Looking back over 30 years

Today I turn 30 years old.

In those 30 years, I have:

• Lived on 3 continents
• Visited 8 countries
• Discovered passions for Montessori, breastfeeding and natural childbirth advocacy, blogging, and photography.
• Married my loving husband, who supports me when I need a ballast and challenges me to be a better person.  I cannot imagine finding a better partner, mate, and father to my children.
• Become a mother, which has introduced me to one of the most amazing and fascinating people I have ever known, and taught me more about myself and life in general than I ever thought possible.  And I'm about to do it all over again.

To celebrate this day, I wanted to put together a series of pictures.  You'll notice there are several more pictures starting at around 2004 onward than before then, as that's when I got my first digital camera. ; )  The other thing that struck me, as I clicked through pictures tagged with my name on flickr, was how incredible it was to see all those snapshots of my smiling face, so happy at various places, at various moments in time, with various people.  I'm so blessed, by the life I have lived and the people who have been part of it.  I can only hope that those blessings will continue through the next 30 years and beyond.

As a kid, riding my red tricycle in our back yard in Chile.


Zach and I, shortly after we got engaged during our last year of college (and yes, he wanted a ring, too, so he got one)- spring 2003


In the "getaway car" after our wedding reception- Jan 3, 2004


Me, my sister Jen, and my friend Danyelle... and the Golden Gate Bridge- summer (?) 2004


Skiing at Lake Tahoe!  Only did it a few times. Then decided I was happier staying in a warm cabin with hot chocolate while the others played in the snow ; )   - Feb 2005


Freshly graduated from my Montessori teacher training program-- May 2005


Austin City Limits Festival with Zach and Danyelle-- Sept 2006


In Zapallar during the 3-week trip Zach and I took to Chile with my dad.  It was my first time back in about 9 years-- May 2007


In the mountains near Grindelwald, Switzerland... and about 2 months pregnant.  =)  July 2007


At the surprise baby shower our ex-pat friends threw for me in Geneva.  I think D was born just 2 weeks after this--  January 2008


Our first family photo, moments after D's birth-- Feb 3, 2008


And into thr throes of parenthood, we go... This was soon after we came home, several hours after the birth.  I think he cried for a good 30 minutes before Zach and I finally realized all he needed was a fresh diaper-- Feb 2008


Donovan and I, in our temporary apartment, sometime in the first month after we moved back to the US from Switzerland-- Sept 2008


The photographer emerges.  ; )  January 2009


Family portrait in Lake Tahoe... and pregnant, once again.  =)  June 2010


27 weeks pregnant, and ready to head out for my birthday dinner Saturday night -- Sept 2010

I look back even just on the past 10 years and everything that has happened-- all I have accomplished, all I have gone through, how much I have changed...  and I can't help but feel excitement and wonder at seeing what the next 10 years (and beyond) will bring.

PS- You can still help me celebrate my birthday by helping bring clean water to people in Central African Republic!  Donations accepted through the end of September.