Our sweet Ollie is officially two years old! It’s hard to believe how quickly these years have flown — and yet, in the very best way, her second year seemed to unfold a little more slowly. We were able to truly savor every season of her being one, and it felt like such a gift to soak in all the little moments. Looking back, I feel so grateful for the ordinary days and the milestones that made this past year so special. Let’s rewind!
Ollie’s First Birthday
We celebrated Ollie’s first birthday in Fontana, Wisconsin — one of Ben’s and my favorite places. It was so special to gather with our whole family in a place we love so much. There was a warmth and joy in being together, celebrating all we had overcome and the little one who had changed our lives forever.
Summer 2024
We soaked up the Minnesota summer with daily walks, hikes, bike rides, gardening, and afternoons in the yard. Some of my favorite memories are the simple ones: reading books at coffee shops, playing outside, and just enjoying time together.
Fall 2024
As fall arrived, Ollie transitioned from her Cradlewise crib to a big-girl crib — so surreal! Ben and I now have not one but two videos of ourselves putting cribs together. We often say the part of parenting no one warns you about is just how bittersweet the little changes feel. Our hearts overflow with joy and love, yet break a little every time Ollie sizes up in diapers, outgrows clothes, or leaves behind a toy she once loved.
In October, our breastfeeding journey came to an end — such an emotional milestone for me. For nearly a year, I nursed Ollie every two hours around the clock. Eventually, her interest faded to once a day, and I knew it was time to close that chapter. I’m so proud to have nursed her for 16 months, and so grateful for every moment of closeness during that season. It’s something I will always cherish.
By Halloween, Ollie was walking — and within weeks, she was running! Watching her discover the world on her own two feet was pure joy. For her first walking Halloween, she dressed as a pumpkin and joined in a little trick-or-treat event at our grocery store. She hasn’t tried candy yet…but I’m curious what her second Halloween will hold!
Winter 2024
We became members at a few indoor playgrounds — the perfect way to keep busy during long Minnesota winters. We spent the holidays traveling to see family, but we also had our own Christmas morning at home, which felt so magical. On Christmas Eve, Ben and I put on Christmas movies while we quietly assembled Ollie’s presents.
Spring 2025
By spring, we were all eager to get outdoors again. We made countless trips to the garden store, walked around our neighborhood, and enjoyed the fresh air. Ollie also started gymnastics, which she was finally old enough for at 18 months. She grew so much during those weeks and even had her very own “graduation ceremony,” which was absolutely adorable.
Summer 2025
Once summer arrived, we set up Ollie’s water table and began spending hours in the backyard. She loves climbing between trees, (over)watering flowers, and exploring every corner of our yard. She’s silly, smart, and endlessly curious — and Ben and I both agree she’s a summer baby through and through. It was as though her personality blossomed with the sunshine.
In June, we celebrated her bunny-themed birthday right at home in Minnesota. We wanted Ollie to wake up in her own room on her birthday. The night before, Ben and I stayed up late blowing up balloons, hanging garlands, and preparing food. Just like last year, Ben’s mom baked Ollie’s “healthy” birthday cake — a tradition I’m so thankful for.
We felt so grateful to be surrounded by family, friends, and neighbors celebrating our sweet girl. To see Ollie surrounded by love is everything I could hope for. I probably tell her “I’m proud of you” seven million times a day, and I hope she always knows how loved, treasured, and special she is.
Here are a few of the photos I remembered to capture during her party — in between cooking, decorating, and celebrating!
As I look back on Ollie’s second year, I’m reminded again and again how much joy she brings into our lives. Watching her grow and change has been the most beautiful, bittersweet, and humbling experience. Every new milestone feels like a reminder of how quickly time moves — and how important it is to pause, soak it in, and be present.
I’m endlessly grateful for our sweet Ollie. Being her mom is the greatest honor of my life — to love her, to learn alongside her, and to witness the person she’s becoming. Here’s to another year of laughter, growth, and the sweetest everyday moments together.
