2011

I don’t even know how to write about this year. So many huge, life-changing things have happened that whatever I say here couldn’t possibly capture them properly. But I feel the need to capture them nonetheless, so here goes.

I almost lost my Mom. I stood in the ICU as a doctor told my Dad and me that we should be prepared for her not to make it. I spent hours with my family in a hospital waiting room watching reruns of Law & Order and eating fast food while waiting for the next opportunity to go in and see her. I watched her be put on a ventilator, loaded into an ambulance and sent to a major university hospital in hopes that they could save her. And they did. And for that...well, grateful doesn’t quite cover it. It was, of course, just the beginning of a very long road that we are all still traveling, but the fact that she is still here to travel it with us is enough.

I got pregnant with our second child. In March we will meet Charlie and, in all likelihood, he will complete our family. This pregnancy has gone by with lightning speed and I am equal parts terrified of managing two children and overcome with glee at getting to know my younger son.

We bought a house. After years of bland, non-descript rentals that never truly felt like home, we finally planted our little stake in the ground. And it feels good to know that we won’t be moving again for a LONG time. It’s not huge or fancy, but it’s enough for us, and it’s comfortable, and it’s ours.

We’ve experienced financial ups and downs, which, frankly, are still with us as we usher in 2012. My husband and his Dad are in residential construction, which isn’t exactly booming right now. We don’t know from week to week if he will work 40 hours or 15 or none. A ridiculous portion of his paycheck goes into his gas tank because he commutes an hour each way. We’re beginning to look into the possibility of him getting a new job, but it’s hard. Working for his Dad is the only job he’s ever had and venturing into new territory is scary. Not to mention that jobs aren’t exactly plentiful right now. But whatever happens, we’ll figure it out. Like we always do.

As far as resolutions go, I really would just like to stay out of Intensive Care Units. Happy 2012 everyone!