I can't believe that 2013 is already here. Truth be told, we are ready for it. 2012 was wonderful in many ways, especially because Lincoln hit the scene but it's also been a tough season. Riddled with change, transition and challenges, we are excited to see the dust settle in 2013. Joe & I spent New Year's eve reflecting upon last year and making our resolutions for this year. Here are mine
1. Really crack down on our budget (I'm going to try being diligent with couponing, we will see how that goes)
2. Work on being "content in all situations" and to count my blessings daily
3. Accept readily the lessons God's trying to teach me instead of dragging my heels
I was so grateful to get extra time with our little family. Although Joe was sick all week, it was so nice to all be together. Before Christmas week, we even got to have a short family photo session. Kaylee did an awesome job, especially in just 20 minutes with everyone being sick & windy & cold conditions! Here are some of my favorites!
Ok, here's Lincoln's update. It's overdue and he's learned SO much!
Lincoln's Update: 8.5 months
- We now erect barricades across the room to baby proof any area of temptation. We also try to get you to want your toys instead of anything that's not a toy (which you are way more interested in...)
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Oh yes, the remote is so yummy and way more fun than all your toys. |
- You started babbling a lot more in the past few weeks. You've been doing very clear "B's" and just started adding in some "G's"
- Pulling up...are you ever pulling up! You first experimented with this new trick when you were refusing to nap (because you've been so excited to crawl around your crib). I walked into the room to see you standing tall but with a pretty scared look on your face. You soon mastered the art of pulling up and now use anything to achieve this feat. Bear is a pretty big motivation for moving and pulling up. He's running out of places to hide from you.
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The love for Bear grows... |
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This is the first pull up..and you couldn't get yourself down |
- You LOVE to eat and puffs & mum-mums are the recent craving. I am pretty sure it's because you can feed yourself and you often start to babble and yell in shear joy. I can already see that you are independent and prefer to do things yourself. You often grab the spoon as I'm feeding you because you want to put it in your mouth (and the food is so fun to play with)
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You are a good dinner companion and the mums helped you feel a part of the meal when we went out |
- FIRST CHRISTMAS! You had no clue that you should be excited but we still had fun celebrating the holiday with our family. You didn't even unwrap any gifts (because we didn't really get you any, your aunt, uncle & grandparents covered it). You loved seeing Santa and were fascinated with his outfit.
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You're awesome powerwheels Harley from Uncle Beau & Aunt Michelle. Can you say "spoiled?" |
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The tree was a huge temptation for you...that was the part you probably like the best about your first Christmas. |
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You're learning about the birth of Jesus for the first time... |
- You really like play dates but I am starting to see that like all humans, you're heart is dark and you are already gravitating toward toys someone else is playing with and I'm sure learning to share will be a hard lesson.
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You were starving for a play date over Christmas break....even trying to play with the kid on the box! |
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Caroline was teaching you how to say your words like her! You're becoming such a big boy! |
- Napping was more of a challenge this month. With your newfound mobility, everything is new and exciting, including your crib. You've been known to refuse to sleep (even after an hour in the nursery by yourself) and then conk out as soon as the car moves. I'm sure I've put a good chunk of miles on the car from those car naps.
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You're heavy coat makes you look like an adorable marshmallow! |
- You got to spend some special time with Aunt Brea thanks to Nana & Grampy. Our Christmas travel plans got thwarted so she flew up for an express visit. In those short two days she even taught you a new trick. You will mimic opening and closing your mouth, which makes you look like a guppy!
- You're starting to show affection. We are starting to see some open mouthed baby kisses but you also love to bump foreheads very gently, almost like a forehead kiss. You gave Brea a lot of those!
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You really liked kissing that baby in the mirror! |
- You enjoy taking things in and out of containers and flipping pages.
- We really saw your grow up this past month and see you transitioning from a baby to a little boy. It's fun to watch but also breaks my heart. I can see you learning and putting together the pieces when you learn something new. Amazing.
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We were so thankful for some much needed family time! |