prize, of course. :) 


So I'm including a "Before" shot. You can see that the left (prosthetic) eye is larger than the right eye. I believe that he'll be trimming down the white of the eye underneath the iris and along the outside of the left eye. I can't wait to see how it looks after the adjustment! The prosthetic eye looks very real... so much so that I find that when I'm making eye contact with Tate as I'm talking with him, I'm often looking at his prosthetic eye. I wonder if he thinks I don't bother looking at him when I'm talking to him. My prayer is that once the adjustment is made, no one will be able to tell that he has a prosthetic... although I don't believe many people realize it now, but I think many notice that something is amiss. I'm hoping the adjustment fixes that! I'll be taking my camera with me for the adjustment, so as always, I'll keep you posted! 

5 years old

Dear Tate, 
This day seemed so far away. You're 5 years old today. It's the "official" big boy age. You'll be in kindergarten in a few short months, and I'll no longer be able to be with you all the time to shield you from this world we live in. But remember this, my sweet boy... I'll always love you and protect you. God put me here to be your mommy, to raise you to be a follower of Jesus, and to teach you to be kind to everyone you meet. I'm far from being a perfect mom, but I hope that I make Him proud. 


I know that it's been a rocky road in your short years, but you have been such a great example of strength and courage. I know that you make God proud. And you definitely make Mommy and Daddy proud, son. You are only 5 years old, and I know for a fact that you have had a big impact on many, many lives because of the tough little guy you've been through your journey. You're an example to people of all ages. I know that because of your strength, that you've lent that strength to others when they need it, been an encouragement to them when they were facing a journey of their own, and all the while, riding your own roller coaster with almost no complaint. You've been an example to ME, Tate. You've taught me how to tough it out when things seem too difficult, and you've taught me that God only gives us what we can handle, and He gives us the tools we need to get through it. And above all, your journey has brought me closer to our awesome God. Thank you for that, sweet boy. God is using you in amazing ways!


This past year has been a bit more eventful than I had imagined, but you've amazed me during every step of the way. Thank you for helping me see the humor in everything. Spending time with you is pure joy. I love seeing the world through your eyes. At your birthday party yesterday, you were giggling so much with every birthday card you opened. You absolutely loved the cards that people picked out for you. I have never seen a child appreciate a simple card (ok, so they did have some pretty funny faces on them!) so much. I loved hearing your laughter as you opened each one. I'll never forget that, Tate. 


I look forward to watching you grow over the next year, and to see your personality develop even more. You have changed so much since your surgery... you are becoming such a sweet and happy little boy. I am so excited for you and the wonderful future that God has planned for you. Happy 5th birthday, Tate. Mommy and Daddy love you very much! 

overdue

So my spaced-decades-apart blog postings aren't exactly living up to my blog title, eh? Can't exactly call them constant these days unless I rename it Jenn's Constant Whining. I know there are several of you who know me well, and are snickering to yourself as you read that. Mostly because it's so undeniably appropriate.


I do believe I'm more ready for summer to be here than my kids are... not for summer itself (I'm not a fan of 90 degree days), but for them to be out of school! I can't wait to sleep in past 7am and not run back and forth between the preschool and the elementary school every day for dropoff and pickup. And I can't wait to spend our summer days relaxing at the pool and the beach. On the other hand, I can't believe this school year is over already... I'll have a 5th grader soon (I'm not that old, am I??). I'm so proud of Jake, and he's doing a great job paving the way for his brothers. And Noah has made the AG (Academically Gifted) program at school, making me a proud mama there too! Noah is the "crazy middle child", so we were happy to hear that he must pay attention at some point. :) And Tate.... he will be FIVE YEARS OLD on Sunday! I am in shock. I know they grow up, but this year has held so much for him... kinda makes it feel like a bigger milestone than usual. He'll be a big-boy kindergartner in a few short months, and I'm sure I'll miss him like crazy. So I plan to cherish every moment I have with my boys this summer. 


Tate is having a luau-themed pool party for his birthday. I know, not very original for a summer birthday, but it works, and he loves it! My dear friend, Kim, has been sweet enough to let Tate pick out some decorations and other items for his party and ordered them for him from Oriental Trading Company. I think she was worried that if they waited on me and my crazy schedule, Tate wouldn't have his pool party until November. I haven't been great at posting photos (I know, you're still waiting on me to post photos from our trip to California in March!), but I will definitely have my camera with me for his party, and will get some posted for you! 


So I mentioned my dear friend Kim... what I didn't mention is that she's Tate's girlfriend. At least he thinks so! I've never seen any of my boys act like that with someone before... he absolutely adores her! He follows her around, cuddles up with her to watch tv or hang out at the pool... it's SO cute. A couple of weeks ago, Tate was in the dining room, checking out all the cool goodies that Miss Kim got him for his birthday party, and she walked in to the living room, in an attempt to wake up her own sleepy boys, she said "Ok, who's going home with me?" In a lightning-fast reaction, we hear Tate yell "ME!!!" from 2 rooms away, and the little stinker runs into the living room, practically tripping over his own feet, just trying to get there fast enough. Seriously. Cutest thing ever. I'm sure that if Kim was 5 years old, they'd be engaged by now. 


We've been hanging out at the pool quite a bit already this summer (did I mention the 90+ degree days?!?). We were told by Tate's ocularist that we need to either take Tate's eye out or make him wear goggles when he goes swimming. So I gave Tate the choice, and of course, he chose goggles. So as we were at the pool that first day, all the boys were all sunscreened and Tate had his water wings on. His big brothers were already in the pool, and they were distracting him. I had asked him to come get his goggles on, and he kept wandering toward the pool steps. I called him again, and his big brothers won again in the attention-getting competition. Finally, I said "Tate Alexander! Get over here and put your goggles on or I'm taking your eye out!!!" And then.... I laughed. I don't know if I laughed because of what it would have sounded like if anyone had been around to hear it, or if they were just words that seemed really... wrong. But either way, it struck me as funny. Certainly not words I ever imagined saying to any of my kids! But he put his goggles on. Whatever works.  

stuff

Ok, first of all, the Knuckleheads Clothing contest is over. They had to end it abruptly at 240am this morning because it was brought to their attention that certain types of contests are not allowed on facebook... like asking fans to "like" a photo in order to vote for something. Apparently their page could be deleted if abuse was reported. I didn't bother to read the rules even though they linked it on their page. I'm sure they wouldn't have done that if it weren't true. Am I frustrated that I was involved in their first (assumption, but pretty sure I'm right) model search and it was a disaster? Absolutely. Is my heart broken a little because I thought my kid had a pretty darn good chance of winning, and he didn't get a real opportunity? Definitely. Am I going to enter their next model search that they plan to hold every 6 months? I really don't know. Tate kept saying he was going to be a model, so I'm glad I got some Knuckleheads things recently for Tate's upcoming 5th birthday (only 3 weeks away!) during the Knuckleheads zulily promotion. I'm going to take him on his own little photo session in his new Knuckleheads duds and let him be a model for all of you. :) As far as entering their next model search contest, I guess only time will tell. Honestly, I think that they have learned a LOT from this contest, and that it will run much more smoothly next time... the biggest thing that would hold me back is that if they do a poll vote, I don't want to have to go back to the same people and ask for their votes again. I feel terrible that this contest was such a mess, and so many people tried to help, but it ended up being a waste of time. I sincerely appreciate each and every one of you who voted for Tate and helped try to bring him more votes! You guys really are the best! 


And speaking of voting and reposting.... I will be printing out a HUGE list of names soon of voters and re-posters, hopefully tomorrow! Tate will be drawing 2 lucky winners who will receive a free session and print package! That's just my way of saying thank you for all the support! (ok, it was a bribe, let's just call it what it is. :) 


So my funny guy Tate was asking me recently to cuddle up in the bed with him and watch cartoons. We were on our way out the door to take him to preschool, so I suggested that we should do that after I picked him up from school that day. He agreed, so I said "Ok buddy, it's a date!" He replied, "Mommy! I'm not old enough to date!" 


I have been so incredibly busy lately... working full-time and running a photography business is time-consuming. I really miss my family. I work nights, get to bed around 4am, get up at 7am to take the kiddos to school, then come back and get Tate ready for preschool. He only goes from 9am-noon 4 days a week. So in that time I'm usually attempting to take a nap (but I usually get distracted by balancing the checkbook or paying bills or, I don't know... shiny things.) Then I pick Tate up, bring him home to eat lunch, he plays for a bit while I try to get some photo editing done, then we go pick the big boys up. Since I'm typically unsuccessful with a nap in the morning, I make attempt #2 to take a nap in the afternoon, before I go into work at 6pm. Todd and I are basically 2 single parents parenting the same kids on opposite shifts these days. Time management has never been my strong suit anyway, so that probably doesn't help. On my days off, I'm constantly working on my photography business... shooting, editing, returning calls, etc. I would give my left arm to have a clean house, a night off, and be caught up on editing so that I can simply sit down with Todd and watch TV for an hour after the kids go to bed. I don't even know what's on any more. I haven't turned on my TV for myself in months. But I'd still give my left arm for it. I'm struggling with making a big decision pertaining to my insane schedule, and I'd really appreciate prayers.... specifically for wisdom and guidance. And maybe a billboard (I'm not very good with signs). Or a 2x4 upside the head would work too. You know, something I can't miss. Anyway, all that to say that if you call me, email me, or facebook me and I don't respond for a while, it's not because I don't like you or want to talk to you... it's because I don't have time for you. :) But seriously, I miss my friends and I do want to hear from you... don't give up on me. I appreciate your patience! 


I need to get up early tomorrow for a morning photo session, so I better close this out now. My goal for this week is to finally dump the photos to my computer from our trip to California at the end of March. (I know, I know! Patience, remember?) When I get that done, I'll post some for you. Good night! 

Round 2 of the Model Search! We made it!

I was literally tearing up at the sight of the list of names of people who voted for my sweet boy during Round 1 of the Knuckleheads Clothing Model/Photographer Search. Yes, I'm a dork, but I'm serious. It means SO much to me to have your support, not just for this, but over the last several months. It's awesome to know that there are people out there who love my little guy so much! The fantastic news - Your votes got us through to Round 2! So here we go again, right? :) Well, the good news is that although we need you to vote again, I'm sweetening the pot! I'm happy to give away a photo session and print package ($261 value) for every 75 votes that Tate gets for this contest! So far, that will be at least 2 packages to give away! We need lots more votes though! He needs to be in the top 5 to continue to the third and final round. (In other good news, we won't need your votes for that one. :) The winner will be chosen from the Top 5 by Knuckleheads staff). At last check, we were tied for 7th. So PLEASE, go vote! 


Step 1: Go to the Knuckleheads Clothing page and click "Like" (if you haven't already!)


Step 2: Go here and click Like.


Seriously, that's all I have to do to be entered in your amazing photography giveaway, you ask? Yep, that's it! And for FIVE BONUS ENTRIES, just copy and paste the link to his photo (the second link here) on your own facebook page and when the little box pops up for you to write in, leave instructions on voting (Like Knuckleheads Clothing first, then click on the photo of Tate to make it bigger and click Like! 


BONUS GIVEAWAY: Knuckleheads Clothing is giving away a $100 gift certificate to one lucky voter! 


So what are you waiting for? Get out there and VOTE AND REPOST! 


THANK YOU!!! 


*Voting ends at noon EST on Monday.
*Photography prize is transferable. No cash value. 
*Photography prize includes a free one hour session, 2 8x10s, 4 5x7s, and 10 4x6s. 

Vote for Tate in the Knuckleheads Model Search!

It's voting week, apparently. Sorry about that. All for good causes though! In our case, that would be a bunch of new clothes from Knuckleheads Clothing for Tate! They are looking for a model/photographer combo... a super cute kid with lots of personality, and a mama who can take great photos of him! So you KNOW I'm in! Tate has a couple of things from Knuckleheads and loves them, so this is a great way to get him more without breaking the bank! And it would be super fun to get to photograph my super adorable kid and have it published. :) So that brings me to you. Begging. Yes, seriously. If you're on facebook, go "like" the Knuckleheads Clothing page. Then follow this link to Tate's photo on their page and click "like". That's it. Easy peasy. And it would mean the world to Tate. At last check, we're holding 7th place out of 425 entries! But every vote counts, and there are lots of entries that are RIGHT on our heels. So please go vote! Voting ends May 11th, then the top 10 entrants with the most "likes" on their photos goes to round 2, which is where the Knuckleheads staff will narrow the finalists to 3! Then each of the 3 will submit one more photo, and the winner will be chosen. We appreciate your effort! Thanks so much! 

Here's a peek at the photo I entered.... 

(Side note: I have some cute photos of him in one of his fedoras from Knuckleheads and was going to enter those, until I realized that he only had one eye back then. I wasn't sure if he'd get a modeling job by me saying "No worries, he has 2 eyes now, and they look pretty close to alike!" So yeah, he only had one eye in this one too, but with that super cute big grin, his eyes scrunch up so you can't tell anyway. It's all good.)

Patrice for Mother of the Year! Please read her story and vote!

So I know I'm WAAAAYYYYY behind on blogging. I've been super crazy busy lately (more on that later), but I wanted to take a minute to tell you about my dear friend, Patrice. Her blog link is at the top of my blog, so I know many of you already know about her. Her little boy, Jonah, has EB (Epidermolysis Bullosa), which is a very rare skin disease that causes his skin to blister and slough off with even the slightest friction (think about how often babies rub their faces, or when they scratch when their skin itches). He requires constant care, including a bath and full-body dressing change every day, which takes hours to complete, and is often painful for Jonah. They can't be out when it's too hot (75 and sunny), as it will irritate his skin, so they are often housebound. He requires tube feedings most days, as his mouth and throat blisters, so that it can be painful for him to eat food by mouth. Jonah is a champ though, and the cutest little guy ever. He gets his strength from his amazing mom, and she gives all credit and glory to God. She is the most fantastic mom I know, and although she has given up her job and "normal" life to give constant care and love to her sweet boy, she knows that she is the one blessed to be chosen by God to be his mommy. 


All that to say, she has been nominated and chosen as a Top Ten Finalist for a Mother of the Year contest in a local organization. She definitely deserves this honor (although she would tell you she doesn't, and that she only does what any mom in her position would do), but I would ask that you go vote for her! There is a fantastic prize package up for grabs, and she would thoroughly enjoy it and appreciate it!  You can check out her blog here and her family's story here.  Please go to this link to vote for this very deserving friend of mine, Patrice Williams!