IT IS, WHAT IT IS!: Closing in on 2012

Seeing as how the holidays are slowly passing us by, I wanted to take a moment to think about the new year ahead and the one that we are putting behind us. I would be lying if I said that 2011 was the best year of my life, that is not to say that there were not wonderful moments. We had a wonderful trip to London and fell in love with a city that I could see us living in without any issues. We embarked on the next chapter of our lives and became pregnant, and found that we really have never been happier in our relationship. Those first few years were challenging and beautiful in so many ways, but I really feel that Paul and I have found our groove. And I have never felt more in love and more committed than I do at this time.

And then there have been the bumps in the road that no one saw coming, or could have prepared us for. It was a shock to find out that my parents were seperating and to say it broke my heart, is the understatment of the year. I looked to my parents as the tride and true guide to a happy, long marriage and to find out that there were cracks in the foundation, tested my faith in the sanctity of marriage, even my own. But as I have come to find out, everyone has their own journey and sometimes you have to allow people to fall and make mistakes in order for there to be growth, even when you do not understand the reasoning. I can say that this year has been one of transformation for myself and those closest to me. For me, I have learned that I cannot control everything and letting go can be very freeing. Who am I to decide what is best for others, I can only do that for myself. And I have learned to be a better sister, daughter, wife and friend. It takes so little to be there for someone, yet it gives back so much in return. I would not give back the time that I have been able to spend with my sister and mom, that under different circumstances may not have been possible. I love these two women more than life, and I have learned so much about them this year and believe that we are on a good path to something wonderful.

Leaving behind 2011 and embarking on 2012 is something I have been looking forward to for some time. So many amazing things in the works for next year. Katie and Rodger are getting married. This is such a wonderful thing and I know that they make one another so very happy and I cannot wait for their big day. Mom and I are planning the shower, the bachelorette weekend is in the works and then the wedding will be here before we know it.

And then we have little Baby Madore joining us in the summer. I cannot express in words how happy I am just talking about this, such joy. I am excited and nervous and at times giddy, at the idea of having this little person that Paul and I created looking up at me and falling in love with every moment. I was a late comer to the idea of motherhood and having a little one, but I feel like I am hitting my stride. I cannot wait... For all of the wonderful moments to come!