Resolutions

As I sit here typing with Easton in my lap, I can't help but reminisce about the past year and everything it had to offer. It doesn't surprise me in the least that I am typing about 2011 with little "E" watching and making noises every 2 seconds. He has definitely been one of the most important blessings this past year and I think it's safe to say he has become first and foremost in our lives. He was just a small thought as I was only 10 weeks pregnant at the beginning of 2011. Now we sit here at the end of the year and I have an almost 5 month old son. I know I've said it before, but it really is crazy how many changes one can experience in 1 whole year.

So, in retrospect, here are a few things that were accomplished/blessings we had in 2011:

I finished my 1st year of teaching!

Marcus got a new job with Arid Resources!

I grew and grew and grew :)

Marcus and I survived our 1st year of marriage!!

Marcus became a daddy :)

I became a mommy :)

We gained a roommate!!

Caitlin had some big things to deal with and get through - but she did it.. and is a stronger person for it :)

My dad got wonderful news regarding his health!!

So, all in all, this year was a fantastic one. We are so blessed to be surrounded by wonderful family and friends and to have received the biggest gift yet - Easton :) 

On a different note, I am usually one to make some New Year's Resolutions, and this year is no different. I just have a few this year:

• Take in every single second I can with Easton. He is growing up so fast and I don't want to miss anything! 
• Become a healthier ME! Having a baby changes a person's body completely and I want to make it a point to eat better ALL the time and take good care of my body. It's the only one I've got and I want to be around as long as I can for my little guy :)
• Make more attempts to do family activities!
• Cherish the time I have with my family members. Realize how fortunate I really am - not just once in a while - but all the time :)

Well, that's it for 2012! I can't wait to see what the New Year has to offer :) 

Happy New Year from the Anderson's and remember to cherish those you love this year!

Vaca

I will be on vacation as of 3:45pm today!! I can't wait!! So, I'm sorry to report that I will be going up North for a week - so I doubt I will be "blogging" when I'm with family... and probably not around my phone, so please don't think I'm neglecting you... I'm just dedicating my full week to family!

I hope everyone has a wonderful and blessed Christmas :)

17

I find it ironic that Easton is 4 months old today... or 17 weeks (on Wednesday) on the 17th of the month. It appears that 17 is the lucky number :) He is turning into such a fun little guy that smiles on command and talks back with you when you start a conversation.
He had his 4 month check up on Wednesday and we were told that he is in the 71% for weight, where he was 39% for length... and that he wasn't "fat" but just "very healthy":) haha, I just have to laugh about it now because I would much rather have him be healthy than too skinny and not eating as much as he needs to. His pediatrician also thought that he may have acid reflux and that we should try smaller bottles more frequently until his esophagus develops a bit more. He loves to sit up with support - and more often stand with support. My worries were put at ease when we were told his development is exactly where it needs to be, if not a bit above.. which was GREAT news for me :)

I have a few more of his 3 month pictures and one of my husband's side of the family. We bought my mother-in-law a professional picture session for Christmas for the whole family :)

So tuckered out!

Also, here is an adorable video that I took in the Dr's office!

One of many...

For most of you, you already know that my little baby ROLLED OVER! I don't think I've ever been so excited about something - it may not seem like much, but it makes me one very proud mommy!!
As a mother, you begin to question if your baby is developing like they are supposed to. One of my greatest fears is that Easton would be under-developed and be given the trials that I see every one of my students deal with every day. I'm not saying we wouldn't conquer through it, I'm just saying I don't wish those difficulties upon anybody, especially my own son.
So, to see little E roll over on his own - twice - is a great accomplishment for him, AND for me :) He hasn't done it since, but I figured that would happen. I also was aware the instant I got out my phone to tape it, he would get fussy and be done with tummy time... which, he was!
Oh well, it will happen again in time. I can't help but be amazed at how strong this little guy is. He is constantly pulling himself up when laying down and standing with support for more than 5 seconds. He will be crawling and walking before I know it!

I am becoming more and more anxious for the next week and a half to go by so I can be on vacation and head up north for the Holidays. I am excited to have some time off and to just hang out with Easton! He is constantly changing every day and I feel as if I can't keep up with him.
Here are a few more of his 3 month pictures - I hope everyone has a great start to the week!

Sneak Peek

We had E's 3 month pictures taken a few weeks ago, and I have gotten a couple pictures emailed and I just want to share one of my favorites (so far:)

I'll hold you in suspense until the end though ;) So, December has gotten off to a decent start. It's supposed to SNOW tomorrow!? I can't decide if I'm excited or not. Honestly, work has gotten pretty crazy, hectic lately - and I hate to say this, but a snow day wouldn't be all that bad to just get to hang out with my little man. Being a full time teacher doesn't leave much room to hang out with him... Yes, I have my nights and weekends with him, but considering I have been traveling every weekend the past MONTH, I am REALLY wanting a weekend to just do NOTHING and hang out with him and not have to worry about anything else. I also can't wait for everything the Holiday has to offer. I can't wait to go Christmas shopping and wrap presents - and watch Christmas movies with a cup of hot chocolate. I can't wait to just curl up in sweatpants on the couch and watch the snow fall, or go and make a snow fort.

Anyways, life is crazy busy - and a bit stressful at work, so if I don't update this blog every other day... I apologize. I will eventually get around to it, so just hang in there with me :)

Alright, here is the picture!!!

SIL

I am SO grateful for my SIL (sister-in-law). She is honestly SUCH a lifesaver! She has been nothing but gracious and helpful since she has moved down to Omaha and she is such a good auntie! She has agreed to watch Easton today, part of tomorrow, and Wednesday for us because our daycare provider had some family things come up :( I was in a bit of a bind and was going to have to take some time off work to watch E, but Katie graciously offered her services to help me out!
I am also grateful for her attitude about things! She is always there to listen to me when I need to vent and offers up some good advice too! I am fortunate enough to have such a great relationship with her!

So, THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU KT :)

TGIF

Today, I am thankful for FRIDAYS :) This week was a bit of a rough one and I am just happy that it's the weekend.
I am going to relax tonight while eating Papa Murphys Pizza, drinking a few beers, and playing farkle with some wonderful people! Then, tomorrow, I'm going to hopefully sleep in and hang out with my little man since we haven't seen much of each other this past week (work has been CRAZY). I can't wait to set up our Christmas tree and some other decorations while listening to Christmas music and making homemade rolled out Sugar Cookies with Katie :)
I'll be sure to post some pictures!

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!!

Family

Friends come and go, but family is forever.

I can't remember where I first heard this quote, but it is so true. I have had friends come in to my life and then go out of my life. I have had my fair share of friendships that didn't survive the hardships and trials of "life," and it's still disappointing at this time in my life.

BUT... no matter how many friends don't survive, I can sincerely look at my family members and be comforted in knowing that I will ALWAYS have them. Family is one thing that (no matter how much I hate to admit it), I have taken for granted many times before. I personally think that is part of the learning process - to take family members for granted, or not always treat them as you should - but they still have your back.

With that said, I would like to thank all of my family members: Thank you for all of your unconditional love and guidance through the years. Thank you for the memories I have been given. Thank you for believing in me and showing me what love is all about. I have wonderful role models to learn from when raising Easton, and I can't thank you all enough :)

Hubby

I am extremely thankful for my husband :) I honestly don't know what I would do without him. He can always make me laugh no matter the situation. He snaps me back to reality when need be and he genuinely cares about others. He has adjusted gracefully to our new addition and is a wonderful daddy to Easton. I can already picture them throwing a baseball back and forth, or shooting pucks in the driveway in a few years. Marcus has taken on a good amount of responsibility with Easton and doesn't complain (much ;) 

I am grateful to have a husband who is involved in his son's life and works hard to help me out when I need it. Being parents isn't an easy feat - I've learned that one very quickly... it is rewarding, however, and Marcus makes it easier for me :)

One child

A friend of mine had the idea of posting things she is thankful for on her blog. I, too, thought this would be a good idea - and it will also give me something to write about almost every day :)
So, here you go...

Children make you want to start life over.  ~Muhammad Ali

I am thankful for my amazing son, Easton. He, like the quote states, makes me want to start my life over. There are a few things I wish to change - one being the way I see life. Growing up, I didn't take in the beauty of life until I had Easton. Sure, I walked on the wild side and had great times with great people growing up, but I never stopped to really "smell the roses." Now, being a mom, I have started taking in "the little things." When Easton laughs, it turns my mood around instantly. When he smiles at me from just hearing my voice across the room, my heart melts a little bit more for him. When he cries, I can't help but wonder what more I can do for him. This little guy has completely changed my attitude about life and I'm not sure there will ever be enough words that I can say to thank him. He is a miracle and he isn't even aware of it yet. He has so much life ahead of him and I am one who will be guiding him through it. It's a bit of a scary thought, but in all reality, I was chosen to be his mother, and because I was given such a wonderful gift, I am going to embrace that with everything I have.

12 weeks

Can you believe my little guy is going to be 12 weeks this coming Wednesday???! To be completely honest, I have NO idea where the time has gone. I have been back to work for just over a month now and Easton is almost 3 months old! What a whirlwind this past month has been!!! He has started giggling and it is the CUTEST thing ever to hear :) All we have to do is sing to him and he just cracks up. I hope to get a video of that soon!
This weekend we will be heading up North to Hallock for deer hunting. It is also my mother's birthday, so that should be fun to celebrate with her. Easton is going to have to sport his camouflage snowsuit for the "colder" weather up there. Hopefully I will be able to see some of my friends as well! (Anyone who reads this, let me know if you'll be around :)

Here are some pictures to share and a video.

Easton with his cousin Dylan

Smiling at mommy

Look at those cheeks!

We love tummy time ;)

Trying out the bumbo

Such a happy baby in the morning

Go Sioux

In Remembrance...

"When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure." 

On Monday October 24, 2011, Grandma Rosie passed away. For those that knew her were honestly, in my opinion, better people. She had a certain "kick" to her, no matter how many birthdays she celebrated. Rosie was a very generous, giving, kind-hearted, selfless individual who told you how it was. She was a mother, grandmother, sister, and aunt. She loved to entertain and make tons of food for others. She loved her family more than anything. Just the way she looked at her grandchildren (all 13 of them), or the way she said "Marky"... you could see and hear the unconditional love she held for each and every one of them. She had one of the biggest hearts and was always thinking of others, as well as putting others before herself. I was blessed to have known her for 4 short years... I just wish Easton would have had the privilege of getting to know his great grandmother as well. I know that he would have been extremely loved by her - and I regret them never meeting. She will be greatly missed by many and thought of often.

Along with Rosie's funeral this past weekend was Easton's baptism. It really is true that "life goes on". We had the baptism planned for over a month, and when we got the call about Rosie's passing, I wondered if we should reschedule the baptism. I was told "absolutely not." When I think more about it, this past weekend was a perfect example of the mysterious ways God works. He gained one amazing lady... and in return he gave our family the gift of baptizing Easton. Rosie's 81 years of life ended, and Easton's life is just beginning. The baptism was a positive way to end a sad weekend, and I don't think Rosie would have had it any other way.

I have quite a few pictures of the baptism to share:

With Pastor Colin

Grandpa and Grandma Plaine

4 generations

4 generations

My sweet, happy baby

My family

:)

Easton's godparents

So, all in all, October was a pretty good month. I went back to work and Easton and I got back on a schedule. Easton is doing really well :) He is loving daycare and is smiling and making noises more and more every day. I absolutely adore him! The other kids at daycare try to make him smile/laugh and this one little girl sings to him all the time. They are always excited to see Easton and sad to see him go. I think Karen's daycare is a good fit for him and we are very happy :)

Easton was a pumpkin for Halloween :)

November is a busy month for us as we will be making a couple trips up North... one for deer hunting and the other for Thanksgiving. It's my  mom's birthday as well as Katie's birthday.. the big 21!!!! So there is lots to celebrate this month :) I'm also looking forward to this month because that means I can start listening to Christmas music and decorating our house for the holidays!!! My favorite time of year :) I will also be looking for fun baking ideas for the holidays - so if you have any, feel free to share! I'm hoping my friend, Cassie, will update some on her blog for me ;)

I hope everyone has a wonderful rest of the week - REMINDER: turn your clocks back an hour on Sunday!!