On rough times and gratitude

You know those weeks where things are just rough? That's this week. Actually, it's been a rough season. Maybe rough isn't the right word- it's been a busy season, and now it's a crazy week. I've got a sick kid (respiratory virus, producing 103* fever, thanks for asking) and a kid teething (8 teeth in 2 weeks, and half are molars), a moving date looming in T-2 weeks, Christmas gifts to make (because I'm crazy- straight up nuts) and I'm getting sick, too. Oh, and the meds they gave my kid make her hyperactive and make it hard for her to sleep- just what a sick parent needs :)

Out with the old, in with the new.

It is bitter sweet to bid adieu to 2011. What a year it has been. For us, it has been a year of changes. Growing. Stretching. Laughing. Crying. Learning. Charly was born just two weeks into the new year, so as I reflect on the past year I inevitably reflect on her growth, how she has changed, and how she has changed us. This year has taken me to a place of vulnerability that I never imagined possible. Becoming a mother was a humbling experience. It made me evaluate myself and gather my strength. I had to rise to the challenge- there was no other choice- and it made me stronger and more confident.

This is the only picture with both Charly and I from the hospital. Sad! 

At times it felt like we were just hanging on- and sometimes it still does. Change happens faster than I can process it, and I have to adapt and hang on for the ride. Before I can master being a mom to a baby, my baby is becoming a toddler. It is a beautiful thing, though. Being stagnant isn't healthy. We need to learn and grow and change to become better.

House Tour

Remember how in this post I mentioned giving you all a house tour? Since I literally only have one friend who has ever seen the inside of our new place I figured it might be fun. And since I tell you all about all sorts of menial things about my life, seeing where they all happen might be cool. You know how you picture how someone looks from hearing their voice or having a friend talk about them, but then when you meet them they look completely different? Well I do that with spaces too. I envision someone in their house/office/whatever and then when I actually see it, its usually completely different than I imagined. Anyone else do that?

I also love to decorate and diy things for my home. You'll see real quick that I haven't done much of that at all in our new place- so you can bet I'll be doing those sorts of projects in the future. Now you'll have a dreary before to compare all those after pics to. It could be kinda fun. You can see our little place transform into a home. It it going to take a little elbow grease to get this place where we want it- it lacks the charm that our last place had, is smaller, and has awful cabinets in both bathrooms and the kitchen. Should be an adventure :)

Here is a floor plan for you all soon so you can see how everything connects (like they did on one of my favorite DIY blogs, Young House Love)

It's one of these kind of days...

Why yes, that is the regurgitated contents of my child's stomach spread all over her face. Thanks for asking.

Matt's Version of the Birth: Part 3

Ok, I am finally getting around to writing my part 3 of the birth story. I hesitated to even write this because Holli did such an awesome job on her part and I didn’t think I could add anything. Granted she was going through a lot more than I was at the time. However, I concluded that I can at least give my perspective and maybe leave some of the details out.