Never part without loving words to think of during your absence. It may be that you will not meet again in this life.

Jean Paul Richter

From Misc. Ella

I set up a little quilt on the floor in her nursery and threw all of her stuffed animals on the ground with her. I played around with it for a little while and this was my favorite out of the few I took. I cropped it and edited it a tiny bit and I think it came out pretty cute. I’m really hoping to get at this photography thing, but I still have a long way to go! Lucky for me, I have some really cute models to practice with!

Ella woke up this morning at about six. I scooped her up and laid her head on my pillow next to mine. She snuggled against my chest and I had my arm around her. It was so sweet. A minute later, David turned over and hugged me from behind. I was completely surrounded, my baby on one side and my hubby on the other, all of us cuddled under the covers. It felt so wonderful. Perfection. I could have laid like that all day, just soaking it up. I even thought, right then and there, that I am one of the most blessed people on earth.

Yes, I think she’s gorgeous. And maybe I’m blinded by love, but i just can’t get over how wonderfully adorable she is. I mean, honestly… look at those eyes, and those rolls and the cheeks (pick a pair, LOL). What a little cuddle bug!

Each year I usually make some sort of New Year’s Resolution and it’s usually regarding my weight, my finances or my housecleaning. Well, I’m still chubby, still broke and my house is still a mess! LOL Hopefully, this years bid to lose weight will work out for me and, yes, it’d be great if I could juggle the bills better and of course, I’d love to have the energy to keep up with my 4 kids and Alex and still keep the house straight, but I’m only one woman.
This year, however, I did get a cute little surprise when Leah, my 8 year old second grader, told me that she had a made a New Year’s Revolution (lol). And that “revolution” was to be a better student. How great is that? It was even more adorable when she went on to explain to Anna, my 1st grader, what a “revolution” was. She told her it’s something you promise to do to be a better person. I finally corrected her and told her it was a re-SO-lution, but I was just so proud of her. Since she made her resolution, she has been making a noticeable effort to meet her reading goals and that is a major thing for her because reading is not her favorite thing to do. She’s even trying to read books above her level to get more points. For me, having a child that is not completely enthralled with books is a new thing. As a child, I was such an avid reader, as is Jacob, my oldest. So I’m inexperienced when it comes to pressuring a kid to read. Hopefully, this newfound motivation of hers will stick. And hopefully, her commitment to New Year’s resolutions will prove to be better than mine.

The great thing about nursing a baby is that it makes it a lot easier to lose weight. Unfortunately, you still need to make an effort to eat healthier. So, today I decided to join Weight Watchers online. Portion control is probably the hardest part for me when it comes to dieting and eating healthier and that is a major part of Weight Watchers. My goal weight is 145 and I don’t really remember the last time I weighed that, but I know it’s a reachable goal for me if I try hard. I do know I’ve not weighed that little since I’ve been married. So it’ll be a big bonus for David (and me) when I reach that goal. Hopefully, between the breastfeeding and healthier eating, the weight will come off quickly. I will update here as I lose the weight. Wish me luck!

Ella pouting on New Years Eve

Ella in her new outfit

Anna on New Years Day

Anna & Leah with Aunt Julie on New Years Day