6 Months

She's already half a year old. SIX MONTHS! It's crazy how fast half a year has gone. Every day there's a moment that I want to freeze in time, when she's just so sweet, when she's looking at me and cooing, or laughing hysterically. She laughs and smiles, and talks. At her 6 month check-up she weighed in at 17 pounds 10 ounces, and 26 inches long! It's going so fast. I’m sure in another six months, I’ll be doing the same thing... looking back as she’s crawling and stumbling around, wondering where did the past six months go?

Up until she was five months old, she fit into 3-6 month clothes just fine. Then, she had a growth spurt and zipped right into 6-9 month clothes. There were clothes she never wore because she grew so fast I didn’t have time to move onto the next stage. Now, she even fits into some of her 9-month clothes. As I try to keep up with her growing, boxing up the clothes she no longer fits into, it’s just amazing how little she once was and how much she has grown.

Teething...no sign of any teeth just yet, but she drools constantly. She will not take a pacifier, she only sucks on her fingers. I bought a baltic amber teething necklace this week and I promptly put it on her. Hope it helps!

She is a great sleeper at night. (Knock on wood.) I put her down around 6:30 every night and she sleeps until 6/6:30 AM. It's awesome! But naps during the day are a struggle. She simply doesn’t want to nap unless she's sleeping in my arms, her swing, or in her carseat after a drive in the car. The child refuses to nap in her crib. Anyway, I'm just gonna count my blessings that she’s such an amazing sleeper at night and let things go during the day.

The other night I gave her a bottle, she was so tired that she fell asleep right after finishing. I just held her in my arms for an hour before reluctantly putting her in her crib.

Snow Bunny

Love the matching hat & jacket, so cute!

Visions, Resolutions, Whatever

I hate new years resolutions, I never make resolutions because I think they only set you up for failure. I do however, have a vision for 2012. Okay, maybe I'm splitting hairs (resolutions vs visions), but this is my blog and I can do whatever I want :)

1. Get healthy. Such a cliche, I know, but true. I want to lose 40 lbs, and keep it off. I want to have more energy and feel better about myself. Several years ago I had great success with Nu.tri.syste.m but it is too expensive to have it shipped to Alas.ka so I have to do something else. I've got a looong road ahead of me, I just hope I don't lose my motivation because that always seems to be my downfall.

2. Find a job or go back to school. Over the past 14 months I’ve had a lot of time to think about what I want to do and I've decided I want to change careers. I’ve worked the same type job for 15 years, and I just don't want to do it anymore. I see other people that seem fulfilled and enjoy their work and feel bad that I’m not one of them.

3. Learn one new recipe a month. Those who know me in real life know that I am not motivated to cook, however my daughter will be eating real food before I know it!

4. Organize and track my finances. See where my money is going, what can I cut out, etc. I need to be more vigilant in the year ahead, especially if I go back to school.

5. Make time each day staying in touch with friends and family. This is really just a reminder to not get caught up in the daily grind.

Wish me luck!

First Christmas

Christmas was difficult for me, even though I was excited to be celebrating Serena's first christmas. It's hard to explain. How is it that you can be surrounded by people and still feel so very alone? The truth is, I’ve been in a bit of a funk. Surrounded by my family and friends, who all have loved ones of their own, the holiday season seems to amplify what you don’t have. Or rather, who you don’t have. Serena’s first christmas was bittersweet without my parents; their absence was palpable.

I decided to make a last minute trip to chicago for the holidays, we arrived on christmas day and flew back on new years day. On the flight to chicago she slept the entire way from takeoff to landing! I was so proud of her.
Serena was showered with so much love... and gifts! She got pretty much an entire wardrobe and some toys.

Visiting with friends...

More time with family...

Year in Review

All in all 2011 was a very good year! I have been in absolute awe of this extraordinary little girl…watching her grow and learn and discover her world is beyond anything I ever imagined. For the first time, I am not looking toward the new year wondering what it will hold, I'm just in the here & now. Realistically, I know 2012 will have it’s changes & challenges, and for the first time I am content to sit back, let them come and enjoy the ride. What's in store for me in 2012? I don't know, I just hope it's all good.

January: Just one baby. Unemployed by choice.

February: Cerclage surgery. Cat dies.

March: Move to Alaska. OB says no work for remainder of pregnancy. Find out I'm having a girl. Friend passes away.

April: Still unpacking.

May: Put on strict bed rest.

June: Still on bed rest.

July: Daughter is born!

August: Enjoy being full-time mommy.

September: Daughter 2 months old.

October: Trip to Chicago & Las Vegas. Daughter 3 months old.

November: My 38th birthday. Daughter 4 months old.

December: BFF announces moving back to United States from Singapore! Daughter 5 months old. Trip to Chicago.