We had another nice low key day here at home. We got Dekker out of his room when it was breakfast time, but he obviously hadn’t had enough time in there on his own, and was tired for the rest of the morning. He never quite came back from it, and ended up going down for his nap over an hour early. Laela also napped in her bassinet for a couple of hours. They both slept like logs, to the point where we had to slightly change our evening plans. We still got there, though.

Bradys parents took us all out to Tony Romas for dinner. Our server was mildly over the top, but was clearly trying really hard to be likeable and do a good job. As soon as we were settled, both kids started fussing and acting up. Yay for being the loud table! Dekker pulled it together once he had a few bites of food in him, and Laela was the same, only with milk, obviously. And frankly, even if they had both stayed loud and unruly, a much louder crowd with kids moved in near us and the pressure was off. The food and drinks were delicious. Once we finished up there, we showed Bradys parents some of the houses Brady has worked on, and then headed home. We listened to music, and to Laela crying. Poor dear. Upon arrival, I changed her out of her wet diaper and skinny jeans and into a nice dry diaper and some fuzzy jammies with fat penguins on them. Now she’s having milk, and she’s happy. Dekker was sad that it was bedtime right away, but he sure didn’t fight it either. I think our entire household is exhausted right now.

We’ll see if the ‘rents are up to popcorn and a movie after all!

It was a big year, filled with tons of blessings and challenges. I figured it would be an appropriate time to recap the year. Probably should have started the post before 11:58 on December 31st, but what can you do? Here goes, in chronological order.

We found out we were pregnant! It felt like it had been a long time coming, and it was a fabulous surprise to find out we finally had success, first thing in the new year. What a relief!

Then the flood. Sigh. We could have done without this whole ordeal. I have on good authority from people who have lived in my town for 60+ years that they have never seen water like what we got. Our house was in the worst possible position in the entire town, completely surrounded, and not one drop of water weaselled its way into our basement. We had incredible backup and support, appeared on the news three times, and met a lot of new people. It was a whirlwind, and I felt incredibly helpless, but I learned a lot about relying on God, and on others when I had limitations. I’m glad we experienced it, but I’m glad its over.

Dekker got glasses. In May, Dekker spent one weekend with a cold, cutting molars like it was going out of style. He was exhausted and sick. His immune system took a big hit, and sadly, it all proved to be a bit much for this little guy. His eyes crossed one night and never went back. We spent a few busy weeks going to eye appointments, doctors appointments, meeting specialists, and getting glasses. It was a HUGE adjustment. For one day. One big ugly day where Dekker pulled his glasses off every ten seconds. One. Those glasses have remained perched on that perfect little nose every since, completely untouched.

We had our baby girl, Miss Laela Hazel. That was quite an experience – one I think I’ll remember for the rest of my life and then some. In only one hour, I was the most scared I have ever been, in the most pain I had ever felt, and the most relieved I had ever been. I was certainly pushed to do something that I never thought I could do, and while I wouldn’t choose that particular method of delivery again, I am completely thrilled with the outcome, aka the daughter I gained. She is a true gem.

Those are really the big ones from 2013. As I’m writing this, it is actually now 12:15am, and Laela is awake, trying to eat and breathe past the miserable cold that exhibited itself only today. I’m glad she’s awake for the moment, to drink celebratory milk with us, and bring in the new year together. Dekker will get his chance another year, I suppose.

The last thing I want to write before I call it a night is that, this month, you guys brought my blog up to 30,000 hits!!! I never would have thought it would become what it is. Even though its nothing crazy spectacular, and I am confident I haven’t generated any readers that aren’t already people I know, I’m still happy to have all of you in my life. Your reading and consistent interest in our lives is motivation for me to keep writing, and I appreciate it greatly. Thanks for all you do!!

2014, bring it on!!! *lifts glass of milk and Baileys* Cheers.