Finn’s first birthday was yesterday. I’m working through a lot of feelings about our journey through the first year and trying to decide how to best share it, or if I maybe want to write something personal and private to hold onto or share at a later date if it feels right.
I mostly feel overjoyed, grateful, happy, blessed, fortunate and all the positive things but as any of you that have been through the first year of motherhood know, it’s a massive life shift and there’s a lot to process on the other side of it. Layer on top of that the challenges that were personal to my journey and it was quite the year.
Despite all of that, I can confidently say that I’ve never felt more whole, happy and connected in my life. I know without a doubt that I was meant to be this little boys mama and he is the light of my life.
Here’s a look back at the first year.
BIRTH
1 DAY OLD
HOME FROM THE HOSPITAL
The fourth trimester: week one.
10 DAYS OLD, NEWBORN SHOOT
The fourth trimester: week two and three. Healing from c-section: emotional recovery.
ONE MONTH
Day in the life at four weeks. Fourth trimester: weeks four, five, six and seven. A new way forward.
TWO MONTHS
Fourth trimester: weeks eight, nine, ten and eleven. My life with Finn at 10 weeks. We all get lucky in turn.
THREE MONTHS
The fourth trimester: the end. Baby essentials 0-3 months. Our Thursday at 13 weeks.
FOUR MONTHS
FIVE MONTHS
My experience with pumping. Day in the life at 5 months. Post-baby fitness update: 5 months.
FIRST HALLOWEEN
SIX MONTHS + FIRST THANKSGIVING
Six ways being a mom has changed me in the first six months. Finn’s first Thanksgiving.
SEVEN MONTHS
Instead I held you + more thoughts on that. Here comes the sun.
FIRST CHRISTMAS
Santa baby. Finn’s first Christmas. Florida, family and the new year.
EIGHT MONTHS
18 days into 2018 + 8 months old. Day in the life at 8 months. Eating with a baby. Climbing out of the hole.
NINE MONTHS
9 months. Our journey into solids. Finn’s eats at 9 months. Baby essentials 3-9 months old.
TEN MONTHS
ELEVEN MONTHS
From darkness to light. Five ways I’ve stayed sane as a new mom.
ONE YEAR!!!
THANK YOU!
Thank you all for being along for this journey. I know things changed a lot in this space but life changed more than I ever could have dreamed. Despite this, I have felt wrapped up in cheers, love and support from y’all as I’ve walked through this first year of motherhood. I am grateful.
He is so precious!! Happy Birthday Finn!
-Kate
https://daysofkate.com/
Jen,
I’ve been a long time reader and follower of your blog as well as bakin’ and eggs.
You are a real inspiration to all of your readers. You’ve shown us how hard life can be and how to overcome adversity and to carry on when life throws you some curve balls.
Thank you for sharing your story!
Happy Birthday, Finn! It’s been fun to follow along on his first year!!
Happy Birthday to Finn! You’re doing so well for him, and your fur kids! You really are an inspiration. Thank you for sharing your ups and downs and being real.
Happy Birthay Finn!!!! Jenn – thank you for sharing all about him to your readers as well as your own journey into motherhood. It suits you!!!!!!
I had a baby girl last July and found your blog when your 4th trimester series came up in my Google news feed. I have loved following your story and seeing Finn grow this year. I totally understand the bittersweet nature of the first birthday. I have a 3 year old daughter as well and can say that your bond and love for each other will only continue to grow. The best is truly yet to come. Happy birthday Finn!
Happy Birthday Finn! ???
Jen your doing a great job with motherhood! Look how happy Finn always is and your girls too! I know how hard it is bc I was a single Mom too, but it’s all worth it! Have a great week!
Congratulations! I am always inspired to be a better mom when I read your posts. Happy Birthday Finn!
Happy Birthday, sweet Finn!
Happy Birthday Finn!
I have loved following your blog and watching it grow and change as you have grown and changed. I am happy to read each of your posts as they are always written in such a great way, no matter the subject or topic. Thanks for being such a real person and an inspiration to all of us! Enjoy the next phase of your life with a 1 year old 🙂
Jen,
Finn is absolutely adorable and you his mom are incredible! I have loved following along on the journey this past year. I have watched you face every obstacle with grace and courage and the underlying theme in your posts from this past year have been gratitude! I believe that is what has kept the blessings pouring into your life. I am blessed to read your blog.
Happy Birthday Finn!! And congrats to you for being a mamma for a year! You have raised a wonderful little boy! My LO is a few days behind Finn and turns one on the 28th! It’s an exciting adventure and I try to remember to take time being in the present and enjoy all the little moments.
Thank you so much! And biggest congrats back to you too! 🙂 I hope you guys enjoy your celebration!