At 1

Lots of hidden journaling behind the photo on this one about what she can do, what she loves, and all that she means to us.  I really wanted to capture the joyful, amazing, adorable whirlwind she is.  I absolutely adore this girl.

A gray day

I'm feeling much like the weather, gray and dreary and dull.  I had high hopes for returning to this place and typing out a complete update of our life. I wanted to blog about Annabelle's first Christmas, or going back to work after winter break, or new year's resolutions. I considered a post about losing my mom, the gut wrenching sorrow of her passing and hearing the sound of my father's heart breaking.  I should write about the Bean's first birthday, how awesome the decorations and the photo booth were, and how great it was to come together for a fun celebration after the darkness of December.  But I just don't want to.  Instead, I'll share a layout and that will be that.

Christmas

A *perfect* Santa photo, but a bittersweet Christmas this year... Hoping yours was nothing but merry.

Currently

watching:  New Girl
listening:  to the rain that's been falling for 2 days and I love love love it.
eating: a dark chocolate covered cherry. mmmm.
planning:  to get up and wrap some gifts
thinking: about Rosie, hoping she has a restful night after today's stent procedure
wondering:  how long until Bean is officially walking; she was doing her best to scoot around her play area tonight, taking 5, 6, 7 wobbly steps
talking: to my nephew Zach...makes my heart so happy when he calls me just to talk
enjoying: the soft glow of our lovely little tree
loving: this christmassy time of year
hope you are too....

Still a few things

This Thanksgiving was not easy for me.  All my life, this holiday has meant a big meal, lots of family gathered round, and loud good times.  It is Aunt Rita's soup and the parade and football and naps and planning the Black Friday blitz.  While some things remained the same, many things were quite different this year.   I realize lots of families can't be together because of work schedules or miles or having to split holidays with in-laws.  But I couldn't blame any of those things.  All I could do was spend my first Thanksgiving in 35 years without my mother or my brother for very different, very heartbreaking reasons.

By the same turn, I spent this holiday with my almost-81 year old dad, my almost-11 month old daughter, my dearest friend, and the love of my life.  Daddy came over early so we could all watch the parade together like always and we feasted on Aunt Rita's soup.   We took fun photos in the backyard and lamented the lack of Black Friday deals worth rushing out for. We stuffed the fridge full of tasty leftovers and went together to visit mom. The blessings in my life are countless and I am so, so grateful.  But there are still a few things I am praying for.  

Adorable

Seriously.  Who could argue with that? :)

Tahoe

Instead of a mini, I crammed a dozen photos onto one page.  I think I really like it :)