17 Moments...Or Close Enough

17 moments...17 points in time..17 things that stand out. Coming up with 17 things that stood out for the year. It was oddly hard to think about the past twelve months and summarize a list. I had to close my computer and reflect for a bit. Something I need to do more of! Sadly, I don't have pictures that capture each of these moments, but that didn't make them any less memorable. I also struggled with coming up with 17 that anyone would really care to read about...so, in no particular order: 14 moments...

1. Pregnancy #2. I would consider this the hottest and hugest I have ever been. Summer pregnancies are no joke! (Picture credit to ME Photography)

2. Tiny chef in the making. Morgan took a sudden interest this year in helping in the kitchen...standing on her stool counting, stirring and measuring. Sweet moments for her and I to share!

3. Road trip! It's hard to believe we've lived in KC for 11 years and never made it across the state to St. Louis. We packed what felt like our entire house (including a toddler toilet) and trekked across the state for some great family adventures.

4. It's a boy! Perhaps the most stand out memory of them all. We welcomed Gavin Richard to the family...the sweetest, most snugly, most chill baby ever! I'm a boy mama!

5. FFF (Fall Family Fun) - One pumpkin patch/farm is likely enough to satisfy anyone's fall adventures, but not us! We had to visit three this year! This might really be my favorite season.

5. Visits from the Grands. There is nothing like a new baby to get the grandparents to visit more often. Both Grands made long journeys to spend some incredible time with us and spoil the littles as only grandparents can do.

6. My sister - As adults we've become quite close and been real confidants and cheerleaders for each other. Somehow this year seemed poignant for me. We shared in the ups and downs of motherhood, trials and tribulations of jobs, and celebrated each other's successes. She really is quite amazing! I couldn't imagine a better long-distance partner in crime! This leads me to #7...

7. Baby Fina...My sister's little and her visit to KC was fantastic. She has enough spunk to last her a lifetime. I had the opportunity to capture some family photos and I literally had to run alongside Fina to get one of her. Challenge accepted!

8. My mama - I couldn't imagine life without her and am continuously amazed by how much like her I've become. She descended on our house prior to the arrival of baby G cleaning, organizing and cooking like a whirlwind! But perhaps the most special time was having her with us during our delivery. I really don't think there is anything like the support of your mama or quite as life changing as watching a Grammie meet her new grandson for the first time.

9. Papa and his tenacity. He might not agree with me as this year has been incredibly challenging for my Dad, but his tenacity/strength/grit (you name it) is truly inspiring! Through it all he's still in better shape than your average 20 something.

10. 4 Sullivan women and 1 baby boy...Four amazing Sullivan women (and 1 boy in utero) took on Santa Fe and conquered spicy foods, blue corn pancakes and mud baths. A trip to be repeated much more frequently!

11. 7 years in '17. Seven years with my honey. While not always perfect our journey together has been amazing and I wouldn't trade it for the world!

12. Milestones...surpassing birth weight in just 1 week, smiling, rolling, sitting up. The first 6 months with our little man has been anything but boring. The second time around you really savor each and every milestone knowing how short lived each one is!

13. 3 or 13. I ask myself this daily (so perhaps this should count for more than one moment)! Is my oldest little 3 or 13...a threenager at best. She's become opinionated, head strong and sassy. All qualities she comes by naturally and drive me totally crazy.

14. Sharing my photography journey with the world. It has often weighed heavily on my heart, been one of my largest challenges yet brought me a great deal of joy. Something I have been able to share with family, close friends and a number of wonderful clients! The journey is just beginning.

In reflecting on an amazing year, I can only hope that 2018 brings as much love, hope, laughter and genuinely wonderful moments!