I haven’t posted in a while, because I have just been IN it. It’s taking me longer to edit, because I am onto the next life moment, or playing with the kids.

I’m saying I have been busy, but in a great way. Fulfilling work picking up, a feeling of direction with my career, and loving the hell out of my kids.

Here is a batch of personal photos from late winter/early spring. 

I could be better at participating in school activities. Most of my hesitation is socializing with other parents, which is silly, because it always works out. 

Worst case, I have a camera that I like to hide behind. I have teachers who need photos and parents who appreciate them. My kids look proud and grateful I am there (for now). 

Now, on a serious positive: my camera gets me access to things I might not usually get to experience. 

Example: Lexi’s class had chicks hatch. I emailed her teacher and offered to photograph the kids with the chicks before they went to the farm. This was purely selfish, i needed to see these freaking baby chicks. 

Adorable and grimy little kid hands, trying so so hard to be tender, but so eager to pick up the chickies and squeeze them to their demise. (no chicks were harmed, these kids have better impulse control than I gave them credit for.)

There are no photos of Lexi, because she was next to me the entire time. 

I was in the chick pen, where the kids aren’t allowed to go. Lexi with confidence crawled right in with me, despite her classmates trying to correct her. Wednesday Addams just stared back at them like “TRY IT.”

She was so proud of me. 

That is something as a mom I cannot get over. That look they give me, like they’re so glad I am there, and I belong to them. 

I’m a little different than the other moms, I know. Hopefully they keep digging that, at least periodically. 

My Uncle Eldon was driving across the states, and made a stop in Pittsburgh for a few days. He got to finally meet Lexi and Serena, and see Elliott for the first time since he was one. 

We took an afternoon to grab lunch, drive around and listen to music. We picked up some new albums at my favorite record shop, and spent the majority of the time with the kids. 

They truly love my father’s brother. 

Grandpa Charles’ brother. 

“Gampa Chalz” <3

We also celebrated lots of birthdays, but this special one is our twin nieces’ 1st trip around the sun.

Look at these perfect sunshine babies with their wild cousins and friends. 

Oh and another awesome benefit to being the photographer? Front row view of babies smashing cakes and adults encouraging messes. 

The hardest part is my own kid not standing in front of camera. and not crying.

God i love crying when I’m happy. 

So, sorry I’ve been missing. I’m just knee-deep in this life business. 

But I’m happy: loving motherhood, starting new chapters with my art, and traveling. 

All my favorite reasons to be MIA.

This song is for Lexi. It’s her favorite Taylor Swift song, “because she’s scary and dead in that video.”