8 Months

Jette is 8 months and 7 days old. Tonight is New Years Eve. A week has already passed since Christmas Eve. I remember last New Years Eve like it was yesterday. We were in Rosyln for Brenan and Lacey's wedding which was on the 30th. We went snowshoeing on New Years Eve with Erica and Jacquie. We were 5 months pregnant. We went snowshoeing again today - this time with an 8 month old. Today I am truly amazed how quickly time moves.

The last month has been special. Getting ready for Christmas - getting out the decorations and finding a tree. It has always felt special but doing it with my little family made it feel even more special. Then actually going to Utah to celebrate was a highlight of the year. I get pretty homesick a few times a year - and I was homesick for a few weeks before we went home. Being there for just a few days filled my tank and made being away okay. I loved watching Jette with my family - particularly Tol, Addi and Ben. Jette is a lucky girl to get those kids as cousins (and I am one lucky auntie!)! Nils and Ashley weren't able to make it to Utah this year because they are expecting their second baby in a few weeks but the rest of us were there and it was great. A lot of love and laughter and of course a few heated political conversations. :) My family can't spend too much time together without getting into healthy debates. I appreciate those conversations so much because we try and understand each other and even though some of us firmly disagree we generally end conversations with an "i love you." There were several times while we were in Utah I got weepy because my heart was full of so much gratitude. I love my family and I love that Jette gets to be apart of them.

We were able to see Kolby and that was a treat. Jette seems to adore him. She is starting to get to that stage where she doesn't like being held by people she doesn't know well. She didn't have a problem with Kolby. It was sweet. Kolby spent a couple hours at my parents house on the 26th and played the piano and sang with Curtis. Those couple hours were the highlight of my trip.

What else - we got all of our accommodations for Thailand booked. We leave February 3rd and return the 18th. I'm very much so looking forward to it but intimidated by the long flight with the baby. Work is going well for both of us. We like Kenmore - we've been to Saint Edwards Park, Erin takes J to story time at the library, Erin has become a permeant fixture at the local Cross Fit gym and we are much closer to the mountains.

Jette is so fun and seems to get more fun by the day. Her smiles (which now has 2 little teeth), her giggles, her movements - everything about her is fun and better than the day before. I love her so much and I'm so glad she's mine.

2017 was a great year. It brought so many blessings - things I have wanted my entire life - and so much change. My baby, a new job, our house, deepened friendships, self growth, a lot of love and so much more. I'm eager to see what 2018 has in store. Herrrrrrrre we go!