As any mom knows, the first year of your baby's life flies by.
While you're in the thick of it, the sleepless nights and post-midnight feedings of early parenthood may seem to last forever. In retrospect, though, it's like you blink and your child is suddenly heading off to college.
Many parents choose to mark their child's first birthday with a photo shoot. Cake smashes are a trendy, popular way to celebrate that milestone, where parents have their 1-year-old messily destroy the dessert with their hands.
But one new mom came up with an amazingly creative and unique way to mark her baby girl's first year. Mom blogger Rosie Maxhimer of "The Sweet Mama Life" has been sharing her daughter Annabelle's monthly milestone photos all throughout the year — and they're too precious!
Scroll through to check out all 12 of the incredible monthly baby photos.
Thumbnail Photo: Instagram / The Sweet Mama Life
[H/T: Babble]
Rosie gave birth to her daughter, Annabelle Rose Maxhimer, in March 2016.
The mom blogger told Babble that she had always loved crafting, even before Annabelle was born. So after her firstborn came along, Rosie decided to channel her creative energy into projects involving her sweet (and very photogenic!) little girl.
That's when she came up with the idea for her DIY milestone photos.
Every single month for Annabelle's first year of life, the creative mom designed a themed backdrop corresponding to the month or season.
For the first photo, to celebrate her baby's 1-month birthday, Rosie went with a simple springtime theme, featuring larger-than-life flowers.
What's especially incredible is that Rosie designed each of these photo backdrops with supplies that cost her $20 (or less!), using craft supplies and items she already had around her house.
Rosie told Babble that the 2-month photo was one of her favorites. The boating theme corresponded to a family boat gathering she'd attended for her first Mother's Day.
Annabelle's 3rd month milestone photo featured balloons, stuffed animal pals, and a cloud made out of old bath towels.
When Annabelle turned 4 months old, it was July.
The "beach baby" theme is so fitting! And how cute is the little crab peeking out from the corner?
Annabelle's fifth photo related to her dad Robert's Texan roots.
"This month's theme, as you may have guessed, is in honor of her daddy and having just booked her first plane ticket to TX," Rosie explained in her caption.
While some babies might not be so pleased to lie still and pose for such elaborate photos, Annabelle ended up being a perfect model!
Rosie explained that the project wound up being a great bonding experience as well.
"I quickly learned that it was a lot of fun for both of us," she said. "I had a crafty outlet, and she thought it was hilarious the way I would jump around above her making various animal sounds to get a reaction or smile out of her."
Annabelle's 8-month-old photo followed an autumn harvest theme, with a cute scarecrow toy and a leaf-filled backdrop.
In preparation for her first Christmas, Rosie posed 9-month-old Annabelle next to a snowman.
Alongside each of the amazing photos, Rosie shared updates about her daughter's milestones and developing personality.
"She currently has a total of six teeth and is starting to practice standing hands free!" the proud mom wrote alongside the 10-month-old's New Year's-themed photo.
"She instantly falls in love with any stuffed animal that crosses her path. Annnnd while she still finds us somewhat entertaining, she thinks she has seen most of our tricks and therefore has become quite the social butterfly when we are out and about."
You can really see how Rosie's creative eye developed as the photo shoots became more and more elaborate over the months.
I can't believe that not a single one of these backdrops cost over $20!
To round out Annabelle's first year, the 12th photo featured a surprise appearance by the baby's dad.
In a Little Red Riding Hood-themed picture, Annabelle plays the role of Red Riding Hood, while her dad portrays the woodcutter who protects her.
Rosie is currently expecting her second baby, another little girl. I, for one, can't wait to see how she follows up Annabelle's amazing milestone photos.
If you're so impressed with Rosie's artistic eye, don't forget to SHARE these photos on Facebook!
