As the old year comes to a close this evening and the new year begins at midnight, it's time to reflect on 2011, which was very busy but wonderful, and to look ahead to what is waiting for us in 2012.
As 2011 began, Derek and I were preparing for the wedding ceremony that would join us as husband and wife for the rest of our lives. It was a scary, busy, wonderful time, and I'm not sure that either of us were prepared for the work it would take to plan for a day that would signal the beginning of our lives together.
On April 16th, that day finally came, and we had a wonderful day filled with family, friends, and lots of love. We couldn't have asked for a better day (well, a little warmer might have been nice) and we both feel that we couldn't have planned for a better day. It was absolutely perfect. Everyone seemed to have enjoyed themselves, which was one of our biggest goals, besides getting married, of course. Following our wedding day, we took off for a wonderful week on the beautiful island of Antigua.
In June, Derek and I were able to fly out to Illinois so that I had the opportunity to meet Derek's grandparents, George and Dorothy Shaver. We had a wonderful long weekend, and I was so happy to meet two of the most important people in Derek's life. It was sad that they were not able to attend our wedding, but at 94 and 95 years old, it was not possible for them to travel. So, we travelled to them, and had a really great time. George, Derek's grandfather, gave me a beautiful, handmade jewelry box to welcome me to the family. Before we headed back, Derek and I spent a lovely afternoon in Chicago.
In July, Derek and I found out that we were expecting. It was tough, but we did manage to hold off on announcing our news until after week 9 in August, for the most part, but it was not easy. We couldn't have been more excited! We had just decided to start trying (or at least not trying to prevent a baby) and were lucky to be blessed right away, with the baby expected in March.
In August, Derek and I headed to the shore house on Long Beach Island with Derek's family, and we were able to announce our news at that time. We wanted to tell everyone in person. When we got home, we told my dad and brother as well. My mom was the first to know, and my sister knew shortly after. We announced to everyone else after our first doctor's appointment when everything looked wonderful.
The last half of the year was mostly spent planning for the baby, who we found out is a boy in November. There's a lot to do before the baby arrives, and we're getting more excited as time goes on.
2011 was not all happy, and we suffered some losses this year. In March, our beloved kitty, Tigger, passed from complications of diabetes, but that led to our new family member, Roxie, the crazy kitty who has entered our hearts. In August, my family suffered a couple losses, including my mom's aunt and uncle, the oldest relatives in the family. Uncle Mike was especially close to the family, and I was so glad that he was able to come to our wedding. Also in August, a good friend of mine, Joan, passed away after a motorcycle accident. In November, Derek's grandfather, George Shaver, passed, and we flew out to Illinois to attend his services. Again, I was grateful that I was able to meet him before he passed, as that meant a lot to me, and to Derek's family as well.
After such a busy year, we have a lot to look forward to in 2012, especially our new baby! We can't wait to meet him, and hold him, and kiss him, and see the little boy who has been kicking and punching me (lovingly, of course) for the past couple of months. :-) So, we'll see what else this new year brings. I'm sure we'll have some amazing times, and I'm also sure that there'll be some sad times, but overall, I'm hoping for a fantastic year filled with excitement for our new little family member.
Derek and I hope that everyone has a happy new year and that 2012 brings many blessings to all!
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