Here we are again with another end of the year recap. Let’s jump right in, shall we?
Major Events
Building a House – At the very end of 2020, we completed paperwork to start building a new house! In the spring, we made all of our design decisions, which was a fun experience, but also incredibly overwhelming. There were so many little things that I didn’t even know people chose for their houses. For example, why are there so many different grout colours for your tiles?? LOL. Since then, we’ve watched as the wrong foundation was put in, and then removed; the right one was created; the framing began, and most recently, workers have been scaffolding the roof. We love checking in on our little property every so often to see the progress, and we cannot wait to move in at the end of the summer, if everything goes as planned!
Pregnancy #2 – If you’ve been reading the blog this year, you’ll already know we are expecting a baby boy very VERY soon. The first trimester was filled with nausea, fatigue and multiple ultrasounds to monitor a subchorionic hemorrhage; the second trimester involved pelvic rest because of a low-lying placenta; and the third trimester has been a welcome relief of perfect health. Overall, it’s been a roller coaster of emotion, but we are ready to meet our sweet boy and see how Madilynn responds to her new role as a big sister!
My Sister’s Wedding – This year, we had the opportunity to celebrate Heather’s wedding TWICE! The first celebration in May was an intimate gathering of 10, and five months later, we were finally able to gather for a larger reception. Madilynn was the cutest little flower girl, and we enjoyed hearing all the memories shared through speeches and toasts. Welcome to the family, Mitch!
Grandparent Losses – Andrew and I both lost a grandparent this year. At the beginning of June, Andrew’s Papa passed away surrounded by family at home after a short, difficult battle with cancer. The following month, my Nana passed away unexpectedly following a series of health issues. For both of us, this was our first real experience with significant familial loss, and navigating this grief during a pandemic was (and continues to be) somewhat challenging. It is difficult to find closure in limitation, but we find peace in knowing that we will see them both again some day.
Job Changes – After five years at Shopify, Andrew has made the decision to switch gears and join the team at Pinterest, following his parental leave this month. He is looking forward to having some work days in an office again, and we are both very excited for a rekindled spark of creativity in his new role.
Minor Joys
- Madilynn’s first sledding adventure through the forest.
- A fancy tray of dipped treats for Valentine’s Day.
- Visiting the local zoo with our fun little family.
- Sharing a delicious brunch platter for my birthday.
- Welcoming our new nephew on Canada Day.
- Throwing a succulent themed party for Andrew’s 30th.
- Escaping to an off-grid cabin for our sixth anniversary.
- Trying out my new paddle board at the local beach.
- Taking our annual trip to the sunflower farm.
- Bringing Madilynn to see all the fishies at Ripley’s aquarium.
- Celebrating our sweet girl’s 2nd birthday with a sprinkle-filled party.
- Going out for dinner with a friend sans kiddos.
- Welcoming my bestie’s new baby, Hazel Grace.
- Watching Madilynn enjoy fresh apples at the local orchard.
- Celebrating my sister’s bachelorette in Blue Mountain.
- Visiting a fun fall festival at the pumpkin patch with Grandma.
- Soaking in the fun of Madilynn’s first trick-or-treat.
- Enjoying lunch with coworkers at my favourite school.
- Throwing a fancy tea party to sprinkle baby boy with love.
- Baking holiday treats and making Christmas crafts with Madilynn.
- Preparing to meet our new baby boy OH SO SOON!
Many blessings to you and yours in 2022!