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January 3, 2013

Hello, 2013!



Ah, New Year's Eve. Is it a nostalgic time for you? It wasn't anything to get super excited about for me, growing up, but I still remember it so fondly. My parents didn't go out to dance and drink the night away. We didn't have any big, family New Year traditions. No, most nights, my mom would make a delicious appetizer (baked brie, anyone?), and we'd sip sparkling cider. We'd giggle and cuddle on the couch, and if by some miracle we made it to midnight, we'd watch the ball drop and make toasts with our Martinelli's. Mom and Dad would round up me and my younger sisters. To bed we'd go, and out we'd be, before our little heads even hit our pillows.

Today, New Year's Eve still means family. This year, my hubby Tim -- who's a driller on an oil rig in North Dakota -- was driving home to me and our sweet baby girl, Maile. A different sort of celebration takes place when your spouse, who works an incredibly dangerous job, makes it home to his family! So, I was ecstatic to ring in the New Year sitting in my PJs, snacking a little too much, knowing that Miss Maile was sleeping soundly upstairs.

2012 was wonderful; it really was one of the best years of my life. I feel so blessed, being able to say that. For me, this was a year of personal growth. As was expected, my first full year of motherhood changed me. Having a child has a way of changing your priorities. Things that I once thought to be important have become insignificant, shallow, trivial. Like autumn leaves, one by one, these things fell away, and my life simplifies ever more as my focus narrows to being a more Christlike mama and wife. That was my 2012.


I am so looking forward to 2013. I love the New Year, and this might make you roll your eyes, but I think any opportunity for a fresh start is inspiring. Sure, January 1 is just another day, but it carries with it great symbolism. I'm not making any specific resolutions, but I am working on some things, and I'm excited to keep doing so ...

In 2012, Tim and I started to come into our own as parents. We celebrated five years of marriage. We had an amazing time in Northern California, for the wedding of one of Tim's childhood friends. I did my first DIY project -- sort of. We had a lot of fun family dates (most of them here). I started blogging. I became a "Mama Bear." I developed a serious case of "Mom Brain." We took a trip to the Sunflower State. Maile got the giggles, and really experienced her first snow

I learned that fatherhood makes your husband even sexier. That there's always something to be thankful for. We had an imperfectly perfect Thanksgiving celebration, not on the correct day, of course! I also had a much-needed girl's day, had our little blog redesigned, had a near-perfect evening with Maile, and took a family trip to Georgetown.

Maile actively tromped around a pumpkin patch, took part in her first neighborhood "pumpkin hunt," and happily dressed up for Halloween. Our sweet little girl turned one in May. We had a small, but wonderful, party for her. We had two photo sessions with our pal Lisa. (Is anyone else as obsessed with having pictures as I am? Even if I never order prints?) I cried for Connecticut, as we all did. We ended the year with lights and togetherness. 


It's amazing to look back, and then to think ahead to 2013, and imagine what great things God has in store for us. Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for reading.

Happy New Year!

19 comments:

  1. What a precious year you've had! And such a sweet baby girl. A quiet New Year's Eve sounds perfect to me. Happy New Year!
    Catherine Denton

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    1. Thank you so much, Catherine!

      Happy New Year to you, too!

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  2. such an amazing year for you Katie!my sister is also married to an oil rig driller and hates when he's away. what a great way for you to celebrate new years with your husband home.
    happy new year!

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    1. Oh, what a small world! It is a very different lifestyle; your sister must be a very special lady, Leah. :)

      Happy New Year!

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  3. such pretty photos of this past year! if I could, I would come over and toast (with sparkling cider) making it through a successful first full year of motherhood!
    floral&fudge

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    1. Thanks, Rachel! Wouldn't that be fun if we could make that toast together someday?

      Until then, I'm clinking my glass to yours, and wishing you a Happy New Year!

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  4. Happy New Year Katie! I love your look back on 2012. What a great way to look at your first year of motherhood. I agree with the fresh start - it's super inspiring for me! (Also, have I told you my dad's a petroleum engineer? He spent many, many nights on wells when I was growing up. He was usually in west TX and OK. I think they're pretty different than ND drilling. But I have an appreciation for your hubby being away a lot!)

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    1. Happy, Happy New Year, Meagan!

      No! I didn't know that your dad is a petroleum engineer. How funny! Tim has actually taken quite a few engineering classes, and I keep joking with him that he's just going to "fall" on an engineering degree one of these days. ;)

      Though Tim hasn't worked in TX or OK, he's worked in quite a few other states, including CA, NV, and even AK! He has actually only been working in the oil industry for the past year ... before, he was in geothermal drilling. It's quite different, but actually more stable, which is what a family needs. :)

      Wishing all the best for you in 2013, my lovely new friend!

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  5. What a year you have had! All the best in 2013 :)
    XOXO

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    1. Yes, indeed!

      Wishing you even more success in 2013, sweet Stephanie!

      <3

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  6. Love this post. Indeed, there is always something to be thankful for :)

    Happy New Year to you and your adorable family!

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    1. Thank you so much, and thanks for stopping by!

      Happy New Year to you, too!

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  7. I love looking back at all of these beautiful images, especially of your lovely daughter!!! 2012 was such a great year for you, can't wait to see what 2013 has in store :)
    xo TJ

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    1. Thank you so much, TJ! Looking back at Maile's last year was certainly a lot of fun for me.

      May 2013 bring wonderful things to you, too, friend.

      Happy New Year!

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  8. I love all your photos. They are so pretty. My family is the same as yours on New Years! My mom usually makes some treats and we just chill on the couch as a family- nothing huge, just some family time! And that is exactly what we did this year haha. I am so happy that I found your blog (I love the design, by the way) it is so much fun to keep up with you and your cute family! Hope your 2013 is amazing!

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    1. Thanks, Ali! I'm so glad you like the new design, too. :)

      All the best for you and your sweet family in 2013!

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  9. I loved all of your photos! I was never really into taking photos but now I'm almost obsessed with getting professional pictures taken now that I have a little one. Having a child really does change everything, doesn't it?!? And in such a good way!

    You're daughter, and family, is as cute as a button!!!
    Take care :)!

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    1. Thank you so much, Nicole! Happy New Year!

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