A very belated new years...looking back at 2014

Hi everyone,

as you know I am not a frequent blogger, nor do I plan on being one anytime soon. I will however try to post a few times a month if I can get around to it.

The past few years have been a whirlwind of life changing events, some for the better, and some for the worst. 2014 is definitely one of my most memorable years.

I never knew what love was till I first held the bundle of joy handed over to me on May 5, at 5:45, a healthy, robust, little girl with lots of black hair, tanned skin, and beaming blue eyes. I remember crying with her when the nurses placed her on my chest (in the operating room). It was as if we were being reunited.

I had a very strange and somewhat stressful pregnancy, not telling anyone until the last minute out of fear of judgement. Looking back I wish I hadn't been so hard on myself and everyone around me. Most people (including the ones I thought would never speak to me again) were extremely supportive and happy for me. I began feeling small movements soon after I found out I was pregnant, and then the kicking started in January. Sometimes I would forget I was pregnant altogether and lie down on my stomach and Faith would kick from the inside, as if to say "Hey...don't forget about me...Get off of me!"

Sometimes when I would listen to music I swear she would dance along because my stomach would be moving in time to the beat of the music.

I ended up leaving my part time job at Tim Horton's in March because my feet were starting to get swollen, although I missed the donuts and chili.  Overall my experience from Tim Horton's (short lived as it was) was pretty good, and I particularly liked working at the sister Tim Horton's down town and getting to chat with customers.

I actually stayed pretty active during my pregnancy, going to the gym and using the cross trainer a few times a week, and going for power walks through the neighborhoods, which definitely helped in the long run. The last month of my pregnancy however, was painful because the way my daughter was positioned in my stomach was so that her legs were almost straight up into my ribs. I had figured I would give birth some time in April but it ended up being early May.

In the midst of being pregnant I STILL managed to finish most of my schooling (except for the practicum) as well as work part time (until the 7th month) which I am very proud of myself for managing to do. One difficult thing was not being able to take my anti-depressants. I kept very focused, busy and managed to do fine without them. I wish I had been more social with my peers (going off my medication hampers that) but I am sure they understand given the stress I was under.

Since Faith was born in the spring, I was able to take her out on walks, and also took her to the Blind Bay Centennial, the shuswap boat show, the fall fair (later in the summer), the Carlin festival, the market, Haney House, as well as an amazing Halloween party at the Movie theater, a few awesome Christmas parties (she was a super popular baby) and an amazing trip to Vancouver with her grandparents.

I can't believe that in just a few months Faith will officially be a year old! Where did time go?! One thing is for sure the next year will be very exciting with toddler hood ahead!