Moments Captured by Kristen Dvorscak

Another Beach Shot

2009-07-07T04:35:00.000-07:00

Here's another picture from our beach vacation. This was taken on the back deck of the house - after he REFUSED to take any nice pictures on the beach. I had the cutest little shorts on him. . but you can't even see them. Guess this will have to do! Note to all Momtogs. . . 20 months old is not the best age to get good photos!

Happy Birthday To Me!!

2009-06-30T18:36:00.001-07:00

Yeppers. . . I am another year older. . .these years sure go by quickly these days. We just returned from 10 fun filled days from the beach. . . so I plan to blog some of my favorite shots over the next few days. Thought I'd start out with a pic of my two favorite boys. . . they both were very sweet to me on my Big 33rd B-day!

Weekend With Our Friends

2009-06-14T19:39:00.000-07:00

We spent a fabulous weekend at our cabin in Wellsboro, PA with our good friends. Charlie and their son were great buddies the entire weekend. We kept very busy 4 wheeling, taking dips in the creek and hiking around the land. We even took some time to attend the famous Rattlesnake Roundup. . . a contest where the individual who catches the largest black phase and yellow phase rattlesnake wins some sort of prize. The little boy below was brave enough to pet one of the captured rattlesnakes and touch his rattle. Busy week ahead. . . just thought I'd post one of my favorite pics from the weekend.

Our friends son getting wet from the hose - while the Dad's are cleaning the VERY muddy 4 wheeler

Wordless Wednesday

2009-06-10T18:28:00.001-07:00

Driving Lessons

2009-06-02T14:25:00.001-07:00

Charlie's current favorite playtime activity is playing in Mommy's car. If I'd let him do it all day - he would. I think he is going to be a practical joker like his father. . . because every time I get in the car I spend 10 minutes turning my blinkers and windshield wipers off, turning down the radio, and disengaging other random settings which show up as warning lights on my dashboard.

Here is a shot from today. He just looks like he is up to no good - doesn't he?

Hershey Park Happy - 2009

2009-06-01T18:46:00.001-07:00

We spent the weekend at Hershey Park compliments of my husbands company - they have their annual picnic there. We had so much fun. . . we spent the entire day there and Charlie rode almost all of the rides willingly. Two items that were not a hit with him were the Giant Hershey Bar that was walking around and greeting the kids. . . and the dinosaur roller coaster. He wouldn't go near the dinosaur heads. Other than that - he was game for all of the other rides. He stayed up until 11pm that night. . . He was such a good boy and a real trooper. Here are a couple of favorite photos from the day.

Oh and by the way. . . I finally figured out how to post bigger images on this blog! Yippiee!

I love this picture of my boys on the carousel

Charlie and his little girlfriend Macy. . . playing hard to get.

Taking a lolly pop break with daddy!

Apologies, Previews and Memorial Day (A little Late)

2009-06-01T18:01:00.000-07:00

I'm sorry dear blog. I've been neglecting you. I've been very busy. . . I swear. I'll try not to let it happen again. I'll start making up for it by posting some pictures from our Memorial Day weekend at the Cabin. We had great weather and the cousins had a blast together. Charlie LOVED being outside and especially playing in the Pine Creek. The water was very cold for Mommy - but he jumped right in everyday and didn't want to come out. I also bought him a John Deer tractor to keep up there. It fits nicely with all of Pop's Pop's toys. Enjoy the pictures and note - I'm trying out my new logo (I plan to use for my little business). I'm going to try this out here for awhile and make sure I like it.

(Little Note: I just noticed - these pictures are getting cut off. . . I tried a new way of posting to see if I could make them a little bigger. . . apparently it didn't work. Until I get it figured out. . . click on the image to see the entire thing!)

Charlie picked up a load (uh, I mean Cara)

Hanging out in the creek

I love this picture. Just got an 8 x 10 made of it. He's contemplating something while enjoying nature.

This one cracks me up. Charlie was misbehaving (he didn't want to eat his sandwich) and little monkey Ayden was getting a kick out of Charlie getting scolded. You had to be there!

19 Months Old Today!

2009-05-19T17:17:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday Charlie. You are 19 months old today.

You can. . .

Say about 35 words (favorites are bye bye, hi, moose, help, hat)

Eat with a fork and spoon

Turn the TV on by yourself (not a good thing)

Go up and down the slide by yourself

Jump into the pool

Float on you back in the bathtub

You love. . .

Singing and Dancing

Wearing Hats

Throwing Balls

Playing with Cars and Trucks

Dumping your toys out their bins and making a mess

Playing Ring Around the Rosie

Playing with Older Kids

Swimming

Taking Baths

Giddy Up!

Notice the hat? He grabbed this one off the store shelf and would not put it back!

Love that smile!

Playing in hut with Daddy. Another one of his favorite things to do!

He always rides the fire engine backwards. . .????

Modeling his hat in the mirror!

Time Really Flies

2009-05-18T09:55:00.000-07:00

I spent this morning searching and organizing old photos and I came across this one. It's one of my all time favorites. I took it about a year ago (maybe a little less). He looks like such a baby here - he's growing up so fast!

Turtle Back Zoo

2009-05-13T14:00:00.000-07:00

I was scheduled to find out the sex of baby # 2 today - but Chuck asked me to cancel. . .work got too busy - (that's the story of our lives). So we rescheduled the appointment and headed to Turtle Back Zoo in West Orange, NJ to meet up with our friends. Charlie had a fabulous time today. He loves seeing all the animals. He literally fell asleep when his head hit the carseat for the ride home and he's been sleeping ever since. I'm going to have to wake him up in a few minutes for dinner.

It was a beautiful day and the zoo was very impressive. . . so much so - that I signed up for a yearly membership. We'll be back soon :-)

Waiting in Line for Pony Rides. . .So exciting!

Seeing the sights on the train ride

She is beautiful! I love this shot! Edited with Leah's Colorful Action!

She always takes such good care of Charlie. This was one of the many hugs for the day

Hiking the Trail at Wyckoff Wildlife Center

2009-05-08T17:32:00.000-07:00

Finally a nice day! I think it has rained here for about a week straight. Charlie and I were definitely getting cabin fever so today we took advantage of the nice weather and went for a little "hike" at the Wyckoff Wildlife Center. I think we went a bit too far. . .because I ended up carrying him piggy back about half way through - What a sight!

Taking a break on a tree stump

A burst of energy! Running the trail.

Another rest stop - look how he is slouched over - he's getting pooped

A wild deer we saw on our hike

These trees dropped pink petals all over the place - it looked so pretty

Some kind of wild flower. . . I need to brush up on my botany

Another One for My MomTog Friends. . .Bloom Workshops!

2009-05-07T17:38:00.001-07:00

For my MomTog friends/readers. . .I signed up for an online workshop "Bloom Workshops" hosted by two of my favorite photographers. It's starts on Monday and I am so excited! I'll let you know what I think and hopefully share some of my new skills with ya'll!

20 Weeks Today and Bad Bad Mr. Ben and Mr. Jerry. . .

2009-05-07T16:53:00.000-07:00

I have officially reached the 1/2 way point of my pregnancy. I am 20 weeks today - I only know this because I was notified by babycenter this morning. To celebrate this milestone - I thought I'd share with you one of my many indulgences. . . Chocolate ice cream with fudge swirls and peanut butter filled pretzels. . . Mr. Ben and Mr. Jerry are two of the many individuals to blame for my rapidly growing gluteus maximus! How can anyone resist that sweet and salty combination? It's not really me who craves it. . .It's the baby. I swear! :-)

Momtog

2009-05-07T16:22:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share this link www.momtog.com with all my fellow Mom Photographers out there. I really love this blog. She offers great tips, tricks and hints on a weekly basis. Her photos are awesome and there are links to some other great resources. Check it out! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Catching Up. .

2009-05-06T18:07:00.000-07:00

It's been awhile since I've posted on here. . . life has gotten a little hectic lately. I meant to post these awhile ago. These are pic's of Charlie - (pre haircut) playing with his new outside toys. We are trying to add to our collection to be ready for the summer.

He loves this car

Ready. . . Set. . . Go!

I think he looks like a little surfer dude here (it's time for a hair cut though)

I need to Renew Red Cross Lifeguarding Certification. . .

2009-05-06T17:48:00.001-07:00

I haven't been employed as a lifeguard in over 10 years and my certification has since expired. However, recently I have been seriously considering getting re-certified. Not because the economy is THAT bad and I need to get a job (although, if our medical bills don't slow down. . . that might be my next blog post) - it's because my son has turned bath time into ultimate swimming/drowning fest. I have never seen anything like it. The child flops around like fish and then practically drowns himself while cracking up hysterically. I am usually soaking wet after each bath from practically jumping in the tub to rescue him. Tonight, I attempted to video tape this nonsense and take a few photos. It was quite a feat - as in between shots. . . I was saving my sons life. The quality of the photos aren't the best. . . but you get the picture.

Our After Bath Ritual - Hurricane Charlie

2009-05-06T17:24:00.001-07:00

Bathtime occurs every evening around 6 or 7 pm in our house. Right after the bath, a severe storm whips through our house (well actually Charlie's room) - we call it Hurricane Charlie. I swear. . . up until this point each day - his room is clean. It only take about 3 minutes for Hurricane Charlie to destroy everything in it's path. Take a look. . .

You wouldn't expect this innocent face to be the culprit

Notice that Hurricane Charlie strikes EVERYTHING in his path

Happy Anniversary

2009-05-06T16:14:00.001-07:00

I don't want to brag - but I think it's safe to say I've been a pretty good wife this year (well at least according to my husband). Today is our 3rd anniversary. Not only did my husband remember our anniversary - but he showed up BIG!!!! This morning before work he presented me with a card and an AWESOME gift (Tiffany Keys Floral Key Diamond Necklace). I can't say this enough. . . "I love love love it!!". AND that's not all . . . this evening when he came home from work I received a beautiful flower arrangement which included hydrangeas (our wedding flower). Needless to say - I am one happy wife today, but the skeptic in me keeps thinking that there must be a Vegas trip planned for somewhere in the near future. My husband is no dummy. . . he'll probably bring it up sometime this evening. I'll won't give him any objections. . . he definitely knows how to work me (Flowers and Diamonds). Happy Anniversary to Us!

My flower arrangement - isn't is pretty?

Storyboard Fun

2009-04-16T18:02:00.000-07:00

Just some practice with a storyboard format. I downloaded the template from Coffee and Tea Photography.

Happy Easter

2009-04-12T18:55:00.000-07:00

It was a little crisp for egg hunting, but we managed to have a very nice Easter day. I drove home to Reading late Saturday night because Chuck realized that the chance of him being able to join us was slim to none. He was right. He is still working as of 10 pm today (Easter day). I used to get very angry about this. Now it hardly phases me at all.

I spent the majority of the day with my family. Kel (my sis) and her family came after noon. We had a egg hunt and took a few Easter pictures and then I was off to visit Chuck's family for a few hours.

The day was fun, but I have to admit - I miss the beer hunt. My parents used to hide beer, wine and alcohol for us BIG KIDS to hunt each Easter. They haven't done it for the past 2 years. I hope it will be re-instated again next year. My father did say that next year he is going to hide bottles of wine and 6 packs of beer up at the cabin using his GPS and provide us with latitude/longitude perimeters and make us find them. I am going to hold him to his word.

Well I am home in good ol' Jersey again and somehow still found the energy to take a look at the photos I snapped today. Here are a few. . .Enjoy!

My favorite picture! Unedited. I want to try some funky actions on it before I print it! I love love love the little tie! It has puppy dogs on it! Got it at Janie and Jack!

An action shot of Charlie sprinting to get his egg in the bag.

Egg hunting is taken very seriously in our family.

My niece. This child is as sweet as she is cute!

Crazy Ayden on the swing. What a good boy.

Charlie and his cousin Owen hanging out by a tree.

Textures

2009-04-11T09:53:00.000-07:00

I purchased textures from Brenda Acancius. I just love her photographs and am hoping to get into her online class this May. I have to admit, I was kind of skeptical of textures - but I just tried one on a couple of pictures I had open on my computer and I think I like it! Check it out!

I used Thunder Canvas with Soft Lighting. Gives the picture a bit of a weathered look. I added the swatch of Thunder Canvas to the right (under Charlie's name).

This is an old picture of Charlie. From last September I think.

I used Thunder Canvas again with Pin Lighting (Brenda Recommends soft light -but it was too harsh for this photo). The picture is of a 3 week old little girl I photographed last week.

Bunny Has Booze Breath

2009-04-11T09:19:00.001-07:00

As I mentioned in the previous post, our trip to see the Easter Bunny was not a hit with Charlie. We arrived at the Garden State Plaza around 9:30 am (the Bunny was to arrive at 10 am) and we were about number 6 in line. I must admit, I was pretty proud of myself for getting our butts there so early.

Well, I shouldn't have patted myself on the back so soon. . .At around 10:10 am - the bunny called and said he'd be late. As the line started extending towards the other end of the mall, children and parents were getting frustrated. There were kids running and screaming all over the place! I think Chuck got his workout in today by chasing Charlie around the mall for an hour.

The bunny finally arrived around 10:40 am. At first glance, Charlie seemed to be as thrilled as we were to see that guy walking/hopping towards us. That didn't last long. As the picture taking began, and we started moving closer and closer to the front, Charlie's grip on me became and death grip. When it was our turn - I tried to calm Charlie by giving the bunny a hug and talking to him for a few minutes. Then I attempted place Charlie on his lap, but instead I got the loudest and highest pitch screaming you have ever heard AND 10 little finger nails digging into my neck. That was our first try. The second try, I dropped him on the bunnies lap and ran. Charlie immediately shrieked and jumped off the rabbit and ran towards me. The third try was the same - but this time - as he ran half way towards me - he changed his mind and ran to Dad instead. He was not happy with his mom.

Finally, as the frustrated parents in the long line were all glaring at us. . . the photographer suggested I just join the picture. Ugh, I wasn't planning on this and therefore headed to the mall this morning sans shower/makeup/brush hair. Afterall, Charlie had already been through 1 Easter Bunny and 2 Santa Claus sittings without even a moan or whine.

I am pretty embarrassed to even post this picture - probably about as embarrassed as our Easter Bunny who showed up to work 40 minutes late on the day before Easter reeking of booze. Yep, that's right - even the Easter Bunny has a rough night every now and then.

Easter 2009!

Pre Easter Bunny Smiles

2009-04-11T08:43:00.000-07:00

Yes, we are very last minute and to be quite honest, I almost forgot. We went to go see the Easter bunny this morning (the day before Easter). We got up early and headed to the mall to get in line early so that we would be one of the first of the morning. The trip didn't go as well as I had hoped, but I explain that more when I post the Bunny pictures.

Before we left I decided to take a few pictures of Charlie dressed up in his little blazer. It was raining outside - so I almost abandoned the idea. Boy I am glad I didn't. Here are the only smiles from today.

Daddy had him laughing so hard.

Sitting with the duck they gave him in the hospital.

Is that bird poop on my screen door?

Edited using Leah's Street Beat Action. Pretty Cool I think.

Love this! Black and White 2 Action by Brenda.

I hope I can find time to. . .

2009-04-10T16:31:00.000-07:00

. . . read this book. I bought it last night based on the advice of an old friend (Thanks Rebekah!). I understand that the book is a memoir about that silver time in life where parenthood meets childhood and dealing with those not easy "times" in your life. I think I am there right now and I hope reading this book serves as some type of therapy for me.

Once I finish the book - I'll post my review. Hopefully it will be within the next month or two.

As for my state of mind. . . well, I've calmed down a bit from my previous post. . . but I do still have some gripes. We are continually visiting Dr.'s and specialists with hopes of diagnosing Charlie. Today is day 6 of another persistent low grade fever.

I am also pleased to report that Oliver made it through surgery, although we did have a bit of a scare. His surgery was postponed from Wednesday until today because of some concerning pre-op testing. A specialist came in a cleared him for surgery yesterday. He is home now and recovering but doing well!

The Demise of our Healthcare System and Healthcare Professionals

2009-04-06T15:47:00.001-07:00

I've had a hell of a week and a half. My son spent 5 days in the hospital and was discharged with a diagnosis of "We're not sure - probably a virus or a couple virus's". One of those virus's could potentially impact my "unborn" baby - so I'm left to follow up with my OB who has yet found time to speak with me even though I received a concerning result on one of the follow up tests. My son was referred to speech pathologist who performed an assessment on him and used the term "SEVERELY DELAYED" to summarize his language skills. She referred me to the county early intervention system which has required 4 phone calls and mandatory waiting periods just to get a response - I'm still waiting. My son started AGAIN with a fever Sunday morning and although I followed protocol and waited until Monday morning to leave a message with the pediatrician I have not received a response as of 7 pm Monday night. To top it off, my dog was diagnosed with skin cancer today and is scheduled for surgery on Wednesday.

I can honestly tell you that I have been handling all this news in stride and with a level head. . . Well, that is until today. This evening around 5:30 pm, the straw broke the camels back OR I went postal, OR however you want to say it - I HAVE HAD ENOUGH!

So. . . what was the straw that broke my back??? It wasn't the incessant bad news. . . It was the lazy and negligent healthcare professionals that I dealt with along the way. After trying to reach my pediatrician again around 5 pm today, just to be told by the answering service that she can not be reached this evening and that another Dr. from another practice is covering (A Dr. that has no clue of Charlie's recent hospitalization history) OR the answering service could leave a message with the office for tomorrow morning (been there - done that - apparently doesn't work) - I spent time time reflecting on the service I have received from my trusted healthcare professionals.

I apologize for the long and rambling post, but I am using this as a notebook to keep these items fresh in my mind because as of right now, I am on a mission to fix our healthcare system - or at least make some chaos for those have crossed me. If you are curious about all my complaints read on. . . if you've had enough already - then just go to church this Sunday and pray for me to keep my sanity.

The Demise of Our Health Care System and Health Care Professionals

Kristen's Gripes for the week of 3/31/09 - 4/6/09

1. Let's start with Phlebotomists. . .(yeah the people who take your blood). Here's 2 good ones for ya. . .

A. We were sent to the ER with instructions from our Dr. to the ER Dr. to stint my son for intravenous antibiotic and blood work. (Note: The stint systems allows you to both draw blood and inject IV materials without multiple needle pricks/or in the case stab wounds). When the ER phlebotomist came, he did not come with a stint - instead only a butterfly needle. When I mentioned to him, that my son would be getting IV and that they usually stint him (we've been through this before) - the phlebotomist said "nope - that's not what it says here". I asked him to double check with the Dr. He left the room, came back and said - nope - they aren't going to give him IV. With that the phlebotomist began the massacre like process of taking our sons blood. 1st try - 7 minutes in the right arm - poking, prodding moving the needle around - Charlie screaming bloody murder. My husbands face turning red finally suggests "Do you want to call for some back up - this is obviously not working". The phlebotomist gives it one more college try and gives up. He removes the needle, leaves the room and comes back with his team. I suggest they use his hand (Again - we've done this many times before - and the hand always works great) - the phlebotomist refuses and proceed to massacre his other arm - maybe only 5 minutes this time until they give up. They are left with the hand. The first try on the hand - they "blow" the vein - their words - not mine. 2nd try - BINGO! Finally got it. About 10 minutes later - Dr. comes him and and notifies us they are ordering IV antibiotics and they will be stinting Charlie. Surprise Surprise!! (Oh - by the way - they didn't use the type of stint that allows for both drawing blood and injection - see B. below).

B. Blood needed to be drawn in the hospital - I suggested they use the hand -but NOPE - they decided to use the arm. 1st try - FAIL. 2nd try - HAND - looks like they got it - but no blood is flowing into the tubes. So what do they do???? Remove the needle and blood from Charlie's hand which looks like the Old Faithful geyser (I swear - it's gushing like crazy) and they are capturing it in small open test tube/plastic vial like things. His bed sheets look like a murder scene and he is screaming. This process was not close to aseptic. One of the nurses wasn't even wearing gloves. The blood was sent to the lab. . . Guess what - surprise surprise - It clotted and could not be tested. Arrggggghhhh!!!

2. Nurses - It was always my understanding that nurses were WAY understaffed but decently compensated. Needless to say my opinion has changed over the past 1 1/2 weeks.

A. One of the reasons my son was hospitalized was for persistent high fever which needed to be monitored (every 3 - 4 hours per the Dr.'s orders). In 5 days - his temperature was taken every 4 hours 3 times total (I am going to get the hospital records to confirm this). Per my Dr.'s instructions I repeatedly followed up with the nurses requesting that these orders be followed. As I waited through "shift changes" (definition of shift change - drinking coffee, searching the Internet and gossiping about baking or the other nurses) - it was 6 - 8 hours before temperatures were taken and Motrin was administered. AND to top it off - one of the criteria for discharge was that my son be FEVER free for 24 hours - and it was critical to have him monitored frequently during this time. . .Guess how many times he temp was taken in that 24 hour period. 3 times. That's 50% of what it should have been. Oh and don't even get me started on the attitude I received when I dared to interrupt a "shift change" to request that they come down and take some vitals. Do you know "shift changes" literally last up to 2 hours. I'm not kidding. I timed it!

B. Dr.'s were constantly looking for rashes and sores in my sons mouth. My Dr. would call each afternoon and evening to get the report. On day 2 - a new rash appeared on Day 3 - sore appeared in his mouth. I requested that the nurses relay this to the Dr. Guess what - BOTH TIMES - they forgot. Do you know how they remembered??? When I asked them what the Dr. said about it. THIS IS YOUR JOB PEOPLE!! ISN'T THIS WHAT CHARTS ARE FOR???

3. Oh Yeah - charts - that's another thing. Now maybe I'm a little sensitive to this because I worked in the quality industry for 10 years BUT - where I come from there is always one rule applied. . ."Data should be recorded at the time it is taken". For example, when you take the blood pressure and get the reading - you write it down when the result appears on the screen. Do you think that's the way they operated at Valley Hospital? If you guessed NO - you are right. The nurses reported the temperature incorrectly on the chart on more than 1 occasion (it was only off by .1 or .2 - but still - that's just wrong) AND on another occasion - the nurse completely forgot the result and came back to ask me what it was. ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? We would fire somebody for that behavior at my old company.

4. Administrative Assistants/Receptionists - They probably do other things - But I am confident in saying that a BIG part of their job responsibilities are answering the phones, taking messages AND most importantly delivering messages! I need to preface this by saying - I really like my pediatrician - I really do - BUT - I'm not too thrilled with her staff. Today is the second time I have left a message that was not relayed to her. I understand the saying that people make mistakes, but I'm sorry - when your job is to answer phones, take messages and deliver messages - the delivery of the message should be flawless execution EVERY TIME! I actually believe that if you can't deliver a message to a Dr. within a 9 hour work day - you should be fired. Along with that - if the receptionist remembers to deliver the message - it should be pretty damn accurate regarding the context of the message. Case in point - I left a message for my Vet today - The message was requesting her to call me because I wanted to discuss having a full body scan for my dog before he goes into surgery to remove the 2 melanomas which were discovered today. The purpose of this would be to ensure that all skin issues are dealt with at one time so my dog doesn't have to undergo anesthesia or surgery multiple times needlessly. I received a response from the receptionist who said "Hi Kristen, this is Melinda, I returning your call to let you know I spoke to the Dr. and Oliver is scheduled for surgery Wednesday to remove two melanomas located on his back and abdomen". ARE YOU KIDDING ME??? WAS THAT EVEN CLOSE TO WHAT I ASKED? As The Donald would say "Melinda, You're Fired!" Get it together honey!

What has happened to our health care system? Where is the built in quality of care? What has happened to our workforce? With unemployment in the double digits - these fools who have jobs better get it together. We have engineers, biologists, physicists without jobs. Maybe the government should start subsidizing the pay for these professionals to provide health care in the interim. We'd at minimum have less lawsuits and healthier and happier people. We wouldn't be paying enormous medical bills for people sit on their butts, drink coffee and search Internet for hours - when there is work to be done. We'd be more efficient as a society if we could leave a message and feel confident it would accurately make it's way to the intended recipient.

If you've stuck out and read this whole blog entry - I thank you - because I feel much better now. I'm sure I have more to add - but this is more than my little brain can process right now. Maybe there will be part 2 of this post. Maybe not. Maybe I'll retract my statements tomorrow, next week, someday. Maybe not. Don't hold your breath.

No pictures today - just words. I was going to snap a self portrait. . . but I didn't want to scare ya'll.

Happy Spring!

2009-03-20T10:17:00.000-07:00

7:44 am today marked the first day of Spring for 2009. Thought I'd snap a few images out my back and front doors to mark the occasion. These are not the images I envision waking up to this morning! Where are the blue skies and sun? I am ready for summer!

Oh well. Happy Spring to All!

Here I Grow Again. . .

2009-03-18T16:42:00.000-07:00

Well, it's officially official. . . My butt will soon be the size of Texas again. I am pregnant with # 2 - due in September. The morning sickness is finally subsiding (not completly gone yet) but I am still exhausted.

Here are some pictures from the Nuchal Translucency screening. The official report is that all looks good.

Here's to another 2 trimesters to go. . . Pray for me that they go by quickly. As excited as I am to be expecting # 2 - I must admit - I DO NOT, repeat, DO NOT like being pregnant AT ALL!

Afternoon in the BIG Park. . .

2009-03-15T08:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we spent a fun afternoon hanging out with our friends in Central Park. I have to mention that our day included a couple of breaks at the Plaza Hotel where our friends parents keep an apartment (No I am not kidding - it's sick).

We had some great burgers somewhere around 45th between 6th and broadway. Unfortunately I can not remember the name of the place. After lunch we strolled around central park.

I always forget how much I enjoy going into the city. We don't do it enough. . .actually - we hardly do it at all. Anyway - I made a short list in my head of things I want to do in the city this summer. Hopefully, I'll be checking these off the list soon.

1. Hire a babysitter so Chuck and I can occasionally see some shows and have dinner in the city.

2. Places I want to go to: (One If by Land, Two if By Sea, Mexican Radio, Ruby Foos, SoHo Grille, Balthazar) - I'm sure I'll be adding to this list.

3. Take Charlie and friends to the Central Park Petting Zoo

4. See the Bodies Exhibit (if it is still there)

5. Go to the Children's Museum

6. Spend a day at a spa in the city. . . My friend Paola's idea and I LOVE it! I really hope this one come true.

Me and my Buddy at Central Park

Daddy and Charlie in Central Park

Charlie and his friend Christian - Charlie demonstrating his "Soooo Big" routine.

Bird Man Strikes Again!

2009-03-13T17:07:00.000-07:00

Today was a very fun day! We met up with our friends and headed to the Point Pleasant Aquarium. Charlie absolutely loved it! He ran around and waved at the fish, sea lions, sharks and had a fantastic time. He was a really good boy. Afterwards we took a little walk on the boardwalk to the beach and fed the birds... And yes, Bird Man struck Again :-)

Charlie was running around chasing the Sea Gulls while screaming as the birds were violently swooping at our heads and faces. I had my sweatshirt hood up and kept closing my eyes, fearing a gull would fly into my head or just crap on me. If Charlie could have caught up with a gull I'm sure he would have strapped it in his stroller and took it home with us. As I mentioned in my previous post. . . the kid loves bird - just like his daddy. I am animal lover, but just don't quite get the attraction.

The crew feeding those vicious gulls. . .

A few more steps and he would have caught one

My buddy at the beach!

Up Up and Away!

Yesterday's Play Date. . .

2009-03-13T16:53:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Charlie had a play date at his girlfriends house. He is just about 17 months old now and it's so fun to finally see him interact with other kids on our play dates. These two used to sit around like little rocks while their Mommy's spent the afternoon drinking wine and wondering when they would sleep through the night, stop taking crap naps (definiton 15 - 20 minute naps), entertain themselves, use the toilet etc....

Somedays - we still wonder those things, but overall life with baby has gotten much easier AND play dates are much more entertaining (even without the wine). . .

Here are some pic's of Charlie and his gorgeous girlfriend. .

They were chasing each other around square. . . "Tag" She's it!

26, 44, 39 - Hut Hut Hut!! - Who needs a football when you have sippy cups!

Deep in thought. . . Or taking a poop. . .???

A Family of Bird Men

2009-03-10T12:25:00.000-07:00

Well, it's official. . . My son takes after his father when it comes to a fascination with birds. My husband will openly admit that he has a little thing for birds. . . specifically predatory birds and flocks. We can rarely drive in the car somewhere without him noticing a swooping vulture near the highway or a flock of geese migrating. Oh and God Bless the flocks of little birds that sit on wires or fences. . . my husband loves to clap his hands real loud and watch them all fly away quickly. I am just patiently waiting for him to get pooped on.

Today was the second time this year I took Charlie to see some ducks/geese. Today was also the second time this year I had to carry him away screaming before he tried to jump into the pond and tackle some geese. Just like his daddy, he loves his birds. In fact, pretty much the only word he can/will say is "duck".

Here are a few pictures from the top of the observatory. This is the only spot where he is content viewing the water fowl.

All Work No Play

2009-02-17T17:25:00.000-08:00

What a busy day. This morning I drove to Holmdel, NJ to take maternity portraits. This was my first maternity picture taking experience so I was a bit nervous.

I couldn't have met a nicer couple. We really had a lot fun with the photo shoot and I love love love the pictures. It makes me want to get maternity photos taken of me . . . . Oh wait - but then I remember, I pushed 200 lbs. with my last pregnancy - so I think my photos would just end up in National Geographic.

Charlie went to a sitter during the shoot - the first time since we had to pull him out of daycare. He did great and got a fabulous report card!

I posted a few of my favorite shots from today on my Now and Forever Photography Blog - so check it out if you are interested. I actually had so many favorite shots it was hard to choose. I might have to post a few more tomorrow.

Trip to the Park X's 2

2009-02-16T13:08:00.000-08:00

Today I was intent on taking a few photos of Charlie and practicing my editing techniques in Photoshop. Despite the fact that Charlie and I actually took two trips to the park, I will consider my day a success since I learned to round my photo edges and I was able to download some new actions. Our first trip to the park was at 8 am and it was still a bit cold. Like the bad mommy I am - I did not dress my little darling warm enough, so we had a meltdown about 5 minutes after we arrived. Just to pay me back for my negligence, he screamed bloody murder the whole way home in the car.

We just returned home from our second trip to the park which was

much more enjoyable. Charlie even got to pet a bunny (a teenager had her bunny on a leash and was taking it for a walk/hop). Only in New Jersey. . .??? We also took a little walk around the path and played on the jungle gym.

Here are a few photos edited using new actions from MiraBella.

Sitting on a bench next to the baseball field.

I used Mirabella Golden Oldies Action - Love it!

Pay it Forward - Rounded Corners in Photoshop

2009-02-16T06:18:00.000-08:00

I love love love photographs with rounded corners. I looked into this a few months ago and learned that you can not do this is Elements. So - now that I have Photoshop CS4, I was ready. The instructions seem a little tedious at first - but I promise you - after you do it a few times, it only takes a few seconds. Here's how you do it!! Have fun!

Before Picture - Boring Square Corners. . .

Step 1. Within Photoshop, take a look at the Layers palette. The photo should be on it's own layer. You will create another layer right on top of that.

Step 2. Within the new layer, use the rounded rectangle tool to draw a "rounded rectangle" around the perimeter of the picture. Pay attention to how you are centering the main focus of the image.

Step 3. Go back to the layers palette and double click on the layer you just drew in. Double click on that layer. The Layer Style Palette should come up. In the Advanced Blending Area slide the Fill Opacity down to 0%. Click Ok and exit out.

Step 4. Within the layers palette click on the Paths tab and then click on the little arrow to the right. From the drop down menu select "Make Selection". In the Make Selection box make sure the Feather Radius is set to 0 pixels and Anti Aliased is checked. Then click "ok".

Step 5. Now with the selection still pending - got to Edit - Copy Merged.

Step 6. Click File - New to create a new document

Step 7. In the new document - click Edit -Paste

That's it! Your new picture should have rounded corners. You can also do this to make oval pictures and other shapes.

New Blog Design

2009-02-06T15:14:00.000-08:00

I am so excited that the design for the Now and Forever Photography Client Blog is up and running! Thanks so much to Heather at Smitten Blog Designs. She was so great to work with and I just love their work. Check out the new design when you have a chance at http://kristendvorscak.blogspot.com

Comments Enabled!

2009-02-02T18:48:00.001-08:00

Thanks to some of my friends - I found out that my blog was not allowing comments. I am pleased to announce that I have fixed this and the comments feature now works! Comment away folks! I love to hear from you and will respond to any questions you have.

As always, thanks for reading!

Winter Weekend At The Cabin

2009-02-02T18:34:00.000-08:00

My family owns some land and a small cabin in Wellsboro Pennsylvania, (home of the PA Grand Canyon). I just love it and always wish I spent more time there. This weekend my family spent a long weekend there to celebrate the birthdays of my father and grandmother. We had snow every day and even had a mini blizzard like storm on Friday afternoon. I spent a lot of time snowmobiling (I love snowmobiling at night - it's so exhilarating), sledding and taking hikes in the snow with the dogs (there were 5 of them there this weekend). Charlie loved snowmobiling and riding with his Pop Pop on the 4-Wheeler.

Our cabin. I love sitting on the porch drinking coffee in my PJs.

Charlie and Pop Pop plowing the snow.

Charlie's cousin Cara. I love this picture of her.
Charlie's older cousin Ayden.

The 5 dogs. . .Grammy Sue is holding cookies to try to get them to behave.

House of The Ill. . .

2009-01-27T14:46:00.000-08:00

We've got runny noses, runny butts and high temperatures at our house. We will surely be visitng the Dr. tomorrow morning. The pictures below are from a few minutes ago while Charlie was watching Thomas the Train. I broke my own rule and allowed him to have the pacifier out of the bed. This was about the only time Charlie wasn't whining or crying all day.

Fingers are crossed for a better day and a healthier baby tomorrow.

Thank Goodness for Big Doggie - to help keep sick baby comfy. . .

Such sad eyes. . .

Bull in a China Shop (Well Actually Bison)

2009-01-26T17:29:00.001-08:00

If you have been following my blog (shout out to LT from North Jersey), you'll know that I've been counting the days until I ruin my gel tipped nails. A feat that the nail lady said would be impossible. As I mentioned, I am not the most graceful or prim and proper of folks (known to some as a bull in a china shop). The picture above - is my soul sister in gracefulness, I met her this weekend in Yellowstone National Park. I broke my two thumb nails the same day I encountered her - which was 6 days after the gel tips were affixed. So stop the clock. . .I am sad to report - the pretty nails didn't even make it a week.

On a separate note. . .I am working on the pictures I took this week in Montana. I will be posting a bunch with highlights from the trip. I also plan to resume my daily postings. So stay tuned. . .

Crazy Snowy Day

2009-01-18T10:29:00.000-08:00

This weekend my husband was afflicted with a serious case of complianingitis (definition: disease where the person affected can not stop complaining). For him, this is a rec current illness that rears it's ugly head every couple weeks or so. It drives me so crazy that I am working on a remedy to make it go away (ingredients include - three shots of whisky, 2 Zanex pills and 1 50mg Valium).

It was a snowy day today here in Northern New Jersey. Since I was already going crazy (refer to above) - I decided to take Charlie outside for a bit and torment him as I took some pictures. As I expected, he didn't last too long; however, I did manage to get a few good photographs.

Let The Countdown Begin. . .

2009-01-18T06:14:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, in a moment of weakness, I was convinced by my hairdresser to let her fix up my nails. If you know me at all - you know that my nails are never manicured and always cut to the shortest length possible. There's a reason for that! It's because my daily movements/activities are not delicate. As my Grandfather used to say "I'm like a bull in a china shop!" I hate to admit it, but it is true. So - don't ask me what I was thinking when I agreed to get gel tips (which have to be filled every 2 - 3 weeks).

So instead of regretting the decision, I thought I'd have a little fun with it and count the days till I ruin the nails. Today is day 2 and still looking pretty good.

Charlie's New Sled

2009-01-17T05:01:00.001-08:00

We went home to Reading this week to visit for a bit. Charlie got a new sled for Christmas from his Great Grandparents, so we took him for a ride in it (even though there was hardly any snow). Nevertheless, Charlie loved the sled ride.

I bought those bear paw gloves he's wearing at a vendor stand in Bryant Park for $5 - How cute are they?

Edited using Acid Wash Action - Really like this for outside winter pictures!

Charlie with his Great Grandparents

Where's the snow?

My Furry Friends

2009-01-12T16:46:00.000-08:00

I am an animal lover - A true animal lover. I cry at the Sara McLaughlin ASPCA commercials, dog food commercials and most any tv show/movie where an animal is portrayed. I am an ASPCA guardian member. I saved my cat Lilly when she was less than 2 weeks old - dying on my doorstep (we literally had the vet put her on life support for about 2 weeks). I used to be a part of a underground railroad for dogs. I'll explain. . . In short you picked a dog that was on the list to be euthanized. A group of people rescued these dogs, traveled from places like Tennessee, Kentucky, Alabama etc. - and brought the dog to your home where you would train it, care for it (most of them were very sick), take them to the vet and then find a loving family to adopt it. It was one of the most gratifying but also very labor intensive experiences of my life.

Since I have had Charlie, I realize that I don't spend half as much time with my own beloved pets as I should - and I often find myself scooting and scatting them out of the way. Although, I truly feel like they each are an equal part of my family, I don't always act that way. Today I made a pledge to give them each the love and attention they deserve. The best thing about them is, no matter how neglectful with hugs and kisses I may be - they never hold a grudge (well except for Lilly - she never really had a strong affinity for me). Here are some pictures of my beloved furry friends.

My 7 year old black lab - We are true buddies.
My 4 year old Golden Doodle. She is so patient with Charlie.

Black and White of Lola aka Missy Elliot

My fat fat cat - I rescued her when she was 1 week old. I nursed her back to health for months - now she hates me (except for when she is hungry). I still love her though.

Our Visit with the Casler Family

2009-01-12T09:33:00.000-08:00

On Saturday afternoon, Charlie and I braved the snowy weather and took a little drive south to visit the Casler Family. As soon as we arrived, Charlie got right to business chasing their dog (Lizzie's) tail. Anna - was such a doll, and was very excited to show me and Charlie some of her new toys. Little Nolan bless his heart was so content - just hanging out amongst all of the commotion. We had some homemade pizza for dinner - and Charlie was off to bed soon after that. He got very grumpy very quickly. While Christy put Anna to bed - I went on a wine run. When I returned, we spent the rest of the evening, sitting on the coach - polishing off a bottle of Syrah and chatting. Oh yeah, - in between there somewhere - we did manage to take some pictures. Here are a few. . .

In his beautiful Christening Gown which was made by our High School Friend who owns Amy Baby

Mommy giving Nolan a little smooch

What a happy little guy. . .

Nudie shot. . .

Big Sister Anna - What a ham! She is soooooo photogenic. Buddies. . .

Just a Tie and My new Hat

2009-01-09T12:17:00.001-08:00

What an exciting day. First of all, we received the cutest hat and tee shirt in the mail today from a good friend. Thanks D Family. We have to wait on the T-shirt (it's a little too big), but the hat fits perfectly and so adorable. I also received my new 50mm f 1:1.8 lens in the mail. The two packages I received were the perfect storm for mini photo shoot. After seeing Charlie in the hat, I was inspired to run upstairs and get one of daddy's ties and then strip Charlie down to his diaper. I took the picture on a little chair I bought at the Green Dragon in front of my door in the basement. I edited the pictures using Jess's Retro Action. I love these photos and I love my new lens. Fast, light and easy for indoor picture taking. Gotta run and a get some frames and decide which ones to print!

Haircut Terror Thursday

2009-01-08T12:13:00.000-08:00

Today I took Charlie for his second haircut (long overdue). As you will see from the pictures below - it was not the highlight of his day (or the hairdressers day for that matter). Afterwards we went to the little park in the center of Ridgewood to take a few pictures. We didn't stay too long as it was very cold out and Charlie still hadn't fully recovered from the trauma of the scissors.

Before Picture - Do you think it's time for a haircut?
Not too happy.

At this point he was Hysterical.

Are we done yet?All done! Much better Now!

At the park. I couldn't get a smile from him to save my life.Similar picture - Using Retro Action by Jess
Mom I refuse to look at you OR smile.

(Tried out Hazy Days Action on this one)Time to go home. Bye Bye.

Dinnertime from a Dogs Point of View

2009-01-07T17:49:00.000-08:00

Every meal time I go through the same routine. I cook Charlie his food, put him in his chair and for about 10 or 15 minutes, I repeat the following. . . "Charlie, NO - Stop throwing your food. Oliver, Lola (my dogs) stop begging and get out of the kitchen. Charlie - NO -NO please don't feed the dogs. Oliver and Lola - Get down. Charlie, eat your dinner. Oliver, Get your tongue off his food. " That little ditty is repeated at least a dozen times during each meal. When I am really drained, I may just shorten it to "No No No No No No No" while looking at each offender. Tonight I thought I take some pictures at dinnertime to capture that moment, but I found that I couldn't hold my camera, maneuver between the two dogs, the chair and food that was being thrown. So, instead, I went a new route. I captured dinner from 2 points of view - mine and the dogs. Here they are. . .

My point of view. This is location from where I continuously reprimand all 3 of my naughty kids.
The dogs point of view. The exact location where they blatantly ignore my commands, and eat half of Charlie's meal each day.

I think I am going to make it. . .

2009-01-06T12:01:00.000-08:00

I actually think I am going to make it through the first 4 days of this diet (the first 4 days are like a detox and supppossed to be the hardest). I really can't believe it - but I am doing ok. My friend Sara is also starting a diet this week - so it's nice to have an online buddy to vent with. I planned to go to my club and weigh myself today but Charlie was a little cranky - so I think I'll go tomorrow.

Here is a picture of my lunch today. Couldn't stomach all the tomato's, but ate everything else.

As for my day - well I played around with my warm cards, but couldn't figure them out too well. I also took Charlie to his play class. Other than that - not too exciting of a day.

Valentines Day is Just Around the Corner!

2009-01-05T13:39:00.000-08:00

I've just realized that Valentines day is just around the corner. I've started playing around with some cards and need to get on the ball with my own photos. Here's one I made using Little B Sakach.

New Blog - Hello 2009

2009-01-05T05:58:00.000-08:00

I started a blog which is attached to my small freelance photography webiste - but was inspired by an old friend to also start a more personal blog of thoughts, memories, pictures, favorites and whatever else I come across. I wish I would have started this when Charlie was born. My Oh My how my life has changed since then.

Anywho, It's the start of a new year - So, hello 2009! This year - I am going to try to update this blog each day - and hopefully add a photo or two from the day. This will give me a chance to play around with new actions, backgrounds and photo techniques and hopefully I will be able to "Pay It Forward" to others who have shared with me.

As for me personally, I am on jump start day #2 of the Flat Belly Diet http://www.flatbellydiet.com/ I saw it on the Today Show and it seemed pretty reasonable. I am not a dieter - never have been - so it's quite a feat for me to even attempt this. But it's definitely time. Charlie is 14 months old and I still could pass for being in my second trimester! (I'm not kidding - all the weight is around my belly - like an innertube). How have I done so far? Well - so far I had to repeat Day 1 twice due to lots of cheating and a night out at a Mexican Restaraunt. I finally made it through Day 1 (hungry as hell) and am on to Day 2 - Just had my lunch. If I make it through today - I will be half way through the 4 day Jump Start which is suppossed to shed pounds instantly. Here is a picture of what I am about to eat for lunch. . .ugh.

I edited this image using Coffee Shop "Honey Retro" I think this may be one of my new favorite actions.