Reflections of 2012

Wow, 2012.  

As I look back on the roller coaster of this past year, I realize what a banner year it was for us. Although we had some ups and downs, it was mostly "ups" and I tend to think we will probably never in our lives have a year that was as eventful as this one was.

When I was talking about having a second child at the beginning of the year, one of my coworkers told me that this would be a great year to have a baby. According to the Chinese Zodiac, 2012 is the Year of the Dragon. The Year of the Dragon happens every 12 years, and the Dragon is supposed to be the luckiest of all the signs.  Not only that, this year specifically was the Year of the Golden Dragon, which only happens once every 60 years.  She told me that the baby would bring us good fortune, and every time something positive happened for us this year, she would say, "See? It's that Dragon baby!"

Whether or not there is any truth to the baby bringing us good luck, I can't say for sure. But I can say that aside from Avery's hospital visit and broken arm, we have been incredibly fortunate this year, and there were many big changes for our family.

Here is a look back at our highlights of 2012:

- Found out Kristen was pregnant with a baby boy

- Avery's Uncle Aaron got married to Auntie Becky

- Kristen won the American Idol jackpot in the office pool

- Kristen won the grand prize at a Soroptimist dinner

- Josh came home the big winner from a poker night

- Avery graduated to a big girl bed

- Avery got potty trained in less than a week
- Kristen and Josh vacationed in Mexico for Auntie Jennifer's wedding

- Avery got a new little cousin, James

- Josh got a new job

- Josh graduated from UC Irvine with his MBA

- Avery started preschool

- Our offer was selected over 6 other offers on a house, and we were able to move into our new home at the end of September

- We welcomed our healthy boy Camden on October 12, on his Grandpa's birthday

When Phillip Phillips won American Idol, he performed his new song, "Home," as the confetti fell from the rafters.  At the time I was just so excited about winning the office pool, and I downloaded the music video into Avery's little video library on my phone. But later the song came to have great meaning for us, as we moved into our own permanent home and started working hard to make it a comfortable place to raise our children.  Shortly after we moved in, Avery was standing in the living room singing. 

Just know you're not alone, 

Cause I'm gonna make this place your home...

Josh said, "You have no idea what you're saying right now, but it's awesome."

In addition to being happy and healthy, we have also been LUCKY and we are so grateful for all the goodness in our lives, including being surrounded by loving and supportive people.

VIDEO: REFLECTIONS OF 2012

Cheers to 2013!