Taking a moment to reflect

Wow. So much has changed in our lives since I started this blog. First, Charlie turned 6 months old today. He’s getting so big and changing so fast. It seems like just yesterday when I held him and he would drift in and out of sleep while smacking his lips and cooing. Now he tries to wiggle out of my arms and yells ba-ba sounds. He gets delighted by playing peek-a-boo or listening to funny voices. He can chase the dog all over the house in his walker. He can move from point A to point B by rolling in that direction. He’s beginning to eat baby foods and drink from a sippy cup. He’s learning YES and more importantly, NO. It won’t be long before he’s running around, giving hugs, and saying words.


We’ve also realized the importance of sound finances. When Rocky lost his job in December, we immediately took steps to make a plan to make sure we could get through this financially. We used bonuses to prepay our hospital bills, prepay debt, and buy Christmas gifts. Then we looked at all our utility bills to see how we could cut back or get better deals. We became frugal shoppers by planning meals and buying groceries based on sale ads. We even looked at our bills to see how we could better manage paying off debt and becoming debt free. Thanks to hard work and a big blessing, we have managed to pay off half of our debt. We also traded in my car for an SUV using Rocky’s employee discount and got a bigger vehicle for the same price we were paying. And thanks to Nissan, our MPGs don’t seem to have changed. We’ve also learned to shop consignment sales and Craigslist. It’s amazing what some people are willing to almost give away.

Rocky and I also celebrated our 1 year anniversary. And what a trying first year it was. Rocky pointed out one day that for all that we’ve been through, we’ve managed quite well. Then he pointed out that we had experienced pregnancy, birth, a layoff, faced a large financial obligation, and we continue to experience new challenges with raising a child. Rocky also pointed out he had to endure me reading the “Five Love Languages”. (Thanks for pointing that out as an obstacle Babe!)

Now we find ourselves headed into Fall/Winter with a new take on life. And what a refreshing take it is! We get to experience holidays with a child…that includes figuring out who’s house we’re going to and when, where can I find matching reindeer antlers for Charlie and the dog, how many Christmas gifts are too many for a 9 month old (remember nothing with noise or batteries…or it stays at YOUR house Grandpa), and making sure we have snow suits, shoes and sleds for even the tiniest little fingers. I can’t wait!

Hugs & Kisses (cause I’m feeling all mushy)