I'm ready to say goodbye

to 2009.

It was a rough one for us. It started with a promise of a new baby for us. We met the beautiful baby on the first day of spring and lost her on the second day of spring. While we are very grateful that she is doing well, we have spent months working to move past the pain of losing her and the pain of not hearing from other potential birth mothers. I've gone through emotions that I don't know how to express. But I can say this: I am ready for a new year. I am ready to face what lies ahead on this adoption journey, and I'm ready to start on my three goals for the new year:

1) Run a 5k (or two or three)
2) Find a creative outlet for myself (First attempt- painting)
3) Learn to dance- like really dance, not just jump around.

I chose two words to represent 2010 for me. The first is happy. Before I do anything, I want to ask myself, "Does this make me happy?". I was going to leave it at that, but then another word came mind, and I think it is equally as important. Healthy. "Is this healthy?" If whatever I choose to do in the next coming year is healthy and it makes me happy then I'm right on track.

I wish you all a happy and healthy new year!

Merry Christmas

A bit of our year:

Davin had a busy year at work. He gets to enjoy blowing off steam every Tuesday by playing hockey in St. Cloud.

Davin and Chrissy's husband, Brett, won the brother fishing contest on the annual brothers weekend. Mike made a lovely trophy, which is proudly displayed at Chrissy and Brett's. No, I don't care that it's not in my living room. ;)

I started working at Lane Bryant in Albertville in the spring, where I now work mostly on freight- I love my co-workers.

I started running a few months ago. I did the couch-to-5k program- finished successfully only to pull my hamstring. It is still on the mend, and I am in itching to get back on that treadmill!

We met Kiya (our Ellen Kylee) and got to spend her first several hours of life with her. We experienced her first bottle, her first burp, her first diaper change, and best of all, the first time she opened her eyes and looked around with curiousity. I wish much love to her and her family.

We took a few vacations- one to Arizona, a couple to Michigan, and our first trip to Chicago. There is nothing better than quality time with my husband. (For a few days, then I we both like a little alone time). :)

Our life consists of keeping a normal everyday life all while waiting very hard for a baby. As you know the adoption journey has been quite a roller coaster. Most days are normal and fine, but Davin and both have days where our hearts ache to hold our own child. It is especially hard during the holiday season. However, we are blessed to have family and friends- including a lot of nieces and nephews to spend the holidays with.

I have one holiday wish you can all help me with: there are people in our life who are dealing with a lot of difficult health issues. They are family to us, and I ask that when you say your prayers tonight, you say a little prayer for them. Thank you.

Merry Christmas, everyone. I hope yours is filled with love, warmth, and laughter.

Facebook 2009

*click to enlarge. :)

It wasn't supposed to happen like this...

I pulled my hamstring last Saturday. While running. That's what I've been doing lately- running. I didn't want to talk about it because I wasn't sure I would follow through- I tend to quit things when they get difficult. But I started the Couch-to-5k program a little over two months ago and it was going awesome. I never in a million years thought that I would be a runner. I never cared to be. But a couple friends were starting the program, and I was looking for a healthy activity to start so I joined them. I did most my runs on the treadmill, and took it pretty easy as far as speed because I was paranoid about getting injured. I did a couple weeks more than once when I didn't feel ready to move on. I was smart about it. Then I had my first full 3.1 mile run last weekend. I was doing great, I felt great, and I even felt good enough to do 3.25 miles. I don't know if it was that extra .15 miles or what, but somewhere in there I pulled my hamstring. I finally saw a chiropractor today. Turns out it's something I need to rest. I actually had to hold back tears when he told me. I do not want to stop running. I don't plan to stop. I will, however, take however long it takes for my leg to heal. I'm scared terrified that I'll fall off the train, so to speak. I have loved the runs I've gone on, and I hope that I get right back into it. ...I'll work on my attitude and come back with a more can-do 'tude soon.

Anyway, I planned to blog about my running- it is a HUGE personal accomplishment of mine. I just didn't want to start with blogging about an injury. :(

P.S. Thanks Leanne, for the surfing hammy.

Christmastime is here (still)

Further evidence:

I have also made oreo truffles and Andes mint cookies. And almond bark peanut butter preztels. And I did a cookie exchange with my sisters and mom so I have an entire freezer full of sugary sweets. I may have to host a get-together just to make use of all the goodies. I still don't have a blogging mindset back, so until later...

Christmastime is here

First piece of evidence:

ETA: Dove chocolates do NOT go as far as kisses. There are only 35 in a bag- pricey cookies, but worth the indulgence. :)