2012 Review

Time for another year to end, and for a new year to begin.  The year 2012 brought so many blessings to my family that I am sad to see it go (although, truthfully, I will be fast asleep when the ball drops).  However, I am beyond excited to see what is in store for the Fleisher's in 2013.  Here is a quick "Top 12 in 2012".

1.  Finding out we were expecting.  So, technically, we found out at the end of 2011, but we made the official announcement in 2012 so I am counting it.  It's how my year began and it got us off to a great start.  It's hard to believe that a little over a year ago we went to the doctor and heard that precious heartbeat.

2.  New Orleans (aka babymoon).  Mike and I spent our Spring Break exploring New Orleans.  It was nice to get away, just the two of us, and enjoy our last vacation as a family of 2. 

Best part of New Orleans - Cafe Du Monde

 

3.  Gender Reveal Party.  After getting back from New Orleans, it was time to find out if baby Fleisher was a boy or girl.  We were beyond thrilled to find out we were having a boy (I still smile thinking about Mike's reaction to him having a son).  My mom and sister worked so hard and through an amazing Gender Reveal Party for family and friends.  I loved being able to see everyone's reaction when we cut the cake - such a fun moment.

4.  Baby Showers.  The Lord has blessed me with amazing family and friends who helped Mike and I prepare for baby Matthew. 

 NLR Shower

School Shower with 2 of my besties and fellow preggers

5.   Maternity Pics.  While I was extremely swollen from the ridiculously hot summer, I wanted to document my pregnancy with some maternity pictures.  A sweet friend (and former parent of a student) endured the heat to take our pictures.

6.  Matthew!!!!!  By far, the best part of 2012 was the arrival of Matthew David Fleisher.  I was, and still am, in awe of what a precious baby he is.  He is perfect!  I thank God for such a healthy and happy little man.  Pretty much everything from here on out will be about Matthew :-)

 First family pic - August 24, 2012

Blessed

7.  Play Dates.  During my maternity leave (oh how I miss maternity leave), I would get together with my two co-workers mentioned above and chat/laugh and ooh and aah over our babies.  I miss these times.  

 Around 3 weeks old - Jackson, Matthew Sydney

 

3-3.5 months old - Jackson, Sydney, Matthew

8.  M's First Halloween.  This day was not only special because I was able to dress my little man up in his first Halloween costume, but it was also my last day of maternity leave.  I soaked up every minute with him before having to go back to work.  Did I mention that I miss maternity leave?  It also happened to be the day that Matthew gut laughed for the first time.  He laughed at our dog, Bella, and still gut laughs at her today.  Since Matthew was only 2 months old and too small for a regular costume, he wore a tiger sleeper.  It was adorable.

9.  Holiday House.  My co-workers and I have started a tradition of eating at Big Whiskies in Little Rock before shopping at Holiday House.  I love this and look forward to it each year.  This year, we added a few friends who had never been to Holiday House before - so fun!

The only fun part about being back at work

10.  M's First Thanksgiving.  How fun it is to celebrate a baby's first holiday.  You can dress them in festive outfits and take a million pics.  Matthew was not in a very thankful mood for his first Thanksgiving due to his 3 month growth spurt.  I don't even think we got a pic with him smiling.  Oh well, we were definitely full of thanks for that special boy!

  Mommy's Little Turkey did this most of the day

11.  First Christmas.  Christmas is, by far, my favorite holiday.  Not only because you get to spend time with family, but because we get to celebrate the birth of Jesus.  I can't wait until Matthew is old enough to understand the true meaning of Christmas.  We plan to read the Christmas story as a family each year before opening gifts.  I will do a separate post on the details of his first Christmas, so I won't go into a lot of detail.  While Matthew was too small to appreciate all of the festivities and gift giving/getting, he still had fun.  He rolled around playing with new toys and laughed a ton. 

My happy boy

12.  M's First Snow.  This happened to be on the same day as his first Christmas!  What a memorable day!  I will also post about this later, so I won't go into a ton of detail.  

  Does this remind anyone else of A Christmas Story?

What amazing year it has been!  I am so excited to see what the Lord has planned for us next year.  Mike and I will celebrate 5 years of wedded bliss and the adventures of parenthood.  I look forward to watching Matthew grow and learn, experience many more firsts, and celebrate his first birthday.  I can't wait to love on the babies of my pregnant friends due in 2013.  

Happy New Year!

 

0-3 Month Faves

These first 3 months have been a whirlwind.  I absolutely love getting to know Matthew and his precious little personality.  While I was pregnant and trying to figure out what we needed this little guy, I loved looking at what other friends registered for.  I also followed two blogs that would post (and still do) monthly faves.  This helped me tremendously as I prepared for Matthew.  Those blogs can be found here and here.  While every baby is different and likes different things, I want to use this blog to help me remember Matthew's favorite things as he grows up.  Also, to help me remember what baby items were helpful at each stage.  Hopefully, it will help others who are trying to figure out what they need/want for their little one.

1.  Phillips Avent BPA Free Soothie Pacifier - this has been a lifesaver!  For those mommas who are planning to nurse, they will tell you not to use a pacifier for the first 3 weeks.  Well, we didn't even make it a week before using a pacifier.  When Matthew is upset and we put the paci in his mouth, he immediately calms down.  This kind is wonderful, especially for a newborn, because it allows for oral stimulation.  Next time, I will remember to order the clip from Amazon that goes with the soothie.  

 

2.   Boppy Upholstered Newborn Lounger - by far my absolute fave!  Not only is this convenient for naps, but also for when we travel to other houses.  It's light enough to carry with us and use while visiting friends and family.  Plus, Matthew loves it!  I would love an adult version myself :-)

3.  Fisher-Price Cradle Swing - My Little Snug-a-Bunny - while this does take up space in our living room, it has been very handy.  We use it for nap time, play time, and a place to put Matthew if we are getting ready and can't hold him.  He loves looking at the mirror above him and watching the birds fly over his head. 

 

4.   Boppy Pad Liners - What a great way to eliminate changing pad cover washing!  These come in packs of 3 and are machine washable.  We just put one down on his changing pad to protect the cover and change them when needed. 

5.  Zippered Sleepers - These are not only cute, but so much easier to use when you're changing a diaper in the middle of the night.  I can't tell you how many times I've had to re-button his sleepers because I was sleep deprived, it was too dark, or there were too many to figure out how they snapped.

6.  Halo Sleepsack - We started by just swaddling Matthew in blankets, but as he got bigger and could get his arms out, we moved on to the sleepsack.  These little beauties have helped him continue to sleep through the night and help him stay warm.  It also helps that they are extremely easy to use.  We tried the Miracle Blanket, but it was too much like a straight jacket and not easy to deal with in the middle of the night.

7.  Bright Starts Safari Activity Gym - Matthew loves the music and lights.  The older he gets, the more he loves to play with the hanging rattles and move all around the mat.  This is also where he learned how to rollover.  This gym can entertain baby boy for a long time :-)

I could easily listed several more things including toys, rattles, diaper bag, and a mirror for the car, but I feel I've rambled enough.  Only 2 more weeks until Christmas break!  I'm praying these 2 weeks go quickly, and Christmas break goes as slow as possible.  I'm not looking forward to having to send Matthew back to daycare in January.