A New Year

A new year, a new beginning - a fresh start - it seems to make people reflective of the old year and anxious to be better in the new. That goes for me too. I can never let New Year's pass me by anyway because it is also my husband's birthday. There is cake to be made, cards to be signed, presents to be given. Dan is fortunate - he (almost) always gets the day off on his birthday!).

I don't really make resolutions any more ... I find I don't do well under pressure when I commit to follow a list of restrictions for myself, & if I am denied something, I usually want it that much more. I do have plans for the new year - but I'm not going to punish myself if I don't follow through on every detail to fulfill them. Mostly my plans revolve around being more domestic - now that I am home - and minus my salary - I am resolved to cook more (and more nutritiously), be more frugal, and shop less (that doesn't mean I can't go "window shopping" for fun!). I want to be a more supportive wife to my husband since I won't actually be at same work place with him every day - I want to be that safe place for him to come home to. I want to spend more time on my (older) children, making sure they are not just "on their own" (which is easier for me since they are so independent) but getting the guidance they need to be productive and to grow in the Lord. I want to cherish each moment with the special gift of Miriam that we've been given. I know I can't keep her as a baby forever - but I want to totally fill my senses with each growing experience so that I can let her go ... and let her grow ... and personally feel fulfilled that I'm finished with these baby years - and then I too can go on with what God has for me in the future.

I've been taking at least one picture a day of our little one ... like I said, she is already changing before our very eyes! This is her at 8 days old - a lady from our church crocheted the afghan - it is the SOFTEST (like chenille) blankie you've ever felt!


This is Miriam at 9 days old ... I wanted one of those cute baby pictures with an angelic-like pose ... but Miriam did NOT like being laid on her tummy at all! Never the less, I love her ruffly little bottom. :)

Today we will be celebrating my husband, day 10 of Miriam's life with us, and the New Year 2010!