My Souvenirs of 2012

Here's to my souvenirs of 2012!

A thing that is kept as a reminder of a person, place, or event.

 

Listen, and love.

 

Here’s to the twilight

here’s to the memories

these are my souvenirs

my mental pictures of everything

Here’s to the late nights

here’s to the firelight

these are my souvenirs

my souvenirs

I close my eyes and go back in time

I can see you’re smiling, you’re so alive

we were so young, we had no fear

we were so young, we had no idea

that life was just happening

life was just happening

Here’s to your bright eyes

shining like fireflies

these are my souvenirs

the memory of a lifetime

we were wide-eyed with everything

everything around us

we were enlightened by everything

everything

So I close my eyes and go back in time

I can see you smiling, you’re so alive

I close my eyes and go back in time

you were just a child then, and so was I

we were so young, we had no fear

we were so young, we had no idea

that nothing lasts forever

nothing lasts forever

nothing lasts

nothing lasts

you and me together

were always now or never

Can you hear me?

can you hear me?

I close my eyes and go back in time

I can see you smiling, you’re so alive

I close my eyes and go back in time

you were wide-eyed, you were wide-eyed

we were so young, we had no fear

we were so young, we had just begun

a song we knew, but we never sang

it burned like fire inside our lungs

and life was just happening (and nothing lasts, nothing lasts forever)

and life was just happening (and nothing lasts, nothing lasts forever)

I wouldn’t trade it for anything

my souvenirs.

 

When I heard that song I felt as if it fit perfectly in my life this past year. I can say that as it comes to an end 2012 was an amazing year. Filled with a lot of laughter, love, surprises, angst, confusion, fulfillment of dreams, new beginnings of love, life and journeys together with friends, family and loved ones. Reunited friendships, realization of friendships lost and gone, and beginnings of many friendships to come. Here is my journey...

• January - I was back living with my mom. I had moved back from Washington D.C and was on a long journey back to finding myself, my love for God and my heart. My mom helped me out so much, kept me sane, kept me warm, kept my heart happy and my spirits high. If it weren't for her I don't know what I would have done. Thanks, Mom!
• February - I found out I was having a GIRL! My little sister Maci Ann was born. I started my (not so) wonderful job that I am (unfortunately) still working at! I moved out of my parents house and into my own apartment! (WOOHOO) Dan moved back from Washington D.C and we finally began our journey back to each other.
• March - Finally we were both settled into the new apartment. Daniel moved in with me and we were working on making this relationship the best yet.
• April - I had my maternity pictures taken, right around 26 weeks pregnant. Thank you, Katie for doing such an amazing job with these photographs!



• May - My baby shower! It was a gorgeous gathering that my mom did and all of my friends and family were able to be together for!



 

• June - My 22nd birthday. I was 8 months pregnant and waddling around like a penguin. It was one of my final ultra sound appointments and I got to hear my baby girls heartbeat. It was the best birthday gift ever!



Daddy holding Lennon for the first time!

• July - My life changed forever! Lennon Danielle was born. 6lb. 12oz at 4:19 am on 7/11! The much anticipated arrival of my baby girl was better than I could have ever imagined.

Mommy holding Lennon for the first time
 



• August - Daniel and I officially started dating again after a long road we were finally back right where we belonged; together! It was a long journey together, but we never gave up. We stuck together through it all.
• September - Sept. 24, 2012 marked 3 years since my best friend Meghan passed away. We went to Southfield to visit her, took Lennon with us and spent the day shopping like usual, as Meghan would have loved to do. Since it is so close to her birthday we make it a point to go every year and have a glass of wine with her at the cemetery.

Meghan and I - 2009

• October - Lennon enjoyed her first Halloween - as an elephant! Or Batman, because Dad thinks it's cooler than an elephant! :) I guess I agree!

Lennon - "Batman"

We enjoyed going to the pumpkin farms and getting cider, donuts and goodies! Of course,  Lennon slept the whole time but it was still fun!
Lennon enjoyed dressing up and passing out candy to everyone!


Bayne's - Fall 2012

• November - Daniel and I are ENGAGED! We went out on a romantic date together and he popped the question in front of the Court House and all of the Christmas lights! It was beautiful, and perfect! Read about it in my previous Blog -  It's a Love Story! November was also our first Thanksgiving as a family! We also moved out of my old apartment and got our first apartment together! We are now living in a safe place in Saginaw Township, a good neighborhood and finally - it's healthy for Lennon! No more black mold or dust to bother us! Thank the Lord, we are all healthy and in a good home.

Our FIRST ornament!

My GORGEOUS princess cut diamond! PERFECT.

• December - First and foremost - We just bought a minivan. Not important, but it definitely tops the list of a milestone this year! Officially parents when you buy a minivan. But, we LOVE it!!! It's awesome. :) This month was our first Christmas together as a family. Lennon enjoyed opening all of her gifts, the wrapping paper was actually more exciting for her to play with, but whatever! :) We had a great time spending Christmas Eve with both of our families and Christmas morning together! Now that this year is coming to an end Dan and I are celebrating our 2 year anniversary tonight on NYE! 2 years ago we were at the bar with friends when he asked me to be his girlfriend - now here we are.

Daniel, Lennon and I - Christmas in Lake City



We made it through a lot of tears, and troubles to get where we are but we are now the happiest we've ever been - planning our wedding and celebrating the love and life of our new baby girl, Lennon Danielle. I cannot wait to see what 2013 brings - our daughters first birthday, our wedding, my best friends wedding(s) and SO SO SO much more!

Goodbye 2012 - Thanks for the souvenirs!