52/52

Here we are. The last week of 2015 and 52 pictures later. I always think of the week between Christmas and New Year as a sort of dead week; an end-of-year twilight zone if you will. Not much happens and the anticipation (or dread) of new beginnings and resolutions loom on the horizon. 

On Christmas Eve we had friends over for dinner (I served this) and we chatted about our highlights from the past year. When it was my turn to share I really couldn't think of anything other than watching Amelia's milestones unravel through the months. Which is both exciting and terribly slow. For months I was fairly certain she might never learn to crawl. Then I was convinced she wouldn't walk until she was two. Both times she proved me wrong. And even though the last couple of months were tough, I'm so glad I continued to document the process of her growth via the 52project. Thanks for hanging in there with me.

A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2015.

51/52

As 2015 comes to a close I'm reflecting back on the goals I made at the beginning of the year; celebrating success and tapping into my "needs-improvement" category. It's funny how some of the things I set out to do I accomplished at the 100% level. While another, well, I came in at the 45% mark and some I completely failed at. But that's not to say I abandoned my goals altogether just because I wasn't perfect at all five goals. Sometimes I think the best we can do is set the same ambitions every year. Every week. Every day. I read once What you do everyday matters more than what you do once in a while. I believe that. And I remind myself of that sentiment often. 

A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2015.

50/52

A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2015.

Christmas Card Greetings

Before I was married I would send out annual Christmas cards. Often they'd be homemade. The first two years of our marriage I honestly can't remember if we sent out holiday cards. I'm sure we did, but since we were still negotiating life as a couple I think we sent out separate store bought ones to family and friends and talked about having an annual Christmas card form letter (something I'm not a huge fan of). Last year we had a baby, which meant we had to ensure her adorable face was plastered on fridges across America. But the company I used last year ended up messing up my order, which translated to multiple customer service phone calls, and finally receiving low-quality cards that I wasn't happy with but sent out anyways because that was my best option.

This year, our fourth Christmas as a married couple, I feel like we've finally settled on something that works for us! A few weeks ago we had a friend take some pictures for us at a local park. Although the weather was chilly and Amelia was teething all three of us managed to be in the picture together. No small feat. After I sorted through the images I made the smart decision to use Pinhole Press for our Christmas cards since I'd had such luck with them earlier this year. And honestly I couldn't be happier with how they turned out. Not only did the cards arrive in four short days, it was such a relief to receive envelopes with removable sticker backings for an easy no-lick closure. Next year I just have to remember to order more! Do you send out Christmas cards? I know some people send out New Year's greetings, which is also a fun tradition. However you do it, I'm always a proponent of real mail!

Thank you for supporting the products that make it possible for me to create new and original content.

49/52

You guys, I'm totally phoning it in this week and using a picture from our Christmas card session with my friend last week. Which is probably a good thing because 1) Look how little Amelia was last time we had a legitimate photo taken together, and 2) This week she took a face dive off the front porch onto the cement (poor girl). So, you know, not exactly picture worthy. Also I can hardly believe we only have three more weeks until this project is over. 

A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2015.

Special thanks to Alexis for taking this picture. 

48/52

A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2015.

Currently | 12.1.2015

WATCHING: Ken and I watched Inside Out for the first time last night and yes, I cried. Have you seen it? Plus now that December is finally here I'm looking forward to watching one of my favorite Christmas movies.

EATING: I don't know what it is about the colder months but I find myself using my juicer more from October through February. My secret ingredient? Ginger. Also, I really want to find an excuse to make this cake.

READING: A fantasy book, can you believe it? And chuckling about the truthfulness of this piece.

ENJOYING: My new diffuser with cold-fighting essential oil.

MAKING: Thinking I'll make these fragrant neighbor gifts with my inordinate supply of jam jars.

LISTENING: My new favorite podcast.

THINKING ABOUT: What I want to accomplish in 2016.

REMEMBERING: Spending time with family in Georgia over Thanksgiving, where Amelia decided to tumble into the kiddie pool with all her clothes on (GAH!) and where we ate THE BEST breakfast ever.

HOPING: I can spend this month thinking about others and making time to practice random acts of kindness.

EXCITED FOR: Our annual New Year's getaway, this time in Nashville.

 Mural located in Athens, GA.