Foto Friday

On October 20 we went to Walmart for what I hoped would be Oliver's first portrait session. We succeeded at getting our family photo (2 poses turned out nicely), and we got a decent one of the three kids. Oliver cried almost every time I put him down for the photographer to take a picture of him. This morning I took Cheri and the kids to Sears for attempt #2. I had Oliver wear a suit for the first time; it was the same outfit that Ian wore for his first pictures at Sears (white dress shirt, vest, tie, and black pants). I also dressed Nadia and Ian up so there could be some pictures of them with Oliver. Oliver was to be the focus.

Since Oliver doesn't like being in the car seat, he was crying when we walked into Sears. While I was trying to settle him down, the photographer took some pictures of Nadia and Ian. Then we attempted to have pictures of Nadia, Ian, and Oliver. Nadia is usually the easiest to photograph, but ironically her expression was the reason I didn't purchase the pose that included all three of them. I actually only bought one picture that included Nadia (one of her and Ian). The photographer was very patient. It took many attempts to get a few none screaming shots. I wasn't planning to be included in any of the photos. I wasn't wearing any makeup and hadn't given any thought to what clothes I was wearing.

My favorite pose from today's shoot was the one of Oliver on his belly. Ironically he had been crying and she said to put him on his belly for a picture of his feet (it wouldn't matter if he was crying during that shot). She was amazed that he stopped crying when we put him on his belly so after taking the feet shot she took a couple of him on his belly. The whole process took almost 2 hours because I had to wait 45 minutes to see our proofs on the computer. I am very grateful that Sheri was with us as she took Nadia and Ian other places in the mall while Oliver and I waited. The next time I'll take Oliver will be when he's able to sit up. We shall see if I pick Sears or PictureMe. This was my first time trying Sears in more than a year. Maybe at some point I'll stop going to photographers (except for our family photo) and just rely on my own pictures. I'm going to make that my goal!

Cheri had two treats for the kids today - a bag of animal crackers and a bag of cotton candy. Nadia and Ian got to taste cotton candy for the first time today. Nadia didn't like it. I am so glad I didn't spend $12 to get her some at the circus. Ian did like the taste of it, but he didn't like to touch it. He enjoyed eating it if I would put it directly in his mouth for him. I'm glad they got to taste it since they've read about it in a carnival book that they love, but I don't think I'll be buying it for them. If I had known my wait would be so long, I would have done some shopping. I did buy myself one top - my first non maternity clothing purchase in more than a year. I'd like to buy some more tops because I feel like all I ever wear are solid turtlenecks. Variety is the spice of life!

P.S. This last pose certainly wasn't my idea. When she suggested it (since I was giving him some milk to try to calm him down), I thought of saying "no thank you" but I just let her take the photo knowing I wouldn't buy any of that pose. She had no idea that the bottle is an emotional landmine for me.