What A Difference A Year Makes

In fifteen days my daughter turns 1 year old. A year ago, I couldn’t wait to meet her and hold her. Now I wonder where that year went. She’s all but walking, she’s animated and vocal, she’s happy and playful, in daycare and about to turn one.

Some milestones this past year – some good, some sad:

My parents celebrated their fiftieth wedding anniversary.

My niece(s) graduated college.

My first book was purchased by a publisher and is now out.

My second book was purchased by the publisher for a release date in early 2013

My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer, had surgery, chemo, radiation and is now cancer free.

We lost our dog, the first dog we got when Mike and I bought our first house.

We learned we don’t like derechos - not that we knew what they were until we lived through one.

We’ve watched her lay there, sleep through the night, sit up, roll around, stand up, get teeth, and start to show her personality. [We're probably in trouble if what we see is a sign of things to come.]

We’ve been stay at home dads for a time, had a nanny and are now beginning the daycare/pre-school experience.

On her birthday, both sets of grandparents will be here to celebrate. The surrogate is coming with her aunt and cousin. It’s the first time the grandparents will meet the surrogate.

It’s hard to imagine another year with this much happening. Like I said, what a difference a year makes.