Happy 2013!

    My, oh my ... how my New Year's celebrations have changed over the years. Typically, New Year's has always been one of my least favorite holidays, because I always put this pressure on myself to go out and have an amazing time, and in the end, it's just never as much as fun as you'd expect it to be.

    This year, with a four  month old upstairs, I worried whether or not Billy and I would even be able to stay awake until midnight. So, I invited over the fam in hopes we could share some food, laughs, and hopefully the ball drop at midnight. I'm so glad we were successful! If only we had video evidence of the impromptu "charades" game that erupted somewhere around 10:30 in a futile attempt to stay awake. It wasn't pretty, but it was pretty entertaining.  (Scott lost that battle at 9:30 and retired to the recliner for the evening, refusing to wake up to play.)

    With Miss Madelyn now a member of our family, I have to say that this year I am especially hopeful and excited for all the joy and love 2013 will bring. I am looking forward to more of those special "firsts" - first time sitting up, first solid foods, first time crawling, first time WALKING - oh my! We have a lot in store for us this year, and like the ones before us, I know this year will fly by as fast as ever.

   I can't wait to watch our baby girl continue to grow. I am excited to see how she'll look, I am excited to hear more of those joyous laughs that warms my soul...I can't wait to hear her beautiful voice as she learns more words. My goal is that next year I'll still be writing on the blog and reflecting on a beautiful year of memories.

    And yet, I don't want it to pass too fast. This year, I want to slow down, take in the moments, and really be present. For my daughter, for my husband, for myself. Here's to 2013!