Seven Years Later

  Wow….. so here we are, my first post in seven years. I’ve contemplated coming back to this space from time to time but it was more so recently that I really felt called back here. A few weeks ago my great Uncle passed away, he was such a wonderful man. Some time ago I wrote a blog post about him, where I basically interviewed him and shared his thoughts surrounding photography which was his art form. I came back to this blog during his last few days to find that post about my Uncle Marvin to share with my family. Seeing his post and looking through all my old memories made me feel terribly nostalgic. I really missed this space and missed having a creative outlet in my life. I think I’m going to try to give this a go again and see where it leads me.

   So much has happened and changed in the last seven years, within my own family, within myself and within the world. Some major updates, Mike and I added two more children to our family. Our once little family of three isn’t so little anymore. We have three beautiful girls, and believe me I still can’t believe I have three daughters either, like what are the odds! (haha) Chloe who’s 11 now, she was my whole reason behind starting this blog, then there is Autumn who is 4, and Everly who is 19 months. They are all so different yet very much sisters. Watching their sisterly bond grow has just been so sweet and rewarding.

   Another major life update, when I started this blog we lived in Washington, then we moved back to Illinois where most of my family lives and now for the past year we have been living in North Carolina to be near some of Mikes family. It’s really beautiful here, the weather and constant sunshine have been so good for my soul. I miss my family though, especially my Mom. We talk everyday but it’s not the same, I do feel like I’m missing out by not being there. In January she was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. That’s truly been one of the hardest things my family and I have been dealing with. I feel lost at times knowing I’m several states away and that I’m not there with her for everyday life. Amazingly though we’ve been able to see her several times since we moved, and by plane we’re only two hours away, I’m holding on tight to that little bit of positivity.

   There is so much more I could say but I’m going to save it for future posts. For now I’m going to leave you with a few of my favorite pictures. 

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

So excited to finally open her gifts on Christmas morning. This Christmas was truly one of the best Christmases we have shared together as a family, I never want to forget this memory!

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

So tired after a long day (without a nap) at school! 
Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

Chloe, so warm and cozy, tucked in under her favorite blankets all ready for bed.

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

Chloe, out trick or treating on Halloween, dressed up as her favorite Disney character, Queen Elsa from Frozen, (though you cant really tell in this photo.)

Joining in Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

At the Chicago Botanic Garden this past weekend, enjoying one of the most beautiful Autumn days I've ever seen!

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

Pony rides at the pumpkin patch, a favorite Autumn tradition for our family.

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "
Chloe, enjoying a fun evening playing and reading books with her GG. Melts my heart to watch these two together. The love my Grandma has for Chloe is truly beautiful. I can see it in the way her eyes light up whenever she's with Chloe how much she genuinely just enjoys the company of my sweet little girl. I am so grateful to have caught this precious moment in time, I will treasure it always.
Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

Chloe, playing at Great Grandma's house as we celebrate Rosh Hashanah together as a family. This portrait of Chloe is one of my favorites from this year!

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "
Chloe, all giggles and smiles with her best friend Juliet!
Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

Chloe and Juliet, oh these two are just the sweetest together! My little girls first official best friend!

Joining with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014."

Chloe, oh those beautiful eyes.....

Joining in with Jodi.

Preschool

-- First day of Preschool, Wednesday August 27th 2014. --

It has been exactly one month since Chloe has started preschool! Because of our work schedule she goes five days a week and is there from 7:30 in the morning until 3:15 in the afternoon. That's a long day for a three year old! I was so worried Chloe was going to have such a difficult time adapting to our new schedule and being away from me all day long. Up until this point there has only been a few occasions where I've been away from Chloe for several hours and even then she was with her Daddy and in the comfort of our own home. Our sweet girl has adapted beautifully though, better then we could ever have hoped for and I am so proud of her!

I am so pleased with our decision to enroll Chloe is preschool instead of daycare. She is truly thriving there and is so excited to go back everyday. 

My favorite part of the day is always the same. picking Chloe up from school after a long day at work. Seeing her beautiful smile and feeling the weight of her body as she wraps her arms around my neck melts my heart every single time.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, ever week in 2014. "

Chloe, wearing her favorite summer dress for picture day at school. I cant wait to see how her pictures come out, they are photo's I will always treasure and hold dear to my heart.

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

Chloe, sunkissed, giggles and smiles! Ready to start her very first day of preschool! Such a huge milestone in my little girls life.

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

Chloe has become such a lover of the water this summer, which has been amazing! I am really going to miss spending our days at the beach with friends. It has truly been one of the best summers..... I'm not ready for it to end.

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

Chloe and Juliet, these two have become the sweetest of friends this summer!

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

Chloe, my sweet sunbathing beauty!

Last Wednesday was my last day of work until late August when my new job starts. The family I was nannying for moved out of state this week. Chloe and I stopped by there house a few days ago to say goodbye to them one last time before they embarked on their newest adventure in Ohio. It never gets easier, saying goodbye. I have done it several times now with the families I have worked for and each time is just as difficult as the last. When working with families you work hard to build a relationship, not only with the children, but with the parents as well. You grow to care and love them as if they were your own family!

It's been really nice though to have a bit of a break before my next job starts. I truly cherish this time I get to spend with Chloe. We have been spending our days outside, playing in the sunshine as much as we can. There is going to be so much change happening within my little family starting next month. It's bittersweet really. I will be starting a new job, one that is completely opposite of Mike's work schedule, and Chloe will be in preschool/daycare full-time. I'm nervous, but hopeful that everything will work out for the best!

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week, in 2014. "

Chloe and I at the Alpine Festival, (our towns carnival) Friday night. 

I truly love this picture of my sweet girl and I! Sadly there are so few pictures of us together which makes me cherish ones like this that much more.

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

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"A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014. "

Chloe, poolside and pretty purple toes!

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.