New Year's Eve

It's the eve of a new year, and I am feeling so grateful for all that this past year brought into my life.  Sitting with my family, and a few friends who spontaneously dropped in, I am aware of how truly blessed I am with loved ones, my furry babies, my home, and my health.  My Gratitude Project has been a beautiful practice in getting me to slow down and be present with the gratitude of everyday moments, big and small.  Looking through these past 365 photos, I see that what I am most often grateful for are the people and animals who inspire me, make me laugh, or fill my heart with love.  Thank you all for touching my life in such profound ways, and for giving me daily reminders of the many blessings in my life.  My wish is for a peaceful and joyous 2012 for us all - my camera and I are ready for a new year!

Contortionist

And, for her next trick, Fergie will perform the supine half twist upside down snuggle. I love this dog so hard.

Baby Buddha

Five months ago, I had the honor of being this sweet baby's long distance doula while his mama was in labor. Today, I had the great delight of meeting Vittorio and his awesome mom in person. This little boy had the most lucious and squeezable rolls, smiling eyes and enough love to make every person in the room feel like she was his favorite.

December Sky

Today was full of gorgeous light, cloud formations, and skylines - it was difficult to concentrate on the road!  Skies like these inspire me, and make it easy to stop, be in the moment, and feel gratitude for this day and this life. Was happy to snap this photo (at a stop sign, of course) on my way to work today!

Winter Warmth

New cozy flannel sheets + Meg on vacation = extra cozy winter morning.

Day After

I love Day-After-Christmas - vegging out with kids, dogs, pj's, toys, leftovers and NO place to be!

Christmas Joy

Feeling so full of love and gratitude for the best gift of all - this amazing Sweeney family!

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Let your heart be light
From now on,
our troubles will be out of sight

Have yourself a merry little Christmas,
Make the Yule-tide gay,
From now on,
our troubles will be miles away.

Here we are as in olden days,
Happy golden days of yore.
Faithful friends who are dear to us
Gather near to us once more.

Through the years
We all will be together,
If the Fates allow
Hang a shining star
upon the highest bough.
And have yourself
A merry little Christmas now.

Christmas Eve

My first Christmas married to Meg and I have so much to be grateful for!  I'm giving thanks for new traditions: Christmas Eve with Meg's family, Aidan and Evan in new pj's and new snow tubes, Jen's amazing feta avocado dip, staying up far too late with Meg to finish wrapping and packing, and a heart full of Christmas joy and love.

Museum Break

It's been years since I've been to the Boston Museum of Science, and today I was reminded of just how awesome it is!  I'm grateful for today's break from the holiday frenzy to join Lee, Andrew, Sarah, and William for some fun at MOS.  I especially loved seeing little A and Will explore the various exhibits and games!

Sacred

Thursday morning walks with Maria and the dogs is one of my most sacred rituals. So grateful for this escape to the woods with this sister of my soul. Thank you for always keeping it real. 

In the Spirit

Once again, I am grateful to Meg for teaching me how to slow down, and stay in touch with what's important.  While I sat there blabbing on and stressing out about all I had to get done before Christmas, I realized that Meg was actually whistling a tune and making a gingerbread house.  Needless to say, I put the list down and spent the rest of the night just being in the spirit and the moment with Meg.

Sawyer and Meg

A surprise visit from Meg and sweet Sawyer for some early afternoon smiles and giggles absolutely made my day!

Handmade

Today was a day of much receiving from clients and friends who are in the spirit of giving.  I especially love the amazing handmade treasures I've received - delicious soup, a funky zip pouch, and a hand-stitched tea towel from Jill, and a special package from Oregon bearing Erika's latest gorgeous handicraft: fused glass.  So grateful for these generous and thoughtful people in my life!

Slutcracker

Not only am I grateful for this fun and festive night with Meg and friends; I am grateful to the Slutcracker for celebrating many different bodies as sexy and beautiful in its irreverent and playful parody of a Christmas classic!

Oh Tannenbaum

Tonight I love: the smell of pine filling my home, Christmas music, the warmth and glow of Christmas lights, each memory and story connected with each shiny ornament on our tree, and creating new Christmas rituals with Meg.  Tonight, I am feeling such deep gratitude for the many blessings in my life!

Doctor Gibbons

This amazing doctor made a special house call today to make ear impressions for my custom-fit Christmas gift.  I am so proud of the work she does, and grateful that she generously shared her gift with me!

Christmas Love

One of my most favorite parts of Christmas preparations - choosing a tree with Meg! 

Mini Lights

Small treats to share with my women's group - I love their vibrant colors and delicious smells!

To The Woods

A last minute client cancellation on a crisp sunny day means only one thing: escaping to the woods with the girls for a blissful late morning hike.  Heaven.

Getting Closer

Major breakthroughs lately on the sister front - Luna has started to snuggle up with her rambunctious little sister on these chilly nights.  I am so grateful for this sweet family of mine.

Deck the Halls

Feeling so grateful for my family traditions and rituals this time of year, and love sharing them with this precious next generation.  So delighted to catch this sweet moment with Solana admiring my favorite childhood Christmas decoration. 

Girls Night

Movie night with Mom and the sisters! Can't remember the last time the four of us got to spend quality time together - my heart is so full of love for these women.

Self-Care

The only two things scheduled on my calendar for today: Yoga and Massage. Giving thanks for this decadent day of rest and self-care.

Tinks

I'm always happy when Jenna and Eamonn go out of town...because it means the girls get to have their cousin Tinker stay over!  I just LOVE this sweet girl.  She's the perfect addition to our pack!

Craft Night

Feeling gratitude for an impromptu Wednesday night dinner date with our friends and a fun holiday craft project with Jack and Leo.  Cinnamon applesauce ornaments and s'mores in the fireplace made for an extra sweet night!

Pine

Oh, how I love the smell of Russo's this time of year!

On the Move

I just love photographing this happy little guy!  Andrew, Lee, and I had such a fun time celebrating this sweetheart's SECOND birthday with a bunch of trikes, trucks, rocks, smiles, and my camera.  Happy Birthday Andrew Byron!

Sunday Dinner

Today I am grateful for my wonderful wife, for this bountiful meal she lovingly prepared, and for the surprise outing she planned to my alma mater for their Holiday Concert.  Sunday bliss!

Little Blue Box

Yep. It's THE "little blue box". As if a visit from our wedding doula weren't exciting enough, Gerrie used the occasion to shop at her favorite "little place".  The gorgeous silver chain inside was a generous accompaniment to the pendants she gave us on our wedding day.  I love wearing this special gift from a very special friend!

Postpartum Massage

Oh, how I LOVE giving mommas massage after they have birthed their babies, ESPECIALLY when they bring along their little loves.  Mikayla thoroughly enjoyed herself during mom's session - kicking, smiling up at her mom, and talking to all of her "friends" that we hung from the face-cradle; before passing out for a peaceful nap while mom enjoyed her massage.

Baby Ivy

I get paid to hang out with families and their new babies. How lucky am I?