Like a Photograph
So many thoughts pass through my mind during the day.
They always have.
Except now that I find myself in the thick of motherhood, thoughts get lost, ignored or just crowded out.
I miss it. I miss this.
Art found it's way back into my life through photography.... & I love it.
I mean, I really love it. Utterly fascinated with the making & taking of a photograph.
Then, from photography, my creativity began to bleed into other mediums...
lettering, watercolors & my first true love, collage art.
And now here I sit, staring at a blinking cursor.
Gah, it makes me so happy.
I've always loved to write.
A way to catch thoughts, questions, feelings & ideas -- nailing them down before they're gone forever.
In a way, a bit like a photograph.
Here to Stay
It’s been exactly two years since my first DSLR landed in my hands.
Since the initial click of the shutter, things have been a whirlwind of change.
So much growth, so many questions.
My camera has been with me as I’ve learned, stumbling, how to be a mother.
It’s been there as I navigate being a wife, caring for a family.
It’s been the lifeline that grasp so tightly, not lose my sense of self.
I don’t know where I’m going yet, all I know is that I’m here to stay.
2018 in 36 photos // A Year of Change
… And exhale.
We made it through 2018.
There were times it felt like we’d never get through the year.
My pregnancy felt long.
The move felt, at times, impossible.
We started in Hawaii and spent a couple months in Arizona before finally landing back home in Minnesota.
I think we’ll talk about 2018 a lot as the years go by and it’s hard to believe it’s already a memory. I know for sure 2019 will be a bit more low key and I welcome that.
You know I’ll be here, documenting along the way.
Here’s a photo recap of 2018, choosing only three photos from each month. I completed my first 365 project and I couldn’t be more grateful for the year I chose to do so. I can’t wait to hold that book in my hands.
Many blessings my friends,
Elyse’
JANUARY
FEBRUARY
MARCH
APRIL
MAY
JUNE
JULY
AUGUST
SEPTEMBER
OCTOBER
NOVEMBER
DECEMBER
The BUMP -- Mikko James
B U M P
From Hawaii to Arizona to Minnesota -- I've been on a mission to document my bump progress every two weeks. It's been so fun to look back and see the growth each and every month!
I think 22 weeks is where I really “popped” but I can’t tell for sure!
8 Weeks
10 Weeks
12 Weeks
14 Weeks
16 Weeks
18 Weeks
20 Weeks
22 Weeks
24 Weeks
26 Weeks
28 Weeks
30 Weeks
32 Weeks
34 Weeks
36 Weeks
38 Weeks
“40 Weeks” — holding Mikko James (one week old) on my due date!
I gained a total of 31 pounds this pregnancy… it sure felt like more! My hubby likes to remind me that I lost all of my muscle tone… lol. It’s true!
Oh well, I’m too busy with baby snuggles to think about any of that right now.
Busy with baby snuggles and grateful beyond measure for my body that created this miracle.
September in Review | Let the Settling Begin!
Sweet September.
Warm days, cool days and the wind down of summer.
It was the first full month in our new house and as you can tell by the tardiness of my post, it was a busy one. (Will I ever not say that?)
We took the time to really settle into this place and dang that felt good. It was the first time we’ve had a chance to do so since we were in Hawaii at the beginning of the year!
All of our boxes are unpacked and I actually organized my kitchen! There are still so many projects to do, I’ll putz forever, but as of now, it feels like home.
One of the things that made September was going to the Renaissance Festival with my aunt. It has been so long since I’ve had a chance to go and it’s so fun to get lost in the magic. My all time favorite festival for sure!
My hubby picked up a work car which has made life so much easier already! With my appointments increasing to weekly, this felt so necessary!
The start to our 5 weekend of visitors began this month and it was everything I hoped it would be. I love being close to our family!
32 weeks pregnant!
Soaking up every minute before the summer fades to fall.
We’re here, in Minnesota. Settling in a house. Preparing for baby and just taking a big exhale.
I almost feel ready to start reflecting on the year, what a year it’s been, but we still have a little living to do. Hope you are all enjoying the small moments and taking time to exhale in your own way.
Thanks so much for reading,
Elyse’
August in Review | Home Sweet Home
Sweet, sweet August in Minnesota. I don't know if there's anything better!
Crisp morning air and sun filled days... I've loved every minute of it and so has George!
It was a busy month, I'm sure each and every one of us could say that!
Walks to the park, a trip up north and spending time with family. We did the State Fair and a birthday party at the Mall of America. We celebrated our 3 year wedding anniversary and my 31st birthday. We had baby appointments and pediatric appointments and sure enjoyed the downtime in between.
The most exciting part of August though, was purchasing our first ever HOME.
We did it! We found one and they accepted our offer!
We got our keys at the very end of the month and it's been an incredible whirlwind of days since.
You guys, it feels like we've waited so very long for this moment and it's here. I cried twice on moving day. My greatest dream is to create place for my children to grow and flourish.. a place they can always come back to.. a safe, warm home with good food and so much love.
I see it here, I see it all here!
My beautiful niece on a trip up north -- she's just the coolest little girl!
28 weeks ~ in the third trimester!
Self portrait on my 31st birthday.
I've been dabbling in my dreams a bit and we've been almost too busy to fully grasp what it is I am doing here but I know there is magic to be made ahead.
Women. Photography. Art. Light. Words.
I have faith it will all come together at the perfect time!
243/365 August 31st -- the first day in our new home!
I appreciate all the shared enthusiasm this month - family and friends, near and far, personal and social - you're all the best! Thanks for following as I document the biggest life transitions for my family. What a trip.
There are a few of us still going strong for our 365 Project Blog Circle. I'm so grateful for these talented women who keep me motivated to shoot every day. If you click through to Alyssa Kellert's post, you'll see a beautiful new website with a summer recap. These are the Days.
Onward to September!
H O M E | July in Review
Goodbye, Arizona!
After being in the desert for three months, we packed up and hit the road. Homeward bound!
It took us four days to get from AZ to MN.
Traveling at 22 weeks pregnant with a 1.5 year old that doesn't like his carseat and a small chihuahua that shakes and whimpers when he gets nervous... I really wouldn't recommend it to anyone! Those four days tested every ounce of our patience... but can you imagine the relief we shared as we drove across the Minnesota state line??
Excitement, relief and a huge exhale.
After arriving in the twin cities we moved into a temporary townhouse. Did I mention we had a huge change of plans at the start of the month? My hubby had a job opportunity that he just couldn't pass up and it landed us in the suburbs of Minneapolis/St. Paul.
So now we're here, half unpacked and we're house hunting in a crazy way. I think we've seen close to 10 homes so far! The market in this area (I guess all over!) is just bonkers. We're close to finding "the one" though and I hope to have a super positive update next month!
Between the madness we've spent a lot of time with our family that lives here, it's truly been the biggest blessing. Oh, and the park. Clockin' hours in at the park!
My last bump picture of the month catches me at 24 weeks pregnant. Unreal how fast this pregnancy has gone... but I guess I'm not too surprised! We're all set up at the birth center in Woodbury for our first appointment and excited to be working with a midwife again!
We got the gender in an envelope this month and within a couple days opened it. I can't WAIT to share... we just have one more set of grandparents to tell first so definitely next month!
Thank you guys for reading. These photos are a part of a 365 project I'm participating in and we're already past day 200! What a year... so many celebrations and challenges, for all of us! The July round up is Kris and I. I love her perspective -- you can check it out HERE.
I feel a shift coming, yet again when it comes to this online space... but I'm not sure what it is quite yet. I think when things slow down enough, it will all fall into place. Photo journal, motherhood... excited to get writing again.
Wishing you all many blessings, always,
Elyse'