The Daily Hailey

It was a big year, filled with tons of blessings and challenges. I figured it would be an appropriate time to recap the year. Probably should have started the post before 11:58 on December 31st, but what can you do? Here goes, in chronological order.

We found out we were pregnant! It felt like it had been a long time coming, and it was a fabulous surprise to find out we finally had success, first thing in the new year. What a relief!

Then the flood. Sigh. We could have done without this whole ordeal. I have on good authority from people who have lived in my town for 60+ years that they have never seen water like what we got. Our house was in the worst possible position in the entire town, completely surrounded, and not one drop of water weaselled its way into our basement. We had incredible backup and support, appeared on the news three times, and met a lot of new people. It was a whirlwind, and I felt incredibly helpless, but I learned a lot about relying on God, and on others when I had limitations. I’m glad we experienced it, but I’m glad its over.

Dekker got glasses. In May, Dekker spent one weekend with a cold, cutting molars like it was going out of style. He was exhausted and sick. His immune system took a big hit, and sadly, it all proved to be a bit much for this little guy. His eyes crossed one night and never went back. We spent a few busy weeks going to eye appointments, doctors appointments, meeting specialists, and getting glasses. It was a HUGE adjustment. For one day. One big ugly day where Dekker pulled his glasses off every ten seconds. One. Those glasses have remained perched on that perfect little nose every since, completely untouched.

We had our baby girl, Miss Laela Hazel. That was quite an experience – one I think I’ll remember for the rest of my life and then some. In only one hour, I was the most scared I have ever been, in the most pain I had ever felt, and the most relieved I had ever been. I was certainly pushed to do something that I never thought I could do, and while I wouldn’t choose that particular method of delivery again, I am completely thrilled with the outcome, aka the daughter I gained. She is a true gem.

Those are really the big ones from 2013. As I’m writing this, it is actually now 12:15am, and Laela is awake, trying to eat and breathe past the miserable cold that exhibited itself only today. I’m glad she’s awake for the moment, to drink celebratory milk with us, and bring in the new year together. Dekker will get his chance another year, I suppose.

The last thing I want to write before I call it a night is that, this month, you guys brought my blog up to 30,000 hits!!! I never would have thought it would become what it is. Even though its nothing crazy spectacular, and I am confident I haven’t generated any readers that aren’t already people I know, I’m still happy to have all of you in my life. Your reading and consistent interest in our lives is motivation for me to keep writing, and I appreciate it greatly. Thanks for all you do!!

2014, bring it on!!! *lifts glass of milk and Baileys* Cheers.