Welcome 2017, from the trenches.

Happy New Year friends!

Let's dish on 2016. How was it for you? What adjectives would you use to describe your year?

For me 2016 was a whirlwind and a blur. It was survival mode with a new baby, a 1-year old and a 3-year old. It was a gigantic exhale at the end of every day when all three were asleep. It was collapsing into my bed minutes afterwards. It was little sleep, lots of coffee, a glass of chardonnay at 5PM and no later, and busy-ness. Free-time was spent with my husband, nap-time was spent exercising in my bedroom, me-time was spent asleep in bed by 8pm.

I've been deep in the mom-trenches. I've learned that when you're in the trenches you tend to get smaller and smaller, a little less you, and a lot more them. The kids (1-2-3), the spouse, and the damn dogs that keep wanting to go out.

2016 has also been one of the sweetest years of my life. Today I was washing dishes and I felt my little lady tug on my pant leg to stand. It made me pause. I hope I never forget what this moment and this time in my life feels like. Busy? Sure. But needed, sweet and fleeting.

The mom-trenches; that's where I've been. And though I'm digging out a bit, I imagine I'll be here for the next few years. Anyone with me?

Now let's chat 2017.

You ever watch a race - and there's always that one person in the back flailing their arms and trying desperately to catch up? They cross the finish line eventually, but it ain't pretty and it's dead last. Seen those guys? That was me in 2016.

This year, so help me Lord and blog-readers, I will be less reactive. I will be less flailing, in fact I may soon be the one waving from the front. I will be so on top of things you won't even recognize me.

So to 2017...I see you. I am on you like white on rice and I assure you, you are not ready for me. (Drops the mic). (Picks it back up because there are small choking parts).

Wishing all of you, especially those with me in the trenches, a very happy start to the New Year.

Let's be friends! Follow me on IG.

Benjamin Wallace.

He's here, my friends!

(If you don't follow me on Instagram, surprise!)

Meet little Benjamin Wallace Kauffman. The newest stealer of my heart.

Fresh baby!

Bathed and looking good.

Peaceful Ben.

He arrived prompt as can be on his due date, July 12th, via cesarian and he sure did make me work for it. He's worth it!

Ben is a look-alike of his older brother, with darker hair and lighter eyes, but to me looks more like his daddy. Is that even possible? He's a great eater, a great sleeper (so far) and so very kissable.

We are through the "dark" days now, you remember the dark days, ladies? Those first few days when you're body goes outta-whack and hormones through the roof. Now we have settled into a nice routine as we all get to know each other.

I am overwhelmed with gratitude towards those around me...

For a healthy baby boy.

For a first-born who constantly makes me proud with his kindness, sweet nature and ability to adapt.

For a supportive family. Seriously, I could NOT have made it through the first two weeks without my mom and mother-in-law.

My parents: Nanna and Papa Pat.

My inlaws: Papa, Mimi and Great Grandma Genny.

And most of all for my husband; who through this second-baby process has been my rock and my best friend. There's no one I want by my side more than him. Thank you, Lord, for this man.

You learn a lot about love during these times, and I've been overwhelmed by all the love in our lives.

Get ready for picture overload around here! 

Thanks for all the well-wishes.