2007 - A Look Back

Happy New Year to all!

As we begin 2008, I like to look back to all of the many blessings we experienced during 2007. I spent the last 24 hours thinking about how grateful I am for the many events and experiences of the past year.

Of course, we are most grateful for the gift of baby Brian. We have been blessed with such a beautiful, healthy baby boy, and we are enjoying him so much. (He's even more enjoyable as he begins to sleep a bit more. He started the New Year off with a bang, sleeping straight through until 4am last night! Alleluia!)

We are so thankful for the amazing people that work at Children's Hospital, where we seemed to spend quite a bit of time during 2007. Their competence and caring helped us deal with some difficult moments.

On that note, we are incredibly grateful that Beth's ITP appears to be resolved. It's wonderful to watch her running and playing, without worrying about her platelet counts. It's nice to not worry about each and every bruise and bump. We're also so thankful for all of the family and friends that have helped us, throughout all the doctor's visits, and treks into the city for treatments. Thanks especially to Grampy for being there for us 24 hours a day during some rough patches! The girls love being with you!

We are thankful for the amazing people that Beth has come in contact with during her kindergarten year. Her teacher, Mrs. M, the staff, and especially the "big kids" (8th graders that help out the small children on a daily basis) have all contributed to a wonderful adjustment to an amazing school.

Amy also had a great 2007, and we are grateful to her teacher, Ms. Pat, for helping her to adjust to the school setting. We had some apprehension about her ability to transition to preschool, but she's surprised us all with her adjustment.

I'm very, very thankful for a two-year-old that doesn't really act like a two-year-old. Maybe those terrible two's will emerge in 2008, but so far, my laid-back baby has transitioned into a calm, fairly well-behaved toddler. Thanks, Erin!!

I'm grateful beyond description for the gift of a husband that changes diapers at 2am, gives baths every night, takes care of a gaggle of children while I'm at work on the weekends/evenings without any complaint, and plays with his children during every spare moment. As the years go by, the girls will come to realize just how remarkable their Dad really is.

I'm thankful for all of the family and friends that visit this blog on a daily or weekly basis. I'm amazed at how many visitors travel through this spot in cyberspace, and I wish you all a blessed New Year. Happy 2008!