My wishes for the new year...

As 2009 comes to a close, I am reminded of all the good (and bad) things that have occurred throughout the last year. There is much to be thankful for, but much to be forgetten. Here are my wishes for my family for the new year... the year that I'd like to think holds alot of promise.
For Me: I wish to continue to grow our family.... Ever since I was a little girl, all I wanted to be was a mom. I have a healthy, beautiful 4 year old little boy that I love more than anything, and being his mommy has been the best gift I have ever been given. I wish to grow our family this coming year. Drew and I have come a long way this past year and have grown tremendously in our marriage and I want a baby that represents the love and committment that Drew and I have together. I also wish that I continue to have strength as I try to maintain a working relationship with Matthew's Dad and step-mom. It's not easy, but I've been told that I have incredible resilience in how I handle that entire situation. I wish for that resilience to continue.
For Drew: I wish that he continues to be successful at Marquette as he FINISHES his MBA in the fall. I wish that he continues to work hard at Artisan and create a good life for us. I am greatful everyday for the gift he gives me of being able to stay home with Matthew. Our family will only benefit from his continuous hard work.
For Matthew: I wish that he continues to grow and learn as he discovers the world around him. He is so smart and has so much potential to do great things in this world as he gets older. I wish him comfort in reminding him that he is so loved by so many people.... no matter how tough it is to travel back and forth between is "2 worlds".
For my parents: I wish them peace in this new decade of great change for them. Retirement is upon them in a couple years. As is a potential move to Milwaukee. I wish them comfort in knowing that they raised me, Jake and Sara to expect nothing but what we deserve in life.... in our marriages, in our jobs, and in our lives; but that all those things take hard work, dedication and committment. As a family, we all pull through the tough times because of the values and morals they instilled upon us growing up.
For my brother, Jake: I wish him happiness in this new year. I wish him the ability to move on and to accept the things that he cannot change. I wish him the ability to recognize the great man that he is, and move forward in his life to find exactly what he is looking for.
For my sister, Sara: I wish her the patience it takes in finding the path of a career. Let her continue to set a great example for her children as she volunteers so much of her time making a difference in her community. She will only continue to do wonderful things in this world to make it a better place for all of us.
For my sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Melanie and Tony: I wish them a year of true joy as they experience the birth of their 3rd baby in June. I wish them to continue to be greatful for the wonderful children that they have been blessed with as they expand their family this year.
For my Mother and Father-in-law, Dianna and Dan: I wish them continued health and wellness in 2010. Their outlook on life has taught me to have faith and believe that there are good things ahead for us, as long as we continue to have trust in God.
For my neices (Maggie, Julia, Ella and Aurelia) & my nephew (Joe): I wish for them to truly experience all the things that make childhood and adolescence so wonderful. Those experiences will shape who they become. I wish that they continue to make our life richer and more satisfying by just being who they are. They all mean so much to me.
For all my other family members and friends: I wish that you all continue to make decisions that will truly make your life richer and more full. Live the life that you want. Don't settle for anything that you don't deserve. Create a goal, and work towards it - be proud of who you are. Love your family and friends... and know that I am greatful for each and every one of you.

Cheers to 2010! A year that holds alot of hope....

Liz

Four years ago today...

I first laid eyes on my son. Today I reminisce about all of the memories I have from that day... a day that I will always cherish. From my water breaking, dealing with the pain of labor, pushing out that beautiful boy and remembering how incredibly blessed I felt that day. December 18, 2005 was the day I became a Mommy.... the best job in the world!

This morning, I looked through all of the pictures from the day he was born. I was very emotional. I cried. I smiled. Unfortuneately this year is the 2nd year in a row where I cannot spend Matthew's actual birthday with him. We had a wonderful party last weekend with all of our friends and family in Milwaukee... so there has definatley not been a lack of celebrating. Matthew is so blessed to have so many people (and families) that love him. Today is his day... and he is spending it with his Dad and step-Mom. And although it is painful to be without him today, I have to remind myself of how blessed I am to have a beautiful, healthy, smart little 4 year old son.

Drew is taking me out to dinner tonight and we are celebrating Matthew... together.