A Very Kitten Meow Birthday

I'm writing this blog post in almost disbelief. Today my little girl turned ONE YEAR OLD. It's been the most challenging yet rewarding year of my life, and I'm still in shock that it's gone by so fast.

It seems like literally yesterday Nate and I hopped in the car after a few hours of some INTENSE laboring at home.  When we got to the birthing center it was literally go time. Under the low, calming lights, at 1:57am, Nate and my wonderful midwife helped me bring a beautiful baby into the world. I was so in shock when they told me it was a girl. The whole pregnancy I had this "feeling" it was a boy. Turns out I was never so happy to be wrong. 

Everything went so quickly that our photographer wasn't able to make it in time for the actual birth. We should have called her earlier, but had no idea what we were doing! Thank you to Kristy from RC Photography for taking the 40 minute drive (speeding I'm sure), at the wee hours in the morning to capture the first moments of our baby's life. It wasn't "as planned", but we are quickly figuring out that most things don't go to plan. We cherish these photos more than you'll ever know!

So above is our teeny little Kitten Meow fresh out of the womb. They sent us home 3 hours after giving birth and I remember being thinking who in their right mind would trust us to do that?! We got in the car at 5am, driving in the dark fog, with that tiny little creature in the back seat scared out of our minds. The rest is history. Doesn't matter how many baby books you read you're never REALLY prepared. But...you figure it out. We've had so much fun figuring out this whole parenting thing together. 

 

A Year Later...

So this is us one year later, a little bit more put together! These beautiful photos were taken by the fabulous Michele of MayLily Photography. I found Michele at the last minute and she definitely delivered! It's obvious she was born to photograph kiddos. Her patience and fun personality was appreciated so so much. 

It's bittersweet that my little lady is now a one year old. I'm sad that she's not the little peanut in the pictures above, but I'm also so excited for all the memories to come as a family. Her Dad and I have the best time being her parents, and love her in a way we never thought possible. 

Happy Birthday my sweet, beautiful Ava James! You are so incredibly loved. I truly hope you feel that love every day, and share that love with those around you. Enjoy the pics below of our little family! (Chow couldn't make it this time) It was hard to pic just a few.

Cherish EVERY moment. Good and bad. They go by so fast. All the great times make the rough times totally insignificant. Love to you all!

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