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In an attempt to be happier and look on the bright side of things, this year I downloaded a journal app for my Iphone so I could keep a 'happy journal' where I write something in it every day that I'm happy or thankful for. I have not been the best with keeping up with it. I really do have so many things to be thankful for, but it keeps getting overshadowed by common colds, stomach bugs or little every day things life throws at you trying to rough you up. This weekend was the news that my aunt is diagnosed with lung cancer and given a prognosis of 10-12 months to live. This news comes just weeks after the 2 year mark of my mothers death from breast cancer. My aunt is the last living person on my mom's family line that I'm close to, so something about that makes it hit harder. I already know she's incredibly strong because of all the losses she's already had to deal with before her. I'd love to find a way to transfer some of that knowledge and insight on coping and living life to the fullest. For now I think I'm going to settle for re-reading the Last Lecturer.

On the homefront, Allison developed a scary cough this weekend. Looking back, she was on antibiotics over Thanksgiving and again at Christmas, so it is nearing the one month point to get sick again. Joy. I can see why so many moms stay at home when they have babies, but I really don't think I'm cut out for that. We had a scare that might be the case last week. NASA budget cuts are hitting my project hard. As of Friday my manager had money to keep me, but that status seems to change almost daily. It's hard to believe I've been at the same company for over 10 years. In past years they've been great about finding a new project to move me to when money or contracts change, but I'm not as confident this time. Jobs just don't seem as easy to come by in today's market. I've always kept my freelance business open for just such a case, but my peace of mind would rather have a steady paycheck and not have to deal with web-illiterate clients that drive me bonkers.

Last weekend I helped host a baby shower for my friends Joe and Sunny who are expecting a boy in February. I had a fun time and know the mom-to-be did. I've been storing up party ideas since this is one of 3 baby showers in a matter of months I'm involved in. When it was my turn I was so excited that I got a diaper cake, so I had to learn how to make them. The one I did for Kim at work was cute, but I wanted to try another style. Somehow I had all the right materials to create this piece of art. Yes I am bragging on myself. This is the cutest damn creation I've done in a long time. There was even a surprise inside - a bottle of sparkling juice. I didn't want to tease the mom with alcohol incase she couldn't drink it for while. The top piece is a frog hand puppet which worked great to cover up the top of the bottle. The sides are wrapped with receiving blankets and ribbon, and the extra decorations were actually intended to be cupcake toppers but got re-purposed.

This may be an inappropriate comparison to use, but I can't help it, it's just what was running through my head this morning.
You know in the early stages of new love where you are kissing and just can't get enough of each other, your heads are constantly moving, you gasp for breath, your eyes are rolling in the back of your head, your hands are all over the item in front of you, that kind of affection? Well I saw several similarities in Allison this morning as she was taking her bottle. It's like she can't get it fast enough, moving her head side to side and leaning forward, can't decide if she wants to hold it or just pull it out to get a breath and when she does then she'll let out a cry. And yes her eyes do roll back like it is pure ecstasy. It's adorable and scary at the same time. I think I just saw my daughters first love affair - with her bottle.

I read one of those cute parent stories that makes you want to be inspired but then somehow just leaves you feeling a little inadequate. This dad creates a unique lunch for his 5 year old son everyday to take to school. Usually a super hero or cartoon character, he's done Batman and Curious George, all made out of lunchmeat, veggies, or fruit. He was inspired by some Tibetan monks who created beautiful art that they knew would get destroyed. Oh yeah, and he says, to create something for his son to ease the shock of a new school that would be fun and a reminder of home. Seriously… I can't tell if I'm all warm and fuzzy after reading this article or just nauseated because now I want to think of something that special I can do for my kid. I hope his son really appreciates it one day. Anyway, here are the very impressive photos.

Ofcourse our biggest event of the year was bringing Allison into this world. She's already seen a few states: Alabama, Mississippi, Indiana and Texas. Those were all for family visits, so we hope to get back to fun travels next year. It was a great year for Jeff and I and our now family of 3. Allison is as close to the perfect baby as I can imagine. The first month was probably the hardest of my life but it was worth it. Jeff has a new job closer to home that he loves, I'm still with my job of 10 years now, we have money in the bank, lots of great family, and everyone is healthy (only the minor annoying colds that come with a baby in daycare). Needless to say coming up with a Christmas wish list was hard, what more could I ask for.