It was another sweeping holiday season that left me here on the 13
th of January wondering where the time has gone. Our new years celebrations consisted of pigging out on the most delicious food and the tradition of making our own New Years hats. Some people in the family balk at this, but in the end the kids have a blast, and you should know that if you are unwilling to make your own hat- I will make one for you and force you to wear it while I take your picture. Its tradition. I personally loved
Eastons this year. He is a deer in the grass, which was perfect since we brought in the new year in
Richfield where the boys acted like savages all Christmas break killing various animals for sport.

My new years resolution was really quite simple: gain some weight. I felt that at this point fighting nature is futile and that I would have a lot more success by making an
achievable resolution. I am doing pretty good so far:

For what seemed like forever I spent so much of my time being mad at my body. I wanted to be pregnant so badly and when that didn't come easily I blamed myself. I have found so much love and liberation from that through this pregnancy. I am so much more appreciative and aware of what a miracle it is to carry a baby than I was in the past. I remember hearing people complain about the sickness and the aches and all the time feeling my own heart break because I wanted nothing more than to be kicked in the ribs and feel those pains, knowing it would be a lovely contrast to the pain and heartaches I felt.
It has been a hard lesson to learn and it has taken a long time to get here. I am feeling the uncomfortable part of pregnancy creeping slowly... so here are the things I am enjoying right now:
*Derek and Easton have both felt the baby moving and kicking. She is gearing up for some wicked WII boxing I think.
* I am loving looking at little girl stuff. Borderline obsessively. I lay in bed at night putting together cute little outfits in my head. Is that weird? Buying will have to come later though, (Derek is grateful for that!) since we still have another move and house to setttle into- and we were jam packed getting here as it it. so I wait patiently.
*I am not sure why I ever gave up elastic waistbands, thank you maternity jeans. Oh, wow maternity clothes are so comfortable. And they have come a LONG way in the past 6 years.
*I no longer feel guilty for reading a book or taking a nap while Easton is at school. I am working REALLY hard on growing this baby. I do not feel guilty for not contribution financially and I am loving being at home and just keeping my house clean and cooking and playing with Easton.
* I love that people are noticing that we are pregnant and so excited for us. We are excited for us. Our family is lovely, and with a sweet baby girl in the mix I am sure that it will be a great thing for all of us. It is in a lot of ways like starting all over, but it also just feels like the best timing in the world and we couldn't be more happy.