Resolving to be happy

So here we are again, a week into the new year. This time though, the calendar on our iphones reads 2013 instead of 2012. Every year we have all of these goals and plans and resolutions, but every year LIFE gets in the way. Which isn't always a bad thing, but it just goes to show, you can't plan everything. You can't expect to have any idea of what is going to happen in the next 12 months. You can't predict what opportunities will come up, how your goals will change, or if you'll still want to do 100 jumping jacks a day come February. Lest I find myself still wanting to use this New Year as a way to focus on things to live by, rather than things to DO. It's easier to live a certain way than to do certain things. For me at least.

Here are some of the things I want to be more a part of my (and our) life this year. Why? Well, because I think I will be happiest while living this way. And if I am happy I can be an awesome wife and a kick ass mom. And ultimately, that's what's most important to me.

1. Explore/Adventure: 

Essentially, try new things, take risks, push my comfort zone and say YES to opportunities. 

2. Give/Care: 

We encountered many warm amazing people in 2012 who are just naturally GOOD people.  I am inspired by there innate kindness. 

3. Grow/Strive: 

To keep learning, to become even more myself, without worry about outside judgements.

4. Positive People: 

Surround ourselves with people that we enjoy. Keep the drama out and stay connected to the down to earth, real people. Our people.

So yeah. I figure keeping these present in my mind will allow me to make decisions that align with these ideas.

Now that I feel I've taken myself far too seriously, I'll end this post with a joke I saw someone post on Facebook.

Q: What is the worst kind of vegetable to take on a boat?

A: A leek. 

BAHAHAHA

You're welcome. Now go away. 

What I've Learned So Far

(flashback to 4 weeks ago when I wrote this and never hit the publish button because I was probably interrupted by a diaper change or an episode of Property Brothers on HGTV....)

It's been nearly six weeks, since the wonderful Henry has entered our lives. I can hardly remember what life was like before having our baby, let alone before being pregnant. Realizing that I am six weeks post partum, makes me accept that I may have been a little overambitious with my list of things I wanted to be doing before six weeks post partum. For instance, writing. Yeah...that hasnt happened, it looks as if my pregnancy baby brain has carried over into mom brain. Even when I get "free time" it is nearly impossible to actually focus on anything. I have enough of an attention span to check my facebook or read up on the daily news and political escapades, but it stops there. I have quite a few half written posts, half read books, and half done chores.

But I realized, I'm not entirely helpless...I have learned a few things that I figured I could share.

1. Pee, Poop, and Spit Up are not in fact capable of my demise. I'm actually okay with sleeping on a sheet that has dried spitup, or catching baby poop in my hand as I change yet another diaper.

2. Speaking of diapers...we go through ALOT. Atleast 10 a day, and I'm certain we get to 12 some days. A baby's body is so efficient that after they eat, they pee and poop within 10 minutes. Or atleast Henry does. And in mass quantities. With no modesty. Oh the humanity!

3. My body has somehow biologically morphed to functioning well with just 3 hours of sleep.

4. Things are alot easier than I expected. Trust me, it's been six weeks and I'm still alive, my husband is still alive, and so is Henry! All very good signs at this point in the game. 

5. Your marriage doesnt need to take a backseat once you have a baby. It may take more of an effort, but it is so possible to continue growing together. We make sure to love, laugh, and connect everyday, it's what keeps me balanced, or atleast fools me into thinking I'm balanced.

6. Time Flies! I found myself getting sentimental when I packed up the newborn clothes Henry has recently grown out of.  I cannot believe how much he has grown and how much time has already passed. Thinking about the future makes my heart ache...the day he goes to school, moves out, gets married...ohhhh say it aint so. 

7. There is no "right" way to do anything because all babies and all parents are different. We go with instincts and intuition most of the time. You really don't need to read tons of baby books, or to worry every minute of every day. 

(flashforward to now...the other half-dozen, half-written posts will be posted at some point)