Kiera's 30th birthday

"Hey Belle, do you know what day it is today? It's your mother's 30th birthday! Isn't that wonderful? What a celebration! 

"Oh, and just between us, she might be a touch sensitive about it, so don't make a huge deal about it, okay?" 😄

(I'm just kidding mom, you handled it with poise!)

On this exact day last year we found out that Kiera was pregnant. It was such an exciting day for both of us. It was the best birthday present Kiera could have hoped for.

"Wow", we thought. "This is amazing!". At that point, Arabella was roughly 1 month in the womb. 

Can you believe that 5 months + 2 days later, she would be born?

What a turn of events. 12 months after finding out Kiera was pregnant, we now have a 7 month old Bella living at home with us 💗

The numbers don't lie, as odd as they seem. That's the kind of year it's been for us. A crazy-yet-beautiful kind of year.

So today, we celebrated very quietly. We spent time with our precious daughter. We all spent time together. 

In the evening, after Belle went to sleep, we ordered some Chinese food. Dad enjoyed a beer while mom had a glass of ice wine. We each had a hot and relaxing bubble bath, and later we watched a movie like old times. 

Ah, like old times, huh? 😄

Let's rewind for a little bit, shall we?

Last summer we were spending time with our niece Lilianna...

We were building sandcastles, going on adventures, having sleep-overs, and munching on her favourite...pepperoni pizza! 

Lilianna loves her baths just as much as we do 😊

Kiera and I went on a ton of road trips...

We went to a cottage nearly every weekend with friends...

Dad was golfing and playing hockey every week...

We went to see the circus...

We spent lots of time downtown. Seeing friends after work, going to restaurants, hanging out, and doing all sorts of things. 

Kiera's aunt Susan and cousin Jacob even came to visit us from Denmark...

It was one of those unforgettable summers!

And for Kiera's birthday last year we went to Niagara Falls to sight-see. It's our favourite place to go! Then we headed over to Buffalo to do some quick shopping...

We spotted this pizza purse and instantly thought of our special girl, Lilianna 😂. She's always on our mind!

So I guess what I'm trying to say is that our world was a little different last year. We had different priorities, and different obligations.

This was last years birthday cake.

So, Kiera...although it's been a crazy year, it's been an extraordinary year, don't you think? It's been a year for the ages, and it's one we're sure to never forget.

When you blew out those candles last year, I think I know exactly what you wished for...

It might not have been the journey you were hoping for, but your wish did come true, did it not?

I know it did 😊

Happy 30th birthday my dear...happy birthday to you!
💗💗💗