goodbye 2013, hello 2014

New Years is a time to reflect. We say goodbye to the past year and think about all of the ups and downs and we say hello to a fresh new year and new beginnings.

It is fair to say that 2013 blessed us like no other year has. On April 22, 2013, our lives changed forever as our beautiful and healthy girl entered our world and our hearts.

This past year has tested my ability to function on little sleep, it has tested my patience like no other, but it has rewarded me with a heart so full it's hard to breathe sometimes. Sometimes I complain about the lack of sleep, the whining or crying, or not being able to have a shower without a plan BUT then I am truly humbled when I look at this tiny creature, this ever-changing little girl, who has taken up a permanent home in my heart. You, Annabelle, are my world and without you, without all of the wonderful things but all of the hard parts (lack of sleep), my world wouldn't be whole.

I always said I would be bored off on maternity leave for a whole year. I can honestly say that there have been very few moments where I have felt like I didn't have something to do. I sometimes lose track of time because I'm having so much fun playing with you. I'm dreading, terrified, of the day when I have to return to work and someone else gets the pleasure of your company all day.

You've strengthened our marriage. Most people say that the hardest time in any marriage is the first year after a child is born. Sure, there have been moments, but seeing your dad with you has made me love him in a way I never knew possible. Seeing how comfortable he is with you and how he would drop anything, do anything, to make you happy... well, there is nothing in the world like it. I picked a wonderful husband for me but I picked the best father in the entire world for you. Your dad, was meant to be a father to you and you were meant to be his little girl.

2013 has gone by WAY. TOO. FAST. You're 8 months old and it feels like yesterday when I was pregnant and waiting to find out if we were having a boy or girl. And yet, it feels so long ago because since then I've met you and gotten to know you and can't really imagine a time our relationship didn't exist.

Yes, 2013 has been the best year yet but I know that it's only going to get better from here. The best is yet to come. And on that note, it appears as if you've woken up (after only 30min of sleep). Here we go again...

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

Once again I haven't been as good as I had hoped with writing to you my sweet girl. You've been keeping me busy!
Christmas has come and gone and today is a whole new year. Wow.
You had a wonderful and busy first Christmas and were spoiled beyond belief! Santa treated you well, as did all of your family and friends. You're one lucky and loved little girl.

The holidays are always a whirlwind, you'll learn that as you get older. We spent Christmas Eve hanging out with grandma while daddy worked. Then you, me and daddy spent a quiet evening at home. You woke up to a tree FULL of presents. Daddy and I had to help but you did a pretty good job opening things on your own and you were soooo excited about all of your new toys. After a quiet day at home, we headed to your great aunt Sherry's for dinner with grandma's family. You were a hit, so happy and just loved being the centre of attention! The following weekend we went to visit grandpa and grandma Leslie (Uncle James and Michelle were there as well as Uncle David and Auntie Jo). You were spoiled once again!
New Year's Eve was spent at home. First we went out for dinner to Boston Pizza, then a quiet night in. You haven't been sleeping well the last week so none of us made it until midnight!
All in all it's been a wonderful holidays but sooo busy! AND it's about to get a whole lot busier! We just bought grandpa and grandma Leslie's house and will be moving in less than two weeks! AND we booked a trip to MEXICO on January 21st! So many things happening!

More about you:
you're not crawling yet but you're getting up on all fours and rocking back and forth. As of yesterday, you are able to get some laying down to sitting (amazing watching you do that for the first time - I was so excited I called everyone! haha).
You haven't been sleeping well over the last week and have been a little fussy and clingy (which isn't like you at all). I think you're growing a lot and going through lots of changes. Today you seemed happier though and had a nice long nap (giving mommy a nice break).
You are still such a happy baby and you've got such a fun personality. You're always smiling and showing off your 6 teeth!
There's no question you're a daddy's girl, he walks in the door and you scream with excitement.
You are now eating lots of different foods but it's still mostly pureed. We are trying to give you more finger foods (but I'm so afraid you'll choke!).
We got you your very first passport for our upcoming trip!
The hair, oh my the hair. You seriously have so much and such long hair. I don't think there's a day that goes by where some stranger doesn't comment on it.

I'm sure there's so much I'm forgetting. I truly hope that one day you'll read these letters and realize how much joy you've brought to our lives and what a gift you are.

Love you sweet girl