Happy Old Year

As a society, I think we've lost the art of appreciation. Pausing, looking back, taking a deep breath and appreciating the road behind us. Today is the last day of 2010 and before I get excited for the New Year, my new commitments, resolutions, excitement ahead, I want to take a trip down 2010 to see how it is exactly I got here. C'mon along too if you'd like. I apologize if this entry is a little bit boring or too personal.

• January 2010: Barrett was 7 months old. John was working as the Marketing Manager at World's Finest Chocolate. I was in the midst of my psychology masters internship, working 24 hours a week -- two 12 hour shifts on Mondays and Wednesdays, taking a class downtown on Tuesday nights and attending the Library's Wee Play class on Thursdays. I also joined my Women's Group which meets once a month to support each other in life and motherhood.
• Feb 2010: Barrett was 8 months old. John and I went on a couples retreat -- the first time we ever left Barrett for the weekend. Surprise, we got pregnant! We wouldn't know that just yet though. We started a Bible Study with our good friends Oscar and Kelley for Lent.
• March 2010: Barrett was 9 months old. My period is late. I took 3, maybe 5?, pregnancy tests and told John the news--who barked out laughing when I told him. Classic. Doctor confirmed the pregnancy. I thought I had a miscarriage, doctor then confirmed again. Everything was good to go. My brother was in his senior year at Carelton College and played a lacrosse game in Wheaton, so we got a fun visit!
• April 2010: Barrett's 10 months old. I'm 3 months pregnant. My friend Andrea finds out she's pregnant! We're 8 weeks apart (note, she still hasn't had her baby yet as I write this, so exciting!) We attended my niece's 1st Communion. I turned in a huge, whopper project for grad school.
• May 2010: Barrett's 11 months old. I'm 4 months pregnant. My psychology internship is complete on May 5 (Cinco de Mayo). I go to Chili's with a fellow colleague to celebrate. I begin a freelancing project with Edelman, my former career in Public Relations. I attend a client meeting, and begin working from home everyday on a fun mushroom project. My little brother graduated college. We took a hellish 8-hour car trip to watch him in cap and gown. Well worth it.
• June 2010: Barrett's 1 year old!!! I'm 5 months pregnant. We have Barrett's FIRST BIRTHDAY party. A week before that, we find out we're having a GIRL. It's a banner month in the Schifferdecker house. John starts to job hunt.
• July 2010: Barrett's 13 months old. I'm 6 months pregnant. We take our first family vacation to Lake of the Ozarks and visit John's parents for the week. We spend half of the vacation preparing for an upcoming job interview John has scheduled. My little brother leaves for South America to live his life...an adventure he tells us. Adventure is out there!
• August 2010: Barrett's 14 months old. I'm 7 months pregnant. I learn I have Gestational Diabetes after 3 failed glucose tests. I meet with the endocrinologist, the diabetes educator, the nutritionist. My life is consumed with diabetes. Barrett begins gymnastics class! My friend Heather gives birth to her baby boy, Brayden, 12 weeks early (we were due around the same time). I visit her in the NICU, feel scared, sad, lots of prayers.
• September 2010: Barrett's 15 months old. I'm 8 months pregnant. I turn 29 years old! I begin insulin. I also begin weekly NSTs (non-stress-tests) for the baby. Testing my blood, urine and I begin walking every morning with Barrett. John and I begin going to our little church regularly. John has an interview with another company.
• October 2010: Barrett's 16 months old. I'm 9 months pregnant (38 weeks). VIVIENNE IS BORN!!!!!! October 28, 2010. John has multiple interviews now with different companies. He's received a few offers, continues to interview....consuming a lot of time and energy. All worth it, we've got another mouth to feed! And, an adorable one at that.
• November 2010: Barrett's 17 months old. Vivienne is 1 month old. John turns 32 years old! My due date (Nov. 11) comes and goes while I change diapers and nurse. My mother-in-law comes to help us. John and I get the stomach flu from Barrett. Chaos covers the house like a blanket.
• December 2010: Barrett's 18 months old (Christmas is his half-birthday). Vivienne is 2 months old. Vivienne's 1st Christmas!! John completes the interview processs and accepts a position as the Corporate Marketing Director at a company he loves and is closer to home. It's a big move for his career and I can officially stay home with the kids.

A lot has happened this year--both good and bad. But when I look at it all, I just feel an overwhelming sense of joy and blessings from God. You may not be able to see it in the details, but this year I have re-connected to God and my sense of spirit. It has been an amazing and awakening journey. I feel invigorated. Ready for the next year ahead.

Blessings to you. May the next year be filled with feelings, both good and bad. Live loud. Feel everything. Enjoy the ride.