Thursday, January 1, 2009

Happy New Year!

2008 leaves us SO much to be thankful for. On the top of our list, our dream of having a child became a reality (well, we didn't "have" one, but you know what I mean). I am amazed each and every day at how lucky we are and how special Andrew is. He is growing leaps and bounds (I won't be able to carry him much longer!) and is just the biggest blessing. As always, we are thankful for Alex and the kind of teenager he is. We have no worries with him and, as mentioned in the previous post, we are just so proud of him! Keith and I both have jobs we like, we live well and have an awesome marriage. Oh, and we have our health! What more could we ask for?

We hope 2009 is THE year for so many of our adoptive friends. Having come into the New Year in 2008 without a little one, I know how hard it is, but it WILL happen. For those of you home with your kiddos - ENJOY 2009! Take lots of pictures, give lots of hugs and be thankful for the little things.

So, how did we ring in the New Year? Well, after a fancy dinner at IHOP, we headed home. We rang in the new year at 12 am AST (Andrew Standard Time which is about 8 pm Eastern Standard Time). Andrew loved it - as a matter of fact, he has yelled "HAPPY NEW YEAR" all day today! :-) He also has played with the freaking hand clappers all day. Note to self: Hide them before tomorrow morning.

We got up this morning, ate some breakfast, watched Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and then headed to Monkey Joes. Andrew had the entire place to himself and he had a blast. I even climbed up a few of bouncy things to "help" him, but really just to prove to myself that I could. Ummm... New Years Resolution #1... exercise. We came home and all took a nap and then spent the day playing with Andrew's Christmas gifts, baking cookies (resolution # 2 - quit baking and eating cookies) and decorating January's calendar. We finished up the night with a yummy meal at our local Japanese restaurant, playing a bit of a fish game and then the munchkin went to bed. As a side note, Keith and I never made it until midnight last night. Sad... really sad. :-)

I'm off until next Tuesday (yippee!!) so I'm sure we'll have lots more fun throughout the weekend!

Without further ado... Happy New Year from my family to yours!

Love,

Becky

16 comments:

Dan and Alicia Marlowe said...

That was a GREAT video. Monkey Joe's, huh? Tell me everything you know about them. I am seriously considering buying a franchise with them for up here in the frozen arctic.

Laura S said...

Monkey Joes Rocks!! Happy New Year! Glad you are getting to take at least a day or two off. When we have a nice weekend and you and I both have the time, we'll have to take the boys to the zoo. It was a blast and I'm sure Andrew would love it too. I'm planning on getting an annual family pass with guest so I can bring you and Andrew for free!

Have a great weekend and lets catch up next week!

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year! I love the idea of AST, but for us it will be Allie Standard time. Don't feel bad about not seeing midnight, the only reason we did is because Allie has a cold and wouldn't sleep!

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year Andrew! (And the Mixon family). Can't wait to see what 2009 has in store for us all :-)

Carol said...

Happy New Year! I am really looking forward to 2009, 2008 was so great!. Enjoy your long weekend.

Carolynn and Steve said...

Oh, the video is PRICELESS! I know the hand clappers have to be driving you crazy, but they are so FUN. Happy New Year to you guys, too, and hopes that the rest of 2009 brings great blessings

Heather & Jason said...

Becky, that video is adorable! I love the way he's counting down! I would have nver thought to do the countdown on AST time- that was genius! Happy New Year, and Happy life with your precious family. Bless you!

Over-Caffeinated said...

Newsflash, Becky, you do HAVE a child! :) I mean, I do understand what you were saying, but really, we all need to come up with a better way to say when our children joined our life than "when we GOT...." hahaha

Hey, Brian's going to be in Atlanta end of January... you guys around? I'm thinking of coming down for a visit.

Barb said...

Too funny . . . you had me laughing! BTW, thanks for all the encouraging comments and support! I really appreciate it.

Kevin T. said...

Hi Becky, Happy New Year! That is the cutest video!! Thanks for all of your comments for us through this crazy process through the past year - You have helped more than you know! Enjoy the rest of your time off!! Teresa

Mary and Michael said...

Hi Becky :) Happy New Year!! Hearing Andrew doing his countdown is so cute. Enjoy the rest of your time off.

Anonymous said...
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Chris said...

Happy New Year! 2008 was a great new year, but there isn't any reason 2009 can't be just as good or better!

Becky and Keith said...

Comment from Grandma and Grandpa in Florida (edited to remove last names)
"HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OF THE ***** and ***** families. Hope 2009 will be a wonderful year for you all. And all of the adoptive families who read this, may yours be just as fine in 2009."

Our Family said...

Becky,
Happy New Year!
I can certainly agree with how wonderful it was to celebrate the holiday season with a little one!

A New Year's IHOP dinner sounds yummy and could maybe become a new tradition!?
Adrian

Carey and Norman said...

Happy New Year. Loved the video. I agree that making it to midnight with toddlers is an accomplishment in and of itself. It is amazing how much changed for so many of us in 2008. And, we have so many wonderful friendships because of our adoptions. I'm looking forward to following your blog in 2009!