looking back & forward | 2011

This past year was our most life-changing year to date, as we welcomed little Owen into the world. The months before his birth seem so long ago, and the months following seem like such a blur – and when I look back through my posts and pictures, I'm certain that we functioned day-to-day on autopilot. As crazy as life with a newborn was, I would not trade it for the world!

Our marriage also grew leaps & bounds this year as we faced job changes, tough life decisions, and took on our new roles as mommy & daddy. Each of which make me even more grateful to share this life with Brian.

And as I look forward to 2012 there are a couple of "goals" I have in mind, but the main thing is to soak up every.single.moment. Our baby boy is seven months old – crawling, pulling up, babbling, and surprising us daily with new "tricks." So as monotonous as life sometimes seems, I don't want to miss a minute of it.

Cheers to 2012! 

January: Brian went to Arizona & witnessed our Auburn Tigers becoming BCS National Champions, 

while the girls & I held down the fort back home.

February: Much of this month was spent working on baby boy's nursery.

March: We helped welcome baby Starke into the world, 

The H.O.P (House of Pain) was established, 

and my best friends from high school threw a shower for Owen & me.

April: Owen & I were showered with love in Birmingham, 

and we celebrated Easter at home. 

May: Friends at work made sure I was well celebrated...

and OWEN THOMAS was born!

We welcomed our baby boy on May 30, 2011!

Family & friends came to see him for themselves.




June: Our front door revolved with family & friends coming to visit baby O,


Brian & I had our first date night (Brooke's 30th),

 and we honored Brian on his first Father's Day.

July: Owen met his future bff for the first time,

and we recognized shark week by dressing up our baby shark.

August: I turned the big 3-0,


Owen had his first day at daycare, and I started back to work.

September: We cheered on our Tigers with friends,

and dedicated Owen to the Lord.

October: We visited Old Baker's Farm,

a pumpkin patch in Cumming,

celebrated the engagement of these two,

stayed with Beth & Dustin in their new city,

and dressed baby boy up for his first Halloween.

November: Starke came to play,

the H.O.P. was upgraded,

and we hosted Thanksgiving in Birmingham.

December: Owen took his first trip to Camden,

we celebrated his first Christmas in Cumming,

experienced Santa for the first time (although he'll never remember),

and started CRAWLING!