2016 - A year of "Firsts"

While on a global and political scale, 2016 has been a very tumultuous year, on a personal level it was a fulfilling year for us. I watched Beanie grow into a smart, kind, independent little girl, who is loving and quick to show empathy towards others. For my part, I accomplished a lot of things on my "to do" list, which makes me feel satisfied.
  
Here is what we got done in 2016....a lot of "firsts"...

1. Got rid of Binky!- Feb
2. Celebrated Beanie's 3rd birthday with her very first kid's party - March
3. First dental filling for Beanie (!) 
4. Updated my will 
5. First road trip and visit to a Beach - early April
6. Changed Beanie to forward facing car seat after she turned 3 yrs - mid April 
7. Potty Trained! - late April 
8. Revitalized my back deck - new umbrella, painted the table, added planters - June
9. Landscaping and clean up of back yard - June
10. First swim class - June
11. Got rid of the Bottle! - June
12. A second road trip for my niece's graduation - July
13. Upgraded my security system to include Fire and CO2
14. Got Beanie's passport - July
15. Got myself a new mobile phone (finally)! -August
16. First plane ride to Washington DC- August
17. First puppet/live theater show - August
18. Remodeled the kitchen - September
19. Saw another puppet show - September
20. Attended the annual arts and crafts fair - September
21. Second plane ride to a family reunion - October
22. Blowing her nose on her own! - October
23. First Halloween spent trick or treating 
24. Completed kitchen back-splash - November 
25. Created a letter for Beanie "just in case..."
26. Put together her picture album with pics from IVF conception to end of 2016 (3+ yrs old)

The year did end in a whimper, with both of being sick during the holiday break, so not much fun was had since we have been stuck indoor most of the time recuperating. We did however manage to be well enough to enjoy Christmas. Beanie got her dollhouse from Santa, a Cu.rous George stuffed toy from my parents and a camera (among other things) from me and was a happy camper :-)

I moved my annual family Christmas brunch to a New Year's Eve party. It was a nice party. Now I am ready to get back to work and Beanie to school.

As we say goodbye to 2016, I hope and pray that 2017 keeps us all safe and brings us good health and happiness.

Happy New Year!