Happy New Year!

Today marks the night when, one year ago, we were rubbing my unbelievably big pregnant belly and reading Harry Potter to our unborn baby girl. We were rubbing my belly, asking her to be healthy and to stay in there until she was ready. We rang in 2010 with a kiss and drifted off to sleep.

Today is one of those days where I look back at the incredible year I've had. I look back and realize that we've come such a long way and can't help but be proud of us. We welcomed a baby girl into the world. We've watched her grow and discover how to roll over, to sit, stand, and even walk along furniture. We've begun parenting and are learning as we go, but I am proud of us still.

I'd like to work on a few things this year though. Here is a little list of what I want to accomplish, kind of like a little Bucket List. I don't think I need to do everything this year, it's more of an ongoing list, but a list nonetheless. I got the idea from a fun blog I read, The Honey B Blog.

Getting to a Comfortable Weight
I've been dealing with my weight since I was little. I mean, I can look back to my 4th grade class picture and remember what people said when they saw the picture. I don't want to be a skinny minny, and in no way do I want to be a size 0, but I do need to lose weight. I really just want to be able to shop at Target in the regular sizes. I am JUST into the plus sizes, so hopefully this is a goal I can accomplish relatively quickly.

Become More Active
One way I can accomplish the weight goal is to become more active. I really like walking and going for bike rides, and I really love to go swimming! The thing is, I need to find a trailer for Adelle (for my bike), get really great shoes I only use for exercise, and I need to find a place I can swim. I really like to join LifeTime or the Y because they offer child care while we work out, but it's so expensive. I've also signed up for a Wii Fitness Group online who will support each other and offer assistance.

De-Clutter
Brian and I live in a townhouse. We don't have a lot of space as it is, and with a child, the space has been shrinking quite a bit due to all of the toys and outgrown clothes. I still have papers from when I was in high school and the first few years of college. Why do I still have these?! Then I have a whole lot of stamping/scrapbooking things I can get rid of because I haven't used them. We also have some small appliances we aren't using... having a garage sale sounds great, but maybe Craig's List or eBay would be better. Any suggestions/ideas?

Save More Money
We are working on our savings account and want to make sure we have enough in there in case something happens. I think it's self explanatory.

Cut Down Debt
This will work in conjunction with saving more money. We don't have a ton, but we don't want to let it run our lives. We want to make sure we stay on top of it, ya know?!

Finish My Masters
I started my masters the year I met Brian. I have yet to finish it due to finances, but I want to finish. It was fun learning all of those new things and to be finished would be so fantastic!!

Take a Trip to Maine
Brian and I wanted to take a cue from my parents and go on a second honeymoon to Maine. Mom and Dad RAVED about the lobster and the scenery when they went. Well, Brian really loves both of those things, as do I. We wouldn't go for a long time, but long enough to get our fill of lobster, hiking, nature pictures, and the LL Bean Outlet!

Scrap/Sew More
I love scrapping! I love making cards and working on albums. I have loved working on my sewing projects too! I want to set aside one day a week to work on those things. I am not sure if that will work with a one year old, but I can hope.

Baby #2
'Nuff said! We aren't pregnant but are thinking about trying again sometime next year. Who knows?!

I hope you have a wonderful new year! I hope it's filled with happiness, laughter, health and love! Stay safe this year and be well!!

Why Do People Think...

it is absolutely fine to touch your belly when you're pregnant? I am talking about family, friends and even strangers!!! WTH?! This is a new phenomenon for me that I am completely NOT comfortable with. When I have turned people away or asked them not to touch, they say things like, "Whatever, we're family," or "Well, you better start getting used to it," or they act all surprised that I actually want them to stay out of my personal bubble or that I hurt their puppy!

It surprises me even more that WOMEN don't give a rats bottom that I don't want them touching me! What about this pissed off face says, "I'd be happy to have a strangers hand on my body!" I guess it also surprises me that when I have asked people not to touch me they get offended. Why? I don't go around touching your body parts... maybe I should do that. The next person who comes up to me and touches my belly - WITHOUT ASKING is going to get rubbed on their belly and asked when they are due and if they've started having contractions.

UGH!!!

I went somewhere yesterday where I turned away 4 people who then were upset with me for doing so. THEN someone just came up to me and started rubbing my belly and when I stepped backward and gave her a confused look, SHE WALKED TOWARD ME STILL RUBBING MY BELLY! I don't care that we are family - that doesn't give you the right to touch me in ANY way UNLESS I am CHOKING or DYEING and even then it's tricky. The only person who actually asked me if she could touch my belly got to touch it and then said, "I would never even think of touching a belly without asking. It's rude"

Well said my friend! Well said!