2013 - A Year of Settling Down

I'm writing in retrospect of 2013 that went past - yes, I'm only writing now because December and January were such busy months that I could only harbour nuggets of thoughts here and there, and not find time to properly pen it down. I found my mind in a whirl too, and my heart unsettled, and I don't know why. But now, peace and a sense of calm has returned and I don't find it right if I didn't give thanks for the year passed.
2013 was a great year. It was a year of settling down.
We moved into our new abode in January, with my 18 month old and a new baby, and I spent the better half of maternity unpacking and enjoying the new place. It was a specially chosen place and God worked His magic by helping us secure the flat with a low COV (Cash Over Valuation). My hubby and I thought up the theme for the flat from scratch, and every tile, colour and furniture was carefully selected. We love our new nest - we sort of built it with our hands (with hired help from the interior designer and contractors of course). Most of all, we were able to pay up all the renovation and furniture bills in cash, God is an awesome Provider.
The first half of 2013 was spent transiting into day-to-day routines of having an addition to the family - our jovial Jovan - and recceing the neighbourhood. We hosted cell group meetings at our new place (and hoped we had provided a cosier setting for the members; the living room was decorated with them in mind).
Back at work, I am thankful for being able to find a good confidante in my colleague Patricia, who offered practical parenting tips, her listening ear, and is an admonisher to my silly fancies. The office is a warmer place because of her. 
Towards the end of the year, we had a successful mini vacation in Sentosa with our extended family. Jaeden also started going to childcare and we are so blessed that he is such an adaptable boy. He adjusted quickly and is now enjoying school. More than that, he had improved in his speech by leaps and bounds since he started school - the teachers are doing such a fantastic job!

Lions in the House

Some love them. Some hate them, or rather, have a fear of them. Two days ago, Jae's childcare centre organised a lion dance segment and invited parents/ grandparents/ guardians to join in the fun. Older kids loved the vibrancy of the costumes and get-ups with the thumping drums and cymbals, but younger ones covered their ears as the loudness intimidated them. Jaeden was one of them. So nope, no chance to getting him for a picture with the lion's head.

Have a prosperous Year of the Horse!