This is it—2012 as we know it, is almost over… and we’re ready. Man, oh man… talk about quite the year! It was one of new experiences, family, and personal growth. The year of pregnancy, baby, and good grief, a whole lotta baby stuff everywhere in our home. It was the year of “hey there, new and foreign world, we really like you”. A year that was good—so very good in so many ways. In 2012, we became a little family and other than the year that I married the better half of me, I can’t think of one I’ve loved more. Besides being beautiful, it was also the most challenging yet. Feels like I say that every year, but this year, I really mean it. Personally, professionally, and every other way you slice it, we were faced with challenges we were prepared for, some we weren’t, and others that had us saying “what were we thinking?”—usually occurring between the hours of 3am and 5am. Looking back at it all, I want to squeeze 2012 tightly and kiss it all over its beautiful face. Because every last bit of it—birth story included—was such a perfect gift to us. Wrapped in a sweet, cuddly, super fun, often slobbery, sometimes silly, always lovable gigantic bow and sealed with all the love in the entire universe.

My dearest 2012, you will always have such a special place in our hearts. Each day that was given to us was such a blessing and we are forever grateful to you for all that you were. As we celebrate your last day together, we anticipate the next year with open arms and can only pray that it will be half as good as you were. Thanks 2012, for a great one. We love you dearly.