And his name is Ethan.  And he looks just like his dad.  And has a super fly, laidback personality of his mom.

He’s one lucky kid.

Because Baby Ethan’s dad, who was my son’s much beloved kindergarten teacher, and is now T’s third grade teacher, has exercised more patience, compassion and love with my own little guy than I ever thought possible with a child who is not your own.  And especially, one who is very…enthusiastic about life.

I have SO much gratitude to the Plein family for not only allowing me to document their darling addition.  But for playing such a monumental role in my family’s life as well.

I am now officially 1+ months behind in my bloggedy blog mcblog… so I pinky swear to follow up in the next few days with some snapshots of work and life over these last several weeks.

In the meantime, I’m over the moon to share with all 2 of my official followers news of my first major publication feature in the Winter 2012 issue of 1859 magazine.  Contributor profile included!  Published out of Bend, Oregon, it’s a beautiful magazine {I would have said this EVEN IF I hadn’t been published} that embraces completely it’s tagline to “live. think. explore” all the things that make Oregon so spectacular.

My feature originally started as a personal project “{Alone} on Belmont” and expanded into a more general profile of the people and places that make SE Belmont St fabulous {in my humble opinion}.  I absolutely loved the opportunity to meet so many interesting people who were so generous with their time and stories.

And now, without further ado…

Collette + Rusty + Baby Owen make it look so easy….you would never know three days later their house was packed and they were on a plane to their new life in the land of squeaky cheese {a photo of my cat for the first person who knows their geography + answers correctly….disclaimer: friends, family, and employees of ColletteRustyOwen + Associates not allowed to participate}.

Thank you so much for the honor of capturing your new family.  Wishing you all much happiness + a return ticket to Portland.

Almost the entirety of my family lives in a land far, far away called Washington, D.C. so when I come across an extended family all settled in the same city, I am in awe of what seems to me in today’s world to be an impossible accomplishment.  I have huge respect {and envy} for the sacrifices that takes…and the rewards.

A lifetime ago, I worked with Alex but didn’t know much about his personal story.  And last weekend, had the incredible honor to see and know for myself all the wonderful people he + his family have in one another.  A lucky man indeed.

Thank you for sharing your time + family with me.  And blue feathered barrette’s…

Last weekend was upside down crazy busy.  And as much as I *loved each and every job, I’ve been upside down crazy busy with edits ever since.  The upside to edits, however, being that I get to share the results with all two of you…two being the optimists guess at the number of people reading this blog {every bloggers fear}.

My Saturday started with one of my favorite events of the year, the Oregon Humane Society Doggie Dash.  Last year they had over 4,000 participants of the two-legged kind…making it at least 8,000 total if I’m doing my dog-math correctly…and this year I believe they surpassed it, raising over $300,000 to benefit Oregon animals in need.

My next event of the day was a princess party, followed by an auction to benefit Ethiopian Orphan Relief.  The thread of course being that despite the insanity of the day and corresponding mountain of edits, I was surrounded by people making other people {and pets} very happy.

And I wouldn’t have it any other way.

this next guy reminded me of Sgt. Floyd Pepper from Electric Mayhem…and how can you NOT smile back….