Adrian + Martin + Baby Owen Bump | Maternity

Meet Adrian, Martin, & soon to arrive Baby Owen! These first time parents are anxiously awaiting the arrival of their little guy and literally have everything ready for him, from the adorable nursery to fully packed hospital bag. Weather was not in our favor, forcing a mostly indoor photo session with a little jaunt outside in a light sprinkle. But, with positive attitudes and a bit of good luck, we made it work and had a great time none the less. This couple is so sweet and will make great parents to little Owen! Congratulations you two three! 

 

As you can see, we did get some more intimate shots... the rest will be kept for them :)

Photos were taken in their home and at Columbia Park in North Portland.

Ben+ Julia +Baby Liam Bump | Maternity

I was honored to get to photograph this beautiful couple at such a momentous time in their lives. Ben & Julia went to high school with Andrew and I, and it seems that our lives in Portland keep crossing; or maybe it just seems like I stalk them because I run into them everywhere! B&J will soon welcome their first son, Liam, into this world. What a beautiful family of 3 they will be. Congratulations Ben & Julia! 

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb.  Psalm 139:13

 

 

 

 

PS- Is she a cute pregnant mama or what?

Photos taken at Sellwood Riverfront park and surrounding area. As always, a huge thank you to my sweet hubby for accompanying me & helping with this photoshoot.

Wildlife Refuge & Roasted Sweet Potato-Veggie Couscous

 I found a new little piece of tranquil paradise- Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. I pulled up a map of the Portland area and looked for parks I had not yet been to. Then I see this ginormous wildlife refuge with bike paths & walking paths galore. Amazing! I drove over to check it out and was seriously in heaven. It helped to have warm, sunny weather. The air felt fresher, the birds chirped all around. I ran into a group of 4 deer within 5 minutes of walking. A woodpecker was knocking away, and a snake slithered across the path 2 feet ahead of me. I felt one with nature and can't wait to take Andrew back with me next time. I'm wondering how I never knew about this place...

On another note, I'd like to share one of our favorite meals with you:

Roasted Sweet Potato-veggie CousCous

 We probably eat roasted sweet potatoes and veggies 3 times/week. Sometimes just plain. But, throwing some cous cous in there adds a nice texture and taste.

I meant to add turkey bacon in the mix but was out- but I recommend throwing some turkey bacon or regular bacon in to make your man extra happy! 

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Roasted Sweet Potato-Veggie Couscous

2 sweet potatoes

2 heads broccoli

Other vegetables (Brussels Sprouts and/or Kale)

1 cup couscous

Olive Oil

Garlic Salt

Herbs Provence/Sage or both

Preheat oven to 425. Cut sweet potatoes into small cubes or triangles & spread onto baking pan. Drizzle olive oil over potatoes and stir/spread oil to get a little coverage on each piece.

Season with garlic salt, Herbs provence, sage, or another herb of your choosing. Place in preheated oven.

Do the same to the Brocoli in a separate baking pan but use much less olive oil. Just a little drizzle will do & no need to spread around (we normally throw Brussels sprouts in with the broccoli). Place in preheated oven with sweet potatoes.

Cook Couscous as directed on bag/box. 

Roast for 20-25 minutes or until brownish. We cook the sweet potatoes and broccoli in separate pans because the broccoli tends to cook faster. Keep checking on the broc until slightly brownish. 

Throw some turkey bacon in there and enjoy a healthy, delicious meal!

**To make it gluten free, use quinoa or rice**

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Changes

 Much has changed during this little blog break I've been on. For starters- we moved! It was sort of a last minute, 'our rent is going up & blah blah blah, hurry, find a new place.' There were many reasons that we felt a move was wise. With the help of friends and family- the move was seamless and fast. We are oh so grateful. Adios apartment living, we are now living in a house! An old house at that. A charming house. A sweet house. A new neighborhood. A new chapter.

We left with mixed feelings. Actually, mostly sad feelings. The apartment we had enjoyed over the past year, the neighborhood we had called home over the past 2 years (almost) was perfect. Even worse... Little Big Burger just opened on our old street! For those unfamiliar with Portland's LBB, it's amazing. And, I'd probably eat there 3 times a week if I could. Andrew was able to walk to and from OHSU, I had a great commute, the apartment was modern & amazing... the list goes on. It was a great 2 years and we are thankful for our time there and for God's provision in placing us there. 

Even though our last home was much loved, this home is quickly becoming quite adored. With each and every day, I'm loving it more and more. More on this later... 

But for now- here's a few iPhone pics from our new home/neighborhood. More on that to come later.

Over all, God is good and we are so thankful to have found a new place that will hopefully be our home for more than 1 year (this is our 3rd home in less than 2 years). Something to pray about...

Blog break...

I'm officially taking a break for a few weeks from the blog-osphere. I can hardly keep up with life as it is. So, the blog goes on the back burner for a bit until I'm all caught up! However, I'm still reading my favorite blogs (I need to share a list of my favs)- they make for a great way to procrastinate fully waking up for a few extra minutes each day.

Hasta luego mis amigos.

Thank you to all who read, follow, comment, message, & email me. I primarily blog as a creative outlet and way to record memories and experiences, but I've learned that it also helps connect me with others. Thanks for taking time of our your day to read/browse this little space!