Wow, this year has flown by. Our family has seen it's fair share of ups and downs but we've made it through and are ready for a new year. Both Will and I experienced exciting moments in our careers. Will received a promotion at work while I was able to find a job doing something I feel very passionate about. We also were successful in getting pregnant this year (which brings about a world of excitement on its own). We found out that we were PCSing to Germany and began preparing to move thousands of miles away from home).
Now we're closing out our year but spending time with Will's family before we head off for our first adventure of 2013. There are tons of things that people pledge to do when deciding New Year's Resolutions. I never do resolutions since I know that eventually I'm going to break them (especially those about eating healthy or exercising) but this year, I've decided to make one resolution.
My New Year's Resolution for 2013 is to be a better person/wife/mother/friend than I was in 2012. 2012 was hard year for me in a lot of ways but I've realized that I didn't put a 100% effort in when it came to my relationships and personal development. This year, I pledge to make a change. Now, I'm not saying that I'll turn into the perfect mother/wife but I hope (and pray) that at the end of 2013, I will know that I made an effort.
So, as we bring in the New Year, I'll leave you guys with some of my favorite pictures from 2012 (including Liam's two year pictures taken by our fabulous photographer, Melissa Bradfield). Cheers everyone!
#1: Will's R&R
Will had arranged to be home for his two week break in January since my due date was January 10th but Liam decided to make his appearance three weeks early. Although the timing didn't end up being perfect, we still had so much fun with the tiny baby.
#2: Our First Family Photo Session
Even though this happened during R&R, it was definitely one of the top moments of 2011 (I also think it set a family tradition of capturing the growth and change of our family). It was our first time meeting Melissa Bradfield (our amazing photographer) and I'm so glad she has become a part of our lives by capturing Liam's first year.
#3: Our First Wedding Anniversay
Although we celebrated this special milestone thousands of miles apart, it did not make the day any less special. We have experienced a lot during our first year of marriage and although it's not always easy, we stick it out and plan on celebrating many more anniversaries.
#4: Baby Milestones
All of Liam's little milestones fit into this top of 2011. From teeth to "talking", Liam has kept our lives exciting. Here's Liam during the teething phase as well as a shot of his first baby teeth.
#5: Liam's First Halloween
Halloween was a little disappointing for me since I expected Will to be home from Iraq. I had all these ideas for costumes but when I realized he would miss Liam's first Halloween, I put everything aside and planned on staying home. Well, that changed a few days before Halloween, lol. Luckily I was able to find an adorable costume for Liam (and throw together something for me) and I'm so glad I did.
#6: The End of Operation New Dawn
The end of a deployment is always exciting. Having Will home after nine months of Skype, phone calls, letters and care packages was a blessing that we definitely do not take for granted.
#7: Liam's on the move!
Walking! Luckily, Liam waited for Daddy to be home to share in this milestone (although he had been standing on his own and taking a few steps). Walking has made our lives super crazy but so exciting at the same time.
#8: Liam's Cake Smash
To prepare for Liam's first birthday, Melissa Bradfield photographed a cake smash for us. The pictures were absolutely beautiful and we were even able to get a few family pictures as well. Liam had a blast eating the cake and we're glad we were able to capture that moment.
#9: Liam's First Birthday
This was definitely one of the biggest, most exciting events of 2011. Our little guy turned one and reminded us that life goes fast. We had a great party and celebrated his milestone in style.
#10: Our First Christmas as a Family
It was so exciting to spend Christmas together as a family. Although this is technically Liam's second Christmas, it's the first one we've celebrated. It was definitely a blessing and we're excited to spend/enjoy lots more holidays together.
We had a birthday party for Mr. Liam yesterday and although I was stressed out during the day, the party went well and everyone had lots of fun. We decorated with a red, white and silver theme (candy canes, actually). We served Snowflake Cocoa topped with whipped cream and crushed candy canes, Peppermint and Vanilla Cake Pops (some covered in crushed candy canes), Pizza Pops (or Rolls), Mini Pigs in a Blankets and Sugar Cookies. Nothing too fancy but the kids loved everything. After everyone snacked, Liam was given another cake to smash but this time he didn't seem interested in eating, mostly just sticking his fingers in the cake.
After a little while, we went to the fun part: the presents. He got lots of cool stuff and has been playing with all of them (although Daddy seems to like the Lil' Kawasaki ATV Liam got from Grandpa and Grandma). We'll be back in the next few days with more pictures from our amazing photographer, Melissa Bradfield! For now, here are lots of pictures from Liam's big day.
Liam's six month pictures are in and he's absolutely, stinkin' adorable (and I'm not just saying that because I'm his mom)! The pictures went amazingly. Liam smiled and seemed to love being in front of the camera. Melissa, the photographer, is amazing (she did our newborn/family pictures as well) so I knew the pictures would be great and they are! Here are a few for your enjoyment!
I am what you would call a "worrier". If something goes wrong, I worry it about it until it is either resolved or until something else takes my attention. I guess I'm an "obsessive worrier".
So throughout our short marriage, we've had a lot of trials and obstacles. Things haven't been easy and it doesn't help that we were successful at getting pregnant so soon after getting married (hooray for our honeymoon baby). Not only were we planning our lives together, we were also planning for a new life and an upcoming deployment. I definitely think that our problems have helped to make our relationship stronger but Will and I tend to handle things differently. While a problem can seem like the end of the world to me, he's far more calm and optimistic.
To be honest, if it wasn't for Will, I think I would never get any sleep and would spend all my time worrying about things that may or may not be in my control. It's this calm and optimism (among other things) that make me love Will more and more each day. Without him, not only would I not have an amazing support system but I also wouldn't have another lovely man in my life, Mr. Liam.
So, in honor of the two of the most important men in my life, enjoy a few pictures :)
(p.s. baby, if you're reading this, love you lots)
Although everyday should be filled with love, we would like to wish everyone a Happy Valentine's Day. My wonderful husband sent me flowers and my little man had a smile on his face randomly throughout the day so today was perfect. It's always good to have a day to remember the people you love and I'm glad to have each and every one of those close to us in our lives. We've been blessed with great friends and family and hope that they feel loved on this special day.
