2012 is going to be big!

Yep, we're having a baby! Due in mid-August (ignore the 15w thing in the photo. It is based on LMP which is wrong). I'm feeling really good except for some minor fatigue in the late afternoon/evening. My NP says that should be done shortly. Other than that, not much to report. I feel very lucky after reading some of the pregnancy chat boards. We have been overwhelmed by how excited everyone is for us (and underwhelmed at the lackluster response from a couple of friends. Note to them, "I'm sorry" is not an appropriate response when someone tells you they are having a baby!). We are so grateful to have such wonderful people in our lives. The baby gifts have already started arriving. While it is still early, I can't help but gush over the cute little clothes. Even B has been known to let an "awwww" sneak out when my mom buys a cute monkey outfit :)

My few-days-late 2011 recap.

1. What did you do in 2011 that you’d never done before?
Went skydiving, watched my sister become a mom, and, oh yeah, got pregnant.

2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I made a resolution a few years ago to stop making new year's resolutions. I've been fantastic at keeping up with it :)

3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Although she didn't technically give birth, my sister has a new baby.

4. Did anyone close to you die?
Yes. My great aunt Pat (my dad's last living relative besides us kids) died in January, just a couple of weeks before I had tickes to go see her. She was 102 and had a GREAT life, but it was still really sad.

5. What countries did you visit?
In terms of countries, only Mexico. We also went on vacations to Arizona and Florida, and we had a few weekend getaways to Bend sprinkled in there.

6. What would you like to have in 2012 that you lacked in 2011?
Work stability for both of us, even if that means reduced hours. Stability would make our lives so much easier.

7. What dates from 2011 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
June 4 - seeing the Grand Canyon
July 14 - the day we closed on our house
November 30 - the day of the positive pee

8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Buying a "fancy" bike and becoming a bike commuter. Okay, so I was only brave enough to do it in the summer and fall, but that's mostly due to being afraid to ride in the pitch black dark after work. OH, I almost forgot about training for the Couch to 5k and running my first 2 5k's in over a decade - plus surviving the Warrior Dash.

9. What was your biggest failure?
Not being as patient as I would like to be. Patience is a virtue that I do not always posess.

10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
Thankfully no, unless pregnancy fatigue is considered an illness.

11. What was the best thing you bought?
It's a tie between our house, our new bikes, and the new french door refrigerator.

12. Where did most of your money go?
Into retirement!

13. What did you get really excited about?
Having a house of our own again and not having to hear every.single.thing the neighbors were doing on the other side of our paper thin apartment walls.

14. What song will always remind you of 2010?
Anything Katy Perry. Her music was the soundtrack to our new running routine.

15. Compared to this time last year, are you:
– happier or sadder? about the same
– thinner or fatter? Officially thinner due to the weight-loss from starting to run, but that is likely quick to flip around with the little one in my belly.
– richer or poorer? richer. My aunt Pat generously left my sister and I some money because she didn't have any kids. We squirreled all of it away (except for our house down payment) for retirement. We're still managing to put 25% each into our retirement - all while still traveling and buying things. Our financial planner even laughed at us when we said we didn't need any of the stock income and asked if we ever did anything besides stare at each other! We go out all the time, we just don't blow huge wads of cash on things like clothes or furniture.

16. What do you wish you’d done more of?
Traveling - especially to other countries

17. What do you wish you’d done less of?
Worrying about things I can't control or change. I think I have made huge strides in that area.

18. How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas Eve my parents came over and we made them a nice dinner. Christmas Day was with my parents, sister, and BIL. We spilled the beans about the baby. They cried with joy. It was awesome.

19. What was your favorite TV program?
In our DVR (that we both watch) we have Amazing Race, Modern Family, The Office, Up All Night, Top Chef, and a random smattering of HGTV shows.

20. What were your favorite books of the year?
The Hunger Games trilogy, although I wasn't a fan of the ending. Divergent by Veronia Roth. I also enjoyed The Help.

21. What was your favorite music from this year?
Katy Perry. Yes, I dragged B to see her in concert.

22. What were your favorite films of the year?
I barely remember ever even seeing movies! I remember liking Bridesmaids a lot. I remember thinking Contagion was insanely boring.

23. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
B took me skydiving for my 30th birthday! It was a beautifully clear day and we could see all the way to Mt. Shasta. It was amazing.

24. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
More stability and peace in our work. Getting our business idea a bit further.

25. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2011?
Comfortable. My workmates would likely say cute and fashionable, but they are in their 50's and don't count!

26. What kept you sane?
B. He has been awesome at picking up my slack as I've been overcome with pregnancy exhaustion. Also, my mom. She is 100% there anytime we need her, and I never doubt how much she loves us.

27. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2011.
Stop worrying about things you can't control. Worrying isn't going to fix it, and it will just make you feel bad. Also, money isn't everything.