Year In Review

Yesterday while updating files on my computer I found one titled "2013 Bucket List." See, I don't generally make new year's resolutions. I think it's because subconsciously I don't want to feel like a failure if I don't accomplish that one thing. Based on my track record the odds are good that I won't. But if I make a bucket list for the year then it's more like a small set of goals instead of one big thing that must come to pass or I will have effectively accomplished nothing because I quit trying in February.

I looked at my "bucket list" of things I wanted to do in 2013. I really wasn't able to check off much. In my defense, I did have a baby which threw a wrench in a lot of my plans. Ironically, number 14 on the list was "have a baby." I really didn't think this list through.

But when I read over the other things on the list it occurred to me that I wasn't bothered by the fact that they weren't completed. I don't think I genuinely wanted to do them in the first place. I mean, come on, run a half marathon?  ME!?! No. I don't want to do that. I have zero desire to run. At all. Ever. That's on the list because marathons are what people in their thirties are supposed to do.

And read three books? I don't really care about that either. I could spend time with my son while he still loves me or lock myself in a room with my nose in a book that will be late getting back to the library. Easy decision.

Other things on the list that didn't happen:

Get a puppy (because I had a baby)

Go on vacation (because I had a baby)

Christmas in Michigan (because I had a baby)

Lose 10 lbs (because I was pregnant, and had a baby)

etc. etc. etc.

So I was able to accomplish and check off one thing in 2013. And even though it meant putting almost everything else aside, it was the very best thing I could have done with my year. And all those other things.... they don't even matter.

Happy Birthday, Jesus!

Our first Christmas as a family of four was great. Caleb made out like a bandit. So.Many.HotWheels. Because he understands that I was busy with a newborn and didn't want to wrap anymore presents, Santa decided to open a lot of Caleb's gifts so they would be put together and ready for playing on Christmas morning. That kid had so much fun.

Brunch at my dad's is always delicious and this year was no exception. Egg and sausage casserole, Mike's secret recipe for scrambled eggs, home made potatoes O'Brien, fresh fruit, toast, coffee, and orange juice. And I ate it all with two hands while it was hot because aunties love to hold babies.

Everyone who said "lets not buy gifts for each other" showed up with a gift because we lie about it every year. We're family, we're allowed to lie to each other about stuff like that. But we know it's a lie so we show up prepared. Picture frames and Starbucks gift cards for everyone!

I hope Christmas brought you and your family joy and wonderful memories, too.

Time is flying by

Mom stuff. That's what's been happening over here. I'm still on maternity leave filling my days with laundry, washing bottles, getting puked on, and cleaning up poop. It's a life of luxury.

Megan had her one month check up a little delayed because of Thanksgiving. How dare my pediatrician go on vacation. At 6 weeks old she is finally the size of a newborn weighing in at 7lbs 0oz and 19in long.

In other news, we have decided that we are officially not resigning the lease on the house we are currently in. As of April 1, 2014 we will be homeless. I have no idea where we are going but I'm sick of this house and Brian is sick of renting. It's time to buy a house. That's a really scary thought for me right now. We've never stayed in one place very long, I'm really apprehensive about doing something so permanent. Not to mention if we go anywhere outside Southern California we have to find new jobs....April isn't that far away....