This year started for both of us as first time parents, and for me, going back to work full time as a pharmacist. Shortly after returning I reduced my hours down to 32 hours, and then even later, down to 16. I love being at home with my little man, and I want to first and foremost thank my husband for this. He is so unselfish, and although there are many mornings that I know that the look in his eyes wishes that he could be at home with us, I am so grateful that he works so hard for the three of us, and I want him to know that he is showing our son a great example in the time and effort he spends helping so many other people each a every day. For that, I love you.
I wanted to capture of few of my favorite Brady moments from this past year.
- I love how he is such a great night sleeper. Not quite during the day, but since 5 months old, he has consistently slept through the night. Thank you for that!
- His blue eyes melt my heart every time I look at them.
- I love how his hair sticks up in the back and makes him look like Dennis the Menace.
- He was NOT a good teether...but we made it through it each and every time. Thanks to Tylenol and Oragel.
- He went on his first plane ride, and tried the pool for the first time. For the rest of the summer the pool was a great baby calmer when he would get fussy in the afternoons.
- I love how he smiles and grabs my phone whenever I play Paul Simon's Father and Daughter song. I am not sure if it is because the album cover is a baby's face, or if he likes the song, but either way, I love to sing it to him, and always change the words to Mother and Son.
- I love how he says Uh Oh! to almost everything. It is just so sweet and innocent.
- Lately there are a lot more toddler tantrums and fits, but those too, we survive one at a time.
- He loves to feed the dogs his snacks, and most end up in the dog's mouth than in his.
- I feel special that I captured his first smile.
- He goes through his phases, but he is such a daddy's boy. I love to watch the two of them together.
- It was cute that he started grabbing our hands and leading us to something he wanted, except now that means we climb up the stairs 10+ times a day. No need for a stairmaster here!
Gosh, I think I could make the list go on and on. And I am not a "real" mom if I did not say there were days when I wanted to scream right along with him, but looking back, they were just small bumps in this amazing road we are traveling on as parents. And through our travels, I have realized how fortunate we are to have such an amazing support system in our parents. My mom flew down at a moments notice when I decided to pull Brady from daycare and needed a sitter. My mother-in-law is our saving grace when we are sick or out of sitter options. I hope their guidance continues to mold Dave and I in our roles as mom and dad.
This year has brought us joy in welcoming another new nephew, and Brady is so blessed to have 2 boy cousins so close in age to him. We also have some sadness in realizing that we may lose a wonderful woman in our life, who has shown my husband, his family, and myself, love, strength and endurance. As these holidays came filled with sickness and stress, knowing that for all of us, it could be our last, truly makes you reflect on where you came from, and where you are going.
My hope for this next year is one filled with blessings for all of you. Wishing you all a Happy New Year ALWAYS!!
"Always"
Kristian Stanfill
Kristian Stanfill
My foes are many, they rise against me
But I will hold my ground
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always
Troubles surround me, chaos abounding
My soul will rest in You
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
From You Lord, from You Lord
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always, always
But I will hold my ground
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always
Troubles surround me, chaos abounding
My soul will rest in You
I will not fear the war, I will not fear the storm
My help is on the way, my help is on the way
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
I lift my eyes up, my help comes from the Lord
From You Lord, from You Lord
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always
I will not fear, His promise is true
My God will come through always, always
Oh, my God, He will not delay
My refuge and strength always, always
