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12 years with the love of my life. I sit here just

12 years with the love of my life. I sit here just amazed at how blessed we are. I trace back time to days, months, years before I met you - opportunities that didn’t come to pass, broken paths, heartbreak… things that in the moment seemed impossible to move forward from, but now are so apparent that it all led to you and the beautiful life we live together. That’s the thing about time, it’s a blessing. I’m so fortunate to be able to look back on my life, connect the dots, and piece together all the moments that happened a certain way in order to be in our present. All the memories along that path are filled with life’s ups and downs - together. I love our life, I love you, I love our perfect angel daughter. Thank you for choosing me, always. I choose you, too. ❤️

This Texas summer here DFW & north central Texas h

This Texas summer here DFW & north central Texas has been TERRIBLE. This had better not be a joke, my heart can’t handle. does this mean triple digits are over?! My electric bill is screaming 😱 *amen* 😩😩😩😩🙏🏼

First PSL of the season + pumpkin muffin. Doing th

First PSL of the season + pumpkin muffin. Doing the absolute most to summon fall. This entire summer of triple digit weather really is exhausting for the soul🥵

*Dr.* Tara R. Fuller, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC

*Dr.* Tara R. Fuller, DNP, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC OH MY GOSH, I'M DONE WITH SCHOOL, FOREVER!!! Seriously! What a journey my educational path has been! I joke that I've been in school since preschool, but it's also the truth, minus 2012-2014 working as a newbie nurse. Isn't that insane? Nursing school, a master's in nursing, two NP degrees, and now my doctorate.. that's so many books 🤣 and I still have most of them! In all seriousness, it has been an enormous privilege to pursue these goals. Looking back at the shape of my life during each period of those degrees also makes me so appreciative. I can see the growth, the determination, the hardships, the struggles, the maturation, and the perseverance. It's such a blessing to be able to reflect on the past and recognize its worth in the present - the good, the bad, and all the in-between. I wish my grandfather was still with us to celebrate this achievement. He believed in me SO much. For as long as I can remember he encouraged me to be "great." His mother was a field worker. He built an empire from a grade school education. He was an incredible man in countless ways. I am blessed with parents, a brother, a husband, a cherished group of friends, and a darling angel baby who have been there for the ride - and the tears. I now work as a mental health provider who focuses on psychiatry, substance abuse, as well as adolescent and young adult mental health. I dedicate every day to the memory of my cousin, Ricardo, and those in my family and friend group who struggle with substance abuse. My path is filled with all of the emotions, and I'm just so dang grateful to be here, at 37. It still feels so weird to not spend nights and weekends on schoolwork. I feel like I'm behind or missing something, hah! Now all of that time is spent snuggling our sweet Seraphina and soaking in the joy I always prayed so hard for. To my dearest friend Alison Achieng, thank you for capturing yet another milestone in my life. 👩‍🎓🖤 (And an enormous thank you to all of the teachers I've had over the years. You all have been so incredible, and I wouldn't be here without you!)

ALL of my maternity photos with my beloved @audrey

ALL of my maternity photos with my beloved @audrey_oh_art and baby bun Seraphina 💛 These memories will last me a lifetime and they were all so fun to shoot!

My own Cheer Bear Care Bear 💖 This bear stood

My own Cheer Bear Care Bear 💖 This bear stood for hope and happiness, and helped others see the bright side of life. She brought hope in our time of doubt and greater happiness than we could have ever imagined 💘 📸 @audreytappan.creates

Saying goodbye to 2022 👋🏼 This year draws

Saying goodbye to 2022 👋🏼 This year draws to a close in a matter of hours. I swear it was only January a week ago! This year will always be one of the most special of my life. I started it with the hopes of a successful third round of IVF and then spent the majority of it pregnant growing my little muffin. I honestly miss being pregnant so much. Feeling all the little kicks and twists were such a special feeling. I loved when she had hiccups, and she still gets them often now 🤣 It still amazes me how intensely that love blossomed once she was born. If being with her everyday was all I did for the next 18 years I’d totally be okay with that. Every day is such a joy. We’ve learned so much about each other and find new things to smile about each day. Oscar also joined the family in march - he is a HOOT. He’s definitely added humor to the household and has the funniest personality. He and poppy are the best of pals (most of the time). He and poppy both adore Seraphina and try to always give her kisses. 2022 was full of love through and through. How lucky are we? Even if your year wasn’t one you’ll remember fondly - remember you are STILL here. You survived each and every day, every good and bad moment. This year was filled with a LOT of crazy and here you are pushing through! Here’s to wishing us all a bright year ahead. Here’s to granting us the strength to persevere in the hard, impossible moments. Here’s to remembering to cherish the small things. Here’s to finding our peace. Here’s to finding our happiness. Here’s to being authentically YOU 😘

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you all! I h

Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas to you all! I hope this holiday season has been good to you. This year I’m grateful for the blessings in my life both big and small. As I’m navigating this postpartum path I’ve been reflecting on emotions old and new. Now more than ever I hope we all are nurturing the needs of our bodies, minds, and spirits. The holidays are a mix of emotions and/or triggers for everyone. The year is quickly drawing to an end, and our cups may feel like they’re left with only drops remaining. Take the time to rest, replenish, and restore. Feed your soul in your own way, and remember to practice the boundaries you need to protect your peace. Check in on yourself and the loved ones in your lives. Ask for help if you need it. Grant peace and grace to YOURSELF. This year has been trying for everyone for a number of reasons - remember to not light yourself on fire so others can shine. For me that means knowing I’m what my baby needs. She doesn’t care about a “bounce back body” or social media “best ways” to raise a baby. She just needs ME. So remember- you’re doing your best and a new year will greet us soon. My love and peace to you all ❤️❤️❤️❤️