Home Sweet Home

Well seven days in the Mayan and we are home! And not a moment too soon. Before I start sounding ridiculously selfish and spoiled I should probably let you know that travelling with a baby eliminates the word relaxing and vacation!  Al is an exceptionally good boy but even under the best of circumstances babies will reach their limit! It was hot, very hot, and that is hard for a baby who has to be held all the time (skin to sweaty skin). On top of that he is too young for sunscreen so he was forced to stay out of direct and indirect sunlight. I don't know if you have ever been to mexico, but aside from staying in your room 24/7, staying out of the sun is next to impossible. To top it all off, the saving grace we were hoping for was the swimming pool, but unfortunately it turned out to be ice water. He actually bawled when we tried to dip his toes in the pool. This poor kid can't catch a break when it comes to swimming pools and vacations! Without elaborating too much more there were a whole slew of other minor issues that all added up to a long and challenging week. I think it is safe to say we will not be returning to a resort for a LONG time! 

I am happy to be home to my dogs, my house, my morning coffee, my usual shows on TV, Al's toys.... everything! While we were gone Al figured out how to sit, on his own. Not without a few spills but it is still a milestone. We are starting food (peas will be first) sometime in the next few days, and I am thinking its time to start weening. Big things are happening. We have appointments, classes just basically busy busy!

Here are a few shots from our week in Mexico

24 Years

Happy New Year to all! And a Happy Birthday to me! On new years eve it was my 24th Birthday. I must admit it was alot better this year than last year, as I was pregnant and nauseous last year. Al was such a good boy all day for me! I started the day with pedicures with Chantelle and Elyse. Afterwards we all went to lunch at Earls and were joined by Kyla and Chris (who also has a birthday on new years eve). After lunch we came back to our place and hung out for the rest of the evening, had cake, ordered some pizza and watched hockey (that was clearly not my choice haha)

It was a very relaxed birthday but it was also a good one! The girls surprised me with one present an hour for 24 hours in honour of my 24th birthday. It was lots of fun to open a present every hour and it was a really sweet idea! Sandy also surprised me with a bedroom full of balloons. I LOVE balloons. Anyway today I am off to have lunch with my mom and Alexander, a little traditional Olive Garden Birthday Lunch!

We are off to Mexico in 2 days so this may be my last post for a little while!

Merry Christmas

A couple of snap shots from Alexanders first Christmas

Christmas Eve

Christmas! Love my Santa Outfit from Grandma

Cooking my first Christmas Dinner

What a ladykiller

Mommy and Daddy

Resolutions and Goals

Its crazy to think that a year ago I started this blog! It is so fun to look back at my posts throughout my pregnancy and after having Al. Its almost like journaling but better because of the pictures! Anyway I have started to follow a few other blogs along the way and one that I follow had a recent post about goals. I think goals are so crucial to working for and achieving anything in life. They are also great indicators of success! I used goal planning as a way to reach (well almost reach) my pre-baby weight and am now using it to accomplish my running aspirations. Anyway along with goals I also have some resolutions for 2012 so I thought I would post them on here as a way to keep me accountable! My followers can hold me to my resolutions and encourage me to reach my goals! Anyway here they are:

2012 Goals:

125 pounds

Run a 5km race

Run a 10 km race

Run a half marathon

Run leg 1 of the Sinister 7

Do 3 consecutive chin ups

Meet my Baker family in Toronto

Donate Blood (along with a list of other good deeds)

Take more photography courses and start a small photography business

Update my AFLCA certification

Take another AFLCA course

Start a mom group/ play date group

Take a trip to Vegas (without baby)

Start an RESP for Alexander

Save minimum $5000

Go for a psychic reading

Attend Church

2012 Resolutions:

Floss my teeth everyday

Brush Bensons teeth everyday

Cuss less

Walk Chevy more than once a week

I may revisit this list of Goals and Resolutions but for now this is what I have to work towards! What are your resolutions for the new year?

Christmas Eve

Merry Christmas everyone! This week has been a whirlwind. I cannot believe Christmas is here already! I have been doing a lot of reflecting on the past year and it is amazing how many blessings we have recieved. First and most importantly, Alexander. He is my sole purpose in life, I cannot imagine him not being a part of our family and lives. So many people find their calling in life when they discover their career but for me I know that I was supposed to be a mother! And I cannot even believe he will be 5 months on boxing day. The most amazing gifts we were given this year was definitely the gift of parenthood!  And speaking of the little guy, Santa stopped by to see the peanut! No tears from our brave guy he just snuggled up to Santa and tried to eat his beard! It was great. 

I have also had the blessing of reconnecting, or should I say connecting, with family I had not known before. Unfortunately the circumstances were not the ones you'd like to unite over but it is nice to hear from family that I have been curious about for a long time. Sadly on December 21, my Grandmother passed away from cancer. I am hoping that she is relieved from all pain and sufferings and has been welcomed into Heaven where she can watch over her family. Blessed are those who mourn for they shall be comforted.

In times of mourning and sorrow we are reminded of our appreciation for the family and friends we do have. Which leads me to my next thankful reflection, and that is my friends! They have been so good to me over the last year, through out my pregnancy and growing family! They are just the greatest!! I can't even find the words, I just love them so much! We are going to have so much fun in Mexico celebrating Kyla's wedding! So many big moments in our lives are happening and I am so grateful to share them with these fine ladies!

And of course family! I am so excited to share Al's first Christmas with all of our family. We are very lucky to have each other to celebrate the good times with and to lean on each other during the challenging times! A lot has changed in both of our families over the last year and I am so glad to say we are closer than ever! 

Anyway it is time to get the carrots cooking (my pot luck item for Christmas Eve dinner) and to get Al into his Christmas outfit! I hope everyone has a fantastic Christmas and remembers the reason for our celebrations

Matthew 1:21 She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.