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!

What a difference a year makes!

     December 27th. It's been exactly one year since my and Billy's lives changed forever. This is the night we discovered we would soon welcome a new bundle of joy to expand our family. I remember a tidal wave of emotions coming over me immediately: shock, jubilation, worry, panic, disbelief. I tried to picture my life as a mother, and it was incomprehensible to imagine, although I'd dreamed of fulfilling that destiny since I was a small girl.

     Throughout the pregnancy, much to my surprise, I experienced an emotional roller coaster ride. I had originally that it would be a wonderful time of anticipation and joy, but I also grappled with feelings of doubt and stress, as I worried about how this little one would forever change life as we knew it. I spent nine months doing all I could to prepare, but I would soon discover that all my preparation would be in vain, because in the end, you can't truly ever prepare yourself for your first baby.

    Parenthood is definitely a learn as you go process, and I find myself learning something new every day. Going along with that learning comes loving. Everyday I find myself loving even more than I thought possible the day before. I stare into the eyes of our little miracle and I thank God everyday we were chosen to be her parents.

  I sit here in our living room and look around at a room that would have been unrecognizable a year ago - surrounded by toys of every shape, color and size. I realize that a good night for us means getting the opportunity to relax in front of the TV and turn in to bed around 10:00. I realize that we don't have the luxury of hopping in the car and going to catch a movie or go out for dinner anytime we have the urge. I realize that my "spare time" is now spent washing bottles, folding onesies, and pumping, even when I'm dead tired. I also realize, that despite all of this, I wouldn't have it any other way, because the rewards we reap when we see that smile spread across Madelyn's face is worth any trivial sacrifice.

    It's amazing what a difference a year makes. I say it every year,  but this year, it is especially apparent how drastic our life can change in 365 days. We are very fortunate to say that this year, our life has most definitely changed for the better. Not only is Madelyn here, but she is four months old - rolling over, cooing, learning to sit up, and constantly taking in the world around her. It's simply amazing.

   
     We are blessed, and are hopeful that God will continue to grace us with continued love, laughter, and learning in the new year to come. <3
    

Madelyn's First Christmas

   Yesterday we enjoyed our first Christmas with Madelyn. I have to say, it was definitely the most special Christmas I've had the pleasure of experiencing. God has most definitely given us the most precious gift we could have ever imagined. She's not only brought immeasurable joy to our lives, but also to the lives of our family and friends. She is such a miracle and a joy, and I am so humbled and grateful that we've been chosen to be her parents. We love her so much, and she's the BEST gift we could EVER ask for.