Happy New Year! (And My 100th Post)

... shortly before her first birthday. Will someone tell her to quit growing!?

I can't believe it's already January, 2013! Maile and I had a pretty standard last week of December, counting down the days until Tim came home. We rang in the New Year as a family, so happy to have him home. (Although, come midnight, we were just trying to get a little shut-eye, as Miss Maile had a very upset tummy. Ah, parenthood. So glamorous!)

2012 will forever be a year to remember, for me. We experienced our first full year of parenthood with Miss Maile. We also decided we want to add to our family. (Not an announcement, simply a wish!) As someone who wasn't ever sure that I wanted to have children, both of these things are pretty amazing to me. I am a mama! And I actually want to be a mama of two!? Crazy talk.

As 2011 was an emotional roller-coaster for me (being a new mother is hard), one of my goals in 2012 was to make the most of each day, and I think I did pretty well. Every day spent with Maile is so very special. Days full of mistakes and frustrations, but also life and love. Above all, love. When I lay Maile down for bed each night, I have to drag myself away from her side. I smell the top of her head two, three times. I brush her hair out of her face ... an utterly useless, but habitual gesture -- girl has so. much. hair! I kiss her hand, and I thank God for our little miracle. Tim and I wouldn't trade our time with Maile for anything; she truly made 2012 an amazing year!

As this is my 100th post, I want to thank you for your friendship over the past few months. I love sharing our lives here in our little corner of the web, and your affirmation, encouragement, you mean so much to me. Thank you, thank you!

Happy New Year!