2007 ~ Year in Review (better late than never!)

2007 began with me being around 6 months pregnant with little Jonah. We were still living in our old house about 30 minutes away, me and Todd’s very first home (where we resided for about 3 years I think). That house saw many memories, good and bad. That was the house where we discovered we were pregnant, but also the house that saw our precious kitty, Abby fall into kidney failure. Abby did recover, thank God. We are grateful for that every single day. That house also saw us adopt our 3rd cat, Omelette (who came from the most amazing cat shelter ever, Tree House Animal Foundation). In January, we were all packed up and ready to move into our new home in a much better, safer, and far friendlier neighborhood. We moved in about a month before Jonah was born, and I was frantic to get his room ready. I went through severe nesting stages, where I even had a nervous breakdown over what drawer to put his pajamas. On March 22, Jonah entered the world and changed our lives forever. We brought him home, and I remember being petrified of being in the house alone with him. Of course, we got used to having him around and now cannot imagine what we would do without him. The months following Jonah’s birth are a serious blur. After my 6 week maternity leave, I returned to work part-time, giving the Grandma’s (my Mom and Todd’s Mom) a good amount of one-on-one time with Jonah. I think it is very important for him to see them as much as possible. The Grandparents love on him so much (but c’mon, who doesn’t!) and he adores them.

Then summertime came. Jonah and I spent a good amount of time taking walks and playing on a blanket in the front yard. He hit every single milestone with grace. He is now crawling and playing and eating like a big boy, exactly what he should be doing. Around August, we were invited to our very first play date by Steph. We met some other amazing mama’s (Arianne, Robin, Ashlee, & Jen and later Carrington ~ Arianne’s sister), who I absolutely LOVE. Their kids are the greatest and I am constantly learning something new from them all of the time, whether it is in regards to babywearing, natural remedies and products, or just being the sweetest mama ever by giving me something to strive for. Not long after meeting them, I ever so innocently brought up the topic of vaccinations. I learned more than I ever thought possible and even researched a ton more on my own. After the new information shocked and appalled us, we came to the decision to not vaccinate Jonah. With the amazing support of my friends, I was able to defend my decision when I was questioned and I was able to feel confident that what we decided was right for us. Not only have a learned educational things from these women, I have learned indispensable lessons regarding friendship, religion, marriage, life, being a mama and being a women. Even though I have only known these ladies for a short amount of time, I can tell that this is the real deal. The friendships we have are the kind that I think a lot of women out there need, but rarely can find. We are going to be friends forever, for life.

Along the lines of friendship, I have also formed a new relationship recently. That is, with God. Now, for pretty much my whole life I wasn’t religious, sometimes I even questioned believing in God altogether. Yet, we got married in a church and Jonah was baptized, but I still walked an empty walk when it came to God and church and religion. A few months ago, we were invited to church by Carrington (and later Arianne). At first, I just went with the motions, but something touched me, and I began to really “hear” what was going on, and “see” what was going on, and I wanted to be there and experience everything church had to offer. I sang the songs and heard the words and felt the emotions. I was there, right where I belonged. Since then, we have become part of an amazing Small Group, I started reading the Bible, I have gotten hooked on music by Chris Tomlin, Jeremy Riddle, Steve Fee, and Rush of Fools, I have become addicted to the Nooma videos I always speak so highly of, and am planning a trip to Mars Hill Bible Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan. I’ve come a long way, and I love every single part of it.

Aside from starting my own blog, I have become a part of an amazing team over at Mama Speaks. We are a review blog by mom’s, for mom’s. You definitely need to check us out, there is always something new being talked about daily. You are sure to find something special, just for you.

Christmas of course was great, particularly with little Jonah here this year. Much fun was had, new toys were received, and love was felt all around. New Years Eve came and went, and we got to spend it with a few friends in a low key atmosphere. Having a baby changes a lot. It makes you realize what’s really important. Being a Mommy is my number one job, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!

So here we are, finishing up an amazing and fulfilling year. I can only imagine what is to come in 2008. I hope it will be a year of growth, discoveries, love, hope, family, friends, education, and open-mindedness.

May God bless you and those around you with everything He has planned for you. May He guide you in the direction that He has planned for you. May you recognize that there is something out there bigger than yourself. May you eyes, ears, and minds be open to the possibilities that He has for you. May you live life to the fullest, but more importantly, live life for God. Have a great year!