So, as a new blogger and someone who needs a reminder of just how far I've come in the past year, I give you....drumroll please....Lisa's 12 Events of Christmas/Favorite Things! These are the most memorable moments of my past year. Wooooo! In the form of a countdown! Double woooooo! In somewhat chronological order! More applause please, mwah ha ha! Okay, here we go!
12. The Friendships - Our 2nd year here in Deutschland couldn't be more different than the 1st. While year one was filled with hardships and trials for us individually and as a couple, and lots of loneliness as we struggled to find where to fit in (me especially here), year two started out with a bang, as we kindled new friendships formed at the end of last year. And our list of friendships has grown considerably over this year. Suddenly, we had a group of friends, and suddenly, we felt like we belonged here. Most notably, our Glee nights, BX lunch dates, shopping trips, and really late nights staying up chatting have made me love all of you.
11. The Play - I tapped into my love for acting and auditioned for "Cinderella" on base, landing the role of Gwendolyn the Well Wisher (aka, the fairy godmother character). It was a blast! I met some great people through the process, and really enjoyed doing children's theater. I was even nominated for a Topper Award for my performance, which are the acting awards for all the military bases in Europe. Go me!
Of course, with my love for singing and performing comes...
10. The Band (Part Uno) - Being a part of Risen really helped me out of my shell this year. It helped me become confident as a singer. And, I love my bandmates. I miss my bandmates. Good times to be had for sure!
The rock star rebelliousness caught up to me, and I infamously decided to dye my hair...
9. The Red - Bright red hair with black underneath. Oh yeah! What could be more fun? This was around the time we decided to stop trying to have a baby, and I needed a change. Bam! Change!
8. The Wine Party - What better concept is there? Everyone bring a bottle of wine (or two, three, whatever), and we all try to sample each others. This night pretty much ended with the four of us ladies drinking about 8 or 9 bottles and staying up all night talking about this and that. Plus, my friend Krissy brought her hookah, so it was a wine/hookah party. Right on! Shortly after the wine party was...
7. The Anniversary - Marshall and I celebrated 2 years of marriage this year. We went on a trip to one of our favorite cities around, Trier. Marshall started night shift right after our anniversay, but we spend the whole weekend of his going out and enjoying each other. It was kind of a 3 day event, with one day going to Trier, and the other two going out to eat, bowling, and just generally goofing off. Then, about 2 weeks later, we had...
6. The Test - The longest 3 minutes of any woman's life. Even if you have been trying to have a baby for over a year and took them pretty much monthly (until deciding to stop trying the month before). And when you go so long seeing "Not Pregnant" on a test, it's really easy to convince yourself the test is broken when after three minutes you read the word "Pregnant." Leading to the taking of other tests. Compulsively. Until, 7 tests in all, you can't deny the truth. I. Am. Pregnant. Squeals of delight!
5. The Ultrasound - Or ultrasounds, in my case. At 6 weeks, learning there really was a baby (I wasn't puking my guts out for nothing!) who had a heartbeat. She was alive! At 8 weeks, when spotting sent me into panic mode and I feared the worst for our little bean, to learn she was still alive! At 12 weeks, watching her acrobatics as she jumped and twisted and turned, all while about 3 inches long, and making me fall deeply and madly in love with her. At 18 weeks, after falling off my mom's porch steps, where we learned baby was a little girl. At 21 weeks, where we learned she was perfect and healthy. And at 31 weeks, where we got to just have fun, and I saw her hair, her nose, her chubby baby cheeks, her long legs and her ability to blow bubbles and make kissy faces as she practiced her sucking. I'm the luckiest momma in the world, that's for sure!
4. The Kick - I remember when I first felt her undeniable kicks. I'd been feeling little flutters, but very subtle. I was 17 weeks, and at my mom's house while on vacation over the summer. I was sitting in her puffy chair when WHAM! A not so subtle pop in my belly, and I knew it was her. She's such a strong little thing!
3. The Band (Part Deux) - Band #2 is in full swing, as shown in a previous post. You can go there for more info! But man, I love singing and it sure it fun to get to play rock star!
2. The Visit - My mom coming to visit earlier this month was truly a highlight of my year. Although it snowed sheets the whole time she was here and she didn't really get to see much, I'd selfishly almost rather have it that way. We got to spend our time together talking and chatting, and I didn't have to share her with anyone! We prepped for Jilly's arrival, too. Thank you Mom, for your visit and help. I love you!
1. The Family - No, this isn't an event. But in thinking about this past year, I discovered a theme: family. Our trip home to the States this summer was wonderful, as we got to spend time with our family. Cookouts, dinners, and get togethers in homes made our trip so special. Our friends here who have become our family have made us feel so blessed and supported.
But mainly, my husband and the daughter he gave me. Marshall, you are the best husband any woman could ask for. You continue to be my rock, unwavering through good and bad. You put up with my craziness, and my super hormonal craziness through the past months, and I am so happy you're mine. You're more than I deserve, and I love you. And now, I can say every day I love you more and more, as you have given me the best gift anyone could possibly give. My baby girl. Thank you. And Jillian, I cannot wait to meet you. I love you so much, and I haven't ever seen your face. But when I do, I can't wait to look into your eyes, kiss your cute baby cheek, introduce myself, and be your mother. Life isn't perfect, but right now, mine feels pretty damn close. ♥
Of course, there's been a ton of other things that pop into my head as I right this. Mainly my job, and lots of other Jillian facts and things she's done as she's grown (and caused me to do as she's grown!). But I think this list pretty much covers why my year has been so great. And this did serve it's purpose, and I feel full of cheer now as I re-read this. Merry Christmas to all of you and your families! May God bless you all through the upcoming year. I have a feeling 2011 will bring bigger and better things for all of us!
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