The Best of 2013

January

The year started with Emma still in my belly. The first week I was sent home by the doctor because of my high blood pressure. I was extremely busy at work and stressed all the time. I "lost" 2 weeks at home with Emma because I was only allowed to take a total of 12 week leave from work. I really felt like I couldn't do it anymore. The swollen feet and the work load were too much for 38 weeks pregnant. It was the last time that I had time to do nothing and sleep late!

Emma's birthday was January 13th and after that my life was changed forever. 

February

I stayed 10 weeks at home when Emma was born. Watching her grow was an incredible experience. One that allowed me to take naps with her on my chest. Those were my favorite moments of the day. She was so tiny and she loved to sleep there too. She still does :)

March

The whole month of march I was still at home. Andre was in between jobs and he was also at home with us. I will always treasure those moments together plus he became really good at changing diapers. 

April

Going back to work was extremely difficult (emotionally). However, this also allowed me to get some of my "normal" life back and also not only talk about feedings and diapers. The few hours that I get to see my baby a day are the best hours of my day. I was exhausted because I had to be productive to leave on time, rush to pick Emma up, pump my breast milk several times a day, store the milk for the following day, wash the pump and the bottles, give her a bath and finally put her to sleep. She was waking up between 2 to 3 times every night. 

May

May was a busy month. We celebrated my dad's birthday, my first mother's Day, Emma's baptism and I had to do a lot of over time at work. I can't remember much of this month. That is probably because of the sleep deprivation. 

June

Three of my best friends visited us during June. I am extremely lucky to have friends which I can almost call sisters. They loved spending time with Emma and I was happy to see how at different stages in our lives we can still be great friends.

One of those friends, Andi, took some great pictures of Emma and I. I will treasure these pictures forever. Thank you Amiga :) next time you have to be in the pictures. 

July

Summertime in Florida means lots of pool and beach time to cool down. 

August

Emma loved going to the beach. We will have to go back next year. 

September 

My parents, Andre, Emma and I went to Canada during Labor Day weekend. Our trip to Canada was great. Emma was a great little traveler. After a bad New Year's Eve a long time ago, I made a promise to myself to travel to at least one new country every year. I have kept that promise even pregnant and now with a baby. Canada is not far but it was a good start. Traveling with a baby takes a lot of planning and it is exhausting but it is what I enjoy the most. 

October

October is my favorite month of the year, not only because it's my birthday. The temperature is nicer and I can finally enjoy being outdoors and not hate it because of the heat and humidity. Emma was very sick on my birthday for about one week. She had a strong respiratory virus that became bronchitis and ear infection. She was feeling better by Halloween. 

November

I was finally feeling like I was catching my breath at the whole working mom routine. We had another trip planned and I was counting the days to take a week off work. We went to Busch gardens several times. I loved watching Emma clap to the Sesame Street show and get excited with Elmo. We had a trip to Colombia planned and I broke my leg a week before the trip. We didn't travel and the good thing is that I have a voucher until October of 2014 with American Airlines. I have been using crutches since November and we can't do much these days. Andre has to take care of both of us when we go out. I want to take Emma to see Elmo again soon since our passes expire in April of next year. 

December

This year, Christmas was exciting  again. I want to create new traditions for Emma and also teach her some of my family's traditions. She got many gifts from our friends, family, Santa, and El Niño Dios (baby Jesus). 

Everyday, I am thankful for my supportive family and friends. Partcularly this year, I don't think I could have made it without them. At the beginning of the year learning how to be a mom and again at the end of the year to help me with the challenge of not walking or doing much by myself. I am ready for 2014 and I hope that we can take advantage of not paying for Emma's plane tickets for another year. Her passport is waiting and I can't wait to live new adventures with her and my loving husband. I have to get my 12 grapes ready for tomorrow and also pack a bag to "travel" in 2014. Do you have any New Year's Eve traditions? Happy 2014!