Mya Irene Bindl

Well...she arrived, but not as expected. She came a bit early on the day of her scheduled c-section, so we ended up having her completely naturally! Born on August 25th at 3:13am. She was 8lbs. 7oz. and 20.5 inches long. In the photo, our lil' angel was one week old!

Update on Baby Bindl #2

Well, Baby Bindl #2 hasn't come on its own and Tuesday (the 25th) is coming fast! Josh, Drew and I have things ready around the house, and I've delivered the orders that I can PRE-baby.

I want to thank everyone for their understanding this summer and their sense of humor with my growing belly! Time flew by during this pregnancy and I think a lot of that had to do with the fact that I was busy and you all kept my mind off from the "monster" growing inside me! (If you know me, I lovingly refer to Drew as my first "monster", and he even responds to the nickname!)

Also, I want to thank Miss Laura Martin for watching Drew for the past two summers while I was shooting and we wish her the best of luck at UW-River Falls this fall. She will be greatly missed by Drew and myself.

Updates will be posted as time allows as I know many of you are anxious to see the "bundle of joy" when it arrives.

The Upcoming Holidays...Ordering Photocards & a Recipe

This is just a reminder that if you are thinking about ordering holiday photocards, please place your order by November 17th to have them back by December 1st.  I cannot guarantee that any orders placed after December 1st will be done before the holidays.  So, just plan ahead and you'll be fine!  

Speaking of holidays, I can't wait to hear the holiday music and make holiday treats!  It is by far, my favorite time of the year.  And, I'm really looking forward to the holidays this year with Drew.  I think he'll have so much fun with the lights, trees, presents, etc.  Oh, and not to mention his first time playing in the snow.  But, from the sounds of it, we'll have plenty of that to go around this year.  Argh!   Wha'cha gonna do?!  Speaking of snow...I think I saw some flake this afternoon.

Sorry about my side track on the snow.  Getting back to my holiday cooking...here's a great bar recipe to try.  My family and friends LOVE it!!! 

Pumpkin Gooey Butter Cakes

Crust:

1 (18.25 oz) box yellow cake mix

1 egg

8 tbl melted butter

Filling:

1 (8 oz) cream cheese

1 (15 oz) can pumpkin

3 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

8 tbl melted butter

1 (16 oz) powdered sugar

1 tsp cinnamon (optional)

1 tsp nutmeg (optional)   

1) Combine crust ingredients and mix well.  Pat into the bottom of a lightly greased 9x13 pan.

2) In a large bowl, beat cream cheese & pumpkin until smooth.  Add eggs, vanilla, & butter.  Beat together.  Add powdered sugar, cinnamon & nutmeg.  Beat together.  Spread over crust.  Bake for 40-50 minutes at 350 degrees.  Make sure not to overbake, as the center should still be a little gooey and jiggle when you bring it out of the oven.

3) Serve with whipped cream.

Knee Surgery Update

Knee surgery was on Thursday, October 30th.  It went well.  I had my ACL reconstructed and my meniscus repaired.  

Many have inquired how this occurred.  No, it wasn't while shooting photos.  I actually injured it in high school, my senior year, in track.  I never had it looked at until after I had Drew.  I re-injured it, while I was pregnant, practicing with the Marshall Varsity Girls Basketball team.  After the re-injury, it was never the same and was going out quite frequently.  I finally had an MRI and they confirmed that I completely tore my ACL in high school and the meniscus damage would only continue if I didn't get it fixed.  So, I scheduled the surgery after all the high seniors and weddings were done for this fall, and after my little guys birthday.  

There's the history on why.  Here's the update.  I'm home, doing PT on my own 3x per day, along with official PT once a week.  My husband has been great and is helping with Drew.  I'm already down to using only one crutch...maybe I'm "cheating" as my friend put it.   Other than the pain meds not sitting well with me, I'm feeling good and doing well.  

My baby turns ONE!

On Friday, Drew turns one!  I can't believe it!  He's changed so much over this past year. From laying on a blanket, to running around the house.  From being unresponsive, to laughing or pointing to things he wants.  Actually witnessing him learning new things.  Awww....being a mother is great!  Oh, there have been challenges...fussy months, sleepless nights, teething, tantrums, stubbornness, etc.   But, I wouldn't change anything to get to this point!  I know it'll just continue to get more fun as he gets older.  So, if you happen to see him sometime soon, you'll have to give him a "high five" and wish him a happy birthday!    

Knee Surgery...

As some of you might know already, I need to have ACL knee surgery.  It is going to take place on October 30th.  So, I will not be taking and/or processing any orders from October 30th - November 10th.  If you would like to place an order before I'm out, then try to do so by October 22nd and I'll do my best to get it back to you by the 30th.  Otherwise, wait until after November 10th and it'll be the normal 2-3 weeks to process.  Also, keep in mind that the holiday season is the busiest time of the year for all photo processors, so plan ahead and figure on the full 3 week turnaround timeframe.  Thanks in advance for your patience during this time.  I know I'll be back up and running (literally) soon!  

Living in Madison...

On Saturday, Josh and I headed to the Badger game against Ohio State, unfortunately not a win, but a fun time nonetheless!  Here is a photo I shot of the capital as my husband and I were walking back to our car.  Sometimes we take for granted how beautiful our surroundings are since we see them so often, but doesn't the capital at night (even in this rushed photo) make you think "Wow...and I live here!"

Welcome to my blog!

So, if you're new to blogging, so am I!  I've never read a blog, let a long created or written one!  A little scary, but I think we'll manage.  My hope with the blog is to share some photography information, highlight what I'm up to shooting wise, and also throw in some personal flare as well.  I hope you'll enjoy! 

For starters....who's excited for the Brewer's play off run?!  The Bindl's are!  Go Brew Crew!