Ah, the New Year. I love a good clean slate even though I maintain you can start anew every day/hour/minute. I also love it because it brings forth a lot of reflection for me when I look at my year as a whole. What did I accomplish? What stood in my way? What were the ups and downs? What did I enjoy? What were my favorite things! So let’s take a look back, shall we? (and then come back tomorrow as I look ahead to this new year!!)
I used to do several Best Of posts but this year I kind of just felt going simple and minimal with it! If you REALLY want to get a feel for my year you can surely check out my Monthly Rewinds!
The Highs Of 2017
Well everything was pretty much pregnancy and new baby for me in 2017 — though I did get to see some bands I love during my 3rd trimester — Fitz & the Tantrums, Bastille, Empire of the Sun, The 1975 and Kings of Leon!
I was lucky to be pregnant at the same time as 3 of my closest friends and I really lived for those hangouts during the year and all our baby showers. Then obviously having Riley was the highest of highs for the year. Miss Riley Josephine seriously brings me joy every single day. She’s so fun to hang out with these days and I’m just obsessed with her because she’s pretty damn cool. Becoming a mom was definitely the biggest life change EVER and it wasn’t always easy but I love that baby girl something fiercely and I enjoyed watching her grow every day.
The Lows Of 2017
– lots of hip pain during the 3rd trimester of my pregnancy which forced me to miss my baby sister’s college graduation
– being traumatized by my birth experience
– That scary few weeks right after Riley’s birth where I had a really hard time. I had severe PPD/anxiety pretty much from day 1 that only got worse in week 2-3. Thankfully I had an amazing support system and an OB who gave it to me straight but lovingly and soon I was back to myself pretty quickly and at this point I feel 1000% like myself again. It honestly breaks my heart remembering that time because I didn’t get to enjoy that baby girl as much as I should have been able to. I cried so much and that time feels just dark even though I loved on her so much. There are parts that just feel like a blur to me from then. I know it would have been hard but I hate that I felt so much sadness & debilitating anxiety. BUT I OVERCAME IT and was able to enjoy every moment after that. You can read more about my birth experience and the rough time after here.
This was about a month after her birth and I finally started to feel good.
My 6 Favorite Photos Of 2017
lol Finn. Just a typical us picture.
My 10 Favorite Books I Read In 2017
To be fair, I didn’t read much from July onward so I didn’t get to a lot of what was published this summer and fall because NEW BABY (and my reading time was devoted to baby sleep articles/books lol)
Windwitch by Susan Dennard
The Hating Game by Sally Thorne
The Names They Gave Us by Emery Lord
Ramona Blue by Julie Murphy
Always & Forever, Lara Jean by Jenny Han
When Dimple Met Rishi by Sandaya Menon
Goodbye Days by Jeff Zentner
They Both Die At The End by Adam Silvera
Warcross by Marie Lu
The Upside Of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli
My 5 Favorite Picture Books I Read With Riley
She Persisted by Chelsea Clinton
One Lonely Fish by Andy Mansfield
Penguin On Vacation by Salina Yoon
all of the Sandra Boynton ones!! (I talked about them in this post!)
Pig The Pug by Aaron Blabey
My Least Favorite Book I Read In 2017
Wedding Night by Sophie Kinsella — meh. It was a good light audiobook for me though when I had to drive to my OB appointments towards the end of my pregnancy.
My New Favorite Wardrobe Staples In 2017
(most of 2017 was trying to fit my huge belly into clothes but after I popped her out boy did I shop!)
Old Navy Buffalo Plaid Cardigan
(sadly out of stock now but the coziest cardigan ever)
Express Foldover Leggings (THE BEST)
My 4 Favorite Beauty Products I Tried In 2017
100% Pure Coffee Bean Eye Cream
My 5 Most Listened To Albums Of 2017
(I listened to Hamilton most of all so I’m leaving all that off haha)
Folk Hop N’ Roll — Judah The Lion
Fitz & The Tantrum self titled album
Zombies On Broadway — Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness
LA Divine — Cold War Kids
Harry Styles self titled album (not going to lie I am shocked at how into this I was because I was never big on One Direction)
* Taylor Swift’s Reputation could be a contender on the list as I’ve listened to it SO much since it came out this year*
The Best TV I Watched In 2017
We didn’t really start many new tv shows in 2017 (especially this Fall because it’s hard enough to find time to watch the stuff we are already watching with a new baby! So let me know which new 2017 shows I should catch up on!!)
Both seasons of The Good Place
Stranger Things Season 2
thank you Jesus Riley decided to take amazing naps the weekend this dropped so we could binge)
Black-ish
(better late than never!! Will and I are obsessed!)
My Favorite Post I Wrote On The Blog In 2017
My Journey To Motherhood & Honest Thoughts On Motherhood So Far
My 5 Most Popular Posts On The Blog In 2017
My Most Anticipated Adult Fiction Books For 2018
42 Books Becoming Movies In 2018
Planning For A Kickass New Year
My Ultimate Plan To Make Winter Suck Less
My Gift Guide For Book Lovers THAT AREN’T BOOKS
It was a huge, truly LIFE-CHANGING year for me. I mean, literally my whole life as I’ve known it pretty steadily for the past few years changed dramatically. I love my new life though it is hard to reconcile all the changes — most of all a lack of time to do what I want these days!! Luckily Riley is pretty fun to hang out with and I truly enjoy the hell out of her!
Tell me some of your highlights of 2017! The best in books, tv, music & any life-changing products especially!! And don’t forget to come back tomorrow so we can look ahead together!
[Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links which means that if you click on a link and purchase something I’ve talked about or recommended, I’ll receive a very small percentage of the sale. Please see my disclosure policy for more info.
Emma @ The Crooked Bookmark says
I love your choice of favourite pictures, the one of all the kids together is such a beautifully innocent shot, they are all so sweet.
Love that you and your friends were pregnant all around the same time, I can imagine the support from each other meant a huge amount. I have never been to a baby shower before but my friend is due next month and we have her shower at the end of Jan – I am so excited!
Here’s to a great 2018.
x
Jamie says
Thank you! <3 Her nieces and nephew adore her! It's def one of my fave pictures ever!
It really was! I'm sure so many other people in my life were sick of hearing about it but at least they could understand and be like OMG ME TOO. Plus I'm a worrier so having them be like no that happened to me too was helpful! haha
Aww how exciting for your friend (and for you to have a little one to spoil!!)
Hoping for a great 2018 to you as well!!
Lisa @ Reading, Writing, and Random Musings says
Your posts lately have put me in a shopping mood! I must get on that one soon!
Charlie says
Your photos are great! I like the Christmas picture! haha
How fun that you and your friends were pregnant at the same time! I think my ship for that has sailed. All my friends went through their pregnancies not log after college. Hope you have a great 2018!
Terra Heck says
Riley is adorable. I’m glad that motherhood is better now than in the beginning, but don’t beat yourself up over it. You got the help and support you needed. That picture of the dog licking Riley cracked me up!
Michelle says
I have loved watching you grow and mature over the years and this year was no different. Watching you tackle your PPD and motherhood has been an inspiration to us all. Your honesty is refreshing, and I love that you are not afraid to share the bad with the good. Miss Riley is an absolute doll, and her personality shines through in the pictures and videos you take. I wish you all a very happy 2018!
Alexandria Vassallo says
Congratulations on your baby! I loved looking at all those photos and reading your article. It reminds me of when I was pregnant with my own two girls. You also gave me a great idea to reflect on 2017 myself… come up with the good and the bad so I can reflect on it.
Kelsie says
Seems like a great year! I’m sorry you had a hard time post-pregnancy! That’s never fun!
The Crumby Vegan says
Wow your 2017 has been a rollercoaster and of course your baby daughter is gorgeous! I’m sorry to hear you had a hard time giving birth although I’m sure your story will be incredibly helpful to other people going through similar experiences.
BTW Empire of the Sun is one of my fav bands!! And your dog looks a bit like my dog… You have a mega family!! 💚
Christie says
What a great year in review! congrats and the adorable babe and I am also embarrassed to admit that I too am quite fond the Harry Styles album.
xoxo Christie
http://www.icanstyleu.com/blog/
Harmony, Momma To Go says
That first year, first weeks are so crazy. such a transition! It goes my fast, I am planning my oldest’s 9th birthday already! Your daughter is too cute! Happy New Year!
All She Things says
Your pictures are so adorable! Even my year was a mixed bag but I am thankful for a lot of things 🙂
– http://www.allshethings.com
Christine Smith says
Congratulations on your little one.
So lucky you had your mates pregnant as well. Perfect timing.
Modulargold.com
Terra says
Your favorite family photos are darling, and it was interesting to read about the highs and lows of your year.
Noelle Lynne says
Love that you focused on both the highs and lows, great reflections to read (and now you have me thinking)!
Lucy says
Congratulations on having a gorgeous baby girl! I love the photos of you, baby and dog and the family portrait with the dog licking Riley’s face, so funny! Animals always want to be in on the action. Happy New Year for 2018.
Susan (Bloggin' 'bout Books) says
Having children will definitely change your life! Motherhood is a beautiful, amazing experience but it’s certainly not without its trials and struggles. It’s worth it, though! You have an adorable baby girl 🙂
Annemieke says
I think one of the highlights for me was when Merijn was able to go from tummy to sit, pull himself up and then walk. Him turning 1. Saying a few words more than mom and dad. Geez I wonder what my life revolves around these days haha.
It is so weird how you still underestimate how a baby is going to change your life despite knowning how much care and sleepless nights go into it. But in the end it is worth it. For me in any case. And it sounds for you too. <3
sarah camille says
I love this whole round up – such a great way to remember 2017! Your PPD sounds scary, but it’s good to hear you were feeling better after a month. Your little girl is so precious!!
Kate says
Congratulations on becoming a mama in 2017- definitely a year you will NEVER forget! Such a momentous event- and life changing, since motherhood is certainly filled with plenty of ups and downs. (Traumatic birth experience and PPD mama here as well).