Here's to a Happy New Year

As 2008 comes to an end, I reflect back on the past year. Boy am I glad we're starting 'over'.

Here's to a Fabulous New Year!

Be sure to check back within the next week for a Fantastic Best of 08' Special Sale!

Just sharing some quick snaps from yesterday, my new camera came and I couldn't resist playing with it.

I was sitting in the floor sorting through a box of baby stuff (from the first go round) when the mailman stopped with the package. I've decided that it's time to start putting things in order so we're ready for our lil' girl to make her debut.

A few of my daughters things that our in the play corner of the living room. Her favorite 'orsey' (cause he bites, well doesn't really bite, but his mouth moves). And the ever dreaded time out chair, boy does she highly dislike having to sit that in a corner!

Then we drove up to my mom's house to pick up a set of bunk beds that we'll be putting in the girls' room. It's one with a set of drawers at one end and a desk at the other. She still has her tree up so I thought I'd see how we could do up close and personal with Old Man Santa.

And last but not least, our light display (the front part of the house anyways). These will be coming down tomorrow since my hubby's got the day off.

~Some of Baby's First Photos~

...not exactly photos, but these our from our most recent sonogram. Currently lil' miss Grace is weighing in at 5lbs 4oz, and we've got about 7 weeks to go. Hopefully she doesn't grow too large in the next few weeks. We'll see what the Dr has to say about the results from this sonogram at tomorrows appointment.

According to baby's size and such the sonogram suggests a new due date....which in a few years probably wouldn't set well with Miss Anna, because it's already a date taken by her! Yup...that's what it said, Feb 8th.

~*Merry Christmas*~

Christmas day has come and gone, it seems to come quicker every year, and be gone before a blink. I typically don't pack my camera around at family events, just because I like to enjoy the moments.
I was asked on Christmas eve to take a family shot of the entire group that we had at our home for dinner (it's the once in a blue moon gathering of my hubbys side, aka: the outlaws).

We had his younger brother, girlfriend, & their 2 kids, Gramma, both of his parents, his sister and her son, and our little family all in our house, it was quite an adventure! You should have seen their faces as I was getting from one end of the house to the other to get this photo. Lets just say they weren't too fond of my growing preggo-belly moving rapidly dodging furniture and toys to get back in time (my remote wouldn't work!!)

I also took a few on Christmas morning. It was my little girls 2nd Christmas.

Seeing her gifts from Santa for the first time.

Trying out her new 'itty tat slip-lips'.

She's oh so proud of her new belt! She wore that thing all day. When asked to show it off she would stick out her belly and waddle towards whomever asked about it. It was priceless.

We started a few new family traditions this year; making handmade ornaments (that my daughter got to help with, she loves doing craft 'rojects'), & reading in our Bible the story of Jesus' birth Christmas night before bed. We also read a differnt Christmas story every night of December up until Christmas eve, where we read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.

Something out of the ordinary this year was having my hubbys grandma spending the night with us. I know she enjoyed herself and getting to spend the day with her grandson and great-granddaughter. We probably won't make that a tradition, but it was our little gift to her. Christmas day we spent with my mom's side of the family and I didn't take any photos.

My camera always manages to get where we are going, but never out of the case! It was a day of celebration, food, family, & fun. We'll be having another family gathering on Sunday with my dad's side of the family, maybe I'll actually get the camera outta the case on that day!

Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and prosperous new year to come. May the spirit of Christmas be with you throughout the beginnings of 2009 and continue to grow in your heart as the year ages.

It's A Girl

We've finally let the cat outta the bag (our families are much happier with us now!) Yes it's true, we will be parents of 2 little girls!

Lil' Miss Grace , should be arriving sometime in the next 8 weeks.

Gift Certificates

Still looking for a last minute Christmas gift?
Purchase a gift certificate from Amanda Pratt Photography; available in any amount.

Sweet Family of 4

...and that's including the puppy!

I had a lot of fun doing this session. Mr C is 2 and quite the little character. Definately a little cutie for sure! Here are a few of my favorite images.

A Related Holiday Session

The other of my Sunday sessions was for my sister and nephew.

And of course it wouldn't be complete without a little more fun & games of the non-agenda keeping 5 year old...

"You want WHAT for Christmas?"

A -Cowboy- Family

One of my sessions this past weekend was for a cute little cowboy family. Here are a few of my favorite images from their session. Little Miss T, being 2 is all about being the boss and Mr C well, at 7 months, he is just cute as can be, and interested in everything.

Boys will be Boys...part 2

So...yesterday I took some holiday portraits for my sister and my nephew. Yet again he proves that 5 year olds have their own seperate agenda...it doesn't really consist of photographs or listening, but smelling feet is always great fun!

If these were for halloween my caption would have been,

"Trick or Treat, smell my feet....been there done that"

And so...todays post is just to bring smiles. Check back later for a few more from this session as well as 2 other family sessions.

A few more...

I finished Anna's portraits this morning...here are a couple of my favorites. Although, I may be seeing them with my "mommy goggles".

She's not always impossible!

Some outtakes ~Lil' Angel Anna~

Yesterday, while decorating for Chirstmas, I decided that it would be a good time to do the first round of our family holiday portraits. I had this idea floating in my head to use a tutu I had made and a little angel headband I bought last year.... well as you can see in the first photo, exactly how the angel idea went over (notice the halo in the bottom corner).

I'm pretty certain that the thought going through the Lil' Miss' head at this time is: "I'm only going to give you my cheezey smile...cause I have my own agenda today, and this isn't included!"

This is probably one of my favorites from the day....all her real smiles are generated when Daddy is near by. He was a wonderful assistant :-)

~the Fur Kid~

Meet Jake. Jake is my dad & step-mom's Fur Kid. Jake was our entertainer for Thanksgiving...well at least he kept the kiddos occupied for a while.

These are the morning after Thanksgiving, before my nephew woke up.

He was just so cute, I couldn't resist.

~Happy Thanksgiving~

Just wanted to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving. I sit here this evening thinking about the things that I am thankful for.
My family & friends, especially my husband, who works incredibly long hours so that I can stay home with our daughter and pursue my Photography business. He is my rock & best friend. I don't know where I'd be, or what I'd be doing right now if it weren't for him. He's always there for me and supports me 100%. My daughter, whom keeps me going and on my toes everyday. Watching her grow and change is such a wonderful blessing. She is the light of my life. My unborn baby, who's growing and getting bigger daily. Although being pregnant is tiresome and stressful at times, I am so blessed to have the wonderful miracle of life in me.
Thankful for everything that God is providing for my family. Although we've been through some rough times and currently still having some difficulty, God is always there, providing for us when and where we least expect. It is amazing the love and warmth He provides us with. When there seems to be no way, God always shows us that there is a way.
I'm thankful for my customers, who have given me the opportunity to shoot them. You all have been wonderful.
On this day where we reflect on the things that we are thankful for, I just want to thank you all for being a part of my life.

**God's Blessings**

Big B & Little B

Here are a couple of my favorites from my brother-in-law and nephews session this past weekend.

Boys will be Boys

I did some holiday portraits for my brother-in-law & nephew this weekend. Sometimes it's so difficult to get kids who are familiar with you to cooperate. And being 5 he definately had his own agenda...and it didn't have anything to do with portraits!

This is how little B really felt about getting his photo done.

I'll have more to post from this session later tonight. This was just too funny not to share this morning.

Another Lovely Family

This weekend I had a couple different family sessions. Saturday, was time for Miss M's family holiday portraits. These are a few of my favorites.

Beautiful Family

This past Saturday I had a mini-session for photo cards. These are some of my favorites. I have known these kids since the youngest was born, and oh my they are growing so fast! The little man wasn't in the mood for smiles when we first got started, but I'm so glad he did.

Professional Women

I had the opportunity this past week to photograph my old co-workers. We updated their staff portrait as well as did a few for their annual holiday card.

Thanks ladies! You're wonderful as usual!