11.26.2018

• Engaged in imaginative play for the first time this week (that I've noticed). She took some circular items and put them on a bigger circular thing and said "pancakes." (She likes to help me make pancakes in the morning sometimes.
• Language has been exploding lately. I feel like I'm actually talking to someone and communicating and no longer just one word here and there. It's so fun. I also feel like she understands everything I'm saying. The other day we had a doctor's appointment and she has freaked out at them the past two maternity appointments because she doesn't know what they're doing. So before the appointment this time, I took the advice of a parenting book we just listened to and explained everything that would happen and why even though I didn't know if she'd understand. I told her there would be a doctor, I would show my belly and he would measure it to see how baby is doing, he would ask me some questions, and we would hear the baby's heart beat. During the conversation, she said, "doctor" several times, "baby," etc and it actually seemed like she was listening and understanding. Not to mention the appointment went WAY better and she observed for the most part instead of freaked out. She even said "Baby" a few times during the appointment so I think she is starting to get that there is a baby in my tummy. :)
• I've started telling her what we will be doing before we do it more (more from that parenting book). I've realized she understands a lot. It is fun when she gets excited about what we will be doing. If I ask her, "Do you want...? (a cracker, to go outside, etc)" she will often respond with, "Yep!" in a really cute tone. How does she just get more and more fun each day?
• Samuel and I will often end the day with conversations lately revolving around, "Man we just love her isn't she the best."

Feeling extra grateful this Christmas season. 

Family Pictures September 2018

I set the lighting on the camera and my friend Shea took these adorable family photos of us with some instruction from me on poses, etc. Unfortunately, I didn't realize that the camera wasn't even in manual mode and I wasn't able to adjust the shutter speed at all. So disappointing because I love the photos, but they are all a bit grainy and not very crisp or clear. :( :( :( 

Exploring the Beginnings of Fall

This is a path we walk at least twice a week. It's a half mile from our house and right by Daddy's work. The aspens are just starting to turn yellow and this particular day was so delightful. Once we get on the path off the road, she likes to get out and walk and will often play with leaves, sticks, and rocks for as long as her mom can handle the boredom. This day, I decided to bring my nice camera and experiment with lighting and different settings in manual mode. I am still learning and it was fun to try out different settings, although some of my photos are blurry still! But this at least gives you a window into what an afternoon with Annalise looks like currently. Love being this little girl's mama!

Annalise at 16-17 mo

I've been experimenting with photography and I still have no idea what I'm doing, so pardon the weird lighting and complete lack of editing on these photos. Trying to shoot more outside and it's hard because the shadows change with a few steps! Also...manual focusing! Gah! It's fun to learn though. 

And um, let's focus on what's really the point of these pics..how cute and BIG is that baby of mine???

Also. This hubby? Best and most patient model and also...SMOOOLLLLDDEERRRR 

Zoom in on Annie's out-of-focus but adorable face. :)

Giving Daddy a kiss!

My mom requested some photos of Annalise "in a Sunday dress" but it's so cold outside in the morning before church and after church ...well no one's got time for that when it's nap time. So I attempted a few indoors. There was not enough good lighting in my house but some of them still turned out cute with her little curls in the back. :)

A few more from other random shoots indoors:

Yum, strawberries!

"I love books!" delight face.