closing out.

With the crazy busyness of Christmas and having a child for the first time during the holidays, I didn't get a moment to jump on here.  I truly hope you enjoyed spending time with family and friends and celebrated the holiday in whatever fashion you chose to.  It was fun in our house.  Seth joked that we made it through without me getting mad at him.  I tend to have high expectations of holidays (think Clark Griswold in Christmas Vacation) and if things don't go the way I want them to, my temper just might flare.  I think all my expectations were set aside this year though based on the fact that you can't always plan when there's a baby involved.  Schedules get rearranged and you're forced to change right along with them.  Christmas day was a little more exhausting then it could have been but it was a good day in all.  I know Delia will be more involved next year but that didn't detract from this year.  She was showered with more toys than she needs and now she isn't sure what to play with at home.  It's sort of funny to watch.   

As we rapidly approach the end of 2011, I can't help but think of what's to come.  I'm looking forward to many things in 2012 which for me will really start the day I finish at work (only 5 more days, but who's counting?).  One thing I'm excited about is the opportunity to exercise again.  It's one of those areas that I have to work at, in the beginning anyway, but once I get into some sort of routine it's nice.  I had been going to the gym through the 2nd trimester of my pregnancy with Delia but as soon as this time last year rolled around, I stopped.  I got busy and tired.  Then February was upon us, Delia was born and my 6 weeks with her were up before I knew it.  There was no way I could fit a workout routine into my day when I was already juggling being a new mom, working full time, breastfeeding exclusively and still keeping up with my jobs at home.  I joined weight watchers and lost the extra weight but I never got back to a place where I felt "fit".  All that being said, it's high on my list for January.  I do realize that "getting in shape" is very cliche for a new year's resolution so that's why it's not one in my case.  Instead, it's a "now I will have time so I'm going to do it" situation.  Knowing that it's in the near future makes me smile.   

2011 has been a good year, but I think 2012 will be even better. 

changes.

Two weeks ago I found out some news that I've been hesitant to share.  I almost fear that by announcing it, it won't come true.  My very vague ":)" on Facebook led everyone to believe that I was expecting again.  I'm not (although I wouldn't be upset if I was) but it IS something that makes me very happy.  I'll preface this by saying that most people would not see this as a good thing, but in my particular life at this particular time, it's perfect.  So now that I have your attention and the anticipation built up, here it is...

The first week of January will be my final days at my current employer and by default, I will become a stay at home mom (if only temporarily).  I am thrilled.  Since having Delia, working full time has been my greatest struggle.  My measly 6 week maternity leave made me angry and upset and although I've learned (sort of) how to work and be a mom and wife, it's not my ideal life situation.  Paired with the fact that my job has changed drastically in the past 12 months, there have been coworker issues, and I don't have very busy days, I've been pretty miserable.  A couple months ago I was at such a low point that I almost quit on several occasions.  Realistically, I knew a layoff was somewhere in my future so I stuck it out and I'm glad I did.  I'm leaving on good terms with my bosses and holding excitement for whatever comes next in my life.  I'm so happy to have time to spend with my sweet daughter, especially as she nears her first birthday.  Better late than never. 

This is probably the best Christmas present I could have received this year.    

one.two.three.four.five.six.seven.eight.nine.TEN...

Yesterday Delia hit the 10 month mark.  Ten, TEN, T.E.N.  No matter how I say it, I can't make myself believe it.  In just two short months, she will be a year old.  I feel like I just saw the two pink lines only yesterday.  This first year of motherhood has been the shortest of my life.  It's also been the most difficult, challenging, rewarding and amazing.  I won't focus on those things right now though.  I just want to share the lyrics to a song that I heard for the first time yesterday morning, ironically.  As if I wasn't already sappy from remembering the first time I saw my little munchkin, this song just put me there even more.

Your baby blues
So full of wonder
Your curly cues
Your contagious smile
And as i watch
You start to grow up
All I can do is hold you tight

(chorus)
Knowing clouds will rage in
Storms will race in
But you will be safe in my arms
Rains will pour down
Waves will crash all around
But you will be safe in my arms

Story books are full of fairy tales
Of kings and queens and the bluest skies
My heart is torn just in knowing
You'll someday see the truth from lies

(chorus)

Castles they might crumble
Dreams may not come true
But you are never all alone
Because I will always
Always love you

(chorus)

-In My Arms by Plumb 

Shutterfly Stationery card

Here's a preview of one of our Christmas cards (I picked two!).  Thank you to Sarah Koller for her Shutterfly code giveaway a few weeks ago that helped me pay for these!  :)   

Wishing You Merry Christmas Card

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