What a year it’s been! From finding out life as we knew it was going to change with the addition of a little Wilson, to actually brining him home, 2012 has been a very good year for us after the many heartbreaks of 2011.

I’m not a huge fan of resolutions; I find they’re too easily broken, but I wanted to spend some time reflecting on what was probably one of the biggest years of my life in a positive way. So, I’d like to take a bit of a retrospective and give thanks for what was and share my hopes for what’s to come.

This year, I’m thankful for:

– welcoming a happy and healthy baby into our family, despite the trying circumstances surrounding his arrival
– the love and support of my incredible husband, who still finds ways to surprise me and makes me feel like the most beautiful and loved girl in the world. He’s far more than I could ever have hoped for and nothing short of what I deserve.
– amazing friends, family and neighbours, who give selflessly of themselves at a moments notice day or night to help this crazy gal
– stable employment. In these uncertain economic times I’m not only blessed to be doing what I love, but to be loved where I do it and in such a creative and quality environment
– our little home. It might not be much but it’s ours and brick by brick we’re turning it into our dream house for our growing family

Next year, I’m looking forward to:

– seeing the growth and changes in my son, whose pure and innocent outlook on the world around him inspires me to live in the moment and not sweat the small stuff. (And it’s all small stuff, as the saying goes)
– learning more about myself and my partner as we navigate the wondrous and uncertain sea that is parenthood
– getting back into running, which has always been such a therapeutic outlet for the stresses of every day life for me
– getting our roof and beam replaced (finally!) and maybe getting hubs his new shed for the backyard we’ve been talking about for the past three years
– continuing to develop professionally
– taking chances. Saying prayers. Loving hard. Laughing more. Letting go of anger. Giving up on at and running full on into faith

Wishing you and yours a safe and happy New Year! May all your hopes and dreams come true and may your challenges be small and swift.

– Caitlin