2013 highlights

I can't believe 2013 is just about over. I feel like just as I was getting settled and ready to enjoy this year, it became December. (Not to mention finally remembering to write 2013 on all my assignments and paperwork instead 2012. Yes I'm that person.) I'll be honest though, I am SO excited to say goodbye to that 3 at the end of 2013 and insert a 4. If this year had a theme, it was definitely patience.  This year was full of "get over it" and "everything happens for a reason" lessons. This year may have been the toughest yet, but it has been so full of blessings and those blessing out way the disappointments by far.

Some of our highlights this year:

 Liam Beck

Our biggest and best blessing, Liam Beck. This little boy came in with a bang and definitely started the theme for this year. From deciding to join our family at 32 weeks, being put on bed rest in the hospital for 2 weeks, and visiting him in the NICU until he was able to come home to us to digging out every single toy I just put away two minutes before, he has taught mom and dad that every second is precious. (Even if at that moment you feel like you are at the end of your rope.) Liam has brought something to our little family that makes us complete. He started 2013 perfectly. We love our little boy.  

Moving out of Logan

Moving out of Logan after Kristofer got his first "big boy" job. Kristofer and I met in Logan, married in Logan, and had Liam in Logan. Logan was all we knew together and where we had most of our memories. Leaving that little town was a big step for us and we still miss it often. Now that we are in West Jordan we have been able to see my family more often and that has been amazing. Especially because we aren't sure how much longer we will be in Utah. I have loved soaking up every minute with my family and am so glad that Liam has been able to get to know them so well.

 Kristofer's graduation

After years of hard work Kristofer graduated from Utah State University. Not only was this such a huge accomplishment for him but it made me so excited for when my day comes! All those all nighters and hours of studying paid off. It was so much fun watching him walk across that stage. Go Aggies!

Family trips and visits

We were so spoiled this year by our family. They all went out of their way to make time for us. Whether it was making it possible for us to come to them or taking time out of their busy schedules to come see us, they all made sure we saw each other. We are so blessed to have a family that knows the importance of being together and so happy that Liam gets to experience that.

christmas

Well, It's obvious that I failed miserably at taking pictures this Christmas. It seems like it went by so fast! Liam was so spoiled. Just to same some gifts (mind you, some), Liam got blocks, puzzles, a door jumper, and Gramma & Grampa K sent him his own stocking. We stayed the night at my parents so we could spend Christmas morning opening presents with my family. Liam must have known it was Christmas Eve because he would not sleep for anything. 1:00 AM and he was talking and giggling, 2:30 AM he finally fell asleep, and 8:00 AM he was R-E-A-D-Y to get going. But watching him open his presents made the bags under our eyes worth it. Christmas is 100x better with a kid. I'm so bummed I didn't take more pictures, maybe that will have to be my New Years resolution. 

(p.s. I can't believe this kid is going to be 1 in a month and a half. my heart, ouch.)

 

slackers christmas card.

(thank you Jake for the picture!)

And another year goes by with us waiting too long to send out our Christmas card, but that's why the heavens invented the internet, right? So, here is our Christmas card that I actually put some elbow grease into and was so excited to share with everyone. I just need to work on my timing, dang it. (Sorry about the fuzzy wording, the computer screen has a hard time showing it clearly!)

Merry Christmas from the Kabalans!

ten months.

+ weight: 23 lbs. Believe it or not, I was guessing he weight more than this!

+ health: His teething is getting better. Those darn things just need to pop through already.

+ sleep: He wakes up around one on the dot. If I give him a little something to help his teething, he usually sleep through the night. This teething is no joke guys.

+ diet: He's starting to eat more of the food we eat. He loves to eat off our plates.
 

+ crying: He usually pretty good. He gets mad when he wants to get somewhere and can't figure out how to get there. It's so dang frustrating for him.

+ clothes: This will surprise all of you (insert sarcasm) He's wearing 12 month clothes. . . and those are getting a little snug around the thighs. oh dear.

+ baby gear love: Do iphones count? He has a radar for those things. Hide yo phones guys, he'll find 'em.

+ social: He's gotten to that shy stage. He isn't scared or nervous around people, he just likes to tease you by looking down and giving half, corner smiles. Hold your arm out to him and he'll go to you, but don't expect a smile for at least 5 minutes.

+ milestones: He wants to crawl SO BAD. He get in the stance but gets confused when it comes to going and ends up on his tummy. He's just a chubby dude, haha! He loves to stand and is doing great at walking holding our hands. Maybe he'll get walking before crawling? Right now he's just content with rolling to his destination. It's so funny watching his see something across the room and roll to it. Gotta get there somehow!

We've been hanging out in jammies night and day. It gets so cold in our home, we would rather put on footy pajamas and cocoon ourselves in blankets. (call me a drama queen) Liam's being a good sport about this winter weather, but I think I will always be a hater of the snow and ice cold wind. Oh well, gives me an excuse to steal snuggles.