Tonight, we kiss 2015 goodbye.
So here I am reflecting, remembering and being reminded. Reflecting on a year that was so good to our family. Remebering the good times, the tough times and being reminded that with every hardship comes joy - eventually. Those reminders bring me to a happy place today while reflecting, and I can assure you that while photos and written memories on this little space of mine may portray a perfect life and perfect family, there are times in between that aren't always as joyous.
Residency life, life with 3 little ones 3 and under, and plain ol' every day life in general isn't always easy. There are definitely tears shed on this journey, but without a doubt, staying optimistic throughout the rough times keeps me going. I thrive on celebrating the little things and reflecting on the great things. I remember the good times and bottle them up, and kiss the rough times goodbye (like intern year - big kisses goodbye to that!)
For me, life is all about celebrating. Big or little milestones, family life, birthdays, end of 12 hour shifts (that turn into 15 hour shifts) celebrations - yes that is something to celebrate - vacations, and all the little things in between. Today is a happy day as I remember all that 2015 has brought to our family!
Let's reminisce, shall we?
A sweet little 3 month old and an energetic, awesome newly 2 year old.
We celebrated the little holidays, even while Daddy worked many of them. We may get sad when we don't get to spend those days together and especially when checking Facebook -- Don't. Check. Facebook. (on holidays when you know you will feel jealous of the families celebrating Father's Day, Mother's Day, Anniversaries, etc. - the number one rule from older resident wives/moms). It's easy to get let down during those times, but when reflecting on days like today, I remember life is good. And all the times we do get to spend together in between totally make up for it. It's just hard to remember on those days!
We got to visit Mickey a few times this year - which excites all of us, big and small!
And then, upon walking out the door to celebrate an amazing wedding weekend of our good friends, we found out we were expecting baby number three! Talk about a crazy, exhilarating feeling!
We celebrated a few weddings this year - The Daugherty's in April!
And the Oguins in May! (In the Keys - woohoo!)
We swam the summer away. And our big girl E, at 2 years old, learned to fully swim on her own!
We celebrated 4 years of marriage and 13 years of dating. And while we didn't get to see each other on our anniversary while hubby worked a 28 hour shift, it just meant lots of time to reminisce, reflect and be grateful for the marriage we have. I am thankful every single day for our marriage.
We celebrated 4th of July with family and E's cousins who she has a blast with every single time. Daddy was working - broken record?! Ha - but he had off for Thanksgiving and Christmas so we were certainly lucky ducks to have him for those holidays!
We had the most amazing family vacation in Mexico following J's crazy summer months filled with Trauma, MICU, and Resus. We loved and took advantage of every single moment of that trip! Intern year came to an end and for that, we celebrated big!
And then, E started pre-school! Big deal around here :)
And, and, then..A turned ONE!! And of course, we celebrated big for that too.
We took a few day trips to St. Augustine, where E loves that "old fort" and runs free with excitement!
We celebrated Halloween as a little Frozen crew.
E turned three and we celebrated at Disney, followed by a princess tea party with little friends!
We enjoyed fall, Thanksgiving, the holiday season, and decorated for Christmas as a family of four.
And then big, huge news! We welcomed our little boy. Baby Brother S made his debut on December 15, 2015, bringing SO. MUCH. JOY. to our lives and our family!!!
We then celebrated the Christmas holiday, with our THREE children, as a new family of five!
Christmas 2015 - Florida style.
And now, here I am, spending New Year's week and New Year's Eve with our kiddies while hubby has been working 12's - with little to complain about and lots to be thankful for! Look at these faces - I am the lucky one making memories with this crew.
Tonight, I get to ring in the New Year with my hubby (providing he is not stuck at work 5 hours late, which could be a total possibility haha), but either way, it's a happy New Year's Eve indeed.
Today, I wish you lots of happy reminiscing and reflecting.
Today, I hope you celebrate and feel all the goodness that life has to offer, despite your hardships.
Today, I hope you remember that life is good. You woke up today, which is your greatest gift, and you're able to celebrate something!
Happy celebrations and Happy New Year!
Wishing you and your loved ones lots of good health and happiness!
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Note to self: If ever feeling discouraged, look back at this post! There is so much joy and love to celebrate every single day.