2009: Looking Back

For me, 2009 was a big one. Not always easy, but definitely worth it.

• I started out the year enduring fertility treatments and thinking how nothing could possibly be worth the pain. Boy, was I wrong.
• I learned to stand up for myself when I had to confront someone who was taking advantage of us.
• A trip home and some costume jewelry made me again feel close to my grandmother. Charlotte bears the name Louise (as her middle name) to pay tribute to a life-well lived and to serve as a constant reminder of our guardian angel.
• I took a photography class and learned more about the way I see the world.
• I cooked for 40-60 people for three consecutive days, and lived to tell about it.
• We officially made it through the first year of B's residency and started in on the second.
• We moved to a new home that better suits our needs; and learned a whole lot about yard work in the process.
• I attended my 10-year class reunion.
• I tearfully sent my son off to his first day of preschool, afraid that he'd be changed forever. Guess what? He's still my sweet little boy.
• I got brave and did a maternity photo shoot.
• I endured an extra week of pregnancy, vowing I'd never do it again. I was wrong.
• I gave birth to a sweet, angelic little girl who I feel has been a part of me forever. Without question, she was worth the wait.
• And somewhere along the way I finally became comfortable with me. I'm not perfect, but I'm enjoying this new-found confidence in myself.

So with that, I bid farewell to 2009. Happy New Year, my friends. Thanks for hangin' in there with me.

P.S. Notice that wobbly star on top of our tree? Pretty sweet, huh?

P.P.S. Yes, our new home boasts a wet bar, which is pretty funny because we don't drink. The bar is currently occupied as Hudson's "clubhouse." Until the day I decide to throw a wild party, that is. ;)

P.P.P.S. And no, I don't normally make Hudson get dressed before opening presents. We were waiting for B to get home from work, and I needed all the distractions I could get to keep him from tearing into those gifts like a wildebeest.

OK, OK, that's it. I'll shut up now. I'm officially done blogging for this year. Goodnight, and Happy New Year!