This has been a year of ups and downs, twists and turns, joys and sorrows but mostly
a lot of diapers!
We started off the year tremendously excited that we could share our news that we were expecting an addition to our family. The cats weren't too excited about it, but everyone else was. Also, I decided to serve the Maryland Jaycees as the State Chaplain, which just gives me more opportunities to speak in front of a crowd.
Then I lost my job at the end of March. While we knew that was coming, we didn't know exactly when until about 6 weeks prior. The job hunt was frustrating, especially because I was worried that no one would hire someone in their 6th or 7th month of pregnancy. However, I was able to do a lot of gardening - mostly removing a lot of weeds so we could start the 4 compost bins. After 5 agonizing weeks I got the news - I got a job at FINRA (
http://www.finra.org/) with a group of tremendously sweet, talented and fabulous folks!
Steve ran his first 10K run this year, while Steve's parents and I cheered him on along the route. Steve managed to finish ahead of his goal time!
All this time we were preparing for Jacob to arrive. Steve spent a lot of time, and sweat, removing the popcorn from the ceiling in the nursery...by hand! Thank goodness he's so handy. Even so, we still weren't totally prepared when he did arrive on June 27th. When we came home from the hospital we camped out in the family room and changed diapers in the dining room. Thanks to Steve's parents and our good friend Becky, Jacob's room finally got painted and put together.
After a short stint back in the hospital to deal with Jacob's dehydration and jaundice, we finally came home and settled in. The cats still weren't too excited about our new arrival...mostly he made them jump every time he wiggled - which he did a lot!!!
Thank you to everyone who brought food, sanity and hugs during those first few weeks. I can't tell you how much we all appreciated the help and support.
Steve's parents, living so close, were obviously thrilled and couldn't wait to get their hands on the little rascal. Sandy, Steve's sister, even made a special trip out from Colorado with her husband to meet the little guy and fell in love with him - as did Steve's aunts when they came out in October.
My mother was able to come for a week in August, which was a real blessing. She was able to finish the quilt she was making for Jacob without stopping to go to work. She had lots of chatting time with him and she and I were able to sing duets and rounds of our favorites for Jacob.
My grandfather passed away in early September. Thankfully he knew about Jacob and was able to contribute his hand print and signature to Jacob's special quilt (thank you, Mom!). The funeral was a blessing since we were able to introduce Jacob to my entire family all in one shot and I got to see my cousins (and their kids) and Garrison, ND, again. Boy that little town has changed over the years.
Needless to say, things have not been the same since Jacob arrived.
Just as soon as we get settled into a new routine, the routine changes. Jacob is now eating some semi-solid foods and growing like a weed! He outgrew his infant car seat by 5 months and I'm not sure how long he'll be able to continue to wear infant clothes.
So far Jacob has attended 2 Maryland Jaycee conventions, a Talk Like a Pirate Day party, several Jaycee meetings, and a made lots of visits to our friends. The little guy sure is social!
This next year will bring many new surprises, I'm sure. In addition to everything else going on, Steve has decided to serve the Maryland Jaycees in 2009 as Dues Administrator, while I take a back seat in that department. My job continues to be interesting and Steve still loves his job, although he doesn't like the commute (too much time away from his boy).
Here is a photo of our little guy all ready for Christmas!
May 2009 bring you all that you hope for and more!
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!
