A New Year

As we look forward to 2009 I have been a bit nostalgic about 2008 and the changes that have taken place in our lives. This time last year I was recovering from gall bladder surgery and having a baby was merely a hope and a dream. Today the fruit of that hope and dream is sleeping soundly (lets hope) in the next room. Friday marks Kingston's 12 week birthday, and I have to admit that I am a bit sad. I love some aspects of him getting older - the 5-6 hours of sleep I can usually get, how he will soon be big enough to enjoy some super fun toys (exersaucer and baby einstein bouncer here we come!) and the way he smiles and laughs out loud. However I already miss some things about his newborn stage - the way he looked like a little bird (especially when he would eat from a bottle), the way I could easily hold him with one arm, and how his clothes were so tiny! I watched a friends video yesterday where her 10 month old son was walking around and pulling pots and pans out of the cabinets, and it struck me that in a few short months my snuggly little baby would be doing the same things! While I am excited for that time as well (and hopefully will be enjoying at least 7 to 8 consecutive hours of sleep by then) it reinforced the fact that I need to enjoy every moment to the fullest, and not take anything for granted. So I am trying to embrace my middle of the night feedings (where I do get some pretty sweet little smiles!), and those days where it seems like snuggling is the only way to stop his crying. Before too long he will be too big to sleep on my chest, will want to be put down as opposed to being held and will insist on doing things himself. Our lives have been forever changed in 2008 - bringing more love, joy and exhaustion than I could have ever imagined. As I dream about 2009 I can only imagine that the times as a family will grow sweeter and more meaningful, and that more wonderful memories will be made. Now I am off to bed, as in a few hours I will be embracing a middle of the night feeding! :) Much love - T

P.S. I am posting a few Christmas pics - more to come later!