2012 - The Year of Change

As I continue to catch-up on my list of blog posts I've been meaning to make, recapping 2012 for our family is one that I for sure need to do.  2012 - The Year of Change.  Big Changes. 

Only 12 months ago, Evan was just learning to:
- Climb
- Eat with a fork & spoon
- Say Momma & Dadda
- Wave & blow kisses
- Say NO

I cannot believe that was only 12 months ago!!  Time flies with kids is clearly an understatement. 

Only 10 months ago, Evan was 18 months old.  We were going to the park almost every night (ouch, that one hurts a little to say given the weather changes we're dealing with from CO to MI....).  Evan had tubes put into his ears around this time too.  And I'm sooo happy to say that since then, NO ear infections! 

In 2012, Erik & I enjoyed the mountains of Colorado after not being in them much (pregnancy & baby seemed to have a way of interferring with that!).  A trip to Estes Park and hiking Mt. Bierdstat, a 14'er. 

In May, I left my job at Red Robin to pursue another food industry restaurant, Panera.  Working from home was a blessing for me - more time with Evan, less daycare days - it was perfect! 

Then comes July.....oh July, you were the month I didn't see coming!  A trip home to Michigan and a few job interviews for Erik.  He had some opportunities in MI come up and since we were already there, well, why not see what happens?  We left MI and headed home after 9 days and didn't really think anything would come of the jobs.  So much so that we actually put an offer on a new house to stay in CO!  Then came the job offer, and the moving package, and the thought that raising Evan near our families in MI is where we were meant to be.  We weren't totally sold on the vision though, and decided to wait and see if there were any "signs" telling us what to do.  Then, two big signs happened - personally & professionally.  Signs that said moving to MI was the right decision for our family.  So we pulled the trigger, accepted Erik's job, backed out of our CO house contract, packed up and moved home to MI.  Phew! 

We continued 2012 buying a home in MI, Erik started his job, and I started working from home for Red Robin again.  I'm in CO 1-2 times a month for the job, but overall it's working out well for our family and nice to have the extra income (especially as we furnish and make our home more "homey"). 

We're in to 2013 now and look forward to finding ways to make MI our home, keeping up with Evan and the joys of watching him grow and learn, and keeping our family happy, healthy, safe and supported.  I'm excited to become an Aunt this year as my sister & her husband prepare for the arrival of their daughther in March - and super excited that I'll be nearby to see the baby a lot!  Erik & I both REALLY look forward to warmer weather coming to MI and getting outside more with Evan, meeting more of our neighbors, and landscaping our house.  And maybe by the end of 2013, having Uncle Danny & Aunt Katie teach Evan how to ski! 

Happy 2013 everyone!