family pics by a sis

My sister Sam took these a few weeks ago and we are so happy with how they turned out. It was so nice to have her come to our house so we didn't have to load up the boys. I love having pictures taken in our home because that is where we spend most of our time as a family and that is where everyone feels the most comfortable. It's so nice having photographers in the family don't you think?

well done TOMS

photo

I have to say that I haven't really gotten into the whole ankle boot thing... just not my thing. But these are a different story. I don't know why I like them so much but I do, so there. 

Dear Michael,

 if you are looking for a sweet little surprise for your dear old wifey, this would be a good idea.

Love, 

Me

insta faves

counting down till Thanksgiving

woah....it's been a long time since I posted. 

Recently, Michael and I booked this dream cabin up in McCall for a Ries family Thanksgiving extravaganza! I am obsessed with airbnb.com these days so while playing around on it over the weekend we just decided to book this place for the fam. I can't wait for Banks to chill with all his awesome boy cousins, play games, eat pie(s), watch movies, laugh, and eat some more pie.

Seriously though, if you haven't ever been on airbnb.com before check it out now. It is so fun to search for accommodations all over the world that people have posted. We're planning a trip to Europe with the boys for next summer and will def be using it to find a sweet dig for us to stay in.

jump on this!!!

www.samanthakellyphoto.blogspot.com

Me, Archie & Kelly Arts

Sister Sam is starting her own photography biz so why not cash in on some free practice snaps? 

Also, this is Kelly Arts' newest video.

 Love them.

me and my boys

This was my Mother's Day gift from me to me. 

I had Jen Herem take these pics and I'm pretty happy with how they turned out.

Mother's Day slam dunk

All five Card girls came together this year for Mother's Day to make this video for our Mom. Thanks to Sam (Oldest) and her hubby Chas for putting in most of the work to film and edit this gem. Mom LOVED it and so do we. 

Archie

Im so glad I had Heather Pickett take these newborn pictures of Archie. I didn't do this with Banks and regret it. Heather is so great because her experience as an RN really makes her confident and able to work with babies so well. We are so happy with how the pictures turned out.

first days

It's funny how easy you forget what those first few weeks are like. Michael and I sure did. I have to say though in Archie's defense, it really was that first night home (so far) that was a little rough. He was pretty restless that first night, which meant no sleep basically for Mommy and Daddy. I think it had something to do with switching formula on him (that's right, I don't nurse...don't judge) that had him in a funk. Thankfully he is back on top and has been sleeping for 5 hours straight! Ill feed him and then he's back down. Both my boys have been like this and I feel so lucky to not be a zombie. Bottle feeding, for us, is a lifesaver and I wouldn't have it any other way. I realize that it's only been a few days but I feel like this routine is a good indicator of how things are going to go with this one, keeping our fingers crossed.

These pictures are my attempt at some amateur infant photography. They change so much at the beginning that each day they look different, at least in the Mommy's eyes.

Archie's birth story/vid

archie ries [birth story] from kelly arts on Vimeo.

I had my sister Sam of kelly arts films capture this happy event. So glad I did.

This is how it went down.

I was waiting to get induced on Wednesday but honestly didn't think it would happen because the hospital had called early that morning to tell me they were slammed and didn't know if I would get to come in that day. Plus I had come down with some 24 hour flu bug in the night and so I wasn't feelin that good to begin with. My Mom and I decided to head to NPS to shop our sadness away. I had been feeling contractions all day/week but just figured they were Braxton Hicks and so I just worked through them as usual. We were having dinner at my parents that night when the hospital called and said we could come right in! I about died and almost pulled some muscles by sliding across the floor in excitement. We ditched Banks with them and drove to Provo. 

Got checked in and turns our those contractions were pretty consistent and intense. I must be a soldier because I worked through them like one. I got started on pitocin and the contractions got pretty intense. Epidural please! Within an hour of getting the epidural, my water broke on its own which is awesome. The Doc came right in because the baby was ready to slide on out. I literally pushed through 3 contractions and out he came!!!!!!!!! Can you believe it?! I couldn't either. I was in shock! I guess I assumed all my births would be similar to Banks'. Hard hard hard. I guess not. It was actually enjoyable. Did I just say that? Never thought I would. I was super blessed it went as smoothly as it did and that Archie is here safe and sound.

The name. 

I know I had you all goin on Gordon or George. Neither felt super right to me a few days before so we just went back to the drawing board. They were left on but a few more were added. Archibald was my Mom's Grandfather's name and he was quite the stud. Geneaology Hall of Famer and much more. I just loved how Archie went with Banks and so did Michael. His middle name is Michael after my Dad.

So we are in love and feel so blessed to have him in our life.

a prego progression

9 weeks 

14 weeks

19 weeks

29 weeks

33 weeks

 35 weeks

37 weeks

38 weeks

Hopefully after Monday I get the green light to be induced on Wednesday.

Pray this is the case because I am so done.