13 months and a new year

December was a busy month and there were a lot of firsts.  Owen took his first steps, got his first haircut, played in the snow for the first time, and tried a variety of new foods.  We spent almost every weekend away from home-- in Clackamas, Leavenworth and Gig Harbor.

Having a little one really changes the holidays.  There is so much more joy and energy when children are around and Owen brought Christmas new meaning.  It also makes it a lot harder to travel in order to celebrate with everyone.  We really enjoyed our celebrations but they were simultaneously exhausting.  Owen wasn't really old enough to understand Christmas this year but next year (when he believes in Santa) I hope we're able to spend some time at home.

Owen is just as charming as ever.  His new things are saying "uh-ho" and clapping his hands.  He loves playing with his toys and is pretty good at entertaining himself.  He likes to dance.  He is all of the sudden willing to eat anything you put in front of him and I'm beginning to understand why people feed their kids frozen foods.  It's a lot of work preparing three meals a day and really frustrating when they go to waste.  Owen still isn't really walking on his own, although I know he can.  If I hold onto him and then let go he can balance and will take a few steps every time.  But he's not willing to do it without being prompted.  He walks all around the house holding on to something the whole time-- the wall, my leg, the couch-- it's actually pretty impressive that he can get around that way so efficiently.   I'm anxious for him to be a full on walker, shouldn't be long!

There is always something inspiring about the new year.  People are still high on the love and goodwill that Christmas brings and eager to better themselves moving forward.  I've never been a new year's party person but do enjoy reflecting on the highlights of the previous year and goals for the coming one.  2013 was pretty epic.  It was a year full of family and love.  I've learned and grown and changed, loved, laughed and cried.  Some things I'm looking forward to in 2014 are; watching Owen grow, supporting Rach through her pregnancy and meeting her baby, finding a bigger space to call home and growing our family.  I don't make new year's resolutions but am working on being more overtly friendly; I would like to spend more time at church and less time on social media in 2014.  Here's to another amazing year!