Ok, guys. I’m about to capture an entire year’s worth of activities into one ‘Bites of Life’ post. And hopefully, by the end, you will fully understand why you haven’t seen many new posts from me. I always value quality over quantity, which is a lot harder to do when you have a toddler tornado running around.
I recently read an eye-opening article, entitled, “Having It All Kinda Sucks.” It’s about women trying to simultaneously be a perfect mom, wife, friend, daughter, employee and any other title bestowed upon them. Spoiler alert: it’s impossible. So, for 2017 my resolution is a simple personal challenge: to take control of my own happiness and not be perfect.
So as I drink the day’s leftover juice from my daughter’s sippy cup, I bring you my 2016:
Kicking off the year with Emma’s first big snowstorm. We bundled her up like Randy from A Christmas Story. Enjoying fun little moments like vests with teddy ears, visits with future Mommies (Sheri & Blair!) and trying pizza for the first time.
Celebrating our love’s very first Valentine’s Day. My heart nearly bursting after seeing the Valentine she made for Mommy & Daddy at school. It went straight into her memory box. Adventuring out to Philadelphia’s Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest with grandparents in tow. It was hilarious to see Em completely asleep in a noisy arcade. Also, hair pulling officially begun.
Welcoming spring and warm weather with open arms! Going on day trips to places like Princeton and Adventure Aquarium with loved ones, and getting ready for a BFF’s Baby #2! Fun fact, that at her sprinkle Emma discovered her love for balloons. She found them absolutely hilarious and kept cracking up at them taped to the wall.
Getting outside as much as possible. Our girl loves the outdoors, something she shares with Hubs and I. Lots of chubby legs peeking out of long pants, menu planning with homemade baby food, lots of play, some much needed time with a BFF, and cars packed to the brim for weekend overnights.
Discovering that Princeton is probably my most favorite town in New Jersey. And, being so excited to celebrate my very first Mother’s Day there with my parents, and sweet Emma (poor Hubs was working). Having fun at a Dr. Seuss themed first birthday party, bathtime silliness with Daddy, piggyback rides with Mommy, and love notes to Hubs to pick up diaper genie refills.
Meeting new friends for the first time (Hazel & Ellie!), swings and laughs with Mommy, pool time with best friends and braving cold hose water.
Taking a deep sigh as Emma learned how to open cabinets and climb into them. Spending time with family, seeing my brother on leave, quiet moments with Daddy, Hubs experimenting with sangria recipes, and puff snacks with makeup. Also, Emma figuring out that her Grandma is a twin.
Celebrating Emma’s first birthday! Oh, the mix of emotions. Going a bit crazy with the “Some Bunny Is One” theme, and inviting enough family/friends to constitute a small wedding.
A BFF and I putting on red lipstick and rocking out at a Gwen Stefani concert — being smug getting our lawn tickets upgraded. Because, you know, hot moms. Enjoying little moments like pool fun, picnics and books, watermelon with Grandma and my never-ending task of making lunches.
Going on our very first family vacation to Cape May with BFFs, and learning that traveling with a 1-year-old is a lot more complicated than we thought (naps, early bedtimes, sand… and more sand). Having Grandma stop by for a visit, and another BFF and her family spend a few nights. Life is good.
Being blown away at a Coldplay concert (birthday gift from Hubs!). Hands down, the best concert of my entire life. More beach fun with friends, and Emma getting ready for school with her very first backpack.
Wrapping up summer by spending time with family, weaning Emma off the bottle, and sleeping with butts in the air.
Loving sunglasses and holding a toy purse in the crook of her arm, just like Mommy. Going to the zoo and being completely unsure about feeding a goat (and, me proceeding to sanitize and wash her hands three times). Piano fun with Grandpa, and hanging outside.
Enjoying fall festivities! Pumpkin picking with Mommy, and our annual family outing for apples and donuts! Learning that Em has no problem sinking her teeth into a tree-ripe apple and that she’s a little unsure of Halloween Parades. But, making an adorable NJ Devils player and pretty butterfly who ate four pieces of candy and didn’t let go of her orange balloon for two hours.
Squeezing in some playground time, a day trip to Princeton with Mommy & Daddy, and a visit to the grandparents (who bought her an electric car). Oh, and going to Layla’s second birthday!
Having no problem getting right into the Christmas spirit with Starbucks cake pops, helping Mommy bring in wrapping paper, trimming the tree with help from Daddy, and visiting Santa… but, not too happy about it.
Learning that family is truly the best. Having Grandpa spend an entire afternoon putting together a toy kitchen, discovering the magic of colored Christmas lights, learning to say “cheese!” with Mommy, meeting a giant penguin, perfecting the “are we done shopping yet?” look, having a night away with Hubs and posing for a group Christmas Eve photo. Yes, I’m holding a banana and a glass of wine. #parenting
Life is hectic and it moves at a million miles a minute, but it’s so good. My heart is full.
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