2024

2024. I didn't see you coming at all. This has been the wildest year. Hard, frustrating, discouraging, exciting, and hopeful. It's been a year of growth.

At the beginning of the year Marty and I had been hoping to get pregnant for a few months and it wasn't panning out as expected. I figured I'd be pregnant within the first few months of the new year, but nope. God had other plans.

I was called as YW President in January (a shock to everyone including me!) and that consumed a lot of my time and energy throughout the year. It's been a rewarding experience. 

I started weight training for the first time in my life and discovered that I really loved it. Last December, HR closed their rec center childcare and I was crushed because that meant I could no longer go to their daytime classes. I thought nothing could compare to those classes. But I was so wrong. I have loved the cardio/weight training at Chuze and have loved going to classes with my friends several days each week!

I made new friends and strengthened my friendship with the friends I already had. I was also able to deepen friendships with family members.

I developed a healthy routine of daily prayer and scripture study. My faith in God and Jesus Christ has been strengthened.

Marty and I traveled together. It was special going to France to celebrate our anniversary!

Marty and I started navigating infertility. I shed many tears, felt a depth of emotions that I've never experienced before, and accepted that our family was going to look different than I had hoped.

Marty got his CFA (earned his CFA?) and aced the GMAT. He also won the award for the best toddler-girl dad. He's such a natural dad.

Emi started talking like crazy. She has developed a personality that's fun, a little bit sassy, and assertive. She learned how to use the "big girl potty." 

Now for the craziest ending of the year....

December 5: Found out that Marty got waitlisted at Chicago. It was a big bummer. 

December 10: Marty got nose surgery to help with his continual congestion. 

December 11: We learned that Marty got into Columbia! Shaeffer's take on NYC 2025!

December 16: Found out we were expecting Baby #2!

December 17: Marty received a partial scholarship to Columbia! (cue Hamilton "My Shot")

God is good. In less than a week time frame so many of our prayers were answered. It's been the most amazing ending to a hard year. This year has been a learning experience for me to trust in God's timing. The best is yet to come!