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Monthly Memories from 2017
With the new year upon us, I wanted to take some time to reflect on my most favorite memories and moments of the year. I make a yearly photo book using Shutterfly and it is always fun for me to go back and look through our pictures. This year, as a whole, was filled with family trips and fun adventures with our daughter. Watching our daughter grow and develop over the past 12 months was probably the best part of 2017!
January
My favorite memory of January was when I bought Jemma an Oball Rattle. She was so happy playing with this toy and it became one of her favorites. She enjoyed holding it and shaking it. January was too cold to be outside so we spent a lot of time playing inside. Jemma loved playing with the toys on her activity mat and holding her soft crinkle books.
February
During the month of February, we celebrated Jemma’s baptism. This was a special moment for our family as she was welcomed into the church. She wore the very gown in which I was christened 33 years ago. We hosted a luncheon after the church service. This was the first event we hosted for our daughter. I baked, iced and decorated 48 cupcakes for this luncheon, which were displayed as a cross.
March
March was when Beauty & the Beast came out in theaters. Beauty & the Beast is my favorite Disney movie so seeing the live action version in the theaters was a MUST! My husband and I scheduled a date night complete with a large popcorn and dinner at Carrabba’s.
April
My favorite memory from April was watching the Phillies Home Opener with my daughter and husband. I did a photo shoot with my daughter to document her first baseball season. I also made a delicious meal of bacon-wrapped cheddar hot dogs, french fries topped with bacon & scallions, and baseball-shaped iced brownies for dessert.
May
In May, we took our first trip as a family of 3. We drove to Pittsburgh to spend the weekend with Jemma’s Uncle Craig and Uncle Jeff. It was marathon weekend and I completed my first race post-baby.
June
Hello Summer! June was spent at the local community pool and playing in the little wading pool we got for our backyard. Jemma loved the water. From splashing around to playing with her pool toys, being in the water was a favorite activity of hers. Going to the local community pool was a fun, relaxing family activity. Jemma enjoyed watching all the people at the pool, in addition to playing in the water with mommy and daddy.
July
Jemma’s first trip to the beach and our trip to the Baltimore Aquarium were highlights from the month of July. We set up a small pool on the beach and filled it with ocean water and her toys. She put her feet in the ocean a few times, but wasn’t a fan of it at first. Jemma loves seeing all the fish swimming around at the aquarium. The colorful fish really grabbed her attention!
August
During the month of August, we made our big road trip, which started with an overnight drive to Florida and ended with a relaxing week in the Outer Banks.
September
Lots of fun playtime, both inside and out, filled the month of September. Also, the start of regular season football and Football Sundays in our house.
October
Our baby girl turned 1 this month! I had fun planning and preparing for her “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star” themed birthday party. It was a special time celebrating Jemma’s birthday surrounded by family and friends. I still can’t believe our daughter is 1 year old!
November
We took a family vacation to Disney World over the Thanksgiving holiday. This was Jemma’s first plane ride and we got to see Disney World all decorated for Christmas. My husband was busy working full-time and coaching swimming part-time so we both looked forward to this vacation. Our favorite part of the vacation was spending all Thanksgiving day walking around EPCOT. We enjoyed a delicious lunch in Germany at the Biergarten Restaurant. We met Father Christmas, Pierre Noelle and visited Santa & Mrs. Claus. Jemma enjoyed watching the various shows held throughout the park and we got to ride the new Frozen Ride at night!
December
Christmas this year was so much fun! Jemma enjoyed ripping the wrapping paper off her presents and being entertained by the family and friends with whom we spent time. I loved seeing Christmas through her eyes. She loved seeing the Christmas tree lit up and pointing to the ornaments.
What are your most favorite memories or moments from 2017? I’d love to hear about them in the comments below!
