2012

The only thing I wanted out of 2012 was to bring home our next baby. When I thought of what I truly wanted, it was the only thing. Many people make big lists of goals and expectations, and I suppose I had some others, but this was the one thing that mattered to me. I felt a strange drive to pursue it, and an even stranger sense that it would happen. It makes no sense that it happened. I still can't believe it. But it did. She's here, and she's wonderful, and she's perfect, and she is all I ever wanted this year.

For 2013, we have a new commitment to Zinashi, to get her a little more help for what troubles her. We've already started, and in many ways things are already looking up. That really is our one big thing this year, our hopes for her. However, unlike last year, I have some other hopes and goals. I'm going to keep most of the bigger things to myself, but I'll share my own personal intentions.

1. I want to pay down a bunch of debt.

2. I want to fit back into all the beautiful clothes in my closet.

3. I want to take my family on an amazing vacation.

I went into 2012 knowing that it would be a year of hard work, and it has been. I'm really not sure what 2013 will bring. 2013 is a mystery to me, but I think it will be a good year. A hard year to start, and we will continue to work hard as we have done in 2012, but I think that at some point things will open up wide, and it will be amazing.

At least, that is my wish, my hope, my prayer. Especially for my children, and a little bit for me, too. And for Jarod, of course. In 2013, I hope to see our family bloom.

Happy New Year, kind friends. We treasure you, and we thank you for all your words, your actions, and your thoughts and prayers. We have needed you, and you have been there for us. May 2013 be your year to bloom, too.