In January I survived the first month of parenthood and more fully realized how much my life had changed. I learned just how LOUDLY a baby can fart. Adam started classes for his second degree {which has nothing to do with his first degree}. And we began using cloth diapers.
In February we announced our exit from Mormonism. We enjoyed a great visit with Lucy’s Uncle Jared. Then my inner mama-bear made her first appearance in the form of a rant.
In March I celebrated MS Awareness by writing educational posts and you helped me raise funds for the MS Walk. I also learned that parents will try anything to get a baby to stop crying.
In April I struggled to learn how to do my own blog design. I also had a dental adventure.
In May I celebrated my first Mother’s Day as a mama. I finally launched my new blog design {which has since been replaced}. I started taking better care of my body. And Lucy wrote her very first blog post.
In June we took Lucy on her first road trip. I finally became a permanent resident of Canada…and it SNOWED {yes, in JUNE}. I learned how to make tutus. I also let you in on my toilet cleaning secret.  I finally submitted to temptation that is Twitter.  And I came to terms with my birth dissatisfaction.
In July I had fun celebrating Canada Day and prepared for the announcement I made in August.
In August I unveiled my graphic design business. We flew to Ohio to visit my family and had a mini-adventure on the way there. And I had wonderful guest bloggers while I was on vacation.
In September I made my first {and thus far, only} video tutorial. I shared my thoughts on arguing. Adam went to court. And I had trouble getting my hair dyed purple.
In October Yeti Freddy became a part of my life. I opened up about being a bullying victim. Lucy did another blog post. And we had a great Halloween dressed as Beatles’ songs.
In November I started {but did not finish} NaNoWriMo. We found a new apartment. And I did one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.
In December my Lucy began to walk. We had a big party to celebrate her first birthday. I reflected on her first year and managed to not cry my eyes out. Lucy met Santa and was less than thrilled about it. I made two of Lucy’s uncles {Spencer and Jared} feel welcome when they came to visit and we enjoyed the holidays. I also celebrated 4 years of marriage with Adam.
And now, on the eve of 2010 I can’t help but wonder what exciting changes the year will bring. The last year has been a good one, a great one, filled with baby tears and laughter, growth, hard work, fun, new ideas and lots and lots and lots of nursing sessions. Thank you for all you’ve contributed to my blog and my life this past year. May the new year treat you as well as the last year treated me.

It’s been one year. One year since my life completely changed, for good…and for the better. It hasn’t always been easy. But it has been more than worth it. It has been the best 525,600 minutes of my life. And I look forward to the next 525,600 minutes. If you’re familiar with the song Seasons of Love from Rent I think you’ll appreciate my version of the song:

five hundred twenty-five thousand
six hundred minutes
five hundred twenty-five thousand
moments so dear
five hundred twenty-five thousand
six hundred minutes
how do you measure- measure a year?
in daylights, in sunsets
in midnights, in dirty diapers
in inches, in miles
in laughter, in strife
in- five hundred twenty-five thousand
six hundred minutes
how do you measure
a year in the life?
how about love?
how about love?
how about love?
measure in love
seasons of love
seasons of love
five hundred twenty-five thousand
six hundred minutes
five hundred twenty-five thousand
tantrums to calm
five hundred twenty-five thousand
six hundred minutes
how do you measure the life
of a daughter or a mom?
in that first story book
or in times that she cried
in the first steps she took
that filled you with pride
it's time now- to sing out
it's Lucy's first birthday
lets celebrate
remember the year and shout "hooray!"
remember the love
remember the love
remember the love
measure in love
measure, measure your life in love
seasons of love...
seasons of love

Truly my year has been one season of love after another. And there’s no way to measure or contain all the love and joy I have found.
Happy birthday Lucy. I love you.
Love, Mama