2017 // Our big year

This year turned out to be a really big year for our family. Obviously, a lot happens in a year but this one in particular seemed especially full. At the start of a new year, I've been reflecting on all that happened in 2017 and I'm filled with so much gratitude. It was an amazing year and I couldn't be happier. I decided to write a bit of what happened each month with a few pictures so here you go!

January

I finished all of my classes in December so for the first time ever, I did not go back to school after Christmas! It was like an extended Christmas break and it was great. Chris went back to school after being gone for a semester and started the daily grind of classes, homework, and work. It was snowy and cold in Utah but Chris decided to explore his options as a photographer. He started doing photoshoots for friends and family and I usually tagged along.

February

In February I found out we were going to have a baby! I was 98% sure we were pregnant but seeing those little lines made it real (well, more real. I don't think it sunk in for a while)! I got my first "adult" job at the BYU library as an assistant for the social sciences department. Chris continued to grow his talents and he shot his first wedding video!

March

I got to take pictures for my best friend when she had her third baby and that was a special experience. We went canyoneering in southern Utah. Chris and I heard the strong heartbeat of our baby and decided to aim for having our baby at a birth center. We bought our tickets to Iceland and started planning our trip.

April

My parents flew to Utah for my graduation ceremony and we spent the weekend celebrating. I learned that my dad likes bowling when he dominated all of us haha. We found out that Chris got another internship at Pixar and we had lots of game nights with our friends!

May

Somehow this month ended up being extremely busy with traveling. My little brother got married so we drove to Las Vegas and spent a few days there. We went on a road trip with my older brother's family to the Grand Canyon, Antelope Canyon, and Monument Valley. We flew to Washington for the wedding celebration for my side of the family. And then, Iceland! 

June

We announced our pregnancy to everyone and felt so supported by all the love. I quit my job, we packed up our apartment, and then moved to California. Chris started his internship and I got to explore our new city! 

July

We celebrated the 4th of July with some college friends. My mom came for a visit and got to see our new apartment, city, and birth center. We explored our city some more and continued to get ready for Emi to arrive!

August

We took a quick trip to Utah to visit family and our childbirth education class started. After a couple stressful weeks, we found out that we would get to stay and that Chris could continue to work at Pixar!

September

I bought a few more baby things and made some freezer meals and basically finished our baby prep. We explored Berkeley and downtown San Francisco with friends. Our childbirth class wrapped up and we got excited as our classmates started having babies! We found out our new neighbor friends like games as well so we had a few game nights with them before Emi came.

October

My mom came into town to help us with the new baby. We went to a pumpkin patch, celebrated my birthday, and ate the best Thai food I've ever had. We had our first baby and we became a family of three. After Emi's arrival, I mostly watched fall go by through our bedroom window. My mom left after three weeks and Chris' mom came for a week to help. Chris and I watched the entire Star Wars series together before he went back to work.

November

My high school best friend came for a visit. We went on our first family outing to the outdoor mall. Emi and I starting figuring out our daily routine together. We flew to Utah for Thanksgiving and Emi got to meet so many relatives! We also flew to New York for a few days for an interview. 

December

We participated in our church's Light the World campaign and had many wonderful experiences. We decorated our apartment, wore Christmas jammies, and listened to lots of Christmas music. We traveled to Washington for Christmas and Emi got to meet even more family. There was lots of good food, laughter, and games. We got to celebrate two weddings and we rang in the new year playing board games. 

Thank you 2017 for being the year that you were. There were so many changes but I would not have it any other way. It was hard but incredibly happy at the same time. Looking forward to what 2018 has in store for us!