Library Parenting

Planning August’s Monthly Photos

I took a photo of August in Eleanor’s usual spot yesterday.

I’m going to start photographing him monthly too, but I’m considering a change of location. I think that the library would make a good backdrop, yes?

The Library

I don’t know if I should prop him up in the white chair that’s already up there, or if I should bring the Eames rocker up for each photo. I think it could be cool to have him in the same chair to connect his photos to his sister’s, but I also think it’s going to be a total pain to have to set it up every month. Sigh.

C’est la vie de l’overachiever.

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  • Lindsay
    February 23, 2011 at 11:06 am

    Ohh, I can’t wait to see the little guy in his monthly photos. I say you should switch up the location, so he has his own very unique set!

  • Renee Smith
    February 23, 2011 at 11:09 am

    I’d either totally change it (i.e. propping him in a different chair in a different location) or just do it in the same location.

    You seem to be far more organized than me, but when I start to put complicated demands on myself (like moving a chair upstairs and back down each month), the likelihood that I will get it done decreases.

    What about moving both of their monthly pictures up to the library? Or taking one in each spot so you can choose what you prefer later without the added hassle of chair moving… says the underachiever… lol.

  • Nicole S.
    February 23, 2011 at 11:11 am

    I think August needs his own locale.

    Either way – I kinda want that onesie in my size…

  • Shanon
    February 23, 2011 at 11:12 am

    If it were me, I’d go with a different chair. Different baby, different personality, different chair. And you’ll have two little ones, you don’t need the added work of hauling the first chair around the house! =)

  • Janice
    February 23, 2011 at 11:14 am

    I think August needs his own locale, and his own chair. I have loved the Eleanor series, and look forward to these ones. Hope you are doing well Mama.

  • Beth
    February 23, 2011 at 11:16 am

    I agree with the other commenters – make it in the library, don’t worry about the chair. Just use the one that’s there. I like the fact that the living room where you did Eleanor’s pics is a more feminine backdrop with the pink, while the library and curtains are less so with the neutral colors. I think it’s a good distinction between the kiddos. Can’t wait to see more pics of the little fellow! <3

  • Erin
    February 23, 2011 at 11:16 am

    It would be a pain to set up, but it’s only once a month. Like a period. XD

    BTW, your monthly photos have inspired my husband and I to do something similar with our son, who was just born on the 11th.

  • Meg W.
    February 23, 2011 at 11:17 am

    I agree that I would give him his own chair. If you were to ever frame, say, the first year pictures, I think having a different chair would add more interest to the pictures side by side. Plus like what Shanon said, different baby, different personality!

  • beth
    February 23, 2011 at 11:22 am

    New baby, new location, new chair! Congrats on your new little guy.

  • Amanda
    February 23, 2011 at 11:26 am

    I love the new back drop, but I would keep the same chair. Later on you will be able to compare sizes if they are in the same chair! My boys are completely different so it is neat to see them in the same clothes or the same place because it is so easy to compare their sizes!

    • Making it Lovely
      February 23, 2011 at 11:46 am

      That’s a good point. The library chair is much larger in scale.

      • ellen
        February 23, 2011 at 5:54 pm

        That makes sense. Plus, the rocker just seems to fit a young one like a glove. He may look cute in it in the corner, surrounded by the books. Either way, his first pic is so cute, as is his name!

  • annabelvita
    February 23, 2011 at 11:29 am

    Stylistically, I like the idea of using same chair different location, but I also like the idea that with different chairs, each child could one day have that chair in their own home. I’d do different chairs and on milestones (birthdays, six months) put them both in the same chair for a bonus sibling pic).

  • Debbie
    February 23, 2011 at 11:30 am

    He is so precious and I love how you do this every month! I have shared this idea with lots of new mommies!! Thanks for sharing!!

  • RNM
    February 23, 2011 at 11:38 am

    New location, new chair! Like others said, highlight that they’re different personalities, etc. Plus I think it will be connected to Eleanor’s enough just by doing it in general. It will also aesthetically be a nice contrast if you put any pictures up of each of them in their chairs. He’s freaking adorable in that Eames picture though!

  • jess
    February 23, 2011 at 11:41 am

    It seems obvious that the best solution is to order another Eames rocker in a different color especially for Gus and keep it in the library. I love the natural light in Eleanor’s shots, though. Does the library get as much light as that bright sunny living room?

    • Making it Lovely
      February 23, 2011 at 11:45 am

      Hahaha, “our bright sunny living room.” That room is so dark! I just edit photos well.

      The library gets much more light. That’s actually a big benefit to changing locations. The living room shots have been hard to capture as Eleanor has gotten more active because of the lack of sun and the position of the window.

      • jess
        February 25, 2011 at 1:07 am

        You’re kidding! I have always imagined that living room bathed in a perpetual golden glow. The magic of the internet foils me again!
        By all means, follow the natural light. I still think another rocker would solve the convenience issue of dragging the chair back and forth. I guess you only have a few more months of Eleanor being photographed monthly, then she’ll be two and the rocker can be in the library all the time.

        Yes, I can justify the purchase of any chair, any time.

  • Sonja
    February 23, 2011 at 11:46 am

    I would ask Eleanor. I have a girl (5), and a boy(1). My daughter loved making Big Sister decisions. Either way, he will be the focus.

  • Joy
    February 23, 2011 at 11:47 am

    I love what he’s wearing! Those adorable socks with the simple outfit–now I want another baby.

  • Lisa
    February 23, 2011 at 11:50 am

    Ohmygosh. August is PRECIOUS. Lovelovelove those argyle socks! And I love the monthly photos.. when my husband&i have a baby, I’m going to do the same thing. :) I like the idea of getting the same chair in a different color!

  • Paula/adhocmom
    February 23, 2011 at 11:51 am

    As a mom – I say screw a new location. It’s the picture that’s important!

  • Camille
    February 23, 2011 at 11:55 am

    Where is his adorable one-piece from? I’m pregnant, and really think it’s a boy…so I’m eyeing your clothes! You’ll have to share your resources. =)

    • Making it Lovely
      February 23, 2011 at 12:00 pm

      The onesie is vintage. I was going to at least link to the socks (I bought them for Eleanor originally and they’re by they’re by Trumpette), but it looks like they aren’t available anymore.

      • Camille
        February 23, 2011 at 12:03 pm

        OK, thank you anyway. =)

  • Meera @ firstsense
    February 23, 2011 at 11:56 am

    Oh he is so cute! Making me all broody…

    It’s really so lovely how you do these monthly photos, I’m going to steal the idea for when I have babies :)

    I like Jess’s idea of another Eames rocker in a different colour… but that’s whether you’d want to buy another chair.

    Whatever you decide, it’ll be just adorable!

    • Making it Lovely
      February 23, 2011 at 12:02 pm

      You guys are all such enablers. I’d love another Eames rocker! BUT, I should really just stick with the one I already have.

  • Glenda
    February 23, 2011 at 11:59 am

    He’s adorable. I love your library and think August needs his own unique spot for his monthly pictures. Can’t wait to see.

  • Nolita Morgan
    February 23, 2011 at 12:08 pm

    Maybe photograph them together because you are a busy mama… will love it however you make it happen! Beautiful family!

  • Jen @ Rambling Renovators
    February 23, 2011 at 12:13 pm

    I like the idea of new location but same chair. The colours in the library are a bit more masculine so make a nice backdrop. Plus, it’ll be fun for the kids to compare their physical sizes if the photos are in the same chair.

    And, ma cherie, you are an overachiever so no doubt you will lug that chair if need be ;)

  • Funnelcloud Rachel
    February 23, 2011 at 12:16 pm

    Aww, he’s so cute! I can’t believe he was a 10 pounder – he looks so tiny!

  • daily decorator
    February 23, 2011 at 12:24 pm

    1st I have to say what a cutie!

    It might be cool when they are older to see their pictures side by side in the same chair so you can really see their differences.

  • Felicity @ Our Little Beehive
    February 23, 2011 at 12:28 pm

    I like the idea of having an entirely different set-up for him; something more manly for sure. Personally, I think the Eames chair’s sleek lines were so feminine and perfect for Eleanor, but August looks more like a stuffed chair boy to me. I’d love to see him in the white chair with the books out-of-focus behind him each month.

  • jbhat
    February 23, 2011 at 12:39 pm

    I vote library in the Petrie chair, with the same throw pillow in each shot to provide scale as he grows.

    Oh there is nothing like a new baby. Especially a handsome little devil like August. Enjoy these days!

    jbhat

  • Emily
    February 23, 2011 at 12:46 pm

    The library will be a fantastic backdrop! I love the chair you used for Eleanor though – I don’t know. It’s up to you, but I think I’d use the same chair!!

    By the way, I’m on the hunt for bookcases for my guest room and just noticed yours. LOVE!

  • Melissa
    February 23, 2011 at 12:50 pm

    I think he should have the same location/chair as his sister as then fun to have the photos side by side or to compare. Such a cute dieas!

  • Claudia
    February 23, 2011 at 12:54 pm

    I’d use the same chair just so it could be the same “thing” but not because it’s some dang Eames chair. I would make my children the focus not the chair.

  • katie
    February 23, 2011 at 1:00 pm

    I am in LOVE with those curtains! Where did you get them? btw, put me down for August to have his own/unique photo spot..even is the chair is a larger scale than your other

  • Rebecca
    February 23, 2011 at 1:21 pm

    He is absolutely precious! Nice work. :-)

  • Monica
    February 23, 2011 at 1:27 pm

    Unrelated to anyting, I have to admit I was a little skeptical when I heard you named your son August, just had never heard it really as a name, wasn’t sure I preferred it, whatever. Now, oh my goodness, the more you post pictures of your little guy and I read the name I am starting to love it, I mean really LOVE it. Who knew? I guess I the moral is mamas always know what’s best for their babies including picking out the perfect name. :)

  • Susie
    February 23, 2011 at 1:28 pm

    He is such a cutie-patootie! I’d use the white chair in the library. I think the fact that they’re both white chairs is enough of a tie-in. I also like the fact that the Eames rocker is all round and swoopy and feminine — perfect for Eleanor, while the white chair in the library is more angular and masculine — perfect for August. Just my two cents. Good luck!

  • Amanda Mac
    February 23, 2011 at 1:36 pm

    He’s so sweet!! I say change up locations….although I do have to say, it is neat comparing them at the same age. Congrats on your new bundle.

  • Your mother
    February 23, 2011 at 2:26 pm

    Not an answer to your question but my goodness,
    you and Brandon do good work. August and Eleanor are
    such beautiful children.

  • tm
    February 23, 2011 at 2:46 pm

    i have been doing both of my kids since they were born, and they are 6 and 4. one a boy, and one a girl. i do them in separate chairs.

  • Erika
    February 23, 2011 at 2:59 pm

    Awe; he is such a handsome baby!
    I like the idea of different chairs. It’s a similar concept without being so “matchy matchy”.

  • Jay
    February 23, 2011 at 4:00 pm

    Um, that’s what you have a man for honey, have Brandon drag that chair around for ya’ the night before you want to photograph.

  • susan
    February 23, 2011 at 4:15 pm

    I vote for him to have his own spot. I think the library in the white chair would be great.

  • Starlet
    February 23, 2011 at 4:22 pm

    Not answering your question, but congratulations Nicole, Brandon, and Eleanor. And welcome to the world, August!

  • denise
    February 23, 2011 at 4:46 pm

    I can understand other posters ideas about “sharing” the chair, but I think you should put August in a new chair–not only for the reasons folks stated, but if you ever decide to get nostalgic and take a picture of brother and sister side-by-side (for example, when they’re teenagers), you can have each person in “their” chair.

    I’m also curious–now that you’re approaching the last few months of the Eleanor series (and you have pins numbered from 1-24), are you going to take the picture annually from now on. I can’t wait to see the picture of her at 9, 10, and 15 in that same chair with her pin.

    Finally, thanks so much for sharing this journey. Its been great fun to witness your stylish adventure.

  • Anya
    February 23, 2011 at 5:17 pm

    Such a cute little bundle!
    I think you should just buy another Eames chair for the library ;)

  • Rachel
    February 23, 2011 at 5:54 pm

    How sweet is that squishy little guy!?! Can’t stand it!!

  • Jamie
    February 23, 2011 at 5:59 pm

    I did monthly photos in a chair for both of my children (I felt so cool when I saw you were doing the same thing with Eleanor!) and I think the same chair is fun. However, I did more of a portrait style photo, so the background was hardly visible. If you keep a pillow on the library chair, you’ll have enough reference for how little August grows…Then you don’t have to move the chair around!

    Here’s what I did, if you’re interested:
    https://picasaweb.google.com/punks88/ChloeAndLevi?authkey=Gv1sRgCNjh0fX74oLz5wE#

  • Alanna
    February 23, 2011 at 6:46 pm

    I think if you want something that eleanor was in to compare their sizes at the same age, you can get him a pin as well. I like the different chairs and locations for each baby.

  • Ann
    February 23, 2011 at 7:03 pm

    I vote library with white chair. Look at those socks, he’s so precious!

  • Natalie
    February 23, 2011 at 8:11 pm

    Great idea! And have I mentioned how jealous I am that you have a library??? ugh!

    P.S. Those curtains are to-die-for! Anthro?

  • Sierra
    February 23, 2011 at 8:13 pm

    I think August should have his own scene, so he’s not in his sisters shadow. I do really like the idea of him wearing his own version of the same pin so you can see how they compared in size for their ages.

  • ARTiculateART
    February 23, 2011 at 8:37 pm

    He’s so adorable!!!

  • Melissa | IS•LY
    February 23, 2011 at 8:40 pm

    Oh August is adorable! My vote is to do it in the library. When Penelope was a week old, I took a picture of her sleeping in the reading chair in our “library”. Looking at it still cracks me up. Here it is: http://www.flickr.com/photos/melissaesplin/5472265587/

  • Lena
    February 23, 2011 at 9:49 pm

    Library yes… more masculine for August.
    Eames rocker, absolutely.
    Tradition.
    Connection.

    PERFECTION.

    (ps… you just kicked me in my uterus. I want another baby.)

  • Marie @ M2JL STUDIO
    February 23, 2011 at 9:57 pm

    It would also be neat to have a spot for the two of them and take pictures of both month to month.

  • Tiffany
    February 23, 2011 at 10:17 pm

    I love that name. My neices name is August.

  • jenn r
    February 23, 2011 at 11:04 pm

    Um, that is one mighty sweet little man – wherever you take the photo.

  • D
    February 24, 2011 at 12:07 am

    Your babies are so cute, they could make anyone want to have one of their own :)

  • Leah
    February 24, 2011 at 7:39 am

    I like the library and the chair in there, it gives him his own thing. He’s very handsome!

  • Erin
    February 24, 2011 at 7:57 am

    I like the idea of him having his own chair/place in the library. Unless there is something awful about the chair already in the library?

  • Jen K
    February 24, 2011 at 8:09 am

    I vote for August having his own chair in the library. Much easier for Mom and it gives him his own special spot.

  • samsonizzle
    February 24, 2011 at 8:18 am

    Not that this would be any EASIER, but you could do pictures of him in both, then make up your mind down the road. I did that with my son and two stuffed animals; granted they were not the size of chairs.

  • Arlena
    February 24, 2011 at 8:22 am

    What a handsome little lad he is~ I think the library is perfect, and I think he should have his own chair as well.
    I have been reading your blog for a long while, it is so nice to see your beautiful family growing..:)

  • Anne
    February 24, 2011 at 8:55 am

    My vote is for the same chair. I am a mother of four boys and I find it interesteing to see how differently each child grows: in height, in weight, in stature. Having them in the same chair, at particular ages, gives a point of reference. But I do like the library for August.

  • elise
    February 24, 2011 at 9:02 am

    Oh what a beautiful boy ! The photos of Eleanor’s were lovely and original something she will have as an adult. August (love that name) will have them as well , if you choose to do so, and I do hope you will. It will be worth it!

    Thanks for sharing,
    Elise

  • Sacha
    February 24, 2011 at 9:22 am

    Library in that room’s chair. The connection will be that they both have monthly photos. No need to be matchy matchy.

  • Tracy
    February 24, 2011 at 9:30 am

    awwhh hes gorgeous. reminded me how much i love these baby snaps!
    http://www.buzzfeed.com/burnred/while-the-baby-sleeps-281t

  • Carrie
    February 24, 2011 at 10:33 am

    I love his socks!
    I like the idea of the Eames chair to compare size and growth between the two of them. Maybe a spot in your husbands office so you don’t have to lug the chair upstairs?

  • jo
    February 24, 2011 at 12:00 pm

    He is beautiful!!
    I vote for the same chair, it has to be the Eames, you’ll always have the Eames chair and I never concentrated on the setting so much……same is better,consistent background lets you focus on the person!!

    same + action = tradition :–)

  • Alison
    February 24, 2011 at 1:11 pm

    Such an adorable guy. Looking forward to seeing what you decide to do for the monthly photo. Whatever you do it will of course be lovely!

  • laurenjanelle
    February 24, 2011 at 1:17 pm

    Wherever you take it, it’s going to beautiful. Also, I love the ‘etc’ on your bookshelf. It’s a beautiful room.

  • Jenny
    February 24, 2011 at 1:52 pm

    I think the library is a great spot, and while it’s gonna be annoying to move it around I’d definitely use the Eames rocker! That way their pictures not only have a common element, but it’s also gonna be great for comparing how big they both were at the same age.
    He’s absolutely adorable, by the way!

  • luuvely
    February 24, 2011 at 3:05 pm

    i think the chair and the “connection” is a really good idea.. HOWEVER i think him having his own spot is nice too..im a little sister and always wished my mom would’ve been original with me…when i look in our photo albums..its like more of the same…so coming from a little sister…ORIGINAL is always cool…

  • Larami
    February 24, 2011 at 4:28 pm

    I say in the library, on the ottoman. Are we playing clue?

  • Krista of Hopeless Chest
    February 24, 2011 at 8:25 pm

    Such a cute, simple photo!

  • Michele
    February 24, 2011 at 8:43 pm

    You could also take photos by the same book, or pile of books, which will also be a good visual to compare his growth to. Oh, and congrats! Two babies are double the fun. I’m typing with one hand right now because my youngest just figured out how to climb up on the couch and I have to keep a hand on her to make sure she doesn’t launch herself back off. Meanwhile her sister wants to know what we’re doing. Just you wait :)

  • Amanda Z.
    February 24, 2011 at 9:34 pm

    Such a handsome guy! Mine was that small a year ago, sniff.

    I vote library as well, in the petrie chair. He is his own self after all! If you do the same monthly pins that could be the similarity to Eleanor’s photos.

  • Down Comforter
    February 25, 2011 at 8:43 am

    I love the name August and You should definitely use the library. He will look like such a stud surrounded by such classines!

  • Holly G
    February 25, 2011 at 3:29 pm

    I say different chair! I love the one you took though it makes him look like hes in an egg or the womb again!

  • Katrina
    February 25, 2011 at 6:20 pm

    My vote is for th Library – with a different chair, same theme going on but a new spot for him :)

  • Heather
    February 25, 2011 at 7:03 pm

    Stick with the Eames chair — you’re likely to have it forever, whereas the white library chair will likely bite the dust in a few years, and then you’ll be pained to find a replacement.

  • urbanblonde
    February 26, 2011 at 3:31 pm

    Eames chair I agree with the last poster. You’ll probably have that chair forever.

  • Tyla B
    February 27, 2011 at 1:19 pm

    I say let Eleanor stick with the Eames-y and let August have the chair in the library. It’s the same notion – monthly photo in a chair (for scale and composition), yet welcome the opportunity to celebrate their differences as children. I admire your discipline – this is something I wished I had done with my two boys. You’ve definately got yo shnit togetha! Love ya, girl!

  • donaville
    February 27, 2011 at 9:39 pm

    Eleanor didn’t seem to be a squirmy one in any of your photos (though you’ve never shown us outtakes, either). i think if I ever attempted photoshoots of my 8 month old twin babies on anything other than our carpet they would suffer head injuries from leaping off things, especially chairs, heh.

  • theaxx
    February 27, 2011 at 9:57 pm

    eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeek!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    so so so so so cute! Well that’s it now I’m clucky…

    thea.
    xx

    (spoonfulzine)

  • Amanda
    February 28, 2011 at 6:11 pm

    Both would be really sweet.

    If you do them in the library, they’re more special for him, and they’re his own — and also, Eleanor’s spot is her own, which is also very important for her to feel special.

    But if you do them in the same chair Eleanor did hers, you can compare them.

    If it were me? (I know you’re not asking) I’d have his be special … so in the library in the chair.

  • One Month Old (August’s Monthly Photo) | Making it Lovely
    March 8, 2011 at 5:09 pm

    […] you can see, I decided to take August’s photo in the library. Can you believe he’s one month old already? He weighs eleven and a half pounds now, and […]