We had lots of drama, transitions, and blessings....
In 2009 I quit writing a Christmas letter. That was the year Kim died, and even though we have many other blessings in our life, that overshadowed everything and didn't want my letter to be a downer for all who read it. Every year I think "This is the year we'll have something noteworthy." I truly thought this was the year. Again, many blessings, but also lots of heartache.
The year started out with me training for a full marathon. But, a hip injury halted that. However, I will have to brag I ran 14 miles on my treadmill. Probably the furthest I'll ever run in one spot staring at the same wall. I may not have ran my marathon, but I did run a half and a hand-full of other races. I will always love running and racing.
We made the decision to finally move onto IVF after 4 years of trying everything thing else to combat infertility. The meds weren't my favorite, but I muddled through with minimal complaining... ok, maybe not minimal but Michael and Katie took the brunt of it. We were lucky enough to conceive twins! For a couple short months we planned out how life was going to be with two babies in the house. We knew it was going to be work, but we were ready for it. Michael is incredible with babies and kids. I've always said if anyone could handle twins, it's him. Unfortunately we lost the twins at 12 weeks. I'll spare the gory details that included three ER visits and two ambulance rides. It was the worst thing I've gone through physically and ties for second emotionally. It is one of the deep scars on my heart that will never truly heal.
I try to find the upside of everything. Michael and I have never been closer. I look at him in a whole new way. He was amazing and supportive through the whole ordeal. God has tested my faith and made me stronger, though some days I don't feel strong. I look at Kincaid differently too. He's our miracle baby. We still question how he happened with little ease and no complications. And perfect on top of all that!
We had a few transitions. August brought Kincaid's last day of full-time daycare (with the exception of summer). It was sad to think of him not going to Wendi's everyday. He misses her greatly. I miss her almost as much. I credit her for so much. The bond he has with her will never fade. I am thankful for that.
Kincaid started Kindergarten! Actual 5-days-a-week, 7-hours-a-day, eating lunch, recess, music, P.E. school. He loves it! He gets on the bus at 6:50 and home by 3:35. It's slightly surreal watching him get on the bus and realizing he's independent of me all day. How did he grow up so fast? For his birthday in March he got a go-cart. Future NASCAR driver? He's a really good driver. He has good control and understanding. His favorite is when Nash brings his 4-wheeler over so they can race around our house, down the grass strip to Mary and Leon's and back. They logged a lot of hours this summer on that 1/4 mile stretch.
Michael is unemployed for the first time since I've met him. After some undesirable events at work, he quit. His ethics didn't coincide with Cargill's and splitting ways was best. It's given him the opportunity to explore some other options. It sounds likes I'm trying to sugar coat it, but I'm just avoiding blogging details. I've found out how big of a name he's made for himself in his profession. He's met with companies that don't have positions, but want to create something just to get him on their payroll. I have a new-found respect for him and love seeing him grow professionally.
I finished out my 9th year working for the Dept of Ag. Still love it. I'm thankful it changes seasonally. I get down-time now, yet the full-speed-ahead during phyto season. It can't get stale when it's constantly changing.
We took a family vacation to Kansas City. We camped for 5 days, went to Lego Land, Sea Life Aquarium, Union Station, and visited great friends. It was a much needed break. We can't wait for next year's vacation.
Our families continue to be a blessing. I don't know where we'd be without them. Though they may drive us crazy sometimes, we'd never trade them for another can of mixed nuts.
i love you. and i love this post. 2013 is going to be our best year yet! just you wait! :)
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