Goodbye and Good Riddance to 2010

Truth be told, I am glad 2010 is over.  As I "wrote" this post in my mind I had all intentions of writing about how 2010 was one of the most emotionally draining years of my life.   I wanted to focus on how there was a 6 month time period where nothing went well....................we struggled with Gwen not walking and felt as though our entire lives were spent keeping her from melting down, how there was family drama, work drama, and a cat that felt our house was a litter box (we said goodbye to Sebastian in July 2010).  I wanted to mention how one of the lowest points in my life occurred in 2010 when I took my jewelry box, with all my prized possessions, and chucked it against the wall causing both the box, some jewelry, and wall all to break.   I felt hopeless but knew something needed to change so I sought the help of a counselor who helped put things in perspective for me.

It worked to an extent but it really took me seeing a couple of my friends go through multiple tragedies in their life to realize that as bad as things seemed, they could always be worse.  My family is happy and healthy.  I have a beautiful little girl who brings me joy 99% of the time (she has her moments), I have the best husband who is an unbelievable father, I got to spend 2 weeks in Europe and a week in Mexico with Mike, I was promoted twice in 2010 and love my job, I got to spend a great week in NY with my family and enjoyed the holidays with family, I have amazing friends.................the list can go on and on.

I wish I could say that I will look back at 2010 with fond memories but the truth is it was a tough year and I am glad it is over.  I am going to take the "good" of 2010 and that is the momentum I will bring with me into 2011 to make it an amazing year.  I already know it is going to be a life changing year and I can't wait!!

Christmas Photos

Grandma & Gwen

Getting cookies ready for Santa

Pushing the stroller/baby from Santa



 

New bike from Uncle Joe

Thankful Thursday: Year End 2010

This is my final Thankful Thursday of 2010.  I thought I would list the 5 things I was thankful for in 2010.

1.  The week I got to spend with Mike in Cabo for our 5 year wedding anniversary
2.  Gwen actually walking before her 2nd birthday
3.  Spending 48 hours with Colleen in Athens
4.  Finally being a job that I love, with a company that I love, and actually being appreciated.  I got promoted twice this year.  It makes such a huge difference in life when you enjoy what you do.
5.  Watching Gwen grow into this amazing little person that can communicate and recognize people.  I know it makes it better for the grandparents too.  She has such a great little personality and is so smart. 

Wordless Wednesday

Merry Christmas

Wordless Wednesday Christmas Edition

Thankful Thursday

1.  Seeing life through the eyes of my daughter.  She makes me slow down in life and see what is really important and beautiful.........whether it be the moon out during the day or an amazing pink sky.  Most people are too busy in life and just let these small things go unnoticed.  That's is the good stuff.

2.  How much more magical the holidays are with a child.  Even Mike has gotten into the holiday spirit and got excited to decorate the house and tree.  We even slowly drive Gwen through the neighborhood to look at lights.  She always says "OOOOH Lights".  It added that little extra spark of magic to our lives this holiday season and I am looking forward to many more..............

3.  The chats my mom and I have on my way home from work.  I call her almost everyday on my way home and half the time we just laugh and gab about nothing.  It helps me unwind from my workday and lift my spirits if I am down.

4.  Cuddle time.  The past few nights Gwen has wanted to cuddle with me on the couch.  She is not a big cuddler so this is out of the ordinary.  It's not for long, but it's something!

5.  The great father that Mike is.  He is so engaged with Gwen no matter how tired he is or even if he had a bad day.  He makes her great dinners, he plays with her, and puts her to bed each night.  He doesn't do it because he feels has has to.  He does it because he wants to and truly enjoys it.  Gwen is extremely lucky to have him and I secretly hope that I am half the mother that he is a father.

Random Thoughts

Me: “Gwen whose coming next week”

Gwen: “Santa”
Me: “What’s he going to bring”
Gwen: “Presents………BIG ones”
Me: “Who told you that?”
Gwen: “Papa”

Yep, Papa got thrown under the bus for telling her that she is going to get BIG presents from Santa.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wish I had my video camera last night.  Gwen tried Jello for the first time.  She pretended to like it at first, but then she gagged with her second bite.  It was so funny that I had tears streaming down my face. 

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Last night Gwen kept singing a song about poop.  I had no idea what she was saying.  Finally I realized she was actually trying to sing the Lolly-Pop song.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When I tickle Gwen with her monkey puppet she laughs so hard and says "No Monkey No"

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When cheering for football she yells "Go BroncoFrogs"..........combining the Broncos and the Horned Frogs.

 

Wordless Wednesday: Gwen's "Tree"