Hey, look! I’m doing the post I talked about! It’s a new year again and, it’s so cliche to say, but time goes so fast. The older I get, the more it seems like the years just fly by. I try so hard to keep a journal. I would love to write every detail of how each week, each day, each moment in this life feels but it’s impossible to keep up! I still journal occasionally (maybe once a month) and try to cram in all the things that happened during the in-between. But, mostly, I try to soak it up as it happens.
Becoming a mama has completely changed me. I have been stretched more than I thought possible. I have been broken. I have had to rely on God more than ever before. But I have been blessed beyond measure. It’s given me a new outlook on life. I’ve had to slow down, whether I liked it or not. . . Hours of my day are spent rocking, feeding, and reading, playing “choo-choo”, and watching Curious George. I’ve had to work during naptimes, and after the boys go to bed.
When Noah turned one in January and we found out I was pregnant in March, it just about blew my mind. Knowing that we’d have two babies by the end of 2014 made me want to smile and cry at the same time! It seemed so fast! I guess it was kind of fast. Our due date was estimated for October 10th – right in the middle of busy wedding season – and we just had to trust that God was going to provide for us. And He absolutely did. Just like He always does! So yes, 2014 was a little crazy, and not how I would’ve planned it if I had the choice. But it was perfect. In a beautifully messy, crazy, imperfect way.
I’m so grateful for everyone that trusted me with their wedding photography and portraits this year. Though there were fewer than years past because of maternity leave, they were all beautiful, emotional, and fun. I can honestly say I loved every one of them! I’m also thankful for all the memories we made as a family this year. Every year with Jonathan is better than the ones before as we grow closer and learn to navigate life together. I love having him on my team!
Some highlights from our family life this year :
– Finding out we were pregnant with our second little guy in March. And, in the summer, finding out he was another boy!
– Watching my little sister get married. And facetiming my brother right after his engagement! The family is expanding, y’all. By the end of 2015, we will be ten sisters and five brothers!
– Date nights with Jonathan. They are the best.
(photograph byAnna Paschal Photography)
– Sam’s birth. It is such a surreal and amazing experience, bringing a new baby into the world. Sam was born October 4th and has been killing us with cuteness ever since. He is the happiest and sweetest little baby and I’m so so glad that he’s here.
– Watching Noah grow into his role as a big brother. Even though he’s not quite two yet, he loves showing his little brother to everyone and loves to give Sam blankets and kisses.
– Co-leading our Baby Praise group at church. And yes, it’s just as adorable as it sounds.
– Many, many, many days and nights of cuddles, and tickle-fights, and family dinners. With many, many, many more to come.
Highlights in business life :
– Hosting my first mini-session event. It was so fun and went even better than I was hoping for!
– Photographing a total of 8 weddings, 23 portrait sessions, and 16 mini-sessions
– Having Erin + Brandon’s wedding published in the Fall/Winter issue of The Knot Carolinas! This was my first print feature and I’m so humbled. Truthfully, I haven’t been good about submitting work in the past because I feared it was not “good enough”. Whatever that means. I’m just so glad that Erin + Brandon and the awesome vendors from their wedding got some recognition for the incredible work they all did! I’ll definitely be submitting more in 2015 :)
– Taking a road trip to Chicago to photograph Kelly + Marc’s wedding.
– Working with tons of amazing creatives throughout North Carolina. And, on the same note, girl nights with Leigh, Anna, and Carla.
I’m looking forward to so much in 2015 – I can’t wait to photograph the couples I have on the books for this year. And, guys, we actually scheduled out vacation time and an anniversary getaway this year(!!), which we’ve failed to do in the past. I know that every year brings its own trials, and heartaches, and struggles. But I also know that my God has never failed me and He never will!
Cheers!
P.S. Comment and tell me what you’re looking forward to this year!
Happy New Year! Your 2014 recap makes me so happy! I cherish your friendship sweet girl!