One.

One year ago... 
I looked into your eyes for the first time.
I got to hold you in my arms, after carrying you inside for 40+ weeks.
I kissed your cheeks over and over (and haven't stopped).
I nursed for the first time.
I changed your first diaper.
I was overwhelmed with emotions and had no idea it was just the beginning.
One year ago you changed my life.

But...

Today, we celebrate that day and all of the months in between  ...because let's be honest in that first year of life, for a first-time-parent, every month is a milestone worth celebrating.

     
Today, we celebrate our ONE-ermelon!

One-in-a-melon is right!

I had a blast planning her party, thinking through all of the details and seeing it all come together.  I couldn't have done it without the help of Andrew, my mom, sister and aunts.  From the party invites to watermelon soap and towels in the bathrooms, everything was touched by this sweet melon.   

We held Harper's party at my parents house on September 28 and family joined us from near and far.  Our bellies were filled with a few of Harper's favorite foods, but our hearts were overflowing with love and gratitude.  

Grab your favorite drink and maybe a snack and enjoy!   

Invitations designed by me

How many watermelon seeds would your up have?

Even the pens were watermelon colors

Costco cake for the win, cupcake by me!

From newborn to 12 months

Cake Time

If her hands can get messy, you can forget her picking it up.

Andrew and I were helping Harper open her presents so of course I have no pictures, but she sure loves a present and love, love, LOVES clothes.  I often finding her crawling around with a random piece of clothing.  I can't decide if this is a good thing or not so soon?!

Now for a few pictures of Harper's people.  So thankful for these people (and many others that couldn't make it), that show her love, give mom and dad a helping hand from time to time and just enjoy watching her learn and grow, we love you!

Mom and Dad of the birthday girl! (You KNOW I had to have fun shirts)

Nana Angela came all the way from Wales for the celebration

Harper playing with her cousins

Parents & grandparents
From left to right: Packer PawPaw, Grammie, Mom, Harper, Dad, Nana

Harper's Auntie Bananie & Uncle Matt

Admiring her new party hat

Just look at that sweet face

This vintage stroller is Harper's favorite, especially when daddy runs as fast as he can down the driveway with her

Outfit change

Sharing a sweet moment with her daddy at the end of the day.

Don't let her size fool you, she is mighty.

Happy Birthday, my baby girl.  Bring on year two...

12.13.14 - THIRTY!

I turned the big 3-0!

It is a new decade sure to be full of adventure, love and blessings.  

Of course I celebrated all weekend.  What else would you expect?

The celebration began on Friday with the best framily a girl could ask for.  The night was complete with yummy food, good laughs, lots of love, and ice cream cake {my absolute favorite}! 

The celebration continued on Saturday {my actual birthday}, where I learned so much about my strength and the love that I hold in my heart.  It might not have been the 30th birthday I was dreaming about but, I believe everything happens for a reason and that I was in the right place at the right time.  I started this new decade with more strength than I ever thought I had and I see that as a blessing that will take me far in this next decade of life.  

#madewithstudio

Sunday was a beautiful day.  

A day I will forever hold close to me.  

Wine Shake at Hopwood with my love

Amazing dinner at California Pizza Kitchen

Love. Christmas Lights.  Downtown Indy

The night ended with birthday treats and a Christmas movie on the couch!

#madewithstudio

This.  Summarizes me perfectly!

Thank you to everyone that made my day and weekend one to remember.  

Here is to a new decade and new adventures.

Thirty is going to be amazing, because I will personally make sure of that!

xoxo

What Will 28 Look Like?!

Today, I begin a new journey and I have a new attitude and new outlook to go along with the journey! 27 was a fantastic year full of lots of adventures, new experiences and lots of challenges.  I enjoyed 27 and for that reason have a great feeling for 28! To make sure it is a great year I am setting some goals for the year but before we begin let's review 27...

--Traveled out of the country for the first time
--Ran my first 5K without stopping
--Lost 40 pounds
--Got engaged
--Moved to Zionsville
--Began a new job
--Traveled to St. Louis for the first time
--Went for a propelled parachute ride
--Learned how to manage my money as a REAL adult {this still is not so easy, OR fun}
--Stepped out of my comfort zone LOTS

Phew...27 was fantastic but it is time for a new, more exciting adventure with 28. I am not sure what 28 looks like but I am ready for the ride of my life with a few thoughts on things I would like to accomplish this year! With 2013 right around the corner I think this is the year for me after all it is 2013 and my date is 13 so this is a good sign, right?!

  My day started with opening the gifts I had saved to open until it was my actual birthday. I brought the gifts and cards into my bedroom and had them waiting for my alarm to go off! I then went to work where my wonderful co-workers and students filled me with lots of birthday love. From birthday cake, to hugs and decorating the white board I didn't go a moment without feeling the love! In the meantime my phone was blowing up from all my friends not so near sending and filling me with their love! 

From today forward I would like to...
--treat myself and not feel guilty
--run at least two 5Ks
--travel to Wales and spend at least 2 weeks there
--complete at least 28 random acts of kindness
--step out of my comfort zone {more often than not}
--send birthday cards {on time or early}
--host or attend a Pinterest party
--become a Thirty-One consultant 
--volunteer my time with a new place
--start the immigration process with Andrew {I don't have much control, but here is hoping...}

This, by no means is an exhaustive list but it is a start.  If you have any ideas or suggestions, please share! If you would like to join in on any of the adventures, let me know, I like company! Here is to a great year! Here is to 28...