needless to say, this year has been FULL of surprises. i was thinking about it yesterday and how strange it is to think that this time last year...there was no thought of little max. i mean NO thought! we were definitely planning on having 3 kids, just not all right now, and so close in age. as most of you know, i was in denial for at least the first 15 weeks of the pregnancy. it was actually very hard for me to come to terms with the fact that i was pregnant again and about to have 3 kids. i was finally able to deal with it. however, i will say, being pregnant and having to care for 2 other kids...not fun or pleasant. and it definitely made for a difficult few months at the end. but then it all paid off as now we have little max!

i have still not completely adjusted to life with 3 little ones. it is most definitely the hardest thing i have ever done. i'm still trying to figure out what to do with them everyday and just generally struggling to make it through everyday without strangling someone :) i'm hoping to settle into some kind of a routine soon. i am thankful for my mom and mother-in-law for all their help with the girls. it is nice to have a break every once in a while so i can get some work done.

not only was max our big surprise of the year...but i've had a very successful new business this year! what starting me thinking about all this stuff was realizing that i joined etsy a year ago this month. i had absolutely no clue what i was doing and if it would even sell...but it did! to my surprise, things took off. way better than i ever expected. once i figured out how everything works and the best way to promote my items and when to list things and when not to...it started to really flourish. it definitely keeps me busy, especially with these 3 at home. i usually work on orders every night after they go to bed.

and looks like things are only going to get busier as i have a children's store that is going to start selling my prints! i will post more later when everything gets up and going...but for now, i'm just really excited! i have big dreams...and never really thought they'd go anywhere. i'm so glad i have something that allows me to stay at home with my kids, and i can still make some money. well, enough of all that. i'll update about my business as things change!

...okay, so not really. but his blog, www.beingryanbyrd.com, did make the list for top local bloggers in Little Rock Family this month. he was the one single dude amongst a bunch of female bloggers. although he is definitely NOT a "mommy blogger," he does blog about our family, as well as SO many other things. anyway, i was quite proud that he was picked and that so many people like his blog...because he has a lot to say...i should know. and he's not afraid to put up whatever he thinks...no matter what i think. i certainly am not brave enough to do that.

also a shout out to my buddy kat for also making the list. i love her blog...it is hilarious. i usually read it when i go to bed at night, and i usually end up laughing out loud at something. she has such a way with words :)

so, i had a kid last month...yeah, and i'm just now blogging about it. you try living with 3 kids 3 and under, and see how it works out for you.