1) I did manage to complete NaNoWriMo in November and went over the 50,000 word count by 100 words or so. I was very proud of myself for sticking with it, even on those days and nights when I just didn't feel like writing. I'm not entirely in love with my "novel", but it has potential, and there are some specific passages of which I'm very proud. Unfortunately, I took a break from it during all of December because of the holidays, and I've not touched it since November. I have an idea for a new story that I'm thinking about starting, and maybe one day, I'll go back and edit/rewrite my NaNoWriMo novel. I'm just proud of myself for doing something I've always wanted to do.
2) Christmas came and went. It felt kind of low-key, last year. We didn't get our tree up until mid-way through December, I think. I did have fun taking V around to the various neighborhoods in our area to look at Christmas lights. We got to spend Christmas Day at home because of B's call schedule, which was very nice. And, the stomach flu passed us all by, this time around! That was the best part! I was a little nervous when we ended up hosting the Cook Christmas at our house due to B's work schedule and other scheduling conflicts, but we were all pleased at how it worked out, and I think I'd be happy to do it again. My favorite present came from my husband--a brand new camera! It's wonderful, and I love capturing life's little moments with it.
3) Last August or so, B and I officially decided we were going to try to get pregnant. Well, late-January or so, after several months of trying, I finally took a home test that came back positive! I was excited and nervous and all of those other feelings that come along with finding out such news. My first ultrasound was done at about seven weeks, so the fetus was just a tiny little peanut on the screen. My son didn't know what to think of it, and I don't think he still does! We talk about it now and then, and I try to read books to him about families and having new babies, but I don't think it will be a real experience for him until the baby comes in late September. The due date is September 24. We're going to try a VBAC (vaginal birth after Cesarian) this time, if the stars are aligned and everything stays positive with the pregnancy (no breech positioning, no major problems arise, etc.). The idea sort of frightens me, since I never labored with V because he was breech and wouldn't turn for us. It'll be a whole new experience. Of course, I want to try it, but if something happens before then, I'm not opposed to just scheduling the C-section and having another healthy, safe delivery for both me and the baby. B and I have decided we're not going to find out the gender, just like we did with V. We have a few names picked out, although I'm still not sure if I like the boy's name upon which we've decided. It'll have to grow on me. In the mean time, I've had a dream about giving birth to a little girl, and in a way, I'm hoping the dream comes true. It really doesn't matter what the baby is, as long as it's healthy, but since I have a son already, it would be nice to have a daughter to even things out. :)
4) V and I have stayed active with our local mom's group. The group has really grown, and now that I'm a co-organizer, I've found something else that has helped give me a feeling of purpose and fulfillment, besides being a stay-at-home-mom and supportive wife. The moms in the group are great, and I feel like I've made a lot of friends. Not only does my son get a chance to meet and play with other kids, I get some support from other women who know what it's like to be a mom in today's society. It has been a great resource for me, and I've learned my way around our "new" hometown quickly. I've also learned about all the great opportunities for kids (and moms) in the area, which has really enriched our lives. I don't know where I would be at right now if it weren't for my mom's group.
5) B and I continue to meet our board gaming group every Wednesday when we're available and it's convenient for me and V to be there. It's another great outlet for me. I really enjoy spending time with everyone in the group, and although I haven't been able to participate as much as I'd like, it's still a fun way to get out and enjoy being an adult (sort of). B's started his D&D campaign back up, although it's been difficult with schedule conflicts. We've also added some new members, which really made the last session very lively and fun! I look forward to these times with my friends.
6) Despite my pregnancy, we've decided to go back to Charleston, SC, with B's family in July, and we're going to attend Gen Con in early August. These are things I can look forward to for months, and they are just a couple of the chances I get to spend real quality time with my husband. I've explored a couple of the state parks with my mom's group, also, and I hope to get B out to some of them when the weather cooperates because we really live in such a beautiful area of the state. There's so much to see and do here!
7) We've signed V up for preschool in the fall. He'll start at the beginning of September and will be going two days a week in the afternoon. He's really ready for school, and I think it'll be good for both of us to be separated for a bit each week, especially after the baby is born. He's really grown up so much in the last several months, and I'm so surprised that my first baby isn't a baby anymore. I can't believe he'll be four years old in August! The time has really flown by. We've had some very trying times, especially during my first trimester of this pregnancy when we were both sick with various GI bugs, and he decided it would be a good time to start exerting his independence more. However, he still remains my sweet little boy, and I love him dearly.
I think that's all there is to say, for now. I'm hoping to be better at acknowledging this blog, more. Twitter and Facebook seem to be my way of expressing myself, nowadays, but it's nice to have a place to go where I can get my thoughts down in a longer form.
