This past year was a great one for our family. To help me reflect on it as a whole, I’m joining the lovely Nicole from Three 31 (who is due to have a sweet baby any day now) for a year in review link up. After you’ve read about our year, click through the link up at the bottom of this post to read from a ton of fun folks and get inspired.
What did you do in 2013 that you’d never done before?
I gave birth to my sweet daughter, our second child, and had a healthy normal birth after a prior c-section. This VBAC was a HUGE victory and we are so thankful for the entire journey and for our beautiful, healthy baby girl.
Did you keep your new years’ resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
It was a mixed bag, as always. I always create a list of personal goals and we create a list of family goals together. Without goals and dreams, I end up wandering aimlessly and watching reruns of the Real Housewives. Ain’t nobody got time for that.
Did anyone close to you give birth?
So many of our friends had babies this year. My sister gave birth to her 2nd son 6 weeks after I had Ellie. We are thrilled to have cousins so close together.
What countries did you visit?
We stayed in the US, but were traveling six weeks of the year. I love to be on the go, especially
What would you like to have in 2014 that you lacked in 2013?
A full night of sleep… With two kiddos 2 and under I’ll just keep on dreaming.
What date from 2013 will remain etched upon your memory?
April 22 – My husband’s birthday and now my precious daughter’s as well.
What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Having a healthy baby girl
What was your biggest failure?
Not losing the baby weight. This was a big goal that just didn’t happen. Yet.
Did you suffer illness or injury?
I sprained my ankle tripping in my house. I’m a klutz for life, y’all.
What was the best thing you bought?
A new computer!!! I love this thing.
Where did most of your money go?
We budget every dime, and that budget is tight. We are debt free, so after our expenses we save for retirement, vacation, kids’ college funds, and big purchases. Oh yeah, we also had to have the plumbing completely rebuilt on one side of our house. Big fun. {sarcasm font}
What did you get really, really, really excited about?
Again, our new addition. Sweet Eleanor is such a joy and a delight.
What song will always remind you of 2013?
The Avett Brothers – Father’s First Spring
Compared to this time last year, are you:
Happier or sadder?Thinner or fatter?Richer or poorer?
Happier, fatter (but not pregnant), and richer in everything that matters
What do you wish you’d done more of?
hiking & camping
What do you wish you’d done less of?
watching tv – We’ve dropped a bunch of shows and are only watching the ones we care about. Sorry, Toddlers and Tiaras, ain’t nobody got time for that.
How will you be spending Christmas?
With my parents and brothers in Little Rock, after an early mini celebration with just us in Dallas.
Did you fall in love in 2013?
More every day with my husband and kids
Who were your best friends?
I have a wonderful group of girlfriends here in Dallas, as well as a handful of besties from my home town.
What thing did you do that was meaningful to others?
I started volunteering with Young Life again, in their outreach ministry to teen moms called YoungLives.
What were your favorite TV programs?
Nashville – because Connie Britton’s hair {among other reasons}
Scandal, Modern Family, The Bachelor (don’t judge), The Black List, The Mindy Project, New Girl, Bones
Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I try really hard not to hate anyone.
What was the best book you read in 2013?
Ina May Gaskin’s Guide to Childbirth – It changed my life and helped me get my VBAC. It made me believe my body was made to birth. If you are pregnant, I urge you to check it out of the library or order it from Amazon.
What was your greatest musical discovery?
I’ll call it a rediscovery. I remembered my childhood love of classical music. Nerd alert.
What did you want and get?
a healthy baby, a normal birth, a beach vacation, time with my family
What did you want but did NOT get?
my bathrooms painted – This is happening soon.
What was your favorite film of this year?
Hmmm… Well, I’ve seen one movie in a theater since the Bear was born, in 2011. Yikes. I really loved the new season of Arrested Development. Does that count?
What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
I went on a date with my husband, and it was fabulous. I’m 34.
What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
If I had lost the dang baby weight. I’m really sick of being overweight. Now if I could just quit eating these cookies…
What kept you sane?
My faith. I try to spend time with Jesus daily, and He is my rock.
Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I don’t really have any celebrity crushes, though I am more excited than I care to admit about Juan Pablo being the new Bachelor. Judge me if you will. Captain Hook on Once Upon a Time is a bit delicious. I love Mindy Kaling with all my heart. Michelle Obama is a rock star to me.
What political issue stirred you the most?
Gun control. I’m from the south and grew up with guns around, but I just don’t understand why we can have computer chips in our pets but can’t pass a universal background check system for firearms.
Who did you miss?
My grandparents. I think about them a lot as I watch my parents in their new role with my kids. My maternal grandparents were really special and I still miss them so much. I also missed my friends and family that live far away. If I could have one wish it would be for my sister and her family to live in the same town with us.
Who was the best new person you met this year?
Eleanor Pearl, of course
Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2013.
I will mess up as a parent and I have to be able to live with that. It doesn’t make me a bad mom or a bad person. I have to depend on the Lord to guide me and pray to be the mama my kids need each day.
Quote that sums up your year:
Be content where you are.
What sums up your 2013?
off Amazon and printed the pages at home on colored 
