29 years.

(This post was intended to go up on April 11th, the day after my birthday but I broke our router.)

Yesterday was my 29th birthday. I do not feel 29. I feel more like 24. It's weird to think about my life and where I'm at. Things have a way of working out quite differently than we imagined or planned. 10 years ago, I would laughed if someone told me I'd be a 29 year old Army wife and stay at home mom (with no degree). I probably would have said something like, "Do you think I'm stupid??!!". But here I am and it's not all that bad. This birthday has caused me to do a bit of self-reflecting. I realize that I am not a very happy person. I'm not sure if it's the lack of family/friends in my life or just the realization that I haven't lived up to my full potential.

Growing up (and even into college) I had a few adults take an interest in me but I never took advantage of their outstretched hand and mentorship. I always skated by doing the bare minimum and just accepting things as they came. I never realized that if I wanted to grow and improve as a person, it was up to me to do it. Instead I waited around for others to present me with opportunities and made half assed attempts when something finally fell into my lap. I wish I could say that was in the past but honestly, it isn't. This year, this 29th year, I plan to change that. I plan to work on my happiness but also work on building my self worth. I am worthy of opportunities for self growth and if those opportunities don't present themselves, I will go out looking for them.

All I can say is that this 29th year, I will grow as a person and 30 will be even better. 

Top of 11 of 2011

(In chronological order)

#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.