All I want for Christmas... I received.

What a beautiful day. As I reflect on the day's events, my mind keeps drifting back to one year ago today. Last year, Dan and I spent Christmas in the hospital with Sadie. At 5 weeks old, she was in Methodist Hospital--quietly growing, waiting to come home. She weighed just under four pounds. We didn't spend the day with any other relatives. We just wanted to be with our little girl. What a difference a year makes.

This year we woke up in our warm comfy bed to the sound of a chattering baby girl. We found Sadie standing up in her crib with a big grin on her face. The one gift I wanted last year, I couldn't get--and that was having Sadie home for Christmas. This year, I got what I wanted and more. Not only is Sadie home, but she is happy, healthy, and beautiful. I am blessed to have her and Dan, in addition to all of my wonderful family and friends. I could rattle off some of the other generous gifts I unwrapped this year, but none of them compare to the glorious gift of family, friends and of course, baby Jesus.

Merry Christmas everyone!

If only I had something profound to say...

So I never write in this thing and thus have not garnered any sort of following for my blog. I wish I would have started this back when Sadie was in the hospital and there were more day-to-day things to write about.

It's hard to believe I am the mother of a one year old. Where time goes... I don't know. She is incredibly mobile now and keeps us busy, busy, busy. She hasn't started to walk yet, but we know the minute she does she'll be running.

Last night was my work's Holiday Party. My aunt and uncle watched Sadie for the evening and were so impressed at what a happy baby she is. Funny how this morning we then get to deal with a temper tantrum of epic proportions. Okay, I'm exaggerating a bit. She manages to wipe all that away with one of her adorable smiles.

Motherhood... it's the best.

Feeling well...

I was ridiculously sick last week. I had a sore throat, my body ached, and I was sooo tired. It was a really bad week to be sick too. Even though I know I have every right to take a sick day, I just had too much of a conscience about all the things that would be messed up if I weren't there. Things are finally starting to wind down at work after today and of course it is NOW that I am feeling much more towards 100%. Funny how that works.

What am I going to do with my extra time and my sense of health? Probably catch up on some of the stuff I have recorded on the DVR. Ambitious, I know.

It's incredible!

Dan and I spent most of yesterday cleaning the house. I am soooo proud of the work we did. I have to say, this is probably the most in order our home has been in a long, long time. Today it's Saturday. The day we normally force ourselves into doing the dreaded housework. But not today!! We almost don't know what to do with our free time.

I think I might go take a nap!

3 days to my weekend

We're going to my pastor's wedding tomorrow night. Totally excited for it because I am so happy for them AND it will be a wedding where we actually know plenty of people. Weddings are definitely more fun when you know others. We have a tradition with a group of us from church that whenever there is a wedding we always have a get together after the reception for champagne and pizza. It's wonderful.

Anyway... I didn't really need to take tomorrow off from work since the wedding isn't until 6, but I decided I could use a long weekend. Things at work are extra crazy right now and some days it feels like breathing is all I can do to help keep my head on straight. Fortunately, I love my job and I love the people I work with. That helps me get through it as well.

Another first...

Today we went to the zoo. General Mills Employee Club sponsored the event in celebration of their 35 year anniversary. We were given free entrance to the zoo with $15 in zoo bucks for Dan, Sadie and me. Pretty neat deal really. One we couldn't pass up. Now, I don't think Sadie gave one ounce of interest to the zoo and its animals. She was more interested in the strap on her stroller. I guess all I can really say about that is at least we didn't pay anything for it. I hope GMI sponsors something like this again next year when Sadie will appreciate it a little more.

While were at the zoo we ran into one of Dan's old co-workers... still works at GMI, just in a different department... she too had an 8 month old. But let me just tell you... that little girl was a moose compared to Sadie! :o)

Sadie's laugh...

It's infectious. Trust me and watch.