Holiday Photos and Some Cheese

Family cheese

The holidays seem to be the time for family photos. Whether taking them for your Christmas cards or just an annual photo opportunity, photographers get booked up in preparation for some season’s greetings. I was never a picture person until we had Stella. Once we had our first child I realized it was important to share how our family has grown. So, in 2010, the holiday season family photos became a tradition.

I am not a very traditional person so I really wanted to capture our family in a way that was different than most family photos. I wanted to find a place that represented us in some way, without being too cookie cutter in location and pose.

I called a photographer who had actually taken a random picture of Stella at the beginning of the year; one that turned out beautifully. He was immediately my first choice for this year’s pictures, especially since we had our newest addition, Carter, to include.



And a little fun

His idea was to go to Disneyland and have a little fun while taking pictures. Being that we are there basically on a weekly basis, I thought this was a great idea.

Our family photos were a great success and I learned some things along the way.

Let them be natural! Our best shots were those caught off guard. Have fun!

Family photos can be stressful! I had extra outfits for both kids in addition to snacks, diapers, and all the other essentials that you pack on a trip to the Magic Kingdom. I was hot, sweaty and irritated until I realized that we were supposed to be having some fun. If hair was out of place or a bit of Disneyland goodness was caught on Stella’s shirt then so be it.

Photos are important. They can be expensive and a lot of work but I can’t think of anything more priceless then being able to look back at all the pictures of our growing family. Yes, if you are anything like every other parent, you take pictures all the time. But, someone (usually mom or dad) is left behind the camera. A complete family photo is a must, at least one a year.

So smile, and enjoy the “cheese”, with your family.

Accomplishments for the Right Reasons

One of the things that we know as parents is that we have a crucial job of a role model. The biggest question isn't "How can I be a good one?" but should be "What do I want to model to my children?"

I decided a few months ago to raise money for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society by running with their Team in Training at the Inaugural Tinker Bell Half Marathon at Disneyland. As I have said before, I used to be a runner and had slowly been trying to get my way back to where I used to be after having Stella. I thought this was a fitting goal and a great way to raise money for a wonderful cause in honor of a friend who had recently been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

I started training at the beginning of October and immediately had reservations. I'm always complaining about how little time I have as it is, and I began to question by sanity by taking on another task; one that would require a lot of time training. After talking it over with hubby, we decided that it was something that I should do. Nearly every Saturday morning for four months, I rose at 6 a.m. to meet my group for our runs. During the week, I got out of bed in the dark or ran late into the night in order to squeeze in my mid-weeks.

Days before Christmas, we found out that we were expecting baby number two. Hubby and I were overjoyed, and I again questioned whether or not running a half marathon is something I should be doing. Since quitting is not in my nature, with our doctor's blessing, I continued to train through first trimester exhaustion and morning sickness.

The half marathon was last Sunday, Jan. 29 th . I was really nervous in the days leading up to the event, but found myself excited while waiting in the corral Sunday morning at 5:30 a.m.

After a great run, passing the 13 mile marker, I had renewed energy knowing that Stella, hubby, and my brother were waiting at the finish line. Heading towards the finish, I caught a glimpse of my hubby holding Stella high above the crowd, trying to point me out. I stepped over to the side and called her name, waving, emotions rushing over me as I saw her, and knowing that after many months, I had completed the 13.1 miles (three months pregnant, no less.)

After making my way through the chute, Stella jumps into my arms. I have never seen her so excited as she says, "Mommy running." I asked her what she thought of seeing mommy run and Stella responds, "I clapping." and gives me a giant hug.

I knew at that moment that the training, the fundraising, and the completion of my half marathon were well worth it. As a mother, these are the things I want to model to my children, working hard, making sacrifices, perseverance, and mostly importantly, successfully accomplishing the goals that you set for yourself.

A memorable morning view

Stella admiring my medal

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Haute Mom Goes Running

Running was and still has been one of my favorite ways to get some "me" time and stay in shape.  I know many people don't like to run but I found once you find your stride, it is quite addicting and therapeutic; like shoe shopping but better for the haute mom figure!  I have decided to participate in a half marathon event at Disneyland in January.  I figure since we love Disneyland so much, and I love running so much, it would be a perfect fit.  The only problem is I haven't run more than 3 miles since I have had Stella so it's time to ramp up my running shoes.  Running after a baby (and with baby) is world's apart from before.  I realized it is like getting back on a bike after many years, only this bike has square wheels and weighs about 20 pounds more. 

I have been asked to be a writer for a fantastic new blog called Disneyland Runners.  It is a community blog by and for both runners and aspiring runners who participate in Disneyland Resort 5K, half marathon, and marathon races.  Those of you who always wish you could can stop on by as well!  I will be posting a weekly article about running and everything associated with running.  My piece is called "Kelley's Healthy Habits". Is there something you would like to read about?  Let me know! My first post is up and talks about my experience with hitting that pavement again after having Stella.  For many of you, I know that you may be in the same position.  It's hard to stay haute after a baby but we can all do it.  Check out my own issues with getting started and let me know what you think.  Even better, share your own stories about getting back into something you loved doing after having your little ones!

Kelley's Healthy Habits: The importance of starting off slowly

Lazy Sunday - Family Time

Lazy Sundays, a day where I do as little as possible in preparation for the work week ahead, are slowly shaping into Family Sundays.  With this day being the only day my husband and I have off together, we are now finding things to do together, and with Stella now that she is older.

I remember back in my non-mommy days, Sundays were called "Sunday Fundays".  Long days filled with champagne brunch, mismosas, beers, and BBQs have turned into days just as fun, but so different.  My hubby even tried to talk me into getting a pedicure today (that must be a clue as to the shape of my toes) and I turned him down, asking instead to spend the morning as a family at Disneyland.  No, I was not under the influence of any foregin substance.  Honestly, that is all I wanted to do.

I love spending time as a family, enjoying Stella, even if it means I go without a pedicure or the laundry doesn't get done.  Well, I lie, I did the laundry yesterday, but the point is that family time has taken over as first place in my list of things to do.  A year has gone by and boy has my life changed.  Mimosas and too much sun has changed into sunscreen and a $5.00 bottle of water at Disneyland.  I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Happy Sunday haute moms!

Huggies PullUps and $100 Target Giveaway

Are any of you haute moms potty training your little ones?  Are you a fan of Disney, Pullups, or Target?  If you answered "yes" to any of these then this giveaway is for you!  My fellow mommy blogger and friend is hosting a fun and fabulous giveaway over at Babes In Disneyland!  The winner will receive one month's supply of Pullups and a GC to Target for $100!  I am no where near potty training but I thought I would pass it on!  Good luck!

My First Mother's Day

Exactly one year ago yesterday I was counting down the days to my due date with only two more to go. My feet so swollen that not even my flip flops fit and my ankles had permanently disappeared. I was anxious and had no idea what life had in store for me.

Almost one year of broken sleep, dirty diapers, and loads of laundry later, I celebrated my first Mother's Day. Stella was so excited that she woke up at 6:30 in the morning. This was fine with me because we were off to Disneyland for the day.

We were able to beat a lot of the crowds and get some popular rides in without too much of a wait. The sun came out mid-morning which made for a beautiful day. Disneyland even handed out carnations for all us mommies. How haute is that? Note to Disneyland: very sweet but plain pins to pin the flowers on are not handy for us mommies who carry our babies.
Back at home, I was even to take a little nap with Stella before heading out to dinner. Hubby even got me a darling little dress that I had seen in a store window a few weeks ago! Points for hubby!

I felt so lucky and honored yesterday to be a mommy thanks to my wonderful family who sent cards and my loving friends who flanked me with phone calls and texts. This will be a tough Mother's Day to beat!

Stella playing peek a boo with me while taking a break at Disneyland

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Lazy Sunday - Disneyland!

I was never sure when it would be appropriate to bring Stella to Disneyland but figured we had a few more years to wait. That is until I spoke with my friend and mommy blogger Lisa Robertson over at Babes in Disneyland. She assured me that all ages can enjoy Disneyland and that there were plenty of places for the littlest ones to enjoy. Being that we live 30 minutes away, my husband and I braved it out.

Stella had an amazing time! Watching her face light up as we went on the rides was one of those moments as a parent that I will never forget. Peter Pan, Alice in Wonderland and Stella's personal favorite, Its a Small World. She danced a clapped through the whole thing!

The experience was so amazing that my husband and I bought season passes so that we could take her more often. That is where we spent our Sunday aftetnoon yesterday. I must admit that I had a little help with me on my first couple visits; a book Babes in Disneyland written by Lisa to help families with babies, toddlers, and preschoolers.

The Babes in Disneyland book is a great guide for how to plan your time at Disneyland and includes tips and hints to the best places in the park for families with little ones. She writes about the services and amenities in each "land" including the most family friendly restrooms and restaurants. The book also has details for guests with special needs including special accomodations and food allergies.

Lisa knows the ins and outs of the park - she is a former tour guide and writer for the Disneyland Resort and continues to work very closely with them. She wrote the book with first time visitors, families who visit the resort infrequently, and those fans that have to switch from sans kids to baby mode (me) in mind. The book is a MUST for making the most of your Disneyland visit!

Stella had a great time!

She just couldn't let her balloon go!

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Moby Wrap Review and Giveaway

Haute Mom recently teamed up with Babes in Disneyland for a review on the Moby Wrap during a trip to Disneyland. Moby Wrap is one of my favorite must-haves for Stella. During the first six weeks, the Moby Wrap was the only thing that would calm Stella down during her crying hour. It was a life saver for this haute mom! I have used it at festivals, baseball games, and most recently Disneyland.

Moby Wrap, an award-winning baby carrier, was receommended to me by a fellow haute mom. It is a long piece of breathable cotton that you wrap around yourself (or the wearer) to create a warm, safe environment for your baby. It is light weight and easy to take along or stow away. Moby Wrap is made for babies to 35 lbs and is machine washable. It is one of the most comfortable carriers on the market because you can wrap it to your individual body shape. There are no staps, hoops, belts, or buckles to mess with. Some people may think it is too difficult to wrap but Moby Wrap provides an easy instruction booklet for the intitial wrap and all of the baby holds. I have even used the nursing hold to nurse Stella in public! The best part is that it is very affordable, starting at $39.99!

I have tried a number of different carriers and this is my favorite. Moby Wrap has generously offered to give one of our readers a chance to try this great mommy must have! One lucky haute mom will win a solid color Moby Wrap of their choice!




To enter simply follow this blog and and then head on over and follow Babes in Disneyland! Please leave me one comment when you have done both of these things. This is required and must be complete before you do any of the extra entries!

Extra Entries - leave one comment telling me you have done each of these.

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This giveaway will end Monday, November 8th at 9 p.m. (PST). The lucky winner will be chosen by Random.org. Good luck!