2012

Dear 2012,

Wow. I'm not sure where to start.

So much has taken place this year and my only regret is that I haven't had the time to write it all down.

In a few hours it will be time to tell you goodbye, but before I do I would like to take a moment to reflect on our time together. During our time together I have learned so much!

I have learned that nothing can prepare you for that moment when you first hear your baby cry out.

I have learned all those stupid stories about "oh labor really isn't that bad" really are true. After time you forget the pain and any and everything associated with it. Because it was all worth it. I admit I never thought I would actually say that.

I have learned that sleep is a friend I may never have a close relationship with again. Oh Mr. Sandman please visit my house one night soon. All three of us.... especially the little one..... and if you can sprinkle a little extra over my bladder area that would be much appreciated also. Yes, friends, pregnancy may end but you will never stop having to pee 24/7.

I have learned that sometimes one small child can bring an adult to near tears. Teething has to be one of the 7 layers of hell.

I have learned that even though life may change there are some things in life that never do and that is my group of girls. No matter what happens I know we will all still gather every couple of months for dinner, drinks and great conversation.... oh and of course Christmas parties with tacky shirts!

I have learned - well perhaps not learned but reaffirmed - that Marine is the best thing that could have ever happened to me. Not only is he a wonderful husband but an even more wonderful Dad. Anyone can be labeled a father but only a truly special men can labeled a Dad. Seeing Marine crawl around on the floor with our little girl and making her laugh and coo and ahh is one of the greatest things to see.

I have learned that a baby will teach you new things almost on a daily basis. I have enjoyed watching Maddie grow daily and growing with her in my learning and understanding.

I am so thankful for my many blessings that you 2012 have brought me. It has not been all fun and games but looking back its always easier to remember the good moments. But honestly 2012 I can't really remember any really bad moments. Yes, the roller coaster of life hit a few bumps but nothing we weren't able to get thru as a family. I am so thankful for Marine and how hard he works so that I can raise our daughter. I am thankful for the roof over our heads and the dog curled up on her bed at my feet. I am thankful for my wonderful mother who I seem to grow closer to each year. I am thankful for wonderful in-laws. I am thankful for wonderful friends. I am thankful for my ever patient Horse. I am thankful for so many other things...... 2012 I am thankful for you and all the precious memories you are leaving me with.

2012, I have had a wonderful time with you and to be honest I will almost be sad to tell you goodbye. You have given me so many things to be thankful for. As the years pass I know that some will blur together, hard to distinguish from the others. But that will never happen with you my dear 2012 because you gave Marine and I the best gift we could ever have asked for.

Yes, this letter is a lot more sappy then I intended..... But hey I guess that's what happens when Aunt Flow decides to visit on New Year's Eve ;) Cheers to you 2012!! Thanks for a year I'll never forget!

Love,
E.

Past Letters: 2010, 2009 and 2008

Merry Christmas To All!

Christmas morning I awoke bright and early so excited I had hardly slept a wink.

I couldn't wait to see Maddie's reaction when she saw the presents under the tree. The house was quite. I was the only one awake. The sun was just coming up. 'Of course the one morning she decides to sleep', I think.

Marine and I get out of bed and I go in the living room to get the camera and everything set up. At 8 o'clock I couldn't take it anymore. It was time to wake the beast.

"Maddie.... time to get up and see what Santa I brought..." I said in a sing song voice peering into her crib. She peaks an eye open and grins before sitting up.

Needless to say I change her diaper quickly and hurry into the leaving room. She crawls in probably not sure why the paparazzi are ready to snap her picture.

I mean doesn't this face just scream, "Mom are serious?"

Needless to say when she realized she could rip into the pretty packages under the tree that she had been told for weeks to "Look not touch" - she was thrilled!

You mean I get to rip this stuff to shreds?

Challenge accepted.

Then it was time for her to open her main present. Her new walk behind activity center ma-bob (technical term).  She figured out quickly how to use it! And she loved it. 

Now it may look like we went overboard. But I promise I didn't. It being her first Christmas I knew this would be the easy year in which she would be more enthralled with the wrapping paper and the boxes then the toys themselves and I used this much to my advantage. 

Christmas morning was so much watching the surprise and joy in her eyes. When opening presents she would rip a piece of wrapping paper, hand it to Marine, rip another piece off, hand it to Marine and so on and thus forth.

After our house we had to go to my mom's and then to Marine's parents. Needless to say by the end of the day she was a pro at unwrapping gifts!

Hope everyone had a Merry Christmas!