2011 Reflection

I am reflecting on the past year of our life. Considering last year's changes, I really thought it was not to be outdone but looking back on this year we have had some significant hurdles and amazing changes. Life sure does throw you some curve balls but how boring would life be if it didn't.

In January of 2011 I started into the year very energetically, signing myself up for the 100 day fitness challenge and looking forward to the year ahead. By mid January we found out that we were expecting our third child! While some may refer to this as a “mistake” or a “surprise” I like to refer to it as the “best gift since 2003”!! We always planned to have 3 children but after being sick for 3 years it became obvious that another child was not in the plans. Just another lesson in my “Never say Never” post :-)

In February my morning, noon, and night nausea kicked in. By mid February we told the girls the baby news and let them deliver the news to the rest of the family shortly after. It was a very exciting time in our household. By the end of February I started a job at a local elementary school working with kindergarten children. By the first of March I picked up every flu bug going at the school, it was like living in a cesspool of germs. March was a rough month of sinus colds and flu...blah.

My husband's dear Grandmother passed away in May. What a precious soul, she always had a smile and a quick witted remark. We all adore her and the girls have a special place in their heart for her. We wish our youngest child could have met her.

In the summer we took a trip to Boston and Maine. It was a fun trip but my husband stated he wouldn't vacation again with me while pregnant. It was really hot in Boston and we must have walked 20 miles in the heat and I was 7 months pregnant at the time so go figure. The rest of the summer was spent going back and forth to Doctor appointments and scans. I think I had 10 or 11 ultrasounds of this baby, every time they'd find something to bring me back the next week. It was concerning as there had been issues with amniotic fluid levels, breach, and heartbeat issues. But nothing that resulted to anything in the end, thank goodness.

September came upon us quite quickly and we eagerly anticipated the baby's due date of September 12th. Well that day came and went with no sign of Baby Wood. But a couple days later our youngest baby girl became part of our family and we became a family of 5. What an amazing experience and we just can't imagine our family without her.

As 2011 comes to an end I am thankful for all the changes life has given us and take them at stride. I am looking forward to what 2012 will bring, as I know we have even more challenges and changes ahead.

One never knows what truly lies ahead, so enjoy every moment as much as you possibly can and hug the ones you love just a little more often because we only get to do this thing called “life” once. I wish you a very Happy Healthy and Safe New Year!! May 2012 be filled with good health and happiness.