Flashback Friday: What a difference a year makes!

My sister & me on my first birthday, May 1986 (if you couldn't tell, I'm on the right).

I've been planning a small shindig for H's first birthday, which is a week from today.  I find my self vacillating between being uber excited & kind of freaked out - how has an entire year gone by already?  On one hand it feels like the blink of an eye, on the other an entire lifetime.  Despite absolutely loving every minute of this wonderful almost-toddler, I will fondly remember the newborn days of cuddles & breastmilk breath (honestly, sometimes she still has it ha!).  We're keeping the party small & I'm going with a 'woodland' theme since H is such a natural soul, always so tranquil when in the presence of nature.   

How did all of you other mommas feel on your first borns birthday?  Any tips?

I've been getting into the holiday spirit a bit early this year - must be something with starting a family that makes the joy in the holidays really shine through.  Last year, very largely pregnant, I felt the same way.  The years before while struggling with infertility, not so much.

But alas, I'm getting off topic.  Above is a picture from '06, the year before I moved to Oregon.  We were in Iron River, MI celebrating my mother's birthday.  I somehow woke up for sunrise (I am not a morning person, even now) and snapped this photo with a simple point and shoot.  This year I'm finding myself a bit nostalgic for snow.  I didn't think I'd miss it moving here but it never feels quite right not having snow for the holidays.  

Did you grow up with snow?  If not, did it feel odd?  I often wonder if Hazel will long for snow like I am, or if she'll simply not know.  Please share if so inclinded! 

This time last year we snapped pregnancy photos on our driveway.  It was misting outside & I had to go to work so we were a bit hurried. I love love love this photo!  It's hard to believe Hazel's first birthday is coming up in a mere 2.5 months - seriously time, you've got to be kidding me!

Flashback Friday inspired by Mel of Mad Passions!

This picture was taken back in nursing school, the year Brad and I started dating and just a year before graduation.  This was taken in a nursing home we had a clinical rotation in with two of our good friends.  I love this picture because it conjures up the feelings I felt when Brad and I first started hanging out but nothing was official.  I was sooo giddy to have my arm around him here!

Flash-forward seven years later & I couldn't be more in love and in awe of my awesome husband & the spectacular dad he is!