Yeah, I know. It’s March and my child was born in January. All moms of the world understand why I’m behind. I got the pictures taken when she turned one and then put off editing and blogging. It happens. Mostly these blogs aren’t for you. They’re for my safe keeping. To remember and reflect on in years to come. She changes so quickly that I don’t even remember what to write. I used a “My First Year” calendar and it was great and loved it. Now I keep notes in my written planner of new things Gwen is doing. Even silly things like raising her hands in the air when I say, “big girl!”

I have a terrible memory and it’s the thing I dislike most about myself. This is why I know Scott is the perfect person for me. He literally can remember what meal he had at a certain person’s wedding and who he sat next to and what he wore. It’s ridiculous. We were just talking about school when we were little and he remembers being sick a certain day and missing something fun at school he was looking forward to. Like in 3rd grade. I couldn’t even tell you who my best friend was in 3rd grade. I suppose that’s why I like taking pictures. I live for Timehop and reliving memories and thoughts and text messages.

Capturing Gwen’s first year was something I looked forward to before I even knew I was pregnant. She is such a joy and makes me laugh every single day. Being able to laugh every day, what a blessing. Even on the days where I feel like I haven’t talked to another adult in 14 hours and I’ve breathed the same stale air in my living room…I know that I can find joy in being home and laughing while my daughter does the next ridiculous thing. Two that come to mind right now… I have costume jewelry that I played with when I was little and Gwen figured out how to put necklaces on herself. So she walks around the house with 12 gaudy necklaces on haha! And the other…I bought shoes for her that squeak when she walks and she stands there leaning on the wall and stomps her feet to get them to make noise. It sounds like she’s stepping on a dog toy, hence why Reggie goes nuts when she walks around in those shoes.

I took these pictures of Gwen in the kitchen sink when she wasn’t feeling the greatest. I’m glad I did that because isn’t that life? I may have a nice camera and am able to capture special moments of Gwen, but I want to remember to snuggles and sleepless nights that happen due to sickness or whatever. Not just the picture perfect posed and planned photos. You can tell she is much more mellow than usual photos and I love it! I also did a cake smash in my living room so Gwen was lucky with two different cakes to eat! One at her party and one at home! She did the same exact thing for both. Sunk her fingers in and thought about what to do next…then once she tasted sugar there was no stopping her!

2016 changed my life forever and becoming a mother has been the greatest blessing. Although challenging, I wouldn’t change a thing. Also, since it is March…she is walking now! Enjoy my favorites from her 12 month pictures!