There are many things i could have called this post – the best of 2023, my favorite snaps from 2023, or to be really specific “Mark’s favortie photos from his pre-selected options for his recap photo frame” – but that would make a very boring and lengthy blog post title. Every year since we started dating I have made Mark a framed collage of our year. Looking back it was a bit forward of me in 2019 to put together photos like this in a very large (nearly 3 feet tall!) frame for my boyfriend of less than a year but when you know, you know.
The first three years I just picked the photos, had it made, and Mark unwrapped it on Christmas day. Then came. 2022 was hard. I was pregnant. Then I wasn’t. Then I was. So last year I gave him 15 photos to pick from and he selected nine to make the cut. This year with Lily Harper was even harder but for different reasons.
Looking at the thousands of photos I have that could have made the cut it made me realize we don’t have as many pics of the three of us that aren’t selfies than I I thought. Still I had 24 (shock) for him to choose from. These are the nine he chose in order for the best of 2023:
1 | Seven months pregnant at the Museum of Natural History in New York City
2 | One of my favourite photos of Lily from her newborn photoshoot at home
3 | With Mark at our anniversary dinner in September, a great date night for Mum and Dad
4 | With Lily in the hospital when she was only 24 hours old
5 | Another of my favourite shots from Lily’s newborn photoshoot
6 | All smiles at the top of the mountain on our hike in New Hampshire in early September
7 | Thanksgiving Day in Florida
8 | Labs Day Weekend and Lily’s first boat ride on a lake, after she got used to her life jacket
9 | At my brother’s wedding where Lily was the cutest flower girl (see more)
Which would you say is top snap from this best of 2023 recap?

Penelope says
I think you look like a movie star couple in the picture with Lily in her flower girl outfit. Your husband looks like James Bond and you look like a runway model and Lily. Well Lily is Lily. She’s just adorable. You’ve had quite a year and it’s been fun watching her grow up as I read your blog. Keep up the good work and happy new year.
Roberta says
Too hard for me to choose. So many stages, special occasions and great spots.
Which one is your favorite?
Nice idea to recap the year.