2013 Reflections

Josh woke me up this morning with a kiss whispering, "Happy last day of 2013, baby."  As I wiped the sleep from my eyes I realized the depth of his statement.  This past year has been one of the biggest and best of my entire life. 

We started off the new year with my 27th birthday celebration.  It was just a small get together with close friends/family and we had an incredible time.  Shortly after I decided to take a break from Facebook social media.  That was probably one of the best decisions I made.  I realized that friends/family would keep up with us via social media instead of calling or stopping by and when I "disappeared" it was very evident who our true friends/family were.  We learned a lot through that process. 

In the Spring I enjoyed a much needed break from school and celebrated our little princess' very first birthday.  Yes, I went overboard, but I am SO happy that I did.  We have pictures that will last a lifetime, not to mention cherished notes from friends/family for Callie to open when she turns 18.  Our little girl really blossomed this year.  She went from a babbling baby to a full blown toddler speaking in 3-4 word sentences. 

Summer went by in a flash!  I started my Etsy business and closed the season with a trip to Destin with Josh.  It was our first time being away from Callie and though it was a struggle, we came back rejuvenated, refreshed and.... pregnant.   :)

The news of a new baby on the way was such a joy after suffering a miscarriage earlier in the Summer.  We came to find out that our second child is a little boy and will be naming him Kellan Joshua.  So far he is more of a mover than his sister, I am not sure if I should be thrilled or petrified for what this next year is going to hold for our family!

Josh celebrated the big 30 this year.  We celebrated with friends and family and he handled it like it was no big thing... I am so proud of the man he has become and so incredibly grateful for his faith and dedication to our family.  He has become the most incredible dad over the past several months and an even better husband.  We are TRULY blessed by him daily. 

Thanksgiving was spent with Josh's family in East Texas.  It didn't really feel like Thanksgiving to me this year, I am not sure if it was the lack of "tradition" but it was difficult to get into the spirit (not to mention Callie and I were both very ill). 
Christmas followed quickly after.  Callie was spoiled beyond belief with way too many toys/clothes and Josh and I were able to spend time with both sides of our family. 

Callie is now 19 months old, 20 lbs and so much fun.  Her favorite things are babies, balls, books and Mickey Mouse Clubhouse.  She just started using the potty daily, and after an attempt at full on potty training we realized that she and mommy just aren't quite ready to nip diapers in the bud completely.  One of her favorite gifts from Christmas was her play kitchen / food.  She loves to play pretend mommy and does such a great job pampering her little dolls.  Her giggle is out of this world, her smile even better and not only is she a smarty pants, but she is great at giving hugs and kisses, too.

2013 was incredible.  I grew in my faith, strengthened my relationship with my loving husband and accomplished more than I could've hoped with motherhood.  As the day grows closer to night I realize that we are saying goodbye to a chapter in our lives.  Our family of 3 will be growing to a family of 4 in just a few short months.  We will have new obstacles, battles, hardships and stresses, but along with those will come new memories, opportunities to grow and learn as a family and for that I am so thankful. 

I don't want to stress myself out by setting a bazillion goals for this new year.  Truly there are only 3.  Be the daughter of Christ I was made to be, cherish my family (and make them FEEL cherished), and be the most incredible, loving, selfless Mommy that I can be.  I am thankful for the blessing of another year lived, and will not take 2014 for granted.  Here's to making new memories with those who matter most in the coming year... Happy New Year to you and yours!