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...