What a year 2011.

Overall, I think this was the most "un-happening" year in the sense that no drastic life changes were made. In 2010 we found out we were pregnant, bought a home, Andrew graduated grad-school, we had a baby, and our life completely changed in a matter of 365 days. However, 2011 was a complete opposite. There were no big events, no life changes, or anything close to that matter.

It was however the year that we evolved in our role as parents as well as husband and wife, grew as individuals, and really enjoyed this little life that we have begun. I would even go as far as to say that we did pretty good as "first year parents," and building the foundation for our future as well as our children's futures. And that's why I believe that 2011 was just as monumental as 2010.

In its own way.

So what did we do? Well, let's take a look. 

January.

My maternity leave ended and I had to go back to work. This was when I still worked days and Andrew was finishing up graduate school. So he would be home with Elliana during the day and I worked 3 days a week. Day shift. Crushed me. I wrote this post where I really poured out my heart.

Also, I made changes to the blog. Big changes. I changed the design, name, and feel of it. I had a schedule... although I have not stuck to it all year, I do plan on going back to my original thoughts for my blog. More on that later.

February.

This was the month that a big change happened in my life. Where I made the personal decision to start couponing more, researching more, and figuring out how to save more money, make money, and earn free stuff. And I am so happy that I did.

I also made one of the best purchases of my life. And that was the snuza. After reading about multiple SIDS babies, I just lost it at home, was a complete mess, and came to the realization that something, needed to be done. And that's when I met snuza. Snuza met me. And we become best friends for life. We obviously don't use it anymore, as she is much older, but we plan on using it with our future babies as well!

March.

This was a monumental month for me as I made the switch to night shift so that I could be with my baby full time during the day. And I have never regretted it from that day forth. It has been one of the best decisions I have ever made and I have loved to watch my baby grow every second of every day. Not missing a single beat.

Also, I remember March being important for my little ol' blog here. There were moments when I had thought about going private, but I quickly realized that this blog is not about keeping secrets or hiding who I am. Instead it's about showing my life, re-living the memories, and capturing the special moments. Plus, add a little bit of sass and laughter in it... and well that to me turns into one of my favorite hobbies to date. Blogging.

April.

April was just a relaxing month for us. Nothing big going on. We were getting very comfortable in this whole "parent" thing. And with me having switched to night shift, I was finally getting the groove of things. And... the baby was finally starting to take naps... 30 minutes or 1 hour at a time... but regardless... she was learning. As was I {how to survive on no sleep}.

I did however learn some lessons of being a mom just a few months in. I wrote about it here.

And of course, it was our baby's first Easter.

May.

My baby turned 6 months old. Half a year. It was big for us. Huge. We turned 6 month parents as well. 6 months breastfeeding also. It was a great month of celebrating these big things happening in our life.

Andrew also graduated from graduate school and we were SO SO proud of him! He even got a big boy job just a couple months prior. We were overjoyed and blessed.

At the same time, I switched units in our hospital and started working in the ICU. I couldn't be happier with where I am at today in my career.

June.

Summer was here. I feel like a brand new woman during this season. It's definitely my favorite season. I am always the happiest. And now that we have this little bundle of joy? It makes it even 10 times better. Because I get to enjoy it with her.

I also discovered something absolutely amazing. This stuff is DA-BOMB {I just love saying this, as I know it will embarrass me 10 years down the road... er.. or 1}. And you know what, it's even awesome in the winter time! I can't drink any other beer now. Once you go BLL... you can't go back.

Elliana also said "Mama" for the first time. My heart melted guys. Blob. On.The.Ground. That would be my heart.

We also left Elliana for the weekend for the first time ever to go to Andrew's sister's wedding in Arizona. It was hard, but we survived.

July.

Birthday month. This was my golden year. I turned 25 on the 25th. I have a beautiful home, a handsome husband, and blessed with a precious daughter. I have my health, and my family nearby. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world. It was a good birthday to say the least.

Our AC also broke this month. And that was torture unbearable to describe. We also had issues with the company our insurance people set us up with. A hot mess {ha} it became. We fired those people and went onto the next. And 9,000 dollars later {somehow we ended up replacing our working furnace too?} and we were living like humans again.

August.

We celebrated our second year wedding anniversary. And we recapped what an amazing 2 years of marriage we had. And another 70 more to go. If not more.

September.

Elliana got to go to the zoo for the first time ever! It was such a fun family affair, and we can't wait to go back again in the spring.

October.

Elliana had her first halloween. She was the cutest little cow on earth.

November.

Our baby turned 1. We celebrated the year that marked the best time of our life. Our lives truly began the day she was born. And it has been magnificent since.

We also celebrated Thanksgiving with both my parents and Andrew's parents. And Elliana started walking!

December.

We wrapped up the year with Christmas, and it was magical. It was everything I could have asked for it to be. And we are so thankful for the year that we have been blessed with. The gift of life is what we are most truly thankful for.