Finally! The Winners Announced

OK, I'm back from the doctors and still standing (barely) and just to prove to you that I really did get up early this morning, the day after a late night of candy and write this post (against my better judgment) and that it was the dang computer's fault (see this info on Mercury Retrograde about that issue) that I was delinquent in announcing the winners of our Sleeping Like a Baby Photo Contest, I give you the exact post as it was written this morning. Enjoy and thanks for being so gracious about the wait.

So, I'm a little behind this morning, caught in the post-Halloween haze (and I'm sure I'm NOT the only one) but when many of you are on the East Coast, it most definitely doesn't help. UG. Curses Tracey, for not doing this ahead of time. Curses.

I guess it goes without saying (although I'll mention it anyway)that this was my toughest job yet in the contest department. The entries were sublime; each of them holding their own dreamy qualities and super-cuteness. Total "adorable overload".Thank you to all of you who entered. I'm proud to be a part of such a rich photo pool. Speaking of, remember, the pool will open up again (with no limits) so you can enter more and more of these delicious sleeping photos. What fun!

OK, OK, I know you're as excited to learn of the winners as I am of announcing them so here goes.

Oh wait. I forgot to mention that I chose 3 winners instead of 2 but that shouldn't surprise you. AND wait, there will be honorable mentions in my next post. There's a gorgeous handful of HMs so be sure to pop over to see more of your sleep photos featured. I'm anticipating that to be tomorrow but I'd better not jinx it.

Alright, now here goes, really...

The tie for Second Place goes to...

What I love about this one from Island Artist is everything. The composition, the angle, the background, the setting, the overall warm and fuzzy feeling I get when I see this shot. It all works perfectly together to make this image a fantastic sleeping baby image. Oh, and did I mention the cute cute face that just made me want to weep openly? Yah, that too.

and...

And this shot from My Dragonfly of sleepy sibling sweetness holds the magic of togetherness that every parent dreams of. Heavy sigh. What a captivating moment and an absolute perfect image! I could stare at it for days. That goes for most of the other images in this mom's Flickr collection too.

And First Place Winner is...

As soon as I saw this newborn's golden glow I was taken by the hue, it's subtle softness, and the gorgeous lighting on this perfect, tiny baby face. Everything about this image reminds me that there is hope in the world and that children embody that hope. And then I read the caption and saw that it was of the adorable and angelic Annika. Of course this picture spoke to me of beauty, hope, and love.  It all makes WONDER-ful sense. Annika is Moreena's daughter and if you don't know her story, I would encourage you to read about it. Their journey is indeed one of hope, love and courage that is as incredible as this image of Annika is. Thank you Moreena for sharing such a precious gift.

Congratualtions to you three and thanks everyone so much for your participation. I speak for myself and Ann Douglas (author of The Sleep Solutions Book) when I say that all of your beautiful sleeping baby photos melted our mommy hearts!

Comments

[Kari]

What wonderful winners! (And I could tell that last one was Annika without reading another word - that beautiful face is recognizable!)

[moreena]

Wow! Thank you! Plus, you found so many of my favorite other photos, too. Just...wow.

OK, so I don't want to be braggy or anything, but my kids are champion sleepers. Well, except for Annika, and that's because her system is all in a kerfuffle over the liver disease. And, really, she's a good sleeper given the number of time she has to get up to go during the night. (And announce her potty success to me, of course). I've actually been thinking of giving my blog the tagline "Better living through early bedtimes." So perhaps the wonderful Ann Douglas book could be donated to a blogger currently chronicling sleep issues? Any suggestions? I'll have to start clicking around the blog world, but maybe someone already knows the perfect recipient?

[Rachelle]

Beautiful....why are babies and children so beautiful when they are asleep? Peaceful!!! Great Photos!

[Ann D]

And I will send the totally wonderful Moreena an alternative prize -- some goodies from Motherlode and a few other things she might enjoy. A deal has been done at PictureThis! And we can give the sleep book to one of the runners up. How does that sound?

[Cari]

Good choices! And I'm so glad I didn't have to make them...yikes! Too many great options.

[Jen]

CONGRATS to all of you! these are wonderful choices.

[Island jen]

Thank you soooo much! I'm so excited to have won! Your compliments on my photo were so wonderful- I'm blushing!
The photo of Annika was a definite winner, Great choices ladies.

[Holly]

Wow! Thanks. I just got back from vacation and what a wonderful surprise waiting for me.