Two-Thousand and Nine. It was a pretty good year. But I’ll be honest – starting your own business is hard. Budgeting is hard. Going from being very comfortable to clipping coupons is hard. Doing without the cute fall boots totally stinks.
But having Ken around more and seeing him less stressed is worth it.
We’re very fortunate that all of our needs were met. And more.
There are still a lot of things that I would have done differently in 2009. Things that I wish I had done better. Things that I wish I hadn’t done at all. Things that I wish I HAD done. Arguments that never should have happened. Wasted time. Overall lack of organization. Lots of sitting around instead of running around.
But then there are things that I think went just about right.
This is one of the first pictures I took of Emma in 2009.
And I’m just blown away at how much she has changed. Her hair is so much longer, her baby fat is gone, those chubby cheeks have been replaced with a little girl face, she’s potty trained, and she sleeps in a big girl bed.
She talks a mile a minute, she’s funny, she’s ridiculously intelligent, she is coordinated and athletic, her separation anxiety is almost gone, she started preschool. To put it bluntly, she’s amazing.
It’s also funny to see how much I have changed. Especially my photography. I’ve gone from shooting in auto mode to aperture-priority mode to total manual mode. I know what aperture and shutter speed and ISO and bokeh mean. I think that sunflare is a good thing. I take a picture of myself standing on a bench every Monday. I feel like I’m coming into my own – you know, taking pictures that people can look at and know that I took it. I don’t really feel like I have a definite style, but I hope that a lot of love and warmth and fun comes through in my photographs. Because that is our life.
So this last post won’t be about new year’s resolutions, because, let’s face it, I’ll completely forget about this list in about 2 weeks. But it’s a post about looking forward to the amazing things that will come this year. We’re planning on having a BIG year, and I’m looking forward to getting the ball rolling.
Bring it on, 2010. BRING. IT. ON.
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
Great post! And I am huge fan of your pictures. Love ‘em! :)
audrey @ the lewis 4´s last blog ..christmas – part 3 – presents
What a lovely way to usher in a new year! Isn’t it amazing how quickly those kids change? Such huge milestones for Emma this year!
Keep those lovely photos coming! You are an inspiration to me and many others. I so want to make your kind of progress in my photography-here’s hoping! Hello 2010!
Great pics! Isn’t amazing how much they can change in a year? And your Emma will be so grateful someday that you’ve chronicled her childhood soooo beautifully! What a gift! Your photography is an inspiration.
Happy New Year to you!
Casey´s last blog ..Happy 2010!
Great post!! Happy New Year!
Keli, you are indeed blessed!! A beautiful daughter, a loving husband and good father, and your positive outlook on life!! God bless your family this new year! Hugs to Emma!!
diana aka meme´s last blog ..You Capture-Your Holiday!
wonderful post and gorgeous photos as always!
happy new year!
crookedeyebrow´s last blog ..So long 2009…a look back.
That seems to be the theme across blogland today – bring it. I have to agree. There’s nothing we can’t handle. That last picture rocks!
jen@ourdailybigtop´s last blog ..2009 recap in posts