January

I found this post today! Oops forgot to post it in January, it looks like there were meant to be more pictures.. but I don't remember which ones they were. Enjoy!

In honor of January - a month so named because it looks back at the previous year and forward to a new one - I want to take a moment to reflect and resolve.

Last year we
endured
~ Separation from each other and from good friends as we moved across several states from North Dakota

to Illinois

~Eight months of utter exhaustion as we waited for our daughter to learn how to sleep and nap

mourned
~ The loss of a support network, a hospital and OB, and a familiar setting a month and a half before having a baby

~ The loss of a beloved grandfather and role model, an uncle, and other extended family members

rejoiced
~ to hold our brand new little girl
~ in finding a new support network, friends, family, a better hospital and OB, and finally discover a beautiful new home
~ to see family from all across the country
~ in the knowledge that we do not die forever, and that we will see our loved ones again

laughed out loud
~ at the antics of our healthy, growing daughter
~ when plans went utterly awry (though sometimes we screamed too)
~ at a silly video involving a fox
~ often, and at truly funny things

We loved 2013!
This year, we 
hope
~ our daughter continues to grow and mature as she has so far
~ Lianna's transition into working from home will go smoothly
~ to see more of our family, as their families grow too

know
~ we will have great adventures
~ we will weather the challenges
~ our Father in Heaven is in control and that he loves us

resolve
~ to keep our bodies, spirits and minds healthy
~ to record our good times and struggles to strengthen our family
~ to grow our love and strength all year long

Happy 2014!