Engagement Pictures

Our engagement pictures are some of my all time favorite pictures. Whenever I look at them, so many memories come back to me. The engagement time is such an amazing and special time for the both of you. It's such a blissful time. I remember feeling like it was a whole new relationship. You know those butterflies you get with a new love, or that giddy feeling at the mere thought of them. It was that feeling, but without the nerves. So...much better because it was with someone I had known for so many years and I knew I would spend the rest of my life with.

For the engagement photos I remember feeling so overwhelmed and nervous. I felt like it was our only shot at getting really good pictures. What if I didn't like ANY of them? What if it rains and my hair gets frizzy? I worried about so many things, but in all reality you don't need to stress at all. The photographer will do their magic and everything will be just fine. Relax, have fun and go out and buy a nice outfit :)!

All images were taken by Perfect Moments Photography

Baby Girl Newborn Pictures {newborn must-have}

While I was pregnant the thought of newborn pictures sounded nice, but I just hadn't really made up my mind. On pinterest there are so many wonderful newborn pictures, which made the decision a little easier. However, I hadn't made up my mind until I read a few blog posts about how they forever regret not getting them. After we got them, I had so many people tell me they wished they would have gotten them done. I'm so, so, so happy we did it. If you have the opportunity to get them, do it. They were well worth the time and effort. Not that I had to do much, but with a brand new baby it's hard to get anything done. Our photographer told us she typically likes to do them within 5 to 10 days old, which is a little overwhelming, but again, well worth it. I think Whitney was 7 days old, but she did wonderful through the entire thing.

If I had to do it over, there are a few things I would have done different. I would have researched newborn photography a lot more. I would have looked at tons and tons and tons of pictures to get an idea of what I really wanted. I would have also got outfits together a month or two in advance, because you never know when that little one is coming. I made the mistake of waiting until the day of the pictures to make a diaper cover with ruffles on the butt...I didn't finish it :(! If I could go back I would have also used her name banner from the nursery in a couple of the pictures. I also loved the idea of taking a picture of them in a chair or some place in the nursery and continuing to take a photo in that same spot as they grow. There is always next time, and I was very pleased with the pictures we did get. The photographer was wonderful, she came to the house, had so many props and such good ideas. I would do it all over again in a heartbeat. 

Whitney's DIY Nursery: Pink, Beige and Pretty

This is where I spend A LOT of time during the day. Feeding, rocking, playing, reading...the list goes on and I love it. I remember when we finished it, I thought, it's such a peaceful place and she better love it too!

She LOVES the hanging poms I made. She laughs and smiles and always wants to touch them. They were totally worth the time and effort.

The change pad cover is made from Amy Butler's Gypsy Caravan wild poppy and just a pink fabric from JoAnn's (I can't remember the exact color).

My husband made the bookshelves and I painted them white.

The crib bedding is made out of the same fabric as the change pad cover.

The name banner is pretty special to us. I made it out of the burlap and lace we used at our wedding. Then i just used other scraps of material I had laying around.

Beginnings

Life is all about beginnings. This is my first blog and my first blog entry. Atwood Avenue is where my husband and I began our lives together. Turns out naming your blog is one of the hardest things to do. I have always wanted to start a blog, but I could never think of a name I loved, and I never really thought I would keep up with it. So, now that I have made the commitment to begin this blog, Atwood Avenue it is. That little duplex in Corvallis, Oregon on Atwood will always be near and dear to my heart. Brandon and I have shared so many memories in that place. It really is where our love began. That same place is where we brought our baby girl home for the first time.

Now that I am a mother, I feel like I have so many questions and so many things I would like to share. Through this blog I hope to share inspiration, cute ideas, motivation and much more.