My 2012

Did you do something in 2012 you have never done before? 

Giving birth to Matilda and travelling to Moscow with Mikael.

Did one of your friends/family become a parent this year?

So many of my friends had babies this year and my sister-in-law had a girl just a few weeks ago.

Did someone who was close to you die?

No, but my friend just recently told me that a good friend of hers died in a tragic accident in November whom I had also met. It made me really sad and I dreamt about him.  

Which countries did you visit?

Russia, Denmark, Germany, Finland.

Is there something you missed in 2012 you would like to have in 2013?

I can only think of 8 hours straight of sleep. :) But I only have to go to bed earlier!

Which date of 2012 will you always remember? 

28 June 2012, little Matilda was born and we became parents.

What was your biggest success in 2012?

Definitely going through labor, I had a good mantra and think I did pretty well. 

I was also responsible for a big project at work for all our divisions in Sweden where I made sure that our processes run smoother and more efficiently. I trained about 30 employees in these new processes and system and wrote a big manual. 

These training sessions and being the Sunday School teacher in church also helped me so much with my fear of public speaking. I "get stuck" so much less nowadays. 

Biggest mistake? 

Hurting a family member very much with something I said. Despite the hurt this caused I learned so much from it which helped me grow in many ways and my relationship with everybody involved is much better now.

Best buy? 

Tickets to Moscow. We had such a great time there and Mikael was so happy going back to where he served his mission. It also brought us much closer again.

What did you spend most money on in 2012?

Our new beautiful kitchen (renovation part 1 & part 2).

Was there something that made you really happy? 

 Umm, let me think. :) Matilda, seeing Mikael as a dad and being a family of 3.

Which songs will make you remember 2012? 

Gangnam Style for sure.

Were you happier or sadder in 2012 compared to 2011?

I was much happier. There have been so many times this year when I just felt pure joy. But me hurting the family member was a very sad and humbling experience. 

What do you wish you had done less? 

 Procrastinating.

 Did you fall in love?

Yes, with Matilda and more and more with Mikael. My love just grew with him being a dad. He is so great. 

 Favorite program on TV? 

New Girl and Homeland! Seriously, New Girl is just totally my sense of humor! 

Best book you read this year?

I really enjoyed I Am Zlatan. I am not a big footbal fan but this biography was entertaining and interesting to read. I have mostly read parenting/mom books this year. I also loved reading The Baby Whisperer Solves All Your Problems - her approach on sleep training is wonderful and worked so great with Matilda.

Something you wished for and received?

A healthy, happy, easy and content child. 

 Something you wished for and didn't get? 

Not really something "I didn't get" but I would have wanted to help Mikael more with our construction company but just didn't have the time yet.

What did you do on your birthday in 2012?

Spent the day with Mikael :)

Is there something that would have made your 2012 even better? 

Being more around family and close friends.

Biggest scare of 2012?

When Matilda was 3 months old I slipped on the outside basement stairs and fell down with Matilda (my behind was sliding down the stairs) in the baby carrier. She hit her head on the wall and got a blue bump immediately. It was horrible and I felt so bad for her but she was fine. We have a tough girl! 

At the hospital after the nurse told us that everything is fine!

What made you feel good?

Seriously, I love being a mother. Seeing Matilda smile at me, reaching out her arms to be held and being so happy has been wonderful.  I have also become more confident in my role as a mother and getting to know Matilda, seeing what works and what doesn't has helped me grow so much.

Who did you miss?

My family and closest friends and Mikael when he is working. I felt quite alone in the first weeks after Matilda was born when Mikael had so much to do at work that wasn't able to be at home with us.

Most proud of? 

Successful sleep training (without crying it out!!), finding out more and more that I am strong and I can go through hard things, learning from challenges and a healthy & positive outlook on life and the gospel.

Biggest wishes for 2013?
Another addition to the family, travelling to the US for a long holiday with Mikael and Matilda, getting more renovations done at home and setting up successful goals with Mikael for our family.

I told Mikael yesterday that 2012 has been my best year so far. Not just because of Matilda, but we became a better team as a couple and I grew so incredibly much. 

I am excited for 2013. :) 

YOU!
Thank you so much for 2012, for the new friendships I have made through this blog and for your comments! You have made my day so many times :)