2014 Made Me...

 2014 was a continuous string of treasured moments that flew by so quickly I'm not sure that I'll be able to remember all of it. We fit a good many milestones into 2014. It was beautiful. It was wonderful. It was epic, and it was life-altering.

  2014 made me a wife. I got to marry the most absolutely beautiful man. Anthony is seriously the most beautiful person I've ever met--outward,  and more importantly,  inward. He makes me a better person and our partnership brings out the best in me. I am so proud to be his Mrs.

  2014 made me a mama. The first half of the year was spent in preparation for our bundle of joy, and the remaining half was spent wrapped in parental bliss. This son of ours is such a blessing! He is so happy, so healthy, and so fun. I am so proud to be his Mommy.

  2014 made me a nervous wreck. I stressed more this year that in all my years on this earth combined. I have stressed about things that matter so much, and I've stressed about things that mattered not so much. In all that anxiety and worry, I learned a lesson that I hope to return to each and every day: God's got this. I remember talking with my Dad early in the year about all the stress. There were a million things on my plate at the time, and I had very little control over any of them. My Dad said something very simple and yet so profound that it didn't sound profound at all. He said, "Whatever is meant to happen will happen." At the time, I thought he was being so cavalier about it all, and I couldn't understand how he could seem to so nonchalant. But he was right, as most parents always are. Everything worked out in the best way it possibly could have. There was absolutely no point in my worry. Let go and let God.

  2014 made me an observer. I find myself observing others in their everyday lives and taking note. I watch spouses' interactions with one another, and try to learn something from it. I observe mothers with children older than mine. I try to wean as much knowledge and insight into the future as I possibly can because I am hyper-aware that mine and Anthony's choices today will shape our son's tomorrow. I can read all the books in the world and not learn as much as I could simply by observing my peers.

  2014 made me grateful. I have so much for which to be grateful; my cup runneth over.

  I hope each of you can look back on 2014 with fond memories. Whether it was the best or a wash, may 2015 be your year!