Ending:

Tavern on the Green

Me at Tavern on the Green, May 2005

My parents took me to Tavern on the Green after my NYU graduation.  I had always wanted to eat there so it was a wonderful way to cap off my graduation.  If money were no object, I would have loved to have gotten married there.  I am so, so sad that it's closing.  (Also, that's me as a size 12.  Those were the days.)

The hubby and I as "just" a couple

Next year, we'll become parents and it's no longer just us, yet I feel like we haven't even been "just us" that long.  We only met a bit over four years ago (August 2005, three months after the above picture was taken).  It seems like such a short period of time to have fallen in love, gotten married, and gotten pregnant.  I'm not questioning any of this, but just marveling at how quickly it's all gone.  This year, I've really grown an understanding of who we are as a couple; how we function as a team.  It's something I plan to hold onto and make time for as we continue this next adventure.

Beginnings:

Yes, the Force is a boy.  A BOY!  So everyone, including my grandmother, was wrong.  When the sonogram tech told us it was a boy, I said, "Really?  Seriously?  Are you sure???  I mean, I'm sure you're great at your job and I'm not really questioning you but . . ." and then she showed us The Force's goods.  And, yup, that's a boy all right.  Nooo questions there.  So there we are!  Not only will I be a mom next year; I'll be the mom of a little boy.  Awww!

I'm so, so, so excited.  I've always wanted a boy/boys.  The hubby is relieved because 1) he hated all the girls' names I liked and 2) he was convinced he'd go gray early with a daughter.  When the necklace test told us we'd have two girls, I was really disappointed because I couldn't imagine not having at least one boy.  So when the tech said, "It's a boy!" I was 1) shocked and 2) instantly ecstatic.  I might have cried a little.

Our little guy was quite active during the ultrasound.  He's breech, though, so we couldn't get a good picture of his face because his legs are up (like the picture all the way to the right).  They're not worried about the position he's in, though, because there's a lot of time left and he'll likely move all around.  As of last night, his head was on my right side and his tush was on my left side (so not "frank", which means tush towards the vagina).

image borrowed from MommyWords

We could actually see him playing with his feet!  And even when his face was clear of his feet, he had a hand up in front of his face.  Everyone (including us) keeps saying the same thing, "Oh no, he's emo."  LOL  I was like, "Have I already been listening to too much Morrissey and The Smiths?"  My brother told me to put away The Cure.  Ha.

Because of the scar tissue I have from my bypass and tummy tuck, they couldn't get all the pictures they needed and can't see the heart clearly enough, so I have to go back in three weeks for a second Level II ultrasound and I have to make an appointment for a fetal echocardiogram.  But the high-risk doctor, Dr. WorryWart we'll call him, was extremely pleased with all the sonogram pics.  He had nothing to say other than they look perfect.  That made me feel better than anything else.

Beyond our new little mister, the beginnings are unimaginable.  There's the new puppy (possibly next week), more grad classes, additional responsibilities at work.  Then there's motherhood and co-parenthood, negotiating feedings, sleeping, and baby care.  This is why we're pregnant for ten months - it's a LOT to think about.

But today I'm just thrilled to go into the new year knowing that we're having a little boy.  (Well, not really little - he's measuring a week big!)  Next up: deciding on a name!  I am going to go through the "boy names" section of the baby name book page by page!

This has been a difficult year for many people I know, so many endings: death, divorce, loss, financial difficulties, health issues... but there have also been wonderful beginnings: new pursuits, new loves, new babies, newfound happiness. 

I hope your 2010 is better than your 2009 (even if your 2009 was good). 

May the new year bring you joy and contentment.