This was a year I was a lot of changes but there was so much more change (mostly for the good) that we weren't expecting. I found greatness in ways I wasn't expecting.
This year was a pretty difficult year, but overall it was full of so much joy and perseverance. Here are the highlights:
- January - I really started to feel back to normal and stopped having frequent migraines after figuring out what was causing them and other health issues.
- February - I almost lost my dad to a pulmonary embolism but I'm grateful for the doctor's wisdom in making sure he got the care he needed. This year would have turned out very differently if we lost him, and I'm so very grateful that he's still around, especially since he's become a Pop-pop to my little girl.
- March - We had a lot to celebrate in March
- Josh and I celebrated our first anniversary. It was pretty low key but we always have a great time with each other and somehow not want to kill each other since we both work all day in the same room.
- After 3 years of job hunting, I got hired by a software company in Ohio called Hyland. This was a change I was hoping for but wasn't expecting since I was interviewing for so long and made it to so many final interviews. I feel extremely valued, doubled my previous income to be at industry standards, and have the work-life balance I needed not only at the time but also for the future of my family.
- We found out we were expecting our little Hailey a day before I started at Hyland, which seemed like uncanny timing since I knew working at my previous job didn't provide the greatest income or work-life balance.
- April/May - We road tripped to Arizona/Utah for a houseboat trip, which was an interesting experience, especially while in my first trimester and dealing with all the symptoms.
- June - I went back to North Carolina to celebrate Esther's wedding, which was a fun time and I missed her so much. It's so fun being mommas together to our little girls.
- July - We found out that we were having a girl. she showed a strong personality that we get to see more each day now. We also got to celebrate her upcoming arrival with a baby shower that we combined it with a goodbye party since we would move to Florida a couple of weeks later.
- August - We moved to Florida for the journey to setting roots for our growing family. After this trip, I was able to mark off more states I've visited, and now I've been to 42 states.
- September - We visited Pennsylvania to visit my family and to celebrate my sister's Sweet 16 as well as little Hailey who's expected to show up a couple of months later. Little Hailey has also traveled 18 states in tandem with me.
- October - I joined a women's Bible Study and started a friendship with someone who relates pretty well with me. It had been a while since I've found a Bible Study, especially with one that challenges me. The lesson material made me feel so much more equipped to be a mom and an even better wife, daughter, sister, and friend.
- November - God made us be extra patient since Hailey decided she didn't want to show up when she was expected. Much to my disappointment and desire to have her in our arms.
- December - I feel like this entire year was a build up to Hailey's arrival. I had gone through several lessons that have given me the peace and strength I needed to give birth to her. We weren't sure if our plan to give birth at the birthing center would happen, but it did and it was one of the most empowering experience. Being able to give birth unmedicated after 44 hours of labor without sleep is the hardest thing I've physically had to endure. If I had to do it again over, I would 1000% do it.
I don't have many expectations for 2023, but I know it'll be full of learning how to be the mom Hailey needs me to be as well as opportunities to see friends and family that we don't get to see.
So with that being said, bring it on 2023!
Enjoy the highlights of this year through pictures
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