A New Year

Christmas is behind us, and it was certainly was one I will never forget. Ruby's first Christmas. She really seemed to love it too. She was in a great mood on both Christmas Eve which we spent with my Mom and on Christmas day with my Dad. Having a child certainly makes you grateful for small moments, and spending time with family is such a treat for me!

Of course, it's hard not to look back at the year and reflect. It's so amazing what we have gone through in the last year, how far we have come. I started the year newly pregnant, full of hope, wonder, and fears of the unknown. I survived morning sickness. My marriage survived morning sickness! Our bonds with our families grew. We faced the worst scare of our lives when we had to deliver Ruby 8 weeks early, in order to save her life and my own. 5 weeks in the NICU. Bringing Ruby home, the most amazing feeling in the world. And seeing my parents, now as grandparents, and my sisters now as aunts... And Louis's family welcoming Ruby, their "minute"... Everyone loving her just as much as we do. Being a Mom. Loving my husband more than I knew was possible.

Sometimes you start out on a journey without knowing the destination. And here I am... The luckiest woman I know. Despite the hardships we faced, it was my journey, and I am who I am because of it. I am blessed to have the family and friends that I do. And I thank you all. Thank you for being part of our journey and making our lives that much easier.

I hope for smooth sailing in 2009. That we continue to be healthy, happy, and grateful. Happy New Year!