Happy

Good bye, 2013! Hello new year! These past 365 days have been simply wonderful. Of course any year in which a baby is born is extra special, so having my first child totally tops my list of awesome things that happened in 2013! I don't remember much about my year other than being pregnant, having my baby, and raising her for these last 5 months, but that's okay! 2013 will just be considered the year of ELIANA! :)

This past year I learned that I am stronger than I thought I was. I learned better patience, and abundant love. I learned how to trust God more with my finances and the health of my family. I discovered the true meaning of self-sacrifice while my body was not my own for quite some time. I grew closer to my husband, even though I thought we couldn't get any closer! I spent a lot more time with my crazy but charming parents, siblings, nieces and in-laws. I excelled at my job and was offered a new position that I'm excited to begin soon. I played games, went on dates, shopped, cleaned, cooked, and nested. I gave birth to a sweet baby girl and recovered from surgery. I breast fed, changed diapers, and conquered sleeplessness. I provided for my family, paid all my bills, and still managed to celebrate Hanukkah and Christmas ... with presents!

I am blessed, and I know it! The Lord has certainly provided for us in miraculous ways, and I am grateful for all the opportunities I have been given this year. The fact that I can bring my daughter to work with me, (and that her Daddy, Uncle, and Grandpa can stop in and see her all day long!) is probably the most unexpected blessing of the entire year. I'm sure there are many who wish they had this ability, so I will not take it for granted! It hasn't always been easy to work full time, take care of my family, and generally function as a new unit of 3, but I wouldn't change one bit of my circumstances.

Having a child is like baking a cake. Sure, you have to dirty the pans, the spatula, the mixer and the bowl. You have to use up all your ingredients and waste electricity heating the oven. You have to wait and wait until the cake bakes, and then wait some more as it cools. You have to mess up the counter to spread the frosting and add the sprinkles..... But then you get to eat cake.

.......... Anyway! .......... I hope everyone else had a fantastic year! Take a moment to think about your blessings and accomplishments. If there seem to be too many to count, thank the LORD! On with 2014! May it bring you great joy.

xoxo Liz