taking more "real" photos

Since joining the world of smart-phone users last spring the amount I use an actual camera has been rapidly decreasing. Oddly enough, it's also a factor in my blogging less. Here's why...

It's obviously more convenient to capture the candid moments with my phone because it's always close by and easier to grab off the kitchen countertop or table. We keep the DSLR in a much safer place, which means it's not quickly accessible.

Another factor is that since Desmond was born I've had far less time to "play dress-up" and take photos like I did when Kai was a baby. Less time, and the fact that Kai prefers to be mostly naked unless we are leaving the house (and even then it's a struggle).

I don't have the greatest camera on my phone, it's far better than what I used to have, but still not great for sharing photos on my blog. Since my phone is primarily how I take photos these days, I have less photos that are good enough to share here. Plus, with instagram, most of my photos are already going out to all my family and friends that would read here anyway.

I really would love to take more "real" photos, not only to blog but to have better quality photos now and down the road to look back on, print, or send.

So, here it is- I'm vowing to take more photos with an actual camera and hopefully I'll get around to sharing them too!

photo friday: ip cam

We recently got a new gadget that has pretty much revolutionized naps + bedtime. We were struggling with constantly checking on Kai because he started to literally rearrange furniture and strip from the waist down when he was supposed to be sleeping.

We thought we'd register for a video monitor for little brother since it would come in handy with both children, but even the lowest priced monitor seemed out of range for anyone to buy for us. We did some more research on video monitors and decided that they weren't secure enough for us. The negative reviews I ran into on Amazon alerted me to the fact that any neighbors in the area that also had video monitor equipment could tap into our video feed and see us and our kiddos. I know the odds of someone actually doing so are fairly low, but having accidentally heard someone nearby through our audio monitor on a couple of occasions had me creeped out enough to know I didn't want to spend $150 to possibly let strangers into my home.

Ben began to research IP cameras that work exclusively on your home network. These cameras are often used for home security purposes and from the reviews it seems that people are using them for baby monitors more and more. The biggest benefit being security, the 2nd benefit being a much lower price. We decided to go with the Foscam for best reviews + price ($89.99).

When we got it set up it was like a whole new world opened up. We no longer had to open the door and risk disturbing our sleeping toddler, or not open the door and wake up at 12am to find him soaked after taking his diaper off. We also no longer had to wonder about every bump + thump that came from his room. Sometimes he would just bump the side of his bed, other times he was literally moving furniture.

One feature I love is "snapshot" where it takes a still photo. I've taken several as I watch Kai doing something sweet or funny. I've captured bedtime stories with daddy...

and funny moments where he really should be sleeping...

{bonus points if you can spot him in all 4 photos}

and precious and hilarious sleeping positions....

{under the pillow with his feet sticking out is one of my faves}

This camera has been a lifesaver and I'm so glad we finally made a choice and got something that works for our family!  I love watching Kai fall asleep and on the occasions where he's being mischievous I've often been able to holler "no!" from the other room and stop him in his tracks without even going in! Complete game changer! I think it'll come in handy when (if) we decide to have the boys share a room some day as well.

Now, if we could get him to keep his pants/diaper on at bedtime he might go to sleep on time. Any pointers toddler parents? (we've tried onesies + pullups already)