Where Does The Time Go?

Even on maternity leave my days were pretty full. Now that I'm back it work life is even more hectic. Now I'm at the end of another three-day work week and wondering "Where does the time go?" A three day work week goes really fast, and efficiency is key.

The other four days at home go even faster, when you're a mom of small children there is always something that needs to be done urgently.

Diaper change
breakfast time
bum wipe
get dressed
don't take your socks off, I just put them on!
preschool
get drink of water NOW!
spit-up
clean up spilled juice
feed hungry baby
where's my . . .?
hurry up
eat your dinner
blow out!
brush teeth
say goodnight
get back in your bed!

This is how my life is right now, chaotic and messy, yet full of fun and love. Some days are harder than others, but I know I will look back on this time and wonder how it went so quickly.

Happy Easter!

Niall came down with the stomach flu Saturday evening, so we spent Sunday at home in family quarantine. After being sick every hour all night long he did suprisingly well today! We had a mellow day doing crafts, face painting, and we even managed to play outside briefly.

I'm back!

I can't believe it's been a year since I've blogged. How's that for procrastination? It's been quite a year for the Swales family.

To summarize the last 13 months, I had a very difficult pregnancy (more details to come) and finally in September gave birth to a tiny, breathtakingly beautiful baby girl. I was on maternity leave until just before St. Patrick's Day, and now I'm back at work.

Here is a picture of my sweet baby girl, India Rain. Kelly took this shot when India was just a few days old.


I'm trying to enjoy every day because both of my babies are growing up way too fast!

Triceratops Picture Published in Seattle's Child Magazine

Dinosaur Day at the Burke Museum is coming up this Saturday. Several weeks ago I shot some promotional pictures for them of Niall with the Burke Museum's gigantic Triceratops skull. The lighting was challenging, but Niall did a great job standing with the skull and I got some great shots. Today, I found out that one of the pictures has been published in the March printed edition of Seattle's Child Magazine. How exciting!

Here's the picture they used, posted here with permission:

Where Were You on Inauguration Day?

Over the course of my life there are many moments that are personally meaningful, memories that I will always cherish; my wedding day, the birth of my son. Today our nation and much of the world shared one of those moments. We will forever remember this morning as the answer to "Where were you when Barak Obama became the first black President of the United States of America?"

I was at home, watching the ceremony on TV with Niall and Jude, and helping them get ready for preschool.

So, where were you? Leave a comment and share your Inauguration Day experience.

Niall Is A Famous Liverpool Fan!

One of Niall's favorite songs to sing is "You'll Never Walk Alone", which is Liverpool's team anthem. Can you guess who's daddy is a huge Liverpool fan? For Christmas Niall's grandparents sent him the full Liverpool kit, complete with socks and a scarf to wave while he's singing. He was thrilled!

My brother-in-law shot this video of him wearing his kit and singing in front of the Christmas tree. It's got nearly 600 views on YouTube and has been posted on the biggest Liverpool fan site. Fun! I'm enjoying being the mother of a famous person, and he's so proud he's been watching it over and over again. I don't think he really understands where it's posted, but he really likes to watch himself sing.

Happy White Christmas!

Growing up in Seattle I always wished for a white Christmas. As inconvenient as the snow has been, now that the presents are wrapped and Niall is tucked in his bed everything seems perfect. His eyes were wide with wonder as I read "The Night Before Christmas" and he then he went to sleep without a peep! Looking at Christmas through my little boy's eyes has become my favorite thing about Christmas, and one of the best things about being a mom. Hope your holiday is full of love and wonder!