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My Two Babies!!

I have been soooo busy with subbing and photo shoots, that I've barely had a chance to take pictures of my own babies!!  We went on a walk today to look at the fall foliage, and snapped a few pictures.  They turned out pretty good if I do say so myself.  They are getting so big!!!

Shopping for Brady

Okay, so another post within a month of my last one.  That's gotta be a record.  Here are some adorable moments that we captured on film....Abbie has really been interacting with Brady more and more lately.  She's upset when he's crying, she loves to make him laugh, she often tickles him...She even asks "where's baby boy?" in the morning now.  Good to know, since for about the first 5 months of his life she was in denial that he existed.  She was pushing him in the shopping cart, which was so cute.  

On a separate note..the days are getting a little harder for me now that the weather is getting chilly...less activity choices.  We are still faithfully going to Mops, and BSF, and I've subbed a few times as well which definitely helps (although it's like a tease, because I really want to be teaching more than just a few times a month...), but we will get through it.  God keeps me going...

I also booked TEN photo shoots for the month...and possibly a few more, so I have really been LOVING that!!!  I'm learning a lot, and becoming a little obsessed with photoshop and "actions".  Love it.  Check out my photography blog: www.clearviewphotography.blogspot.com

The Old is Washed Away...

Well...I did something on Sunday morning that I've been wanting to do for a VERY long time, but have been putting it off because it is way, completely, out of my comfort zone, which is often the case when you are doing something for God...

I was baptized by my father in law on Sunday morning. I was baptized when I was around 5 (the Lutheran sprinkle kind) because my mom just thought it was the right thing to do...it wasn't a choice of mine, or an "outward profession of inward faith" as it needs to be. I accepted Christ when I was 11 and began a journey that has definitely had it's ups and downs, times of great growth, and times of stagnation. This year I've REALLY been praying for a year of growth. I feel like it's time for me to "step it up" and really get to know God. Becoming a junior high youth leader, and joining Bible Study Fellowship were definitely two things that were working towards this goal. Being baptized was a third. I know that Jesus commands us to follow his example and announce publicly that we are followers of him, but it was just so scary and uncomfortable to me that I kept putting it off. I knew that we were coming to Northern California to visit, and knew that John did baptisms, so thought I would ask...(I was honestly hoping he would say no...), but conveniently, he said yes. = ) So I did it. Took the "plunge", literally. = ) I feel it was an important step for me doing something uncomfortable, but something also that God commands. I know that God will reward my obedience. It was cool to do it in front of my family, so now...the "old" is washed away...

P.S. Abbie's reaction: "Mommy fell in the wa-wa! Mommy get towel!"

Fall Photo Shoot

Oh my gosh, it's been a while. I think I temporarily forgot I had a blog...anyway, I don't even know who is still checking this, but I thought I'd update it anyway...mostly for the Kerr's I think. HA! We just had a photo shoot with a photographer I found in Milwaukee. It was SO nice not to be the one taking the pictures and editing them! And...even better...she totally taught me some things. We've been corresponding via email, and she has given me so many "gems" of information about how to get pictures of this quality...not only with shooting with the camera, but also with photo editing techniques with photo shop. I'm excited to try some things out...I have a few shoots coming up next month...5 to be exact, so I can't wait to try out my new found knowledge...


Let's see, what else is going on? Brady is 19lbs, 27in. Yes, he is HUGE...well, not obese or anything, but the kid is definitely solid. He's scrumptious, I seriously want to inhale his cheeks. Abbie is talking up a storm (and repeating everything I say, so I have learned to be very careful), and she is a little princess. Shocker, she's my kid, isn't she??? We went on a cruise, and she was a doll the whole time...I'll post those pics later.

I am still in search of a part time teaching job. I'm subbing right now, but really would like to have a set schedule of time I get to be out of the house and teach. So, we'll see. I have a feeling the perfect thing is right around the corner, I'm trusting God.

I am starting BSF (Bible Study Fellowship, a national, intense bible study) this Wednesday, and am REALLY excited about where God is going to take me on this study. While I"m doing that, Abbie will be in her toddler class, which I heard is phenomenal. Brady will be with a friend...(thanks Amy!) I've also joined the leadership team at church and will be a small group junior high leader this year. I know, I'm insane, but I love that age group. They are so messed up. HA! I'm also on the steering committee for our MOPS group. I'm staying busy, taking after my "big sister" Wendy. = ) I can't have another year like I did last year where I felt like I was literally STUCK inside all year with nothing going on...so hopefully these things will remedy the situation. It's good for me, (and the kids.)

Blessings--
Jenn and fam

Busy Summer!!!

Okay, so I've come to the realization that I am not very good at keeping up with my blog. I'm trying, I swear!!! We've been busy so far this summer! I've done many photo shoots, and have been having so much fun with those, and meeting new people! We've been to parks, playdates, pool dates, climbing places so far, and we have been having so much fun! Grandma JJ and Papa came to visit a week ago, here are some of my faves from a photo shoot I did for JJ's birthday.


Here are some of my favorites from my most recent photo shoots. I did a maternity shoot this evening, and then I have two newborn shoots at the end of the month.



We have gone to this awesome place called Flabbergast a few times that has a HUGE climbing thing similar to the ones at McDonald's play place, only better! While Abbie climbs and bounces around little B and I hang out.

Anyway, we've been having a great time. We are heading off to the Pewaukee parade for the fourth of July and then a grill out. I'll post pictures sooner of my little sparklers. HA. I'm such a nerd...

Long Time No Blog!!

Okay, so I know it's been FOREVER since I've posted. So sorry! We have been very busy, and enjoying the summer! I also have gotten into digital scrapbooking which will explain why I've not been keeping up with my blog. I LOVE it!! I have posted one of my most recent layouts. It's so addicting, and almost all of the kits that I've downloaded have been FREE which Nate loves, so I have just been loving it. I also found a website with free handwriting fonts on it, so I'm completely obsessed with that too. If anyone is interested in this stuff, please email me, I'll totally hook you up!


Also, I recently took Abbie to see her first movie in the movie theater. I took her to see "UP", NOT the 3D version for maybe obvious reasons. She ate her popcorn and sat in the seat making comments throughout the entire movie. She didn't get up once. She was completely enthralled. It was SUCH a cute movie too. We totally loved it.





She has completely been talking up a storm. It's awesome. She sings Twinkle Twinkle, which she pronounces as "weekle weekle", she knows her ABC's sorta, and she loves counting to ten, pronouncing six as "cake". So funny. And yes, don't worry, I AM writing all of this stuff down so I don't forget! It's just too darn precious! She is as sassy as ever, and is posing now when I take pictures of her. This isn't that great of a picture from a photography standpoint with the background and all, but I couldn't resist posting it for obvious reasons. HAHA


Lastly, little Brady Boy "B-man" has been doing awesome. He is a TANK for 3 months old. He is eating almost 7 ounces and is getting little pudgy rolls on his thighs which I want to literally EAT. He is SO smiley and has started cooing and squealing at me when I talk to him. I love him. I love his cheeks, I can't stop kissing the! I need a kissing Brady's cheeks intervention. HA! He is very content when he's being held, but still doesn't love to be put down. He's sleeping through the night which has made the biggest difference in my mood during the day.


Well, that's all I can think of as far as updates go, but I'm sure there's more. Nate and I are looking forward to some fun activities this summer, and I'm SO glad that the weather has finally warmed up. It's about time! OH! Before I forget...I'm VERY curious about who reads my blog. I added a feature so that even if you're not a google blogger member, you can still leave comments on my blog. I would love for you to leave me a comment, just so I know about how many people are keeping up with our blog!!! At the bottom of the post you'll see how many comments have been posted. Click on where it says comments. In the white comment box write what you'd like to say, and then where it says "comment as:" use the drop down menu to choose either your google mail account, or, if you don't have one, go all the way to the bottom where it says anonymous, and choose that. But if you choose anonymous, make sure you sign your name in the comment box so I know who you are!!! = ) Thanks so much!! I also have redesigned my photography website, so be sure to check that out too. It's
www.clearviewphotography.blogspot.comclick on that link, and it will take you right too it!!! Love to all!

Nate, Jenn, Abbie, Brady

PS I KNOW I need to change the website address since it only includes Abbie's name, but I don't know how to do that and still keep my older blog posts... any suggestions???

Happy Easter!

Well, I took the kids on a 5 hour road trip to Minnesota BY MYSELF for Easter. I don't recommend traveling with a newborn and a 2 year old with no help. Needless to say, we made quite a few stops, and I can now recite the words to "A Bug's Life" movie just from listening to it for approximately 10 hours. We did okay though, and I'm glad we went! We spent some great time with my cousins, aunt and uncle, and mom and dad. My little lovies looked so adorable in their Easter garb.

On a more serious note, I've been overwhelmed with the though of how God gave his Son to us because I now know what it feels like to have a son, (and a daughter, just a child in general I guess.) I would sooner give my own life than my child's, but God sacrificed his ONLY child for us. I can't imagine the pain of seeing your child suffer and die the way that Jesus did especially knowing that many people wouldn't care or accept the gift, or even give it the time of day. Just one of the many things I'm learning as a parent. It's truly a gift. I am so thankful that the story had a happy ending and that myself, Nate and our little treasures have a risen savior.

Little Bunny Foo-Foo's

I am a total freak, and I'm sure my children will LOVE my creative costumes when they are older...but hey, I'm a stay at home mom, and I have to keep myself busy somehow!!! I bought the bunny ears at the dollar sections at Target and Wal-Mart, and had some fun with Picasa ( a free photoshop that you can download!!) while Abbie was napping!!! So much fun!! Brady and Abbie cooperated even though I MIGHT have bribed Abbie with a Double Stuffed Oreo. Hey-whatever works, we gotta give mommy her picture ops!!! So, here's nearly ALL of the pictures! Enjoy! Happy Easter!

Love,
The Little Bunny Foo-Foo's

Brother and Sister!

Okay, so I FINALLY got Abbie to hold Brady. Up until now, she has actually been not too interested in holding him. Don't get me wrong, she has kissed, hugged, told him "nigh-nigh", etc, but she didn't show any interest in holding him. Today I asked her if she wanted to hold the baby, and she enthusiastically responded with "YEAH!" I tried to shove him in the corner so she couldn't do any damage if she shifted = ). These were the best pics I got... they aren't perfect, but they are definitely a start to the sibling love pics I'm sure I'll keep taking! She liked it so much that she actually had a mini-melt down when Mommy had to take Brady away. It was too sweet. She loves touching his nose for some reason, and his eyes, which is a lot more of a hazard... today she was extremely interested in his hands and feet and has held his hands quite a few times. We were all in our St. Patty's day garb as we are having a party tonight, so it was a perfect photo op! (You can click on the collage to enlarge it! )

Brady Nathan Merritt

Well!!! He's here!!!! I went in to get induced at 6am, they started pitocin at 7, Dr. broke my water at 8, and Brady was born at 10:18 am. CRAZY birth experience. The contractions got REAL intense as soon as the doctor broke my water, so I was able to ask for the epidural right away, it was great. I pushed twice, and he was out! I know some moms reading this right now hate me for that comment! HA! He was 9lbs, 2oz, and 19.5 in. We call him our little linebacker. = ) He is doing great. He is a little jaundiced, which we expected because Abbie was, so he's on the "Billi-Blanket" for a day or two. His levels weren't as high as Abbie's so hopefully we'll be done with that soon. I am doing well, very sore, and very tired, obviously, but under the circumstances we are awesome. We've gotten a lot of help from my parents, and then Nate's mom will come in few days, and my aunt will come as well, so we are blessed to have people who want to help us out! Nate was able to get a week now, and a week later off to have some family time, so that is great too. Thanks so much for all your prayers, support, encouragement etc.