The Art in Me: A Year in Pictures!

It's amazing to look back on a year and see all that took place. I recall all of these moments and memories so vividly. Some feel like yesterday while others I can't believe were a part of this past year b/c it seems like forever ago. I think back over the emotions involved, and have to admit it's been an emotionally exhausting year. From joy that will bring you to tears to a tiredness that will drop you to your knees. We've laughed and cried and clung to God who always sustains us even when it feels like we're completely on our own. He's blessed us in so many ways, and I think I'm the luckiest mommy and wife in the world to have the family I do!

I tried - I really did - to pick just one picture from each month that summarized that month, but who am I kidding....not possible.

JANUARY:

We took a baby-moon to Mexico and had a fabulous time!

Meanwhile, back home Gwendolyn didn't even notice we had left and was having the time of her life with Mimi and Papa with frequent visits from TrishyJohn.

FEBRUARY:

Pretty in pink.

She wore her first barrette and had her nails painted "just like mommy."

She also found my baby bump to be a comfortable resting pillow.

MARCH:

She blossomed before my very eyes while going to our ECFE music class. We had so much fun!

Our annual progressive dinner in Charles City with my girls. Got to meet baby Hattie for the first time!

Naturally, Gwendolyn joined us for the main meal at my parent's house.

She turned two and we celebrated like crazy! She loved her new gifts from Miss Kathy, Trisha and John, and Erin. It was the beginning of a precious relationship with her baby doll who she named Leah completely on her own.

Spent an afternoon at MOA.

APRIL:

The BIG month of baby brother's arrival!

37 weeks...

A trip to the Minnesota Zoo. Freezing and tiring, but fun.

It's due date day! Still with no baby, so we went out to lunch together.

And we soaked up our final days with the Ohio Barntsens before the moved back to Mason.

Conrad Cross was born April 28th, 2013

7:26 pm

8 lbs, 7 oz

21" long

An awesome 4-hour labor...I'd gladly take that every time!

The first time she laid eyes on him...

He's home! She was thrilled.

MAY:

Sleeping, happy baby boy. We adjusted to our new normal with lots of help in the beginning from both sets of parents.

We said good-bye to Greg, Natalie, Grant, Brooke, and Luke.

#rough

#gratefulfortwoyearstogether

It soon became quite obvious that we were going to have a big boy on our hands...

We also said good-bye to Leo after finding him a new home about an hour away. Little did we know he'd pass away in June, only two weeks after he was adopted. Pretty sure they were the best two weeks of his life though!

Road trip to Charles City for Memorial Day!

JUNE:

We didn't sleep much. Between a newborn and a toddler who suddenly started having a hard time sleeping, we just took one day at a time.

Happy Father's Day, daddy!

Daddy and Gwendolyn went on their first date....to McDonald's and a movie.

Gwendolyn took a short summer ~~ballet~~ creative movement class.

And she started swimming lessons!

This was my life for weeks on end this summer...an exhausted toddler and a relaxed and chill newborn (thank you Jesus!) I'm so thankful that's all behind us.

Conrad turned three months!

JULY:

First day at Miss Kathy's...

Had a very small little surprise dinner at our favorite restaurant for Tom's 30th birthday. The next day we spent the day together at Valley Fair and realized we aren't quite as brave as we once were.

Then it was off to celebrate Conrad's first 4th of July at a waterpark/hotel about an hour away. It was an awesome family weekend!

Next up:

A trip to Council Bluffs for a relaxing weekend at Mimi and Papa's.

And then a trip to Charles City to go the Floyd County Fair and see Grandpa and Grandma.

And take our picture with a baboon, of course.

AUGUST:

Ahhhhhhhh......one of my favorite places on earth - Hidden Haven Resort.

Our Sinclair family vacations up north never disappoint.

We transitioned to a big girl bed after a certain little someone climbed out (unhurt, thankfully) twice.

And the silly, sweet, goofy, content, loving personality of our precious Conrad continued to shine. It's been amazing getting to know him!

SEPTEMBER:

Libby and I threw a baby shower for Amanda back in Charles City - such a special day to honor her and baby Fletcher.

While there, Aunt Becca surprised us and "stopped by" with Weston. So fun!

We went on walks...

And I turned 31.

WHAAAAA....

We made a trip down to Des Moines to see Tom's dad receive an award and I organized a pizza party (thanks for hosting, Malynda!) to see some college girlfriends. It was so wonderful to have everyone together and see the nine kiddos!

OCTOBER:

Conrad cut two teeth in a matter of days. What a trooper!

He also started sitting up on his own.

Celebrating our 6th anniversary at our favorite restaurant - The Lob aka Red Lobster.

Cheddar biscuits....mmm...yes, please.

Never get sick of seeing these two enjoy life together!

A freezing trip to an apple/pumpkin orchard...

and a fun Halloween rounded out our October.

Also in October we took Gwendolyn's 2.5 year and Conrad's *almost* 6 month pictures with the help of John and Trisha. We were low on light and the kids did amazing. The Lord really blessed our efforts b/c Gwendolyn was totally on and gave us some of her best genuine smiles yet (helps to have some photographer's tricks up my sleeve) and Conrad was his normal happy self in his one-piece sweater. The one of them together - it's my favorite picture of all time! We have it hanging on our wall, and I find myself stopping to look at it often. I love them so much sometimes my heart feels like it could explode.

Also - even as a photographer myself - planning family pictures takes time.and.effort. I know it can be stressful. I literally spent weeks coordinating and finding our outfits (my husband is hard to dress) but with the right planning, it's so worth it. We actually had FUN and celebrated with dinner at Olive Garden afterwards!

NOVEMBER:

Conrad was dedicated at church along with 20 other babies and children. Amazing!

Erin, Natalie, Kristin and I threw a baby shower for Trisha and Baby Dirl Deutsch. My house was transformed and a fun time was had by all. Can't wait to meet our new niece basically any day now (although we're hoping for another 3+ weeks, right Trisha? *smile)

Another trip to Mimi and Papa's house for Thanksgiving.

DECEMBER:

On our way home from Mimi and Papa's house we stopped to meet the newest member of the Fab Five, now the Fab Twelve - Fletcher!

Our Christmas cards looked horrible (boo cardstore.com) so here were my favorites from our little holiday session. Never too many pictures of the kids! Ha.

I hosted a brunch for seven of our neighbors. With the enormous help of Tom and two friends from our small group, we all had a wonderful time. They ranged in age from 30 to 92 - imagine the conversation! It was great. Hoping and praying for more opportunities to get to know these women!

We attended Miss Kathy's annual Christmas party...

BFF Serena.

Santa made a last minute stop at our house. Gwendolyn continually said she wanted "bunnies, barbies, and a pink teddy bear for Christmas" so I just couldn't not do it. I knew she'd love to play pretend with dolls and house stuff so just couldn't pass up a great deal I found on Craig's List. I also found a pink teddy bear even though she already has a pink teddy bear. But this one is larger you guys. She named her "Robin."