Flashes of the last three years come and go as if they were moments ago. It makes me sad until I hold a photo & know each day brings new perspective, a greater – deeper love & more memories to add to our growing collection. I love pictures & somehow they make me feel at ease with time passing.

I still remember the ride home from the Hospital. I was amazed at how tiny she looked in her car seat and gap kimono going home outfit. I admired her perfect features & long black hair. I knew then things would change quickly….big sissy taught me that.
But sitting here, looking over photos from her third birthday. … I have to catch my breath.

Has it really been three years since your Poppa & I held you for the first time? Three years since I felt weak with happiness and complete helplessness at the same time?!

Time flies!

A few months ago we took her to see Disney on ice. She was most excited to see Rapunzel & was heartbroken when the show was over.

We decided that night we would throw a Princess Rapunzel party for her birthday. It was so much fun making things & planning how to decorate. Dad insisted on making the cake. I feel silly to admit how nervous I was. I had no idea he would create such a special birthday cake. The party was everything I dreamed of. I feel so lucky to have wonderful friends & family to share such special moments with.

The girls made pink & purple candy necklaces and colored a princess castle. The room was filled with excitement. . ..

This year, I’m participating in a monthly self-portrait project with 16 other photographers. This gives me a good reason to be in photos to capture relationships with those I love. I’m so excited!

Spoon kisses as we prepare homemade chili – love my girl!

Now head on over to Sarah Vaughan to check her post.

Thought Id share some pictures of her big girl room. We just re-did my oldest daughters room too – will have to get some photos to share because once again, Daddie out-did himself!

 

We had dinner early and decided to make the 2 mile drive to the ocean. A random moment where Poppa & I sat beach side in complete awe of all the beauty that surrounded us. The echo of giggles through the salt air & wind off the ocean left me weak with happiness for this life I get to call my own. I sat in this perceptible daydream not wanting it to end. .. but as the sun tends to do it faded behind us.

I’m so thankful for the camera and how it brings memories to light we may otherwise forget. Forgetting- to me, is loosing. Thank you to all my clients, friends & family for your loving support this year. This Dream Genie Leigh is coming true. My Mom “Gina” & I are so happy and look forward to 2012.

This party has been a long time coming! My husband adopted my daughter. Were so thrilled he’s now officially her Dad. We couldn’t wait to celebrate this amazing time in our lives!

I made the big pinwheel and most of the paper decorations. All of the flowers except the white roses were picked fresh from our yard.. The wishing jar was a big hit. Each guest wrote a special note for her that she read after everyone left.  She is such an amazing daughter! We couldn’t be more proud! Dreams really do come true! I married the Man of my dreams and he’s a wonderful Dad!

Gina took the family photos for us. I will cherish them forever! It was so much fun – Special Thanks to Honalee Stables - My favorite on location place to take pictures!

Vintage Hair clips – by Rosebud Lips on etsy.

I can never decide which versions I like best – Love this in Chocolate too!