What an amazing year! Like every other year, there were ups and downs. Really, really high "ups" and really, really low "downs".
2012 started on JANUARY first with this picture I posted to Facebook with the caption "5 champagnes and 1 apple juice!" We were so excited and nervous to announce we were expecting another baby! In FEBRUARY, I had the cerclage procedure to keep baby in safely. A few complications afterwards and a lot of days of "taking it easy" for the remainder of the pregnancy.
In MARCH, we announced on my birthday that we were expecting another little boy!
In APRIL, Josey turned 4 years-old!
In MAY, our world was turned upside down when Mom was diagnosed with breast cancer. This picture is from the night she found out. All five of us girls sat at Mom and Dad's house for hours that night trying to wrap our heads around the news.
In JUNE, Mom had her lump removed and prepared to start chemo. I took it incredibly easy and prayed for Gavin to stay put as long as possible. We had baby showers, wedding showers, and awesome birthday parties!
Mike and I celebrated our 10th wedding anniversary on June 29th!!
In JULY, Josey finally got his baby brother! Our family was blessed with a tiny little miracle baby. Gavin Michael Smith came screaming into the world on July 25 and has blessed our family beyond words. Thank you Lord for this child.
In AUGUST, our family gained another new member when Erin married Tommy Reed! Such an amazing day and beginning to a wonderful life for two people we love so dearly!
In SEPTEMBER, I went back to work and Josey started going to full-time preschool at Salem Lutheran. Gavin started going to daycare. I can honestly say I barely remember the month of September at all. Insanely busy! Being back in the classroom after 18 weeks off and being a Mommy of two took a while to get the hang of :)
In OCTOBER, we walked as a family in support of Mom and all women who have or will ever fight breast cancer. What an awesome day that was!
Of course we also celebrated Halloween with the two most adorable garden gnomes you've ever seen!
In NOVEMBER, we gathered together to give thanks for all we have been blessed with this year. Our family is thankful for those blessings both big and small.
In DECEMBER, we celebrated Jesus' birthday with the two most adorable boys in the world.
As we look forward to 2013, I am excited for what the future holds. I can't wait to see what adventures our family will have this year. I am excited to see Josey turn 5 years old and for he and Tielyr to start kindergarten. To watch Gavin grow, learn, and develop each day. To hear new songs from Mike's band and hopefully see them perform! To watch as my Mom finishes radiation and regains her strength. To enjoy all the ways are family is certain to be blessed this year. And to simply live in the moment...enjoying each day to the fullest.
Happy New Year and may God Bless all our family and friends!
