Coming Along......

Just after the first of the year, I finally officially launched a business that encompasses one of my passions in life.....photography!!! After working on my business plan and gaining more and more experience over the past year, Erin Heidemann Photography is now fully operational! I am just thrilled to have my new little endeavor up and running! It has been a desire of mine for some time now.....and I am finally here....so exciting!

I want to give a very special thanks to my loving husband, Jay for helping me build the website. We spent countless hours perfecting it and I could have not done it without him. I also must give accolades to my sweet Little Man, Jack Brennan, for being the most adorable little resident model who is always ready to flash a smile when his Momma brings out the camera!

I am not yet at the point where I can quit my day job, BUT I am happy to report that I just completed my very first paying job! I received the check this afternoon! Woohoo!!! I also already have 2 more sessions booked in March......so, I am just thrilled that my passion (and new business!) is surely coming along. Once I save enough money from new little endevor, my Little Man is getting that swing set that his Daddy and I really want buy him in the spring!!!

Here are a few shots I edited from my very first job! Elizabeth Walsh sure is a cutie! And of course, my Little Man is too!

Oak Lawn Children's Museum

Today Jay and I took Jack to the Oak Lawn's Children's Museum. What a darling little place....and best of all, it is only a stone's throw away from our house in "downtown" Oak Lawn. Jack had a ball with his Mommy and Daddy! We played with the trains, water falls, indoor sandboxes, pretend food at the market, puppets, indoor playgrounds, camping equipment, veterinary accessories, dentistry seats and accessories, etc., etc. We had so much fun playing and learning together, but best of all, it was just nice to get out and do something fun as a family. If I watch another Blue's Clues lately, I might go crazy! It is easy to just get stuck in a mundane routine that can quickly turn into a rut, especially this time of year. And I can't believe I am saying this because I am a BIG fan of routines, but I must admit that it is nice to break them every now and again (but then get right back into them the next day- HA!)

We are so fortunate to have each other. It was really nice to take time out of our busy schedules for "play time" at the museum today. I could not imagine a better way to spend my Sunday afternoon other than with my two very favorite boys. It really does not matter what we do.....

Here are some shots from our Sunday, FUN day at the museum!

Baby Business is Back!

After having a Christmas and New Year's break from our weekly Baby Business class at the Oak Lawn Library, Jack was absolutely elated that a new session started this morning! After all, when you are 16 months old, singing songs, reading books, and making seasonal crafts is at the top of any baby's fun list! Being Jack's Mommy, I would imagine that it is just as fun for him as it is for me to attend with him. I just so enjoy watching him grow up. He is so curious and absolutely darling when he experiences something new and/or exciting. I feel very fortunate that I am able to work, but ALSO have the perks that stay at home moms expereince. I would truly be heartbroken if I were not able to attend so many classes and activites with my Little Man. Working while raising a family is difficult....there is no doubt about that. I often say that working from home is the best AND worst of both worlds. It is the"best" because even though I am working, I have the flexibility where I can still be the one to attend ALL of the activities we do together (such as, but not limited to Baby Business) as well as put him down for his daily nap everyday. It is the little things like that which are important to me. Conversely, working from home is the "worst" of both world's because it is extremely difficult to ignore the baby distractions just because the door to the office is closed. So moral of the story......like anything in life, there is the "give and take" aspect....."the grass often appears greener on the other side of the street." But for me, this works....and I am one happy momma!

All that said, this morning at Baby Business class, I was able to experience the "best" part of my working from home set-up......and that is time with my Little Guy! Jack and I had a blast this morning. We can't wait until next Friday!

Monkey See, Monkey Do

As always, it is something new (and usually very exciting too!) with my Little Man. Ahh, it is the everyday blessings that make me most happy in life! There is never a dull day or even moment, for that matter! Jay and I better immediately start shaping up with both our words (we both are guilty of dropping the occasional profanity from time to time!) and actions because Jack has become fond of imitating practically everything we do or say lately. While all of his words do not exaclty sound like ours yet, he certainly deserves an "A" for effort! When we tell Ralphie to "Go" while pointing, he will do the same. When I flip my hair over my head after getting out of the shower to get some of the water off, he tries to flip his little head too. When I point at a body part, he points at the same one (we are both pointing at our noses, as illustrated below!). Similarly, when I talk on the phone.....guess what?!?! You got it, the Little Man wants to hold a phone up to his ear too!

Monkey see, monkey do, I tell you! It is all so cute! What a smart, impressionable, and adorable little guy we have on our hands!!!

16 Months Old Today!!!!

ok acknowledging that I know I sound like a broken record every month on the 15th, I must again ask the question....."Where does the time go???!?!" My Little (ok, not so little!) Man is 16 months old today!!!! I no longer have a baby....rather an adorable little toddler on my hands these days! I sure do miss my baby, but on the same token, I am enjoying being the proud mommy to a sweet toddler too! Life is good!!!!

Well as always, Jack has had another month of "firsts." Now, if I can only remember them all for documentation purposes! OK, let's see. Jack now points at everything and tries to say what he is pointing to...Ralphie, crib, "blankie," "paci, " "baba," light, etc., etc. While the Little Man has a lot of practicing to do on the proper pronunciation of his words, he is really getting there! When he is not quite sure what to call a particular item, his default word is "no." HA! Jack also knows how old he is. When you ask him, he raises his index finger demonstarting "one." He cannot say "one" just yet, but he definitely lets you know by showing you one finger!! It is so cute!! He also is a baby (I mean, toddler!) that is VERY FOND of his "blankie" these days. He just woke up one day this past month and decided he really has a desire to carry his "blankie" everywhere.....and I mean EVERYWHERE. Now, we just have to work on carrying it better so that there are not as many trips and falls!

Happy 16 Month B-day, Little Man!!! Thanks for being the sweet baby (you'll ALWAYS be my baby even though you are officially a toddler!) that we love to pieces!!!

Home Sweet Home

Ahhhh, home sweet home! After 2 nights and 3 days on the road, I am SO HAPPY to be home from my business trip to Columbus, OH. Words simply cannot explain how simply NICE it is to be in my OWN house, sleeping in my OWN bed, eating homemade food, and best of all, being back with my precious little man and loving husband. In my opinion, life is just better at home rather than on the road and living out of a bag. This is where I belong and I am so happy to be back home.

I am not complaining because I know things could be a lot worse. For the past 9 years while I was working for Oracle, I have been on the road wearing my sales hat and "pounding the pavement" practically every week. I have spent countless days and nights in the largest AND smallest cities that United States has to offer. While traveling was great for a long period in my life, all good things must come to an end. And I thrilled and delighted that my traveling for work has died down dramatically. Now, I just have to go on a few trips here and there. Thank God for that....I simply hate being away from my 2 favorite boys!!!!

If it were not for my wonderful husband and mother, I would simply be a basket case while on the road. I am SO THANKFUL for my family for helping out with Jack while I was away for work. It is just SO NICE knowing that he is in such good hands. I SO GREATLY appreciate the meals you made him, the baths you gave him, picking him up from the babysitter's house, and most importantly, the extra goodnight hugs and kisses you gave him in my absence. Your extra help and love with our Little Man while I am away makes the occasional work trip bearable.

I am so, SO, SOOO happy to be home!!! The cutest thing happened upon my arrival when Jack saw me for the first time in 3 days....he looked up at me and said "Mama!" He has said "mama" before, but saying it to me just as I returned simply made my heart melt (and yes, there were a few tears too!) I just love that Little Man!

I am really looking forward to a nice weekend with my Little Man and hubby! I just love my 2 boys. If only every girl was as blessed as I am to be able to come home to this......

Our Cold January Days......

BRRRR! It has surely been cold outside lately!!!! The month of January this year has brought us some record low temps. So needless to say, Jack and I have not been able to spend us much time outdoors as we like. So what does that mean, you may ask? Lots of fun indoor activities and lots of time playing with ALL of Jack's new toys that he received for Christmas!! Playing with all of his new toys should keep us busy well into the summer! Sometimes we get a little stir crazy this time of year, but we are focusing on the positive:

1) We should hopefully get hit with a few more snow storms before the winter's over....which means more sled rides!

2) There are only 8 more weeks until we switch the clocks back....which means spring is right around the corner!!!! And Mommy and Daddy are working REAL hard to save up for a swing set for Jack this spring! How fun!

Jack's First Sled Ride!!!!

Yesterday, we had a beautiful snowfall here in Chicago!!! It was that really "good" kind of snow too...the kind that is really good "packing" snow and is light and fluffy! It was as pretty to watch as it was fun to play in with my snow loving Little Man!

This morning, I took Jack outside for his very first sled ride! He was a little unsure of the cold white stuff at first, but once I sat him in the sled and began to pull him, he really warmed up to this fun new activity (except for the brief moment he got white washed turning a turn I took too quickly, but as I said, that moment was brief!!!) We only stayed outside for about 20 minutes since I was afraid his little fingers would begin to freeze since he insisted on dragging them on the side of the sled! But during our somewhat short trip outside, we both really had fun in the beautiful snow!

2010 Resolutions

Hmmm, new year's resolutions......to have them or to not have them? This year, I am torn between the notion of setting really good goals for myself to acheive this year or just setting myself up for disappointment if my resolutions are not acheived. To be honest, my 2010 resolution was for once in my life to NOT have ANY resolutions. I continutally seem to be biting off more than I can chew so I am trying to simplify and not put unnessary pressures on myself. But, I am what I am.....and I am a planner and I like new challenges. Therefore, there are just a few 2010 new year's resolutions I have set for myself:

1. To officially launch the start of my new business, Erin Heidemann Photography (a little side job for myself) so that Jay and I can earn a little more money in 2010!
2. To learn how to make really cool things on my brand new sewing/embroidery machine that I got from my parent's for Christmas!!! I have lots of project ideas, but I need to start off slowly and not get obsessed. I am so excited!
3. To spend more time just merely playing with my sweet little man while enjoying each and every moment! I often struggle with the whole "work/life balance" thing so this year I am going to remember that there IS time in EVERY day for a little play time!!! The checkbook can be balanced tomorrow!
   

Today I did not make much headway on resolutions #1 or #2 above, BUT I certainly did stick to 2010 New Year's resolution #3!!!! Not too shabby for only 6 days into this new year:) In this cold month of January in Chicago, we obviously have to play inside. So tonight, we played in the bath for almost 45 minutes!!! Thank God Jack received all of those new bath toys for Christmas because they were all put to good use tonight!!! We had fun splashing, singing, and playing peek-a- boo!

Such a cute little guy! Look at that face!!!

New Years in St. Louis

Happy New Year to you and yours! We are in St. Louis this year celebrating the new year with the Heidemann's! It is so very nice to be with family....there is no better way to ring in 2010!

Jack is having a blast with his cousins! He just loves to play with them and since we do not get to see them very often, it is so nice that they are able to spend time together. Jack especially wants to thank his cousin Emily for doing such a great job including him in so many fun activities and watching him while Mommy and Daddy had stepped away for a moment or two. Emily, we wished you loved closer so you could babysit one day in the future!

We also want to send Grandma and Grandpa Heidemann a VERY BIG thank you for your wonderful hospitality, as always! You do such a great job making us feel so welcome at your home. The meals are always delicious and the company is always wonderful! Jack just adores his Grandparents!

Jack has received even MORE Christmas gifts during our New Year's trip to St. Louis. I want to write them down before I forget:

Grandma and Grandpa Heidemann

• Personalized "Jack" backpack and suitcase (we especially LOVE this adorable present!!!)
• Remote Control Firetruck
• Thomas the Tank Engine Train

Aunt Nance, Uncle Rich, Emmie, Katie, Allie, and Will

• Remote Control Car

Great Grandma Wuebbels

• $15 gold dollars

Aunt Mary

• Giraffe Grasping Toy

The Layton Family

• Cookie Jar toy

Thank you all so much for all of the WONDERFUL Christmas presents as well as the visit! Our family and friends all mean so much to us...and we are just so blessed and fortunate to have celebrated Christmas and New Years with you!

The Heidemann cousins.....

I think I actually caught everyone looking at the camera!!! Wow! I am on an endless mission to get everyone smiling AND looking at the same camera, but for now, I will take what I can get! Looking at the same camera is a BIG step forward...HA!


Emily and Jack playing so nicely together.....thanks again Emily for including Jack in so many FUN kids activities! He had a blast!


Jack and Will with their new stick ponies. I tried all weekend to get a picture of the 2 of them standing and holding them so you could see their "Jack" and "Will" personalized scarves, but this shot was truly the best I could get. HA!


Daddy and his Little Man in their annual matching p.j.'s!




The boys....



Maddie Layton, Jack, and Collin Comer