I have been away from here for a long time. An embarrassingly long time. Kind of like that awkward time where you haven’t been to the gym in months and are too embarrassed to go back.

I’ve wanted to jump back in so many times but something has gotten in my way each time. Whether it is writers block, comparison, work or a dirty diaper to change. There have been many times where I don’t know what to write about and there have been many times where those thoughts sneak in on “will anyone actually read it” or “I have nothing to write about” And those thoughts are the ones that I’m striving to push through. When I started this blog I started it as an outlet for myself and I started it so my daughter would have something to look back on in years to come. I didn’t start it to receive lots of praise, millions of followers, make money or make it a full time job. I did it for myself, and if I could encourage someone or make them smile along the way it was worth it! So here’s to hoping I can do that!

I’ve had a little series going on here called “Let’s Catch up” because, well, life gets in the way. So I’m going to continue let’s catch up with my third post in the series 🙂

The last time I blogged was on Mother’s Day 2017 and a lot has happened since then!

1. We took a trip to Chicago in the summer. While Chicago may not be super baby friendly with bumpy sideways, subways and no elevators, it was wonderful in so many ways. Sometimes I catch myself day dreaming about going back. We went to a few Cubs game and even got to have a date with my husband to a game. Thank goodness for family who will babysit on vacation, especially when your baby is terrified of how loud Wrigley is! Also, I’ll just say Chicago pizza is just about one of the best things around. Aren’t these streets of Chicago dreamy!2. We also took a weekend trip to Sedona with family. If you haven’t been there, it’s a must! The red rocks are so beautiful that you’re in awe most of the time you’re there!

My favorite part of Sedona was lunch at L’Auberge de Sedona along the creek. While I didn’t eat in this beautiful little section of the restaurant I thought it was so pretty and dreamed of taking Jae there for her 16th birthday someday, although she may have other plans. A mom can dream, right?

3. We started football season with these cute cupcakes. 4. In the fall my sweet daughter turned one! It was such a fun day. I threw her a small first birthday party with close friends and family. I loved how everything turned out, it was so fun making it all and incorporating a floral theme! Reflecting on her first year of life was beautiful and special. I am so blessed to be her mom.

5. I’ve had many thoughts over these last few months about who God created me to be. I feel like in this age of social media I’ve been guilty in the past of falling into the traps of comparison. But lately I have felt at peace about who God has created me to be. I know that peace has come from God giving me reassurance that He created me unlike any other and finds joy in me! “He will take great delight in you”

6. The rest of our time has been full of baby hugs, middle of the night wake up calls, dinners out-because baby’s hate when mom has to cook and Netflix binging. Here’s to more blog posts and creating a space where I can remember that I am just like treasured clay- sometimes cracked but valued by God.