Goodbye 2012, Hello 2013!

So I looked at my handy "What to Expect When You're Expecting" iPhone app this morning and realized that this new little peanut will be here in only 12 weeks. I can hardly believe how fast this pregnancy has gone-- I feel like we just heard that sweet little heartbeat for the first time just a bit ago.  Now I've blinked and here I am getting the nursery ready and sorting through fabulous hand-me-downs from awesome friends and family. I am so excited to become a family of 4 in just three short months. I don't know if I would say Peyton is excited just yet-- but she is certainly aware that mommy's tummy is getting larger and that there is a baby inside.  She likes to pat my stomach and say, "Hello baby Landon", which of course melts my heart each time. I can't wait to see my little girl become a big sister. 

Our winter break is coming to an end unfortunately; I have really enjoyed this time at home and especially the time I've been able to spend with Peyton. She has been very much into dress up and princesses these past couple of months, so of course her only request for Santa was that he bring her "dress up clothes and princess shoes". Thankfully she got her wish and has been dressing up every day since.  Mommy and Daddy especially love the noise her princess shoes make on the hardwood floors at 6am.....


This is actually not one of her new dresses- it was given to me by a co-worker and I call it her "Toddlers in Tiaras" dress.

Aside from all things dress up, we also tried to get a few things this year that she could play with outside. Unfortunately it rained on Christmas day, so Peyton wasn't able to play with her new goods until the day after.  Going outside is now her daily request, which I love.  Our sweet little Peyton packs a lot of energy on a daily basis, so it's great to have things to do outside to help her get her wiggles out.

A balance beam made by her Pop.

Our neighbors gave us their small trampoline, as they bought a larger one.

A new playhouse for the little lady!

We ended 2012 by going out to dinner and having a few friends over afterward for a small Christmas tree burning/NYE party. One of our friends collected quite a few trees to burn and overall we had around 16-18. Needless to say, the flames were HUGE. We have done this for the last two years and it has really become a tradition we look forward to.  Rob requests that I stop watering our tree shortly before Christmas so it will be extra crispy by New Years Eve.

While this past year has been one filled with ups and downs for us, I am looking forward to what 2013 will bring. Here's to a new year filled with life, love, and laughter!