Recap

As this year draws to a close, I can't help but think of the year we have had.
Some ups, and some downs. If you ask Facebook, my "Year in Review" consisted of pneumonias, hospital friend meet-ups, and a surgery. I know that it is based on most views, likes, and comments - and I am very thankful for all of the support from each of you.

However important those things were in shaping us, that is not what I want to remember.

I want to remember:

Mornings with my young chap

Dance Marathon to raise funds for
University of MN Children's Hospital

Weekends with a view

Date nights with my One & Only

Celebrating the first signs of spring.

A trip to the Ballet with our dear friends.
(Thank you again HopeKids)

Trips to North Dakota

Fun outside in the spring

Endless smiles from this guy.

Learning all the big-boy stuff

Potty training attempts

Family time

This face!

Kisses and dates with our Erin

His expressions - my stars, they are endless!

First trip to the state fair for Gavin & I

Kisses for great-grandma

Our sweet little Drake baby - Gavin is in LOVE with his little cousin!

Second birthday for our little cowboy

An amazing Christmas...

and my family who were a part of my favorite Christmas to date!

Home

Oh home, let me go home! Home is wherever I'm with you.
-Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

I will be the first to admit that I surprise myself... a lot. Most recently (or over the past 5 years of being married at least), I have fallen in love with Lord of the Rings, and now The Hobbit. Never in a million years would I have thought I would love such a "nerdy" movie, but last night after watching the final Hobbit - I was hit with a word HOME.

You see, at the end of the day - when the dust settles and the sun sets, all I want is home. I want to be home with my two men. I want to have the comforts of my home. The warmth that it brings to my heart could fuel a thousand fires.

Home is a safe place. It is no surprise that your goal in baseball is to get to "home base". Soon we will be setting out to my parent's home in North Dakota. We will be spending this Christmas season with a house full of love! Doesn't get much better than that does it?

Home - isn't it so much more than a place? It is not the building I love so much, it is the people who fill it with life that I am captivated by.

I pray this Christmas that you find peace, and that your home - wherever it may be - is filled with love.

{Editor's note - forgot to hit "publish"...}

Two years' time

Hard to believe that two years ago, we were being transported from MG hospital to the U of MN hospital to prepare for Gavin's arrival. We didn't expect that he would be born that day, but God had other plans.

First time holding my guy.

Gavin Lee was born at 4:38pm at a different location than planned.
He was 4lbs 8 oz with the strength of any full-sized super hero.
Our little man was 18 1/2 inches long, with the sweetest fingers and toes
His body had many complications, as you all know. If you don't - just go back in time and read some of my previous blogs.
His little life, however "complex" it was (is), has changed who I am in a mighty way.

Gavin, my boy, you are the sweetest, most lovable, caring little guy I have ever had the privilege of knowing! And you are ours! How did God know we needed you?

I need your smile in a big way most days.

I crave your hugs when I am away.

Your little voice warms my soul, in a place I never knew was in need of warmth.

The way you notice so many things in your life, brings new perspective into mine.

The way you sleep just like me, all curled up in a ball.

Oh how you love to he "kickled", on your hands, feet, and head. And when the tickling stops, and you are drifting off to sleep, you whisper "more...kickle".

This next year is sure to be an adventure. 

As your mama, I tend to look back on where we have come from, more and more. My promise to you is to let this next year not be focused as much on your past, but to focus on the present moments - and live each day without any regrets.

Your life had made a huge impact on mine, and I can't wait to see how the Lord will use you. I am just privilaged to get a inside look at your life.

Happy two years little man!