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

Shop Shutterfly for beautiful photo Christmas cards.

View the entire collection of cards.

Picture Memories.

In honor of the season, here are two recent pictures that captivate my happiness.

tis the season.

We are about to enter into my absolutely favorite time of year.  Thanksgiving through New Year's compares to nothing else in my book (in terms of seasons and holidays).  Why do I love them you might ask?  Let's just take a look...

Food.  I like to eat and I like all the typical Thanksgiving/Christmas foods that are placed on tables every year.  Turkey, stuffing, potato filling, green bean casserole, pies, cookies, candy. etc.  My mouth is watering just thinking about it.  At the top of this list just might be my mother in law's Christmas cookies.  She bakes so many different kinds and I always look forward to the first time I see them sitting out around the holidays.  I easily inhale a couple dozen of these by myself.  

Family.  I am blessed with a huge (also read loud and slightly dysfunctional) family and gatherings are pretty ridiculous.  We barely fit in a house altogether anymore but without them, it just wouldn't be the same.  I'm doubly blessed to have married into a wonderful family and enjoy spending time with my in-laws every year.  They are slightly calmer than my side, but there are still a handful of kids to make things exciting.

Friends.  I consider myself fortunate to have so many people in my life that I truly consider "dear".  Some are from high school (technically, a few go way back to when we were only 7), some are college friends that I don't get to see but still correspond with, Bible study friends, work friends, internet friends and even some new friends.  I'm always able to squeeze in a few "secret Santa" exchanges and parties with them.     

Christmas decorations, music, movies and shopping.  I LOVE all things Christmas.  I love the atmosphere in stores as I try to buy gifts and that everywhere I turn I see garland, lights, and tinsel.  One of my favorite things to do every Thanksgiving weekend is transform our house into a temporary winter wonderland.  I make Scrooge (aka Seth) help set up our artificial tree (I have a knack for killing things so this seems more realistic) and decorate with me as we listen to Christmas songs and drink hot chocolate.  Setting out my Nativity scene has to be the highlight of decorating (yes, I even have highlights of highlights!).  I have the Willow Tree set and I carefully unwrap each piece and display it on our kitchen hutch just so.  I can't wait to share this tradition with Delia.  I will start watching Christmas movies tomorrow probably and the Christmas music was turned on today.  Favorites include (movies) The Santa Claus, Christmas Vacation and Miracle on 34th Street and (songs) The Little Drummer Boy and O Holy Night. 

Hallmark Ornaments.  Okay, so I'm not one of the crazy people who buy every single ornament that they like, but trust me, I'm tempted to.  I do pick out an ornament every year for Seth and myself though.  I've already bought his and Delia's but not mine yet.  I usually have a hard time deciding which one I want so I may take a few trips to the store to decide.

Christmas Cards.  Picking them out, signing them, addressing them, receiving them.  I am still a fan of the written word (surprise) and I actually enjoy snail mail.  Every year I've tried to convince Seth to send out a photo card and he is never on board with it.  I think he can be convinced this year though since we are about to have some family pictures taken and we have a baby.  Everyone loves to see a baby on a card, right?  I confess I've already chosen a few Shutterfly designs and all I'm waiting on is the picture!   

So I could probably continue on with this list for quite a bit longer but I don't want to make this into a book.  I think I've given you enough to realize that yes, I do really love this time of year.  It makes my heart happy just thinking about all that is to come and even better yet, this year I have a child to share it with.  What can beat that?

the materialistic side of me.

I have a thing for fashion...and bags...and shoes...and jewelry.  I'll be the first to admit that I like to be trendy and within reason, I try to keep up with the changes.  While shopping you can also get your daily cardio, spend time with friends and family and undergo therapy.  Accessories are where it's at though.  The right accessory can totally change the look and feel of an outfit.  A new piece of jewelry or scarf can take something old and make it new.

When it comes to bags, my first love is Vera Bradley.  Those close to me already know this.  A few short years ago my obsession would probably be considered unhealthy by most people's standards and my collection due to that is substantial.  Then I turned that obsession on to babies (and Delia came along) so while I'm still a self-titled "fashionista", I'm now a mom version.  Delia already has her first VB and I look forward to when she can actually carry it.  I did have to cheat a little when I knew I was pregnant though and I begged for a Coach diaper bag.  I had yet to join the world of Coach and being the wonderful man that he is, Seth bought it for me last Christmas.  While I still love my Vera, I haven't regretted this decision.  :)

Moving on to shoes.  I've always loved shoes.  I'm more likely to spend less on a pair and get more pairs than to only aim for the pricey brands with one exception.  I love my Uggs.  I have bought 4 pairs so far, currently own 3 and I'm already eying up some new ones for this winter.  I still enjoy a nice pair of heels, but since my job is super casual and I'm now lugging around a baby carrier every day, I tend to stick to flats or wedges on occasion.  I love shoes.  Love, love, love them.

Jewelry.  Up until a few years ago, this one fell last on my list.  I stuck to the same basic pieces.  Then I discovered Premier Designs.  Affordable and well made, they finish off most of my outfits.  I have a "jewelry lady" that's awesome and through my parties and those of my family, I continue to grow my collection.  They have a lot of statement pieces but also simple designs for the less daring.  My wish list is pretty long.  Oh yeah, and I'm having a party this Monday at my house at 7.  There's my shameless plug.  Would love to see you there!