Time for your close up

I am so thankful for all the great things that have happened since Spud entered my life.  I am just beginning to realize that when you give love to someone, that love often spills out and spreads outside of you and them.  It seeps out of your pores and touches different parts of your life.  I think people around you, whether you know them or not, respond to it and want to be around it also. 

At least that is the way I am explaining the good fortune that has come into my life:)

Last week we had our photo shoot with the photographer working with the Mead Johnson people (the people that make Enfamil) and the photos turned out beautifully (from what I have heard).  They will be using at least one or two of his photos at their new headquarters.  His photo will be “supersized” and placed in the lobby of the new building.   Unfortunately there is no $$$ for all his hard work, but the photographer will be giving us all the digital images and a credit towards prints at the print lab she uses.  I have to tell you—this is an answered prayer.  Of all the things I have really regretted since coming home it is the fact that I can not afford to pay for a professional sitting.  I so badly wanted to have photos of us together and a picture of his dimples.  She took several photos of the two of us just ‘cuz.  God bless her—I can’t wait to see our photos!  The few she showed me on her camera looked absolutely beautiful.  I am so thankful we had this opportunity.

Prior to doing this shoot Shasta had shared info with me about Celebrating Adoptions.  They are a collection of photographers from all across the nation that volunteer their services to newly adoptive families (that doesn’t sound right…?  How are you supposed to write that?).  Anyway, they waive their sitting fees and discount their photo packages for new families.  I made an appointment with a photographer before we knew about our photo shoot last week.  Anyway, Spud was really having an off day.  Like, I have not seen him feeling this off since we were on the plane from Vietnam.  Yikes.  He didn’t cry, but he was very clingy.  Kind of a problem when you are trying to get him to pose for the camera.     I am still grateful for the photos and I am going to show the two that Kristi has placed on her blog this evening.

I like my expression here, but I don’t think she realized—this is not his happy face!  He was working up towards a scream. 

Check out the chubby baby!  I almost don’t recognize him—he looks like a little sumo baby, but I love the baby rolls.  His belly was so flat when I met him in Vietnam; even though he is not built small, he was pretty lean.  His pediatrician placed him in the 25th percentile, but the international adoption doctor put it lower, maybe 10th percentile.  I think those numbers have changed.   

I love his messy hair and sleepy looking eyes.  I can’t believe how long my hair has gotten.  I usually keep it about chin length, but now it is brushing my shoulders.  I can’t afford a haircut at this time, but hopefully next month after I am making some money again.  I don’t want it to sound like I am complaining.  I have really enjoyed my time home with Spud.  I needed it as much or more than he did, and I think it has really been good for bonding.  Every time he reaches for me my heart sings.  There is never any hesitation—I’m just amazed that he trusts me so much.  Honestly, I know I blather on about my love for my son, but I really can’t help myself.  It just spills out.