Playing with my camera

So I am trying to learn to take better pictures. I have this wonderful camera but am still unsure how to really use it. I found a wonderful blog with helpful tips and decided to give some of them a try. I really love the photos with a blurry background and eyes that pop. Who know it was as easy as the lens you choose. I am lucky enough to have the perfect lens for this, and I had no idea. In fact, I have never even used this lens before. Now it is my absolute favorite. Let me know what you think. I have only taken a few photos so far, so I am still working on perfecting it. 

Creative Juices Flowing and UPDATES

Most of you know that I am an avid scrapbooker, both digitally and traditionally. I could open a store with all my scrapbook supplies. However, lately it has been more digital than traditional. (I recently completed 8 pages for Delilah's book in 2 days. A feat considering I do it during nap time and bed time.) Digital is so much easier and I can do more complex things with my page. There is also the added bonus of no clean up after. In all honesty, I haven't touched my 'traditional' scrapbook supplies in many many months. So I am thinking about selling it all. I figure if I'm not using it, someone else will. But I have missed the 'hands on' crafting. So what is a girl to do? Take up sewing of course!!! As you have seen in previous posts, I love it. There is something amazing about creating something from a piece of fabric. There are so many options and I cannot wait to try them all. Today was a day to try something new. I made a fabric 'yo-yo' (looks like a flower to me). Super cute and super easy. Well, once I made it I had to figure out what to do with it. My solution...personalized wipe case. Definitely not a necessity, but a fun way to use some cute fabric. Check it out:

Easy, easy, easy. I'm thinking about making more. I have a few of the wipes cases laying around the house. I also could use the 'yo-yo's' on the dresses I want to make for Delilah. Just to add a pop of texture. Oh the ideas just keep flowing.

Speaking of Delilah, I haven't really posted much on her lately. A shame considering this is her blog! So here is a 10 month update.

Little missy is getting so big. I weighed her on the 24th and she came it at 17 pounds, 4 ounces. She also measured 29.5 inches long. Tall and lean. Not sure if it is the growth hormone, but the girl is growing like a weed. As for some development updates, she is a rock star. She is sitting independently, eating table foods, standing with support, and her balance is getting better and better every day. We (therapists included) see signs of her crawling soon. We just have to get her little arms stronger. Her legs are great. I am so happy with her progress. Here are some random pictures I took of her recently.

See those two bottom teeth? Cutest things ever!!! Finally, one of her top teeth has broken through and the other one is only days away. I love a toothy grin!!! 

Just so you all know, May is National Prader-Willi Awareness month. I am trying to come up with some ways to get the awareness out there about this life long syndrome. Maybe I will try some fundraising. Any ideas? I was thinking maybe I could make something to sale with 100% of the proceeds going to the Foundaion for Prader-Willi Research. Please leave comments with any ideas you may have. 

Another UPDATE: (I know, long post) The PWS episode on Extreme Makeover Home Addition has been pushed back a week from what I can tell. It will not be May 2nd as previously posted. It looks like it has been pushed back to May 9th, Mothers Day. I will keep you updated if there are any other changes.  

My To Do List

I cannot believe that April is almost over. These next few months are going to be busy, busy, busy. Here is a look at my to do list, all of which have to be completed before Delilah's birthday party (seeing how they are all for her birthday party).

1. Finish her First Year Baby Book...20 pages done, only 60 more to go!!! 
2. Make her a Tutu for pictures, which will be used for the party invitation. 
3. Make the party invitations.
4. Sew the bunting (which is a triangle banner, that consists of a million triangles). 
5. Make the table centerpieces; Ribbon Topiaries.
6. Make the personalized cupcake toppers. 
7. Etc, etc, etc.

The list keeps getting longer and longer. I am going to be a very busy lady, but it is oh so worth it. Birthdays only come once a year, and I want to relish every single one. Especially this first one. It has been such a journey so far, and we still have 2 months to go. A celebration is definitely in order.  

First Dress

My newest hobby is sewing. I have always wanted to learn to sew, so I have been teaching myself. Thank goodness for the internet and YouTube. In the past few months I have done a few little projects (camera strap cover, blanket, apron), but the other day I though about making a dress for Delilah. I love the cute handmade ones I see at Craft Shows and specialty stores, but they cost WAY too much. They also looked so simple. And believe it or not, they are. I downloaded a pattern/tutorial for a pillow case dress (one where I could use my own fabric), and I made my first ever dress for Delilah. And it turned out beautifully!!! See for yourself.

I cannot wait to make more. It is going to save us so much money, especially since she falls between sizes and most things don't fit her well. 

Smartest Girl EVER!!!

Delilah said her first word today, and I have a witness. We were in the middle of her therapy session with Sally. Sally had Delilah standing, using an exercise ball to help with balance, and she had just stopped throwing a fit. (Standing is her favorite thing to do right now.) She slowly turned to look at me and said in the sweetest voice ever, "Mama". That's right folks, she said a word. And there was no mistaking it. Sally and I both froze, then I looked at Delilah and said, "could you repeat that?" Of course she didn't because Sally had to continue with therapy which made her super unhappy. However, when she was finished and sitting in my lap she looked at me and said it again. I cannot believe she said her first word! I wasn't expecting it. She has been making the Mmm sound lately, but to actually say a word. I didn't think she would be capable of any speech for a while. Many children with PWS are significantly delayed with speech, some not speaking until 3 or 4. It just goes to show you how different the symptoms can be from child to child. *I will try to catch it on video soon.* Not only has she said her first word but she has gained her sitting balance. She can sit, unsupported for several minutes, at which point she is usually reaching for a toy, out of reach, and topples over. She is just amazing! Each and every day something new and exciting. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.

Prayer Request

So, I just received a phone call from my neighbor, Mrs. Billie. She is the older lady with a load of grand babies who has welcomed my family, with open arms, to the neighborhood. Well, she called to tell me some unfortunate news. One of her grandchildren, 3 year old little girl, was killed on Sunday. Some of you may be familiar with the story of the child in Helena killed by a neighbor backing out of his driveway, this is that same child. As you can imagine, the parents are devastated. Mrs. Billie was asking for prayers for these parents and the rest of the family. There are four other siblings, one just 6 weeks old. I also want everyone to be extra careful when backing out of their driveways or driving down residential streets. This type of accident can absolutely be prevented in the future. Take your time and drive slowly. There is no need to endanger the lives of our children just to get some place quicker. Also, stay off the cell phones if you don't have a hands free device. Some people can't even walk and chew gum at the same time, what makes us think that driving and talking or texting is safe? I have been known to use my phone while driving and that stops now until I get a hands free device. 

Another layout for Delilah's Book

Photos from Today

Just some quick photos of my cutie. 

Easter Layout

Fun Filled Week

Last week was filled with lots of fun. My brother, Justin, and his girlfriend, Danielle, came up for their spring break. We really enjoyed ourselves. Justin went ice skating for the first time in his life. I am disappointed to say that he didn't fall once. I was really hoping for some good butt to ice pics. No such luck. They were lucky enough to have the ice all to themselves. Looked like they had a good time.

On Tuesday we decided to venture out to Chattanooga for the day. We went to the aquarium and to Ruby Falls. Surprisingly, Delilah stayed awake for all of the aquarium and all the way through the caverns to Ruby Falls, but fell asleep on the return trip through the caverns. She is a bit heavy after holding her for an hour, but so worth it. 

And here is a beautiful photo, Justin took, of Ruby Falls. It was an amazing site. Who knew there were underground waterfalls?

We were sad to see Justin and Danielle leave on Wednesday. I will definitely miss the nightly games of Monopoly and Wii. 

On Thursday we went to Brad and Jenn's to color eggs. Delilah had a hard day of teething so she was tuckered out, but we still had fun. 

So far it has been a beautiful Easter weekend. Hopefully the weather holds out through tomorrow. I can't wait to put her in her Easter dress and hunt for eggs. I will post the pictures as soon as I can. I'm sure there will be lots and lots. Hope you all have a Happy Easter!