1.05.2009

A Look Back

Hey everyone!  I feel like it's been forever since I've posted!  Probably because it has.  I hope you are all doing well!  I am glad to be back.  (And no baby news yet to report...though I am 1-2 cm. dilated, so that's something!)

Isn't it funny that we blog about our houses, our craft projects, and our thrift store finds, but when I sit down to reflect on the year that has passed, it's my family that comes to mind?  The year 2008 has been full of fun discoveries for me, blogging being among the greatest.  But here are a few of the snapshots and milestones from this year that really make my life meaningful.

Our daughter Nina started the year as an adorable half baby/half toddler...here is a photo from Valentine's Day to prove she used to sit still.  

My sister and I started our small business, Mildred Lane, selling collectibles and hand painted gifts in a local Denver shop.  Mildred Lane is the name of the street where we grew up.  (And for my 100th post, coming up this Friday, look for a fun giveaway that involves some of our merchandise!)

In the spring, my sister and her husband moved out of the rental apartment below and into their first house, a mile from where we live in suburban Denver.  

In May, with the start of baseball season and our trip to watch the Cincinnati Reds play, we found out we were pregnant!  Seems so long ago now...

Nina turned two in August and had a rockin' birthday party in the garage.  It was supposed to be a water party in our backyard but the 50 degree temperatures forced us inside!

As the fall "rolled" around, my belly started to get a little "roly-poly" too!  Here we are at a petting zoo at our neighborhood fall festival.

And as 2008 closes, I look at Nina and realize that (sadly) she is an independent little girl these days.  We even moved her into a big girl bed over the holidays (more on that later this week).  I can barely glimpse the baby anymore...just in time to welcome her little brother or sister in 4 weeks or so.  (Or hopefully less!)
  
I am so looking forward to sharing more of our lives with you in 2009.  Thanks for making 2008 so much fun!



58 comments:

Shell in your Pocket said...

Happy New Year, Buzzing BEE!! Glad you are back..wishing much love and fond memories in 2009!
-sandy toes

Christy said...

Happy New Year Carrie!

It's been so great getting to know you through your blog. I look forward to all the new posts this year!

duchess said...

Sweet memories of a great year.
Here's to 2009 & more memories to share.
(I love those glasses with the colored beads, BTW. Adorable.)

The Writer Chic said...

Happy New Year, Carrie!

Stacey said...

Nina is so precious. She really has changed. Enjoy your days with her...I miss my babies still and they are 19 and 16. They tend to remain your baby no matter how old they get. :)

Happy New Year!

Jen - Balancing Beauty and Bedlam said...

You have had very exciting year, with this one the best yet. Can't wait to celebrate the arrival of your blessing. :)

Carolina Mama said...

Happy New Year to you! Welcome back. Love your photo calendar of 2008. Nina is changing quickly. Looking forward to the new baby this year with you at Buzzings!

Marie said...

I had no idea you had your own business with your sister! How fun! Happy 2009!!

Rue said...

Hi Carrie :)

Welcome back from your bloggy vacation! I hope the baby gets here quick! I remember what that was like and I used to do jumping jacks hoping it would help speed things along (LOL). Your daughter is absolutely precious :)

Your Christmas table looked beautiful and dinner sounded fantastic! Do you mind if I ask what color your walls are in the dining room? I love that color!

Happy New Year :)
rue

Unknown said...

What sweet photos! Maybe that baby will make an appearance soon.

CMB said...

What an exciting year you had...glad you are back! Nina is precious and I know how you feel about her not being a baby any more...when my 2nd daughter was born and big sister came to the hospital I started crying because she suddenly looked even bigger!

Happy New Year!

Twice as Nice said...

Nina is SWEETNESS!! I'm sure you love having your sis so close by. Twin and I live in the same town too. We also started a business this year together!! I would love to see some of the things you and sis have in your store. Hope you will share with us.

Jboo said...

Welcome back -- you've been missed!! What a great year 2008 was for you and your family. And I have a feeling that 2009 is going to be a fun year for all of you too!

Love your photos!! Amazing how much your girl grew over the year, isn't it!
Best wishes for the new year!
Janet

julie & joe said...

Happy New Year! Time flies. My "baby" will be three on the 23rd.

Free Art Printables said...

What a great year! Happy new year! Your daughter is the cutest! Jen

AJ said...

Nina is just too sweet! Glad you are back:) Love the Mildred Lane concept! Happy New Year to you♥

Angie said...

I love all your pictures, how sweet! Nina is so adorable, I love her little baseball jersey.
Happy 2009!

Darlene said...

Welcome back! I love seeing the pictures from throughout the year. Nina is just ADORABLE! I am so glad to be blogging with you in 2009!

Betsy said...

I took a blogging hiatus too. Can't wait to here how the transition from crib to bed went...we are needing to do that too.

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year! And what a great one it will be this year for you with a new baby coming soon.

Sweet Simplicity said...

Happy New Year! What a fun shop that you and your sister have. Why haven't we heard about it before!?! I want pictures! :)

Wendy said...

I'm so glad you're back from your blogging vacation! I so look forward to your posts! Looks like 2008 was good to you...hope 2009 is just as wonderful (and with a new baby...how wouldn't it be?)

Marci @All Things Wonderful said...

Happy New Year! Great Photos. Glad you are back...I enjoy your blog.

Windy said...

Glad you are back! Great post with lots of cute pictures. Hope you have an equally great '09!

MatersandMelons said...

Adorable pictures! I have enjoyed reading your blog so far and look forward to what is to come!

Shannon said...

I agree with your comment on looking back. Family is the only thing that truly matters! Our church is doing a series on the book by Kerry Shook "One month to live." It had me wrestling with a lot of good questions and really puts things into perspective for me~ especially with my plans for the coming year.

Great photos, BTW! Happy New Year!

Lacy said...

Nina is sooo darn precious!!! Thanks for sharing. I sure missed you.

TidyMom said...

Happy New Year!! So good to hear from you again!!

Looking forward to all of your wonderful posts in 09!!

~Tidymom

CIRCLE OF LIFE said...

OHWFUN IS THAT ! LOOKING BACK GLAD IT WAS ALL GOO DMEMEORIES, CHECKING TO SEE IF YOU HAD THAT BABY YET. OK YOU KNOW WHAT YOU NEED TO DO MOVE WALK WALK WALK ALL ELSE FAILS START DOING WHAT YOU DID TO HAVE THAT BABY IN THE FIRST PLACE BOND TO BREAK YOUR WATER HUMOR IT'S MONDAY! HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT BLESSED DAY!!!!

jennykate77 said...

Thanks for sharing a glimpse of your 2008...it really looked like a great year full of happy things! So, 4 weeks until new baby!!! That's exciting! It will top the list of 2009☺ Glad you're back!

Happy New Year!

Joanna said...

Glad to see you are back! Thanks for sharing your glimpse...I am looking forward to more blogging from you this year!

angie {the arthur clan} said...

Happy New Year!! It's so good to see you back in the blogging world.

Here's hoping baby will make his/her (?) appearance soon. :)

AndreaLeigh said...

I'm glad to see you are back blogging, and I love getting a little glimpse into your home life and family. Thanks for sharing these beautiful pictures!

Lisa said...

I loved that post!! I can't believe you only have a few weeks left! I can't wait to meet him or her! It's crazy how much Mia has grown in a year. Happy 2009 my friend, hopefully we can get together soon! Lisa

Davene said...

It's nice to "hear" from you again, and I thoroughly enjoyed the look back that you gave us of your 2008!

My big question for you though is: have you found a baby name??? :)

Shannon said...

Those were some cute pictures! I have had so much fun getting to "know" you through blogging this past year. I can't wait for all your great ideas in 2009.

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

Happy New Year!! So glad you are back...hope you holidays were wonderful!! 2008 was a great year...I am so glad our paths happen to cross. Hope 2009 brings your family Health and Happiness....and of course, a new beautiful baby!!

Lisa

Mrs. Gray's Class said...

I'll definitely have to send my brother and sister over to your shop - they live in downtown Denver. Happy New Year to you.

Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality said...

Hi, Carrie, welcome back & Happy new Year! I didn't realize you & your sister had a business. That's great & what a fun recap of your family.

CIRCLE OF LIFE said...

we say peeing in my paints that was great .

Inspired Kara said...

YAY! I'm so excited for your 100th post!

What a wonderful year in review! I've so loved getting into blogland this year!!! You all are the joy of my day!

blueladybug said...

Welcome back. I look forward to your 2009 posts! Happy New Year!

Sarah said...

So glad you are back; I missed you! Happy New Year!
It has been a blast getting to you know you this past year through blogging and am looking forward to more posts in 2009!

Anonymous said...

hope you had a blessed blog break! i enjoyed reading your look back at 2008. thanks for sharing. i have so enjoyed getting to know people like you around the blogging world this year and learning so much from others. keep up informed on the baby front. happy new year!
~nicole

Keeper of the Skies Wife said...

Glad you are back!!

What great sweet memories from 2008!

Happy New Year!

Unknown said...

Every time I come here I smile and feel joyful! I hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year! You are a delight!

Brittany said...

What great pictures and memories! And, what cute hand-painted items! Do you sell them anywhere else?

Our Complete Family said...

Happy 2009 to you and your sweet family, Carrie!
I'm so glad to have met you here in blogland!
What a lovely recap of your fun filled year in this post. Nina is just a little doll!
I can't wait to hear/see about her new big girl bed. What a big step!
Jas will by flying over you guys on a trip on Wednesday. You'll have to wave to him like you did last time for me!!!
May 2009 hold many wonderful blessings for you and your family.
Many hugs, Les

Amanda said...

Cute pics...I did not know you had a business too? Good for you! Do you all have a website? Can't wait for baby news soon...

Ms. Tee said...

Happy New Year to you, too, Carrie! How neat that you have a business with your sister - I love that! All of your photos are so sweet. I've really enjoyed getting to know you in 2008! I can't wait to see sweet baby number 2! :)

Jodee said...

Welcome back! We missed you!

I didn't know about your business but it sounds soooo fun and I love the name too. I can't wait for your post on it!

I hope you have some breaking baby news soon!

Amber said...

It sounds like you've had a very blessed year! It is amazing how much little ones can grow and change in just a year!

I am curious about Mildred Lane. Will you share more details about your little business with us?

P.S. I shared some very exciting news (to me!) on my blog while you were away!

Jenni said...

Happy New Year! :)
What a sweet post! Your daughter is adorable, and I bet you are getting so excited about your new baby arriving, too! :) I hope you are having a good week so far! :)

Jules from "The Roost" said...

Great photos and a recap of your year! I know you can't wait to see you next precious angel! :)

Christi @ Writing the Waves said...

Oh, my little guy turned two in August also. It just kills me to see him growing up so quickly. I just want to freeze the moments! I can't bear to think of the day that we have to move him to a big boy bed! :( I think I'll wait until he starts really resisting...or trying to climb out of...his baby bed!

The Golf Widow said...

Savor the next few weeks. She will seem even older once you see her hold her precious baby.(She will think of the baby as hers.)

2.9.2009 would be a fun birthday.Just saying.

I'm excited to hear more about Mildred Lane. Happy New Year!

Lisa & Gerald said...

Happy New Year to you too!
Best of luck with every thing!
Best wishes girl!
Hugs to you and your family!

trishia said...

oh my gosh- did you make her party hat? love that! I am a photographer and am putting that beauty on my list of things to make for photo sessions, I can just see that one on a darling little ones head while they are making a total mess with their cupcake session. love it, love it!