I cannot put into words how wonderful Domingo is, and how lucky I feel to have him in my life. Every year I think this is as good as it gets, and I cannot possibly love him any more. Yet here we are, each year more in love than the year before.

One of this year’s sweetest moments was from January. While waiting for the induction to start at the hospital, Domingo told me he brought something for me. Since I had been on the gestational diabetics diet, I wasn’t allowed any of the sweet treats I love. During that time I had had a particularly strong desire for chocolate donuts. Domingo had packed a small package of mini chocolate donuts in his hospital go bag. That way, the moment I was given the ok to eat, I could satisfy my sweet tooth. It was an especially sweet moment because he insisted I eat them all, even though the hospital cafeteria closed at 3pm and he was left with only vending machine as his only option.

It should be no surprise that the sweetest guy in the world is father to the sweetest girls in the world. Alexis is better at remembering to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ than I am! Her favorite saying these days is “you’re the best!” and will thank you for the smallest things. Nicole is amazingly empathetic, and will often take the lesser toy or snack because she doesn’t want to see her sister be sad. A few weeks ago little sister was scolded for purposely annoying Nicole. Nicole told me I was too harsh and gave Alexis a hug, telling her she only wanted her to be happy.

I still can’t believe I got exactly the family I was hoping for. My business continues to grow, in no small part due to the support of my family encouraging me along the way. The wildlife around our house is a photographers dream. A few days ago I saw, and photographed, my first coyote.

What more could a person ask for?

It has been seven years since our wedding vows. Nearly thirteen years since we first met. Which means we’ve been married for a little over half the time we’ve known each other. Crazy.

Lately I’ve been thinking a lot about the first time we met. It was a chance encounter in a hallway at work. I instantly liked him but the timing wasn’t right. I found myself thinking “I hope I end up with someone like him one day,” and then was immediately struck by what an awkward thought that was, especially because I had a boyfriend at the time. He seemed so warm and friendly, and I wanted to stay talking in that hallway forever.

Our paths didn’t cross again for at least a year when I switched projects. We were fast friends. Despite all the time we spent working together, and outside of work together as friends, it still took me another two years to finally work up the courage to let him know I liked him. And I only worked up the courage to tell him because I felt like the opportunity was going to slip away.

Now, I can’t imagine how life could have turned out any differently! He is the perfect partner for me, whose strengths match my weaknesses. We are better people because we have each other in our lives. I can’t believe how lucky I am. I adore our life together, and the wonderful family we’ve created. I couldn’t ask for anything more.

This year will see a lot of changes.

Nicole is going to kindergarten, which means the kids will be in different locations during the day. There will be homework, and community volunteering. I continue to try and grow my business into something non-trivial so I can justify the time I spend home with the kids, which is becoming more and more of a necessity. Domingo has also been on more travel lately, and expects it to continue. Our move to the suburbs make all of these changes so much more tractable. I’m eager to see what this year brings.

Still working on that family photo…

Today marks the fifth year anniversary of our wedding vows, and what a journey it’s been!

Five years.
5 years of wedded bliss
4 places of employment
3 continents traveled together
2 amazing daughters
and 1 incredible adventure on the horizon!

I am so incredibly grateful for all we’ve been able to build together. Sure there are sleepless nights, spit-ups and hiccups, but I can’t imagine navigating life with anyone else by my side.

Mommy’s Little Shutterbug taking a stab at the family portraits

I know I’ve said it before, but I am a lucky girl!

Ever since we moved Domingo has been handling our town home. Almost every day he stops by the home during his lunch break to clean, organize, and bring any left over stuff to our apartment in preparation to sell. I really shouldn’t have been surprised that he was also researching real estate agents in the area. He found not just the company but the specific agent that sold two other units for above asking in our community. He asked if I would mind if we just going with that agent. Of course I wouldn’t mind! I couldn’t be more grateful that he’s been taking the reigns on this one!

Nicki is also growing so fast these days it’s amazing. She adjusted so quickly to our new city and her new home – quicker than either Mommy or Daddy even! I’m constantly stunned at all the new things she seems to understand daily. I have no idea how she knew this but when I got out the tripod so we could take this year’s family photo she started chanting “picture! picture! CHHHEEEEESSEEEEE!”

The “cheese” must have come from daycare, I never ask her to say it. Anyway, if you want a great toddler smile, let her push the button on camera remote. It was apparently grand fun.

This year went by amazingly fast. Last year at this time I had finished an anniversary craft project, and an anniversary video slideshow highlighting our first year. This year? I still have no idea what I will do for an anniversary craft project. At least I know what photos I want to use for the slideshow, but I haven’t even resized them! It should be easier to make the slide show this year, since I already have a flash template to work with, I just need to get on the ball. At least I have a good excuse for being so busy, right?

One year ago we said “I do!” It’s been an amazing year, I am so lucky to have found the love of my life.