Last year I wrote a post about a look backwards and I loved the style of it and being able to summarize my year. It was nice to reflect back and be thankful. January brought lots of baby planning. We were constantly buying things to complete Brooke’s nursery and I was itching for Kevin to put her crib together. I also started looking into baby classes and birthing classes which had me a tad overwhelmed. As we turned the corner into February, the nursery was coming together and we took a trip to Belton to visit my friend Kristi who had her baby boy. Kevin and I also attended a baby class which was pretty informative and fun. Kevin always makes things more fun. We also announced Brooke’s name to everyone in February and everything started getting much more real.
In March, we had two baby showers that were super amazing and special. (Actually technically, the first baby shower was at the end of February).With each gift opened, we got even more excited for Brooke’s arrival. We got to see Brooke in 4D at an unexpected doctor appointment and she looked exactly like her daddy. It was so incredible to see her face so clearly. We also took a hospital tour and learned all about what to expect for delivery. This tour actually stressed me out, but our doctor calmed me down when we talked to her. We also learned that Brooke was trying to make an early entrance. I was 2cm dilated and 80% effaced at the end of March when were traveling to Houston for our friends wedding. I remember being completely exhausted that weekend from being pregnant, but having a lot of fun at the wedding festivities.
April. Oh April. This will always and forever be one of the most amazing months of my life (this and my wedding month). We found out the first week of April that Brooke was really trying to make an appearance. I was 2cm dilated and 90% effaced. I ended up not making it to our next doctor appointment and had Brooke on April 7th. It was the most joyous day. The following days of her being in the NICU were not so fun, but also so great at the same time. The rest of the month was a slight blur settling into life as a family of 3. Late night feedings, diaper changes, baby snuggles, family time…. the best.
May was more of the same. Being on maternity leave was awesome, I loved getting to spend so much time with Brooke. I was thankful for our trips to visit Kevin during the day on his lunch break and getting into a routine. Brooke started sleeping longer and longer through the night and the parenting thing got a little easier. I had my first Mother’s Day and Kevin made the day absolutely perfect. He thought of everything and made me feel like the most special person in the world.
June brought a really fun trip home for a week. Spending so much time with our parents and in our hometown was awesome and much needed. We also celebrated Brooke’s baby dedication, my birthday and Father’s day in one fun packed weekend with our parents. In July, I dreaded going back to work and Brooke starting daycare, but we both adjusted really well. Kevin and I absolutely love her school and knowing she is well loved makes it a little easier. Going back to work was slightly stressful and I kept getting sick a lot, but it was nice to be back as well.
August brought another trip to our hometown to see our parents. Brooke got to on her first boat ride and meet some family for the first time. September was a pretty normal month, although we did take family pictures for the first time. I was so excited with the way they turned out. Then, out of no where, Brooke turned 6 months in October. She is such a happy baby and such a joy to be around. Both of Brooke’s grandparents visited in October and we went to a baby shower for Kevin’s sister. We also had fun game nights with friends and went to Kevin’s cousins wedding. It was a very busy, yet fun month.
November and December were pretty rough. We have been battling sickness and other things that have brought us down. On a positive note, our friends got married, other friends got engaged, we had super fun game nights, and Brooke started sitting up by herself! Here’s to 2016 and I am hopeful for a great year!
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