Time Flies

And just like that - Christmas is over.

It seems like it was just a couple weeks ago that I was sitting in my living room, looking at the mess around me, wondering how another Christmas had gone by, and it was almost 2016. This year has totally flown by, and I am feeling totally blind sided by the fact that it's going to be 2017 in less than a week.

I could talk about all the ways 2016 kicked my butt, but instead let's focus on happy things like Christmas! My in-laws came out to California to celebrate with us, and it was so wonderful to spend a few days with them. I've also decided that the best thing about Christmas these days is having kids and watching them get SO EXCITED about every present!! And shout out to Esther, who made our matching family jammies!! We were in such a rush to get to church that we didn't get a picture of everyone together, but I'll work on that.

A Day in the Life

I know, I know - it's been a long time since I've written anything, and then here I am with two posts in as many days.

We moved to California from Utah in July, and our stuff took over two weeks to get to us. While we were waiting on basically all our earthly belongings, I decided to do a photo series of a day in the life. If you enjoy taking photos at all, I highly recommend doing "a day in the life" once every few months. I look back on these pictures from July and feel like my kids have already grown and changed so much, and I feel the need to do this again soon.

There's nothing exquisite or extraordinary about our lives - most of the time we stay at home, play with toys and the dog, watch TV, nap, eat dinner, do baths, and go to bed. But those mundane, ordinary, everyday activities are what make up our lives right now, and I think they are important things to document. Because while all the fun vacations, day trips, and play dates are wonderful things to have memories of, it's also important to document the time and events scattered among them.

And if you don't feel comfortable documenting your own day, you can hire me to do so. I love lifestyle photography!

I'm A...

Hi guys!!!! 

So I've been thinking lately... what do we mean when we say we're a _________? When can we call ourselves _______________? What qualifies us as ______________?

Don't get what I mean?

I'm a photographer.  I didn't know when to start calling myself a photographer. I've had a "fancy camera" for years, but I didn't figure out how to really use it until about a year ago. Then, I took pictures of family and friends for free to practice. I did my first paid shoot in August of 2013. I still didn't feel comfortable calling myself a photographer, and I'm not sure why. I have poured hours of my life into studying photography, learning about light, learning all the tips and tricks of my camera, studying posing and composition, etc. etc. I've poured thousands of dollars into equipment and lenses. I've come a very long way, but I know I have a long way to go. I'm a photographer, but am I really? Do I really qualify as one?

I'm a runner.  I have a problem calling myself a runner. Nevermind the fact that I can run 8+ miles without stopping - I just don't feel like a runner. I'm not fast, I don't live to run, I don't really even care for it all that much, but does that mean I'm not a runner? Do I qualify as a runner even though it's not my favorite thing in the world? How do I make that distinction?

I'm sure there are plenty more __________s that I could fill, but those are the two I've been thinking of lately. What about you? What are your _________s that you question? What are you? 

9 Months Out!!

Howdy! 

Before I get into things, if you aren't already, could you please follow me on Instagram? Elsie is a finalist in a modeling contest, and I could really use you guys' help for her to win! AKA I'm begging for votes. Voting starts today (Monday).  

So Elsie turned 9 months last Monday, and, as usual, I've slacked on getting her update up. I meant to take her pictures on her 9 month bday, but, ya know, life got in the way.

So here's her little update and some mediocre photos (she wasn't being the most cooperative baby ever).

Dear Elsie, 

I say this all the time, but seriously - where the heck has the time gone? You are so fun, and your little personality grows and changes each and every day. You roll around and crawl backwards, and you have mommy pull you to standing up so that you can "walk" any chance you get. You can almost sit up from a laying position, but you need something to pull yourself up (I don't blame you - I can barely sit up from laying down).

You talk soooo much. Sure, it might be more incoherent than a drunk redneck, but you love to tell me all about your day. You still say, "Da-da," and you are really close to saying, "Mama." You say, "Ooh!" and you love to scream. We sometimes scream and squeal back and forth, and you really love that.

I know this is an old video, but you still love this game:
You throw temper tantrums when I take away your toys, you can drink out of a cup with minimal spillage, and you love to feed yourself crackers and baby cheese puffs. I've tried to let you feed yourself with a spoon, but you end up throwing the bowl and chewing on the spoon instead of eating the pureed food.

You've got 6 little teeth - the four top middle teeth just came in all at once, and that was no fun. They've all finally broken through, though, so hopefully you get a little bit of a break before your next teeth come in.

You fell off the couch for the first time this past month (I say first time because I know it probably won't be the last... sorry about that), and you slammed your head into a table leg last week. Personally, I think that's a pretty good ratio of number of accidents to time spent out of the womb. We should make a sign that says, "____ days accident free!" 

Anyway, you're still in size 2 diapers, 6 month Carters onesies and 9 month everyone else onesies. You wear 9-12 month leggings and pants, and those are getting too short, so I'd better get my sewing pants on and make you some stuff! You are still just as smiley and giggly as can be, and we love you more than anything!

Love, 

Mom. 

8 Months!

Hiii everybody! 

I'm sure you're probably all sick of the monthly updates, but I have to be honest and say... they're for me, not you all. I really don't want to forget anything!

So there will be the obligatory cute monthly photos sprinkled throughout the post, as usual.

Dear Elsie, 

You are, of course, as cute as ever. I just love your smiles and your laughter - they make every day a little easier.

You love to babble on and on and tell anyone and everyone what's on your mind. You're also a fan of the high-pitched scream... I'm not, though, so if you could kindly realize that it's no fun for mama's ears, I'd appreciate it. You still say "da-da," and it still melts our hearts every time.

You can almost clap and wave. It's so funny and cute when you try to do either one because you're not quite coordinated enough, but we enjoy watching you learn new things. You're still not quite into crawling, which I am TOTALLY okay with. Instead, you just roll from one side of the room to the other to get what you want. We're almost to the point where it would be wise to baby-proof.

You're too long for your baby car seat, so we have switched you to a convertible rear-facing seat. It definitely seems to be more comfortable for you, but it's kind of inconvenient when you fall asleep in the car.

You still wear size 2 diapers and are fitting 6-9 month clothing. The only brand you wear anymore is Carters, because everything else is for babies with a little more meat on their bones. I think you're perfect the way you are, baby chub or no baby chub. :)

We love you so very much, little monkey! You make our days a little brighter and fill our hearts with love. You are such a blessing and we are so glad we get to spend every day taking care of you!

Love, 

Mom

CONFESSIONS!!!!!

Like, OMG!

I'm blogging. And it's not a monthly Elsie update. Look at the sky, because you may or may not see pigs flying.

Anyway... I know that this is the first time in forever that I've done Sunday Confessions, so I'm not even going to bother making it a link up this week.

1. I absolutely love looking at homes. We aren't even really looking to move right now, but we have been going to different homes around town just to get an idea of what we will want when we upgrade to a bigger home. I have absolutely LOVED it. This could be because we are looking primarily at homes built in the early 1900's, and those always have character. So far, this is my favorite:

Zillow

2. I am constantly analyzing photos that pop up in my news feed. It's bad. I look at them and pick them apart in my head, whether they're professional images or simple snapshots. I guess this is the curse of being a photographer.

3. On that note, it is REALLY hard for me to post my own pictures without tearing them apart first, even if they're snapshots. If it's not taken with my iPhone, I tear it apart, and 9 times out of 10, I won't post it on my personal page if I wouldn't post it on my professional page.

4. I sometimes think that brushing my teeth requires a lot of effort. I always brush, simply because I have to wear my retainer every night, but that doesn't mean I don't grumble about having to do it. HA!

5. I want another baby, but I'm scared that I wouldn't love her/him as much as I love Elsie. I know people would probably tell me that that's ridiculous, but it's true! I worry about these things. So, mama's of two or more... how do you love two kids equally?

What do you have to confess? 

Growing up is Hard to do

Yo, yo, yo!! 

Just to let you all know - this blog post is kind of a way for me to put off reading German lit. So... you should probably all just yell at me right now.

In other news... Elsie turned three months on Saturday! I seriously can't believe it's been that long already (I know, I know... I say that all. the. freaking. time.) So... here's a little letter to my little girl!

Dear Elsie bear, 

I still can't believe you're mine to keep forever (well, until some handsome dude decides to sweep you off your feet, but let's not talk about that). I look at you and I see a beautiful, smart, curious, and strong little girl. You're always so happy - I'm not really sure how I ended up so lucky. When I wake up in the morning, there you are, ready to greet me with a big, toothless grin. When I tell you I love you, you smile up and me and growl (I'm convinced it's Elsie-language for, "I love you, too, Mom"). When your dad and I sing to you, you look up at us with those big blue eyes of yours and start to coo along. I can't wait until that cooing becomes actual singing - if you're anything like your dad, you will have an amazing voice.

Every day I fall more and more in love with you. Sure, there are days where I wonder what the heck I'm doing, but for the most part, you and I make a pretty good team. I love absolutely everything about you, and I am so excited to watch you grow and progress. Part of me wishes you'd stay little forever, but then I wouldn't get the opportunity to teach you, and that would be pretty lame.

Elsie, you are the best thing that has ever happened to your daddy and I, and we thank God every day that He brought you into our lives. I love you, you little turkey!!

Love, 

Mom

Why I've Sucked at Blogging Lately

Hey guys!! 

So.... I don't know if you've noticed, but I've gone back to that whole sucking at blogging thing. That would be because I started this whole photography business thing and it has kept me SUPER busy. I decided to run a mini session special for the month of August and I guess I underestimated the amount of people who would be interested. As in.... I've booked almost 20 shoots and we're not even halfway through the month. Holy guacamole. Anyway.... here are a few of my favorite pictures from recent sessions!

Sunday Confessions Link Up

It's that time again... 

Grab a button, write a post sharing your deepest, darkest secrets, and link on up! Be sure to visit some of the other blogs here and make new friends! Please and thank you!
  <center> <a href="http://itsalyx.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6701442513_4c7153a301.jpg" width="200" height="200" /></a></center> 1. Instead of doing 30 Day Shred last night, I spent a couple hours editing photos. Oops. Here's one of the pictures from yesterday's shoot. If you want to see more, you can visit my Everyday Adventures Photography Facebook page by clicking "Photography" up there... or just by clicking here. And don't worry... I did get a workout in yesterday - I did C25K.

2. I am sick of all of my clothes. I need someone to help me mix up my wardrobe a little and teach me how to dress myself with what I have. I think it's partially because I still don't quite feel comfortable in a lot of my pre-pregnancy clothes, but I am in a rut!

3. I suck at texting. There, I said it. I am an awful texter.

4. I LOVE diet A&W Cream Soda. It's not the healthiest thing to love, but hey - at least it's diet, right?

5. I read 5 books in 3 days this week. This means that my dishes and living room floor got ignored. Sorry I'm not sorry.

What do you have to confess? Link up your posts below!

Sunday Confessions... THEY'RE BACK!!!!

Hiiii!!! 

I don't know if you've forgotten how this thing works (heck, it's been forever - I may have forgotten!), but here's the deal: take a button, write a post about how you still sleep with a nightlight, and link it up for the world to read.
  <center> <a href="http://itsalyx.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7148/6701442513_4c7153a301.jpg" width="200" height="200" /></a></center> 1. I took the leap. I started a little photography business and I have my first paid shoot tonight. I'm SUPER nervous. Fingers crossed that it goes well!

2. I am sort of freaking out about school starting. How am I supposed to do this with a baby?! I'm not only going to be a full-time grad student - I'll be teaching, too. I don't even know my teaching schedule yet and that's sort of really stressing me out.

3. I sometimes wish I could have a do-over of my wedding reception. I was married before pinterest. Because of this, I didn't really have any inspiration. If I could redo it, it would be freaking awesome. Oh, and it would be nice to actually BE at my reception.

4. I am sick of my hair. I don't remember the last time I actually did something with it - it always just gets thrown into a messy bun.

5. I'm cheating. When it comes to fruits and vegetables, that is. I've been drinking V8 Fusion to get my servings of fruits and veggies. Sorry I'm not sorry.

via

I'm Kind of Addicted.

... to my camera. And Photoshop. Good thing the two of those go hand in hand.

As in... I can use my camera to take pictures of other people in order to keep feeding my PS addiction. Good thing I have friends with cute babies who humor me (even if their husbands don't... cough, cough, PETER... cough).

I think we got some good shots, though! At the top are the edits, and then underneath I put together some before and afters (because I like to see how far my editing skills have come).

For this edit, I removed the truck from the back of Peter's shirt and changed the trees on the left hand side of the building. 

For this edit, I moved Katie over to the far right side of the photo and added sand. 

For this edit, I removed most of the background (it was kind of an eye-sore). 

I wish I'd saved some of the "before" shots from my maternity pictures, because the editing that went into those was pretty awesome, and I was really proud of myself. Oh, well. I'll just have to remember to always keep originals from now on! 

Maybe someday I'll show you some of my old edits, and you all can laugh at my horrible judgement from days gone by. ;)