dec 31

it's hard to believe how life can change in a year - same plans tonight as last new year's even, we've just added a little guy to our party.

dec 30

It's hard to believe that 2011 is almost over - it's kind of sad to see the best year of my life so far come to a close.

dec 29

spent a chilly winter's afternoon shopping with my parents - Micah was so cacooned and cozy he fell asleep sitting up in his stroller, which has never happened before.

dec 28

an impromptu brunch with friends (and my little sidekick) made me thankful for this new life of mine.

dec 27

woke up with his alarm clock this morning to give him his birthday presents early - that's love.

dec 26

we are living it up on the last night of Curtis' holiday vacation: in bed at 8 - that's just how we roll.

dec 25

i hope i remember Micah's first Christmas for the rest of my life.

dec 24

traditions are meant to be curved to the shape of your own family, others should stand the test of the family tree.

dec 23

all is done that i have to do - now i have two days to spend with you!

dec 22

Few things make me happier than finding the perfect gift for someone, especially if that someone is my husband.

dec 21

planning a "fun" Christmas party is harder than it looks!

dec 20

Micah's first fake christmas was so fun - he actually squealed with delight as he opened his first gift of two toy cars.

dec 19

a plus of Curtis being on vacation: i got to run around alone during nap time.

dec 18

nap time is so screwed up on Sundays.

dec 17

getting up, drinking coffee, having breakfast, showering and getting ready all before Micah wakes up is one of the simple pleasures of my life.

dec 16

while I don't necessarily enjoy waking up with Curtis at 5:30am, I do enjoy having a couple hours of calm before the storm (affectionately known as Micah).

dec 15

i usually love wrapping presents, but this year for some reason i was dreading the wrapping - but today i wrapped while Micah napped and it was a quicker-than-expected, pleasant couple hours.

dec 14

today was the strangest mix of highs and lows, but i guess that's just the ebb and flow of life.

dec 13

i finally feel like i'm making a dent in my christmas to do list.

dec 12

thank God for a mom who comes to take my boy on an hour long walk when i'm trying to work.

dec 11

a little Charlie brown tree is the perfect Jesse tree - I'm so excited for this new family tradition.

dec 10

watching little kids play a violin concert may be one of the cutest sights you'll ever see.

dec 9

why does life gotta be so dang expensive?

dec 8

i love the freedom i have to clean the house in the morning and go visit Curtis for lunch in the afternoon.

dec 7

I spent the morning with some of my favorite girls and their kiddos - it makes me want a great, big, loud family.

dec 6

and after another monday, i always enjoy the peace of a tuesday.

dec 5

may i use nights like tonight to store away, little gifts to teach me how to suffer well.

dec 4

Trying to be thoughtful with gift giving is harder than you'd think.

dec 3

we have all we've ever needed and most of what we want.

dec 2

thank God for mommies who care for grand babies when their babies are puking with a migraine.

dec 1

how in the world is it december already - i feel like it was just yesterday when i walked around with my winter coat unzipped because my belly was too big.