8 Month Letter to Amelia

My little munchkin,

The past month or so has brought new challenges and milestones. You were sick - really sick - for the first time, with RSV. You were coughing and having trouble breathing and it was hard to know we couldn't do much to help you. This meant you were back in your Rock 'n Play for a couple of weeks to help you sleep and breathe better. You'd decided you didn't care much for sleeping all night before that anyway and had us up a couple of times each night. But after a few weeks we realized you wanted more to eat during the day and you are sleeping well now.

You LOVE to eat. Now you seem to view your bottles mostly as playthings and rarely finish them during the day. I'm sure it's because you'd rather have "big girl" food. The only thing you've hated so far has been avocado, but that's ok because Mommy is more than happy to eat your share.

You'd rolled over here and there but it never seemed to be your thing. You started scooting backward for probably a good month, and then suddenly just before your 8 month birthday, you were OFF. Crawling everywhere, pulling up, and making a beeline for anything you weren't supposed to have. Like the newspapers, magazines, and an envelope you've eaten. The cable box and Playstation. The fireplace. The cat. And we lowered your crib a notch after I found you standing in it when you were supposed to be taking a nap. (You're still not a fan of naps. Maybe 20-30 minutes at a stretch.)

You seem to be extremely happy with this newfound freedom, though Mommy is constantly worried about you bonking your head. And getting you dressed is now pretty similar to wrestling an octopus because you are sitting and standing and grabbing everything. You love to coo and talk and "ga ga ga". No teeth yet, but sooner or later I'm sure they will be here!

You're a lot of fun, and we can't wait to show you new things this summer! Happy 8 months, happy girl!

Love always,
Your Mommy

What a difference a year makes

On New Year's Eve 2009, I was headed to Columbus to celebrate with my college roommates and their significant others when my mom called: "Your sister's at the hospital! She's on her way!" My niece decided to make her entrance into the world a few weeks early, and on the way to Columbus I got to stop at the hospital and meet her for the first time.



Twelve months later, she has grown so much - and so have I. Our lives have changed a lot this year when I stop to think about it. Let me count the ways:

1. New jobs. I left my super stressful job after a year and a half for a much slower paced one (that came with a huge pay cut). It was a "big kid" decision for me, one where I ulitmately chose my happiness and health over the almighty dollar. My husband also started working full time for his uncle after a string of temp jobs following being laid off for a year.

2. I turned 29. Not a monumental occasion, but next year's gonna be a doozy.

3. One year of marriage under our belts. We celebrated our 1st anniversary in Nashville in June - the first vacation we've ever taken by ourselves! It was a weird time to go because it was just after the big flood they had but it was still nice to spend time together.

4. The trials and tribulations of homeownership. We endured a roller coaster ride as we tried to sell, then ultimately rent, our condo to find a bigger house that felt like home. We lived with my inlaws for several weeks in between, and are now loving our new place while still figuring out how to be landlords!
 

5. And of course, TTC/BFP land. We talked about it for months, finally started trying, and endured five months of frustration. Then we ended the year on the best note possible!

So here it is - 2011. My 30th year of life. And this time next year, we'll have a little one of our own to join his/her cousin (and another cousin on my husband's side). From a little 5 lb baby to a 1-year-old big girl, my niece is proof that life can change dramatically in 12 short months. As for the coming year, I'm excited, I'm terrified, and I can't wait to see what it brings. Happy New Year!