52/52 Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas! 

I actually finished a photography challenge! Although it wasn't hard because I am constantly taking pictures of Amelia. My mom actually took this picture of us before Clint and I went to his work Christmas party. I hope you and yours are having a wonderful holiday!

We are at the ranch enjoying Christmas with Clint's family. We did Christmas with my family last week when they were all here visiting for Amelia's birthday.

I am trying to decide on my next photography goal. I have been trying to participate in the #fmsphotoaday challenge on Instagram, but I am awful with keeping up. Although, I found if I write what each day is in my day planner, I am more likely to remember. Are you participating? It's super fun and random, I love seeing what everyone comes up with for the same photo prompt and how different everyone's photos are. 

I was thinking about doing another 52 weeks project, but I am not sure on my subject matter yet. I was thinking perhaps more arty? I was also thinking I should get better at using my camera instead of my phone. That is how I started this last challenge, and then I got lazy and started using my phone again. My goal is to get better at using an actual camera. 

I know some people like to do the 365 project, which is one heck of a challenge. Are you into photography challenges? Which ones have you participated in? Completed? Any subject matter you would like to see lots of pictures of on Scrawny Girl in 2014? Let me know in the comments!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS!

 

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Today is Amelia's 1st birthday! This year has just flown by! We had her party on Saturday, and she had so much fun. She enjoyed everyone singing Happy Birthday, opening presents, and smashing cake. It was the cutest little party. Sadly none of her cousins we able to make it, but it just kept all the attention on her which was nice. I also get to keep all the rad goodies I picked up for the goody bags, and I'm not complaining (hello MLP temporary tattoos). 

Her cousins are here visiting and it's interesting to see her interacting with kids close to her age. She definitely loves to follow them around and copy them. Tonight we are having mini cupcakes (courtesy of MiMi) to celebrate after dinner. 

I am not big on sharing super personal things on here, and especially not birthing stories. Truthfully birthing stories freak me out. I read one once, and I never thought I would have a baby after reading it. But I wanted to share a few things from the day Amelia was born so I wouldn't forget, and maybe someday she will read it and enjoy learning about the beginning of her life. 

Amelia Birthday Fun Facts:

1. I started the very early signs of labor in Pier 1. I was Christmas shopping with my friends T&E.

2. Clint was at work, and rushed home. We headed up to the hospital with my mom in tow at 11pm on Dec 17th.

3. Upon arrival I immediately asked for the epidural. I thought I was going to be hardcore and wait until I really needed it, but I went in and told them to give new the good stuff. Of course I had to wait an hour.

4. Amelia was born at 7:41 am on Dec 18th. My mom was there and so was Clint. My moms job was to give me the oxygen mask between pushes. 

5. I kept saying "they didn't tell me this in the class!" I so wasn't prepared! 

6. The first thing I said when I held her was "she doesn't look like an alien" and "she has hair!"

7. Later that day there was a crazy haboob.

8.We spent the entire time in the hospital watching Castle.

9. When we finally went to leave the hospital our car wouldn't start, and a security guard had to help jump start it. 

She was the cutest little thing and it was a very exciting time. Clint was super cute and got to give her her first bath and he loved cuddling with her (and still does). She's definitely a daddy's girl. She has grown to be the funniest little girl with a bright personality. We are very excited to share all these new experiences with her as she grows. Xo

47/52

Amelia is 11 months old as of the 18th! I keep forgetting that she is not a baby anymore, but she's a toddler who wants to do things for herself. She is such a big girl these days! She had her first grilled cheese yesterday, she loves playing in my closet, she had her first play date, she actually watches the TV now....there are so many things she's doing I can't even keep up. She's trying to talk more, which I love! I also love that she wants me to read her board books to her now. She sits in my lap an pays attention for the most part, until she wants to read and turn the pages. 

The MLP party things I ordered from Amazon came in the mail this week. I can't believe her party is less than a month a way! I'm excited! 

What was your favorite book as a child?

Amelia likes this book called Eyes, Nose, Fingers, and Toes by Judy Hindley. She carries it around all day, and I read it to her about half a dozen times before I hide it and pull out a different book. 

46/52

Amelia has the cutest little voice! She recently started telling Clint bye bye when he leaves for work, with a little wave. She is still loving My Little Pony, and tries to carry all her plushie ponies around the house with her. I ordered some MLP birthday decorations and invites for her party next month. 

We finally found a pair of shoes that fit, stay on her feet, and she likes. She's so cute walking around in them. They look like little moccasins. 

Amelia is my little helper during the day. She helps me with laundry, dishes, blogging...you name it she wants to help. Although, her version of helping is a little less helpful and makes more work for me, but she's adorable. I'm excited for the day she can help me bake. I'm going to make us matching aprons!

What was your favorite thing to "help" with when you were little?

45/52

Amelia was Cinderella for Halloween. We didn't take her trick or treating, but we did carve that pumpkin she hated so much. She loved the Jack o'Lantern! This year was the first year I made a successful batch of roasted pumpkin seeds. Like every year, we watched It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown. 

 She is getting great at walking, and walking fast! She is starting to try and say more words, and loves clapping. She's really sassy and is getting better at arguing when I tell her to get down off of things she's climbed on. Her love for Loki is the cutest, and she just giggles when he is in the same room with her.

I'm getting excited for her birthday party, and I've been looking at making/buying her a teepee. 

Do you have 1st birthday gift ideas? I like to give Lisa Loeb's Sing Along Books as gifts for kiddos.