Print Design c/o E Ogden Ave
Photo Credit: Michelle Standerfer Photography
Style: Ashley Dunaway
2.14.2014
2.13.2014
We EAT | PB&J
This is Parker and Jolie.
You know them, right? They are my children.
And they L.O.V.E. peanut butter.
Like. loveeeeee it
We eat it everyday. And it is surely no surprise at all that these little PB-obsessed birds love it, too.
I ate it every.single.day. while they were in my belly.
Peanut butter crack as a former co-worker used to call it..
Peanut Butter & Grape Jelly Sandwich
there were peaches, too.. but peanut butter reigned over all at this meal.
Peanut butter is one of those 'scary' foods for young babies. We waited until 1 year to offer it to them for the first time. Made sure to be in a safe and controlled environment when we did it, too {we were at the fire station with a house full of medics sitting at the table with us}
The rest is history.
We eat a PBJ a couple times a week. I've fallen in love with Uncrustables.
The Uncrustables travel easy in the diaper bag (they are kept frozen) while we are out and about- and thaw out just in time for lunch.
I know they will for sure eat it and I'm thankful for that. Last thing I need is two cranky and hungry babies when we are out trying to accomplish a to-do list a mile long. They do so much better when they have full bellies.
How do you think I make it through the grocery store? Snacks. Lots and lots of snacks.
Uncrustables.. its peanut butter and its jelly. On white bread. So, yes. We love them.
..and again with stuffing the food in the straws of their sippy cups. Any one else's kiddo do this?
I'm thinking that our next little girl will have a name starting with a "B"'. That way our little PB&J love will be complete. What do you think?
Good. Me too.
{Jordan might be keeling over in his chair right about now with the thought of a FOUR girls in his house...}
2.12.2014
Parker & Jolie's Year ONE Photo Book Tutorial
Two words: Baby Book.
Stress me out.
I used to be a scrapbooker. In other words.. hoarder of paper assortments, cut outs, crickets, embellishments, tape, stickers.
You get the point.
I spent hours on end scrapbooks. Jordan and I have a scrap book for each year we dated, and then another for our wedding.
Our wedding guests signed this scrapbook.
I was into it.
Reallllyy into it.
I always said that I would make to biggest and best scrap book for my baby (read: singleton).
6 months into the little birds' life and I hadn't touched the books I got for them. whoops.
What I had done was documented every move, drool, coo, and diaper (practically..) via this blog.
Enter Shutterfly.
Photo book of their first year was the logical solution to my baby scrap book-less life I had going.
After this post and a {hashtag} WIDN picture on the 'gram (masseya) I've had quiet the interest in these books I created for Parker and Jolie.
I surely don't mind sharing- I am pretty proud of them, actually.
They took me what seemed like forever- but as a consolation, I am a perfectionist.
The girls' first year scrap books would have taken me 7 1/2 years to complete.
..and you think I'm kidding.
So- where do I start, Shutterfly? I hadn't a clue where to begin, which layout to choose, how to design it.. but first things first. I had to get organized.
Two things..
1.) Figure out your own personal theme you are going for with the book as a whole. I focused on the highlights from the girls' first year. Major milestones, events, and monthly photos. I knew I wanted to include the letters I wrote to each of them on the blog every month- so I made sure I had the space.
2.) Figure out what pictures you would like to use. I organized my pictures by month and event, so that when I was ready to put them in the book it didn't take me as long as it would have if I did it while I went.
..and actually, let me add a third point here:
3.) save, save, save, SAVE your work. How many times was I cussing out the computer (wait- I don't cuss.) at midnight after losing three pages of 'work' due to an accidental click off the page, or page error. Save it. Save it, again. and then again.
Picking your layout.
Shutterfly is organized by theme, which makes it easy to find what you are looking for based on life event.
Go for the StoryBoard.
Once your layout option has been selected, its time to load your pictures! I start in the Storyboard option of the layout. All I'm focusing on at this point is getting the pictures that I want on the pages that I need them on. Keeps me from getting distracted with all the embellishment options. Get the photos in the book and organize them the way you want them before adding any kind of design element.
Add embellishments.
After you choose a layout style, there seems like there are hardly any embellishments or options to make it 'pretty'. I was halfway through Jolie's book (my first book) when I realized that I had more options! In the far left hand side of this screen shot you can see: get more stickers.
Choose your background.
These background options were only available for Parker's book. Jolie had the chalkboard theme, so the color options weren't as plentiful.
Picture layout.
There are a million ways to layout your pictures! For the pages with the letters I chose the 'text' option, and for the other pages with pictures, I was able to choose a layout based on how many pictures I had added via the 'storyboard' option in the beginning.
You are also able to add/delete text boxes where needed- if you wanted to add or remove text.
Now it is time to design away!!
Details | Parker Jane
The title page. Jolie and Parker have very similar welcome pages in the beginning of their book (same picture)
I used a lot of the same pictures for milestones that Parker and Jolie met together, but included pictures of each baby individually to make their book extra special.
Parker's "Favorites" and letter from momma.
The Fall Family Photos page and the pages covering their Winter ONEderland birthday party are the same in both books.
Details | Jolie Grace
Jolie had a spread about overcoming torticollis through PT. I was excited to record this accomplishment for her to look back on.
When you are ready to purchase your book- make sure to proofread. Let someone else look it over.. and make sure your dates, spelling, and pictures are exactly the way you want. Once you've placed your order with Shutterfly, you have 30 minutes to cancel/change your order before its sent to print. Such a small window of time!
When it came time to add my book to the shopping cart I had lots of options for completing my book. One of which is the page orientation. I opted out of the lay flat pages for the additional $30.00.
Ya'll. I am totally in love with how these turned out. I can't stop looking at them- over and over, and over again.
I was completely lost in how to go about getting started with this- and hopefully this helps to answer questions you might have about starting one of your own. I know for a fact there are about a bazillion options/companies when it comes to making a photo book- and this has been my- rather good, mind you- experience with Shutterfly.
If you have any questions- feel free to email me or leave a comment (with an email attached) so I can respond! I cannot respond to the 'no-reply blogger' comments.
Good luck!
*this may look like a sponsored post but I assure you Shutterfly has no clue who I am. I bought this product to use for myself and in now way was I compensated for using Shutterfly.
2.11.2014
Parker & Jolie: 14 months
The little birds are 14 months. As badly as I wish for time to slow- it is speeding up and laughing hysterically in my face as the days skip by the handfuls.
Jolie Grace
Jo-Jo.. Jo..Polie..love-bug.
..crazy-pants.. nutso..crack-head.
All names we use for this girl, Jolie.
..the kid is one.of.a.kind, I tell you.
Takes life almost as if its a joke, and goes with the flow.
..very rare that she gets upset or even cries.
Her hair is long enough to go in a {mini} pony.
..falls over her ears and down her neck.
She loves loves loves her {original} puppy.
..the second puppy is officially the red-headed step child in the family.
This girl (still) sleeps 12 hours a night, but is now occasionally waking up in time to catch Mickey at 7:30am.
Sucks her thumb AND plays with the bootie tags of puppy while she falls asleep.
..she learned the tag twirling thing from her sister, because we surely didn't teach her.
Falls asleep with both her feet hanging out of the crib {between the bars}.
..naps like a champ {two 2-hour naps at 10am and 3pm}.
Eats well, but has become a little choosy in selection.
..totally loving peanut butter, waffles, strawberries, peaches, and cheesy eggs.
Practically wiggles her way across the kitchen tile when she sees me pull out an apple or avocado.
..and will take a bite out of a lime wedge without flinching a facial muscle.
{Still} prefers the veggies over meats or pasta {put that on repeat}.
..but totally digs momma's homemade turkey meatballs, fish sticks, and chicken nuggets.
Currently cutting her ninth tooth {bottom right molar}.
..and having a heck of a time {fever, drooling, clingy, loss of appetite, sleepless/restless}.
Totally not Jolie characteristics, and its breaking this mommas heart.
..still in good spirits for the most part.
..is quite the ham.
Has added the Jolie Shake to her dance move repertoire.
..you have to bear witness to said Jolie Shake to fully understand the caliber of funny that it is.
Singing and dancing {and often, the classic head-bob} comes in pairs to any tune..
..even when its not even a tune at all.
Girl got beats running through her blood.
Loves her sister..
..but {if we are being honest} could take her or leave her.
Steals Parker's paci and Wubby and waits patiently to hear her scream.
..yanks the books, hides the blocks, and fights for the millimeter of space left in my lap when Parker is in it.
But, the moment Parker leaves the room, Jolie must follow suit.
BFFs for ever.
Has taken on MAJOR momma affection..
..but who's complaining?
Hugs, kisses, cuddles, and giggles.
..held hostage from daddy, but given freely to her momma.
LOVES to close doors, drawers, and cabinets.
..always make it a point to be in front of her when walking into a room or else you'll welcome a door slammed in your face.
Speaking from experience.
Infatuated with fire.
..and will stand stone still pointing for moments on end.
Her joy is contagious.
..dont believe me- just catch her gaze for 1/67th of a second and you'll see what I mean.
Try and look away.
..you just.can't.do.it.
bib / Rockin AB // sippy cup / Nuby flip n' sip
denim top / carter's // mustard skinnies / osh'kosh // moccs / Little Tonto Moccs
headband / c/o BelleMeadeLane
knot hat / Cotton Cupcake Shoppe // leggings / BL
top / babyGap // jeggings / Nordstrom Rack // moccs / Little Tonto Moccs
dress / babyGap // head bow / shelbychicboutique (instagram shop)
head bow / jameson monroe // sweats / babyGap (no longer available) // knit booties / GroopDealz
Parker Jane
Parks.. baby girl..boo..
..crazy train {Parker Jane}..
All names we use for this girl, Parker.
Proudly claims momma as her very own {still}.
..loves to cuddle more than anything and will find any reason to get up into your arms {still}.
BUT, such a big girl now.
..she gives her Wubby and paci freely right after nap and doesn't {usually} ask for it back until its time to sleep again.
My sweetest baby girl is finally sleeping through the night again.
..finally.
She is currently cutting her twelfth tooth {bottom right front}.
..aside from the drooling and occasional cling to mommas legs, she is taking more of the typical "Jolie mentality".
Keeping her cool.
Miss Parker's palette is expanding.
..a little less picky and little more choosy with what she puts in her mouth.
Not a huge fan of the cheesy eggs, but will pick out each and every turkey dog half mixed into them.
She's still a meat eater-thats for sure.
...turkey sausage, homemade turkey meatballs, chicken nuggets & fish sticks are on her favorites list.
BUT- will now always eat her veggies.
..especially carrots. and peanut butter {not a veggie.}
Grazes all day long.
..will eat me out of house and home if I let her.
Strawberries, grapes, mandarin oranges, peaches, pears, apples.
..you name the fruit, Parker has her name on it.
If she isn't a fan of something at meal time..
..she piles it into the 'cup holder' on her highchair tray.
Somehow broccoli always ends up in that holder.
..but she loves broccoli. About 4 days a week. Catch her on the 5th day and its questionable.
Laugher comes easy these days.
..and it is oh-so-contagious.
The monster attitude has subsided quiet a bit.
..but the foot stomp, and arm flail when she doesn't get her way it still there. For sure.
While she still loves the stacking toys and puzzles..
..her love for books far surpasses it all.
Pointing out Goofy, Mickey, and all their friends.
..and flipping pages faster than I can read them is how we get through books in this house.
Parker absolutely adores Jolie.
..totally smitten by her sister.
In the often times that Jolie sleeps longer than her.
..Parker stands at the door to the nursery wishing to open it.
In the same moment she totally misses her.
..Jolie drives her to screaming if momma is involved.
Frenemies half the time.
..BFF's for always.
The best little helper {still}.
..someone give that baby a dish rag and she'll wipe any surface clean as a whistle.
Or wear it on her head.
..she makes anything the greatest accessory.
Dinner time mean bowls, spoons, and spatulas for Parker to play.
..she mixes up the best imaginary pudding on the planet.
Smart as a whip.
..understands most everything and will nod 'yes' and 'no'.
Points out her mouth, eyes, and nose.
..she'll point to yours, too!
Her favorite part to show you is her belly.
Belly, belly, belly, belly.
Can say a few new words.
..'sister' and 'hot' are the sweetest little sounds you've ever heard.
Parker Jane is way too fun to play with.
..but I absolutely will never pass up a snuggle sesh with this girl.
Can never take that for granted.
..this stage wont last forever.
Even though I am wishing that it would.
Happy 14 months, girls! I love you!!
neon skinnies / carter's // moccs / little tonto moccs
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