Last year I did this recap post on 2018 and it’s my favorite recap post so I’m keeping the format for this year! True to me, I got my #topnine2019 (2018 & 2017) the last day of the year so that I could share in on the gram and reflect over the year! A couple times during the year I try to see what Instagrams are leading the race because I like to imagine what my top nine will look like! This year it is full of our #HildeJoy and how can it not be? It was her first full year and it was so fun to see her grow over the months! Also more of me being pregnant because apparently that in my new MO 😉
2019 has been filled with so many beautiful moments. There were many times of discouragement and frustration as well. In my 2018 recap, I said 2019 would be more about motherhood and less about entrepreneurship and I was right. While I love being a mom, I do miss being able to focus hard and work towards a goal. I’ve been blessed with time and a mama who watches Hilde once a week to continue blogging and sharing with you but of course there is always more to be done and more that can be achieved. I can easily get caught in that limbo. The one of wanting to be and being that stay at home mama and the other strong desire to be a blogger, writer, and photographer.
This post has even taken me weeks to write because I haven’t be able to just sit down and crank it out. I’ve been interrupted by a toddler who needs to sit in my lap, other obligations and priorities that take over nap time, hosting, working on the many house projects we have, and of course napping because being 38 weeks pregnant over the holidays is exhausting.
I love it and it makes me cry all at the same time. Motherhood is a gift and I enjoy the role it has given to me but I miss the ability to throw all my energy and time into my hobbies & my job. While others make goals for their brands and celebrate professional victories for this upcoming year, I sit here with a baby due in one week and know that my biggest focus this season will be my family. I feel like a broken record as I say it again and again, but it is a very real tention I face in this season.
Oh but the goodness and the joy that fills my photo albums, my Instagram, and this blog! The smiles, the every day moments, the memories, the celebrations, and the milestones. Being a mother has changed me for good and I am grateful for a full year here with Oak + Oats as a full blown mom blog! HAHA!
Hilde’s First Trip to Disney World: Taking Hilde to Disney was such a joy! I’m excited for all the future trips we will have! Also so excited to bring Millie with us on our next trip!
Trick-O-Treat: I cannot get over how adorable Hilde’s costume was this year! She is the cutest Piglet I ever did see!
The Ice Castles: I cannot get over how magical this place is and I am sad we are missing it this year.
The Newness of Motherhood: Motherhood has changed me.
Baby’s First Easter Basket: I just loved putting together a basket for Hilde this year! Hopeful I can find another basket similar for Millie this year!
Our Fixer Upper: Obviously a huge life event that happened in 2019! I’m so glad my friend Ashlee convinced me to take photos during our reno!
Baby Soft Skin Even in the Winter: This post is a favorite and it has to be because Hilde is so cute! Also I steal all her products!
Celebrating our 7th Anniversary: I cannot believe that we have been married for 7 years! I’m so thankful for these years with Bruce by my side!
One Year of Hilde: Hilde’s First Birthday! What a joy to be able to celebrate this momentous event!
Big Sister: Of course this news is big news of 2019!
Homemade Clay Ornaments: I didn’t make these this year… oops. But this post from last Christmas is still a hit! And of course it was published in 2019 because that is how I roll!
Water-repellent Ski Mittens: I got these after our first snow when Hilde wanted so badly to play outside in the snow and I realized I had no weather appropriate clothing for her! I love these ones from H&M! They are affordable, cute, and work!
Baby Girl Nylon Headbands: I could have pulled from countless photos over the year for this one! These are some of my favorite headbands and Hilde wears them all the time!
Disney Parks Dress: I found this Disney dress on Amazon for Hilde and it is so adorable! I want to get a bigger size for our next trip!!
Crochet Detail Maxi Maternity Dress: I loved this dress and wish I would have been able to wear it longer before the Colorado cold blew in!
Also these PicassoTiles were a hit but I can’t find a photo of Hilde with them to include in the graphic. Haha!