2013 Goals

First a look at how I did on my 2012 goals. We failed at the try new foods. We tried one, asparagus. It was disgusting. I apparently don't know how to properly prepare asparagus. I did accomplish the other three goals though. I continued to blog and take pictures. Lilah has her monthly cards and I made a newborn book for her. So far we are avoiding the second baby no pictures curse. My blog is still going. I don't think it is anything mind blowing, but it is just a journal of our life. So it is serving its purpose. I successfully birthed a beautiful baby and have had a wonderful 6 months. I can honestly say this time around the newborn experience was blissful. Perhaps wouldn't have minded a little more sleep, but that's part of the fun, right? I knew it would be bumpy, so my attitude for 2012 was survive and go with the flow. I think this attitude helped make Lilah's arrival and the rest of the year such a joy. We also lighted our load a bit, getting rid of several unused items in our house. We didn't sell anything, too much work. We just donated it all. While we still feel we have too much stuff and the anti-clutter part of Tim and I goes crazy every now and then, we realize that this is just part of kids. Newborns and toddlers come with a lot of stuff. We are embracing while continuing to get rid of unuseful or unneeded items.

Thinking of what I want to accomplish in 2013 has been hard. I start this year with much more energy than in 2012. Although I have a long list of things that are on my 2013 "to do" list, here are the top 4.

1. Breastfeed Lilah for an entire year. With Addison I only made it to 8.5 months. This time while I was on maternity leave I stock piled like crazy and built up about a stash of 1,000 ounces. Not only do I want to do it because it is what is best for my little girl, but I am trying to relish every part of babyhood I can. Tim and I haven't made a definite decision, but if this is our last baby I want to really love every second of it!

2. Try 12 new foods. This is going back on our list. When I thought about how we utterly failed this last year I was pretty disappointed. So lowering it to once a month and trying again.

3. Lose the baby weight. Tim and I are both trying to lose weight and live a healthier lifestyle. I almost didn't want to put this on the blog, but I need the accountability. Our plan is to make small weekly goals. As well as celebrate small losses, so that we are encouraged to continue on the journey. I know it is going to be hard work, but I am sick and tired of wearing maternity clothes and fat pants. I want a new, slimmer wardrobe!

4. Go on one date night a month. Two little kiddos are hard on a marriage. I believe one of the best gifts we can give our girls is an example of a good marriage. While our marriage is not perfect by any means, we both feel it works for us. Date nights will help to reconnect, talk to one another without interruptions, and rekindle the romance.