A New Look for a New Year

I am definitely ready to put 2007 behind me as I look towards the blessings to come of 2008. And what better way to do that than with a new blog layout? OK, so a Maui vacation or a fabulous purse may actually be a better way, but on my budget I'm going with the new blog layout. Maybe one day this year I might even learn how to may my own unique one of a kind blog layout. Just maybe.

So, what am I saying good-bye to? Lots, actually, since 2007 was pretty much full of crap. Like a 3rd failed IUI. Making the decision to move onto IVF. A natural pregnancy (actually, that part was pretty cool, while it lasted). Miscarriage and subsequent D&C. Making the decision again to move onto IVF. Becoming THAT person. You know, the one who even fails IVF. Taking on more debt that I ever could have imagined. And lastly, facing the reality of needing to go back to full time teaching.

Before I start to sound too negative there really were some good parts of 2007. I was able to work as little as I needed to in order to do what I needed to go. I did manage to GET pregnant, proving that my rusty old parts do work a little bit. We at least had the resources to try IVF. My dad continued to get stronger and learn to do a few things. We did take a couple of trips to Las Vegas, Sedona and California. We did have lots of visits from family and friends.

But what am I looking forward to in 2008? First of all, NO MORE fertility drugs, exams, tests or procedures. I can't tell you what a huge relief this is. For the first time in 2 years I'm not under the influence of fertility drugs or a slave to peeing on little sticks. And you know what? I feel good. I physically feel good. I actually feel a remarkable sense of peace. Like this is the absolute right thing to do. And while I didn't lose any weight while undergoing fertility treatments I didn't gain any either, like most people do. In fact, now I can focus on losing weight. Mostly though I'm looking forward to working our way through the adoption process. This is something that, given time, will result in a real live baby for us. And that's what we want more than anything in the world. Despite my grumblings I am actually looking forward to teaching full time again. This won't happen until August, but I may get my feet wet come spring time. And, eternal optimist that I am, I'm looking forward to my dad regaining more strength and mobility and function, and to my mom regaining her sanity and getting more help.

In the coming days I will post about some of the specifics of what I would like to do this next year. Not resolutions, merely things to do.

And in the meantime I most sincerely wish you a prosperous New Year in which all of your dreams come true.
And I'm wishing