24|52

" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2014 "
Chloe, my darling girl so full of beauty and emotion. She is officially three years old now. Life has truly been a million times better since she has graced us with presence! Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

Bits + Pieces

-- Bits and pieces from my birthday weekend --

This past weekend I celebrated my 27th birthday. It was truly one of the best birthday's I've had in a long tine. An entire weekend spent with the ones I love, playing in the warm sun, and enjoying delicious food. I feel so blessed for this life of mine, so far from perfect but filled with an immense amount of love and passion. I'm proud of the progress I have made over this past year, becoming more of the woman I long to be, slowly letting go of the fear and self doubt that has held me back for so long, too long. I am very excited to see where this next year takes me!

Here's to another year!

Dear Chloe: Two Years Old

-- Decorating a card for Daddy on Fathers Day and watching for him out the window! --
Dear Chloe,
My sweet girl, its hard to believe two years have already passed since you made your way into this big, beautiful world, a day I will never, could never, forget. Holding your little body in my arms for the first time felt so perfect, instantly I fell completely in love with you, my daughter. Over these past two years you have enriched our lives beyond imaginable, so much beauty, and love, and joy all because of you. Your Daddy and I love you so very much, and are so proud of the little girl you are becoming.
You are so full of life and energy, your desire to discover the world around you is intense, at times you can be so stubborn and wild, desperate for independence. In the same sense you are just as sweet as can be, always so caring and compassionate towards others,  you love giving hugs and kisses, cuddling with your Daddy and I, and you are so thoughtful too, always so eager to help me take care of the little baby at work. I love every little detail that makes you, you, Chloe, every little detail!
Because I never want to forget this time in your life....
You Love // spending the day outside, running, jumping with both feet, being naked, throwing stones at the beach, good music, giving and receiving kisses, backpacks, animals, the Fresh Beat Band, your family, dancing, painting, laughing, bubbles, shoes, playing dress up, being independent, standing on chairs, helping your Daddy and I cook in the kitchen, books, balloons, smelling flowers, chocolate, and singing along to your favorite songs.
You Say // baby, shoes, beats, coat, socks, feet, hands, head, nose, neck, water, here ya go, where did it go, oh no, I'm home, that's you, he, she, Grandma, Uncle Will, Aunt Becky, Faith, cheese, Shout, Twist, Kiki and Marina ( all characters from the Fresh Beat Band ) bubbles, go, watch, no, banana, hello, bye, balloon, bless you ( when you hear someone sneeze ), pretty.
You Know // the names of all your body parts and where they are all located ( your favorite is your nose ), can count to five, how to get undressed and also put on clothes ( including your shoes ), how to help me empty the dishwasher, sweep, and throw garbage away in the trash can, you walk, run, jump, and dance, use utensils when eating, know the names and sounds of many different animals, and can recognize the people you see the most in pictures and videos.
Happy Birthday sweet girl, I look forward to watching your grow more and more each and every day!
Love, Mama

15/52

" A portrait of my child, once a week, every week in 2013. "

Chloe, happily decorating a birthday card for her Daddy!

Last Friday we celebrated Mike's birthday with a big party, we felt so blessed to have so many of our friends and family there with us, even Mike's Father came in all the way from Seattle just to be there! Yesterday the 12th was Mike's actual birthday, we spent a quiet evening at home, just the three of us. It was so nice and peaceful compared to the busy few weeks we've had recently. Feeling so grateful I get to celebrate such an incredible, genuine man! 

A favorite portrait of mine from last week is of Kate's beautiful daughter, Sofia. Such a lovely shot of her sitting by the big window watching the world go by!

Joining in with Jodi for the 52 project.

Remembering Our Days: A Photo Journal

Sunday April 7th, 2013 // A day I never want to forget.

This past weekend has been absolutely wonderful, filled with sunshine, warm weather, and time spent with family and friends. On Friday evening I threw Mike a party to celebrate his 27th birthday ( which is actually this Friday, the 12th ). Mike's Father, Chuck, came in all the way from Seattle just to be there for the party and to spend the weekend with us. Everything turned out perfectly, better then I could ever have hoped for! 

On Sunday we spent the day at the park with Mike's Dad. The weather was gorgours, and Chloe had a blast playing with her Grandpa and learning how to skip stones. I am truly so grateful for this time spent with family!

A Bat Mitzvah Celebration

Picture #5: Me, my Aunt Heidi, my Grandma Janice, and cousins Lauren, and Jocelyn.

 This past Saturday our family came together to celebrate my cousin Jocelyn's bat mitzvah. The service was absolutely beautiful and I am so proud of my little cousin, she has blossomed into such a beautiful young lady. I love being here to witness all these special moments in my family's life, it means the world to me!

My Grandma's Birthday

Yesterday we spent the evening at my uncle's house to celebrate my beautiful Grandma's birthday. We had such a fun night filled with good food, laughter, and cousins. I feel so blessed to be living in Chicago again with my family. To be there yesterday to celebrate the most, amazing, beautiful woman on her birthday makes my heart fill with so much love and joy!