It's almost 2014!

As 2013 comes to a close,  I can't help but reflect on what a difference a year makes.

I remember very vividly, while ringing in the new year with my Washington favs,  taking a moment with D and talking about my resolution. I remember asking if getting pregnant could be a resolution. I remember the frustration I felt in that moment. I wanted nothing more than to be pregnant. To have a baby of our own.

But, along with the frustration, I remember a glimmer of hope. I remember feeling like a new year would bring new things. I had hope for 2013.

And here I sit now, 31 weeks pregnant with our first baby, looking at a lopsided tummy and feeling our baby move inside me.

The hope I felt last New Years Eve has become a reality.

And now, as 2014 approaches, I know this is the year we will meet our baby girl. We will finally see her face, and kiss her cheeks, and hold her in our arms. I know so much is going to change this year for our family. We will become a family of 3. I, no doubt, will watch my husband get wrapped around our beautiful girl's finger. I will become a mother. What a difference a year makes.

With a new year comes new hope. And I pray that no matter what frustration you have experienced in 2013, that 2014 will bring you and yours health, happiness, and most of all, hope.

Love

Things I am loving right now...

... Extra time with family around the holidays. My brother and his girlfriend are in town from Boston, mom & dad have time off work, and even D has a few days off from his new job. Oh, I should mention, my new niece, Lilly, who I get to spend some time with!

... Baby kicks, punches & hiccups. Basically, I love every time I feel our baby girl moving around inside my belly, making sure we don't forget about her :) I have had a few kicks to the ribs and the bladder here lately, which don't feel so great, but I wouldn't trade them for the world.

... The sight of D working to put the final touches on the nursery. He has worked so hard in that nursery, painting walls/closets, installing the closet shelving I hoped for, putting together the crib & changing table, hanging things on the walls, and even cleaning it up. I love to see him working so hard to make me happy, and to make a beautiful room for our girl.

... Hot chocolate and peanut butter blossoms. My sweet mom has been making me hot chocolate when I visit for our after dinner dessert, and this weekend she made my favorite cookies! I love that woman.... and those cookies!

...Tums. It's not actually the Tums I love, but the relief from the burning feeling in my esophagus is what makes them so wonderful.

... Christmas time in general. I love this time of year! I love the way our house looks decorated for Christmas, the way our fresh tree makes our house smell, the Holiday candle from Bath & Body works, wrapping & giving presents, listening to Christmas songs on the radio, and the joy on everyone's faces. Even as an adult, it is magical.

... a 2 week vacation from work! We don't go back until January 6th and I plan on enjoying every day :)