What a difference a year makes....

My 33rd birthday was a couple of days ago, and I was just reflecting on what a difference a year makes. Last year for my birthday, I was about 7 1/2 to 8 months pregnant with Emily, living in South Carolina, and spending the day climbing up a mountain! Had you told me then that we'd be living in NJ  for my next birthday, I probably would have laughed at you.

This year, I celebrated my birthday with my husband and now two children, and some great friends in our new house in NJ. It was a great day. Matt had decorated for me with balloons and streamers, he had surprised me a few days early with pretty flowers, Ashley had made me a cute picture that was hanging on the wall and she sang happy birthday to me, and we spent most of the day hosting a party in our new home. It was a great way to start of a new year. I wonder what next year will bring??

On a quick note, Emily is now walking with assistance....life is too busy to post updates on the actual day of these days, but a few days ago (probably like 4 or 5) she started walking with her toy stroller, walking around the furniture, and sometimes she'll walk holding onto our hands. I have a feeling she will be walking by the time she is 1, quite possibly by 11 months even. Oh boy!!!

Ashley continues to be such a big girl. Yesterday we had a lazy relaxing day after a busy weekend, and busy week in general. She and I did mani and pedis--she had so much fun and loved it. She opted for green nail polish on her fingers and toes. I let her paint my nails--I have to say, I was pretty impressed with her painting for a 2 year old. It certainly wasn't perfect, but it was pretty darn good for a  2 1/2 year old!

Just a cute little tidbit--I had made chili the other night with kidney beans, and Ashley was saying "Oh, I like kitty beans"...haha. Kids say the cutest things sometimes.

Lastly, I have started shopping around for an office and working on marketing stuff this week to start work again...I feel mixed feelings. In one way it's been fun meeting different people and seeing different offices to find the right fit, and it's exciting to think about starting up my own practice (very part time initially).  I also find what I do very rewarding. On the other hand, I feel really bummed to have to return to work. I always wanted to be a full-time stay at home mom until my kids went to school. It was always a dream of mine, and I feel it is so important and crucial in child development. Unfortunately we are not in a financial position to be able to do that (especially now being back in NJ where the cost of living is A LOT more). Thankfully though I am able to be home most of the time and work very part time--something that I am so fortunate to be able to do. Money will still be very tight for a while, but it's a sacrifice that we are willing to make in order to be home with the girls.
That is one gift that we got out of moving, I was able to be a full-time mom for a few months which I absolutely loved.

Well that's about it for now.