Baby Elias:

Today you are 6 Months Old - officially a half a year old. How the heck can it be? How is it that I'm in disbelief you are already a half a year old but yet feel like you've always just been here. I remember the night before I was going to be induced. We had to leave for the hospital around 2:30am, so Colin went to Grandpa and Grandma's a night early. Daddy took me out for dinner (where I spilled on my shirt and was embarrassed the rest of dinner) and afterwards asked if I wanted to go anywhere else. I said no since it was already pretty late. I remember being so excited that 24 hours from now you'd be here (you had other plans since you came more than 30 hours later), being scared (induction is scary!), and if I'm really truthful a little sad. I was sad to know our happy family of 3 was about to change. I look back now wondering how foolish I was for thinking that. I can't imagine a life with just 3. (And someday hopefully, not anytime too soon, I'll be saying "I can't imagine a life with just 4")Life just feels right with my baby Elias in it. Yes, it's busier. Yes, I felt more rested and less chaotic. Yes, there are times I feel I'm spreading myself too thin but you bring me so much joy. I can't imagine life without your chubby face, wide grin, and twinkling eyes. It's been a crazy month. We've been busy with the holidays. You did great, like usual. People are always so surprised when they learn you are just naturally that easy-going and calm. Even more surprised (or jealous!) when I say that Colin was basically the same way. You got sick more than once. First with pink eye (that you gifted to Daddy) and then with Broncolitis and an ear infection. I feel like half the month was spent giving at least one person some sort of medicine. You also got not only your first but your second tooth! Your drooling was out of control - I mean Out.Of.Con.trol! Now that your teeth have popped through, we are back to a manageable amount of baby drool. You are starting to scootch and move. You will get up, rock back and forth and then scootch - backwards :) How is it my baby has teeth, eats food and is now starting to move by himself?
Elias, despite the fact that you are growing up entirely way too fast, you are still my sweet little baby. My sweet baby whose face lights up when I get home from work. My sweet baby who loves to open his mouth and kiss my face. My sweet baby who brings me, Daddy and Colin so much joy and laughter. I hope you know how much we all love you!

All my love,
Mommy

I'm going to revamp how I do my Weekly Goals (or at least give it a test run for a few weeks and see what I think). I want to make a conscience decision to make some goals based on different aspects of my life. Here's last week's recap...

• Menu Planner: Dinner at Moms and Dads, Garlic Chicken, Homemade Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, Taco Salad, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Burritos, Leftovers
• Create at least 2 meals in advance
• Complete at least 2 pins Made Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup and some jello thing. I'd (and will!) make both again.
• Put away Christmas decorations

This week's goals:

• Menu Planner: Dinner at Mom and Dad, Soup and Sandwiches, Garlic Chicken, Chicken Quesadillas, Breakfast, Pork Tenderloin , Beef and Rice Burritos.
• Household: Put film stuff over windows, Cut Coupons/Clean up Coupon Binder, do food inventory
• Personal: Continue writing in my Gratitude Journal (write at least 5 things this week)
• Family: Do at least 1 free family activity
• Misc: Figure out what to do for Colin's Bday

Life got the better of me and I pushed this aside. But it's a New Year and I'm determined to make some changes. With a sick AND a teething baby, my expectations are low. Without further adieu, my first set of Weekly Goals for 2012.

Weekly Goals:

• Menu Planner: Dinner at Moms and Dads, Garlic Chicken, Homemade Creamy Chicken and Wild Rice Soup, Taco Salad, Chicken Cordon Bleu, Burritos, Leftovers
• Create at least 2 meals in advance
• Complete at least 2 pins
• Put away Christmas decorations

January - We headed down to sunny warm(er) Florida. We spent our time at Sea World, Disney and with friends. Our time down there like always was too short
February - We survived the Blizzard of 2011 or better known as the Snowpocalypse
March - Colin finally become fully potty trained; yay for no more diapers for atleast a few hours.
April - Uncle Mark, Aunt Missy and Paulina came to Michigan. It was nice being able to see baby Paulina and Colin loved playing pool with Uncle Mark.
May - Mike and I celebrated our 5 year wedding anniversary up north at the Inn at Bay Harbor.
June - June was spent being very pregnant. I didn't think June would end without a baby in my arms but oh it did!
July - Elias Graham finally arrived and we became a happy family of 4
August - Baby Elias was baptized; what a joyous day!
September - I had to go back to work :( The boys continued to grow closer
October - October was spent visiting ArtPrize, multiple Apple Picking trips, and Halloween parties.
November - The month we focus on our many many blessings.
December - December, like usual, was busy, busy, busy. Busy with holiday obligations, Christmas parties and just life.