2013

We had the perfect Christmas (and it was white). There's just something magical when you have a kid. Abigail loves her jumperoo from Santa and I had so much fun this afternoon playing with her and her new toys. Seeing her little eyes light up melt my heart. It will be tough to leave her for the first time, but I'm so excited for my upcoming trip. My parents gave Jonathan and I two nights away at a resort and spa. Looking forward to some much needed R&R. And on top of that my wonderful husband is taking me away for the night on New Year's day.

I'll be sad to say goodbye to 2012, it has been to say the least an incredible year for us, however I can't wait for all 2013 will bring - Abigail laughing, crawling, walking, talking, growing (the list goes on and on).

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/ 

merry christmas

I got the best Christmas present I could ever receive, it just arrived a little early this year, my daughter Abigail Reiss. And Jonathan and I are so excited to celebrate her very first Christmas. Eek!

*image courtesy of http://pinterest.com/pin/284430532687897703/

holly jolly

Abigail is four months old today and once again impressing her pediatrician with her growth and development. She is just amazing and I'm so proud to be her mother. I don't think she'll ever know how much I love her until she has a daughter of her own one day.

*Images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

dear santa

OMG we laughed so much last night my sides are sore this morning. We thought we were going to see Cirque de Soleil, but what we actually saw was Cirque de Dallas. Not exactly the same caliber. We left after the third act. I'm sure we will be joking about this for years to come. And that made it totally worth it.

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

our christmas wish

Friends and Family check your mailboxes. The most adorable Christmas card has arrived. Being a graphic designer it wasn't easy not making our card this year, but this new mom is learning that everything is 10x harder with a baby. So, thank you tinyprints for making the perfect card. Plus, you can upgrade to having it printed on pearlized paper and that made it even more special. Just LOVE how it turned out.

Meanwhile we're busy, busy with parties and trying to get ready for Christmas. So excited for the holidays with Abigail. Who by the way has started sleeping in her room. I cried and cried the first night (ok, my husband and I are sleeping in the guest room right next to her room and I stare at the monitor all night long - I'm sleeping less than I was before), but she loves her crib. Totally sleeping through the night, she's such an angel. Now, if I can just get her to laugh.

*card design by tinyprints and photography done by jonny carroll

december

Ok, new moms you need the Nosefrida. Our pediatrician recommended it to us for Abigail's cold and as gross as the concept is, it really works. Make sure to get the extra filters too.

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/fa-la-la-la/

sleigh bells

Ok, well it's abnormally warm in Dallas, so it feels more like summer than Christmas, but the spirit of the season is in my heart.

Abigail caught her daddy's cold and as I rock her in my arms I think to myself Christmas came early for me this year. I got the most precious gift of all, my baby girl. So Santa my Christmas wish is for the two loves of my life to be spoiled, because their joy is what makes me the happiest (alright, I wouldn't also mind a couple of NICU bills disappearing too : ).

My family has also already given me the greatest gift they could ever give me - their endless love and support with Abigail.

You really can have it all, if you just realize what 'all' is.

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/ 

give thanks

What a wonderful Thanksgiving we had. I'm so thankful for my supportive family, my loving husband and my beautiful daughter.

We had so much fun over the holiday weekend. Family and friends gathered out at ST Ranch on Friday for games, laughter, hot toddies, BBQ and a raging campfire (complete with smores). I wish I had a picture of Comet riding in the back of the mule that Santa brought my mom early - it was too cute. And I can't go without mentioning how cute Abigail looks. Perfectly attired for her first visit to the ranch.

Then on Sunday Jonathan and Abigail were baptized together. It was one of those moments I'll never forget. It was incredibly special. I'm truly blessed.

*images courtesy of Rifle Paper Co. and me

grateful

I've thought so much over the last couple of days how drastically different my life is from this exact same time last year. Had experienced a great loss, was working day & night seven days a week, stressed to the max, hating the holidays and just not myself. Now, I'm the happiest I've ever been. Loving having a daughter and mesmerized how amazing she is. Madly in love with my hubby. Enjoying time with family and friends. And incredibly grateful for the opportunities that have been given to me.  I'm constantly smiling ear to ear these days. It's so wonderful. Christmas came early this year.

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

canton trade days

Jonathan and I are loading up the car and heading to Canton for the day. And yes we're taking Abigail with us. Who knows what we'll find, but I'm sure there' something we need. Hope you're having a wonderful weekend.

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

twenties

Ok, well I only have two more years to be in my twenties, but I'm excited for all that is to come while watching Abigail grow up. I'm especially excited for the holidays this year. I've already got the Christmas spirit. Must fight the temptation to start decorating!

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

number 28

Going to celebrate number 28 by strolling Abigail around the Arboretum today and then carving pumpkins and passing out candy this evening. Happy Halloween!

We took this picture at Jonathan's company's fall festival a couple of weekends ago. We couldn't get Abigail to wake up.

*image courtesy of RMD Photography

texas spice

We spent our Sunday afternoon sipping wine and eating good food at Texas Spice. If you haven't gone you must. It's like a little slice of Napa in downtown Dallas. I had such a wonderful time surrounded by my family laughing and holding my sweet baby girl. 28 might be knocking at my door, but at least I can say I've created my favorite work of art, Miss Abigail Reiss. 

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

the next big step

After five remarkable years as an Art Director for JCP I've decided to resign and start the next chapter of my life - being a mom and raising my daughter. Never say never, because I thought I'd have my daughter, go back to work and continue just as I did before, but with having a kid. Starting a family changes your whole world, they become your world and nothing else seems to matter. You're perspective and priorities completely change. I'm going to enjoy every second of every day with her, even the difficult moments, because I know in no time at all she'll be a grown woman. I hope and pray that her and I will have the same wonderful relationship I have with my mom. Here's to the new journey I'm embarking on, motherhood. 

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/

eight weeks old

Abigail Reiss is eight weeks old. She's just amazing. I can't believe how strong she is. Last night she was holding her head up and moving her legs. In just a blink of an eye she'll be crawling. We're headed now to a family get together. Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

*images courtesy of http://dtxphotography.com

october

I can't believe my baby girl is going to be eight weeks old tomorrow. Oh how the last two months have flown by. It's amazing just how much overnight they can grow. And speaking of night if you have a little one a Halo SleepSack is a must. We got one two nights ago and she's slept from 1am-6am both nights. If I wasn't so paranoid, constantly checking that she's breathing I'd be sleeping so much better. Every newborn should automatically be sent home with one of these. They're miraculous.

*images courtesy of http://pinterest.com/rachelyanez/