Wednesday, December 31, 2008

A Fond Farewell


2008 is about to become history. As of tomorrow, everyone will refer to it as "last year" and it will officially become the past.

I have always been one to reflect on the past and look ahead into the future-it's a challenge for me to take advantage of the present. But 2008 has really taught me to live in the moment and that is the greatest lesson I will take forward with me into this new year.

As most of you are probably doing, I want to make note of some memorable moments from this past year. I don't intend to categorize them as positives and negatives, because each thing that took place in my life this year, got me to this moment and will carry me forward.
  • We started off the year with reconnecting through couples counseling
  • We put hope into Chilly and Willy during our FET cycle
  • I was able to connect to more wonderful people by blogging for REDBOOK Infertility Diaries
  • I submitted my first entry to the International Infertility Film Festival
  • We made the decision to try IVF for the 2nd time
  • Braces Bunch added a 2nd generation of bloggers
  • I celebrated a year of blogging and 100 posts
  • We put hope into Harry, Ron and Hermione during IVF #2
  • We were overcome with joy and hope when we found out IVF # 2 had worked--and Ron was officially in the Uterus of Gryffindor
  • I learned to sit still with God and treasure each day as I spent 9 weeks on bed rest
  • We learned that Ron was truly a Ron!
  • We reached many personal goals: 13 weeks, 20 weeks, 24 weeks, and it continues...
  • I stayed connected with and met new bloggers: all of you inside my computer are a treasured friend, and I am so thankful for the continued support given in this community
Last year, Mook and I knew what each other was thinking and wishing as the clock struck midnight-and I remember wishing so many things for all of my blog buddies as well. Not much will change tonight when the new year comes in-our thoughts will be with the precious gift we have been given, and many good thoughts will be going out across the miles. I truly love calling out each bloggers name in my head and sending a special thought...

I've been a bit quiet as the year has come to an end...mostly because I got to spend 5 wonderful days with Mook being home for the holidays. With his work schedule, we don't get a lot of time together during this time of year, but it meant a lot that he was able to take some time off-he knew how hard it was for me that we couldn't be with my family this year. Thank you to each of you who sent little reminders that you'd be thinking of us on Christmas--we sent those warm thoughts right back! (I'm still enjoying the yummy fudge that Delenn suggested we make--her Grammie's fudge is truly delicioso!)

The other not-so-happy reason is I was back in the hospital on the 28th. For most of the day, I had quite a few BH contractions, and as the night settled in I experienced shortness of breath and shooting pains on the lower part of my stomach. I tried to remain calm--there was no bleeding, so I called the triage nurse, but after a review of my symptoms along with the previa, she told me to go in ASAP.

Thank goodness the pattern continues: Ron's doing well, my body just wants to pitch a fit. They did catch quite a few contractions on the monitor, and since the pain continued they decided to do an u/s. I was in so much pain, I didn't really get a good look at the monitor--but Mook said little man was doing well. He is breech, but that doesn't mean much in our case--but Im wondering if his little feet were pressing on a nerve. The best news was that my cervix was fine-frustrating news is that they aren't really sure what caused the episode. I hated that I couldnt wait to just be seen by my doctor (which was yesterday) but I'm thankful for good health care!

The appt yesterday: I have been given procardia that I need to take if Im having more than 3 BH in a short span (20 min or so) and it looks like bed rest is in the very near future. I will still go back next week for my weekly check in, and then on the 12th he will do another u/s and we will most likely have a c-section date after that appointment. So I continue to be thankful for the constant reminder that Ron is OK (I dont know when this kid sleeps!) and just pray that I can keep him "cooking" as long as possible!

So as 2009 approaches, I do bid a "fond" farewell to 2008: it brought us many blessings and in the midst of the hard times I grew in faith and had the best friendships in the world to fall back on in this community.

May 2009 be mighty fine!

44 comments:

  1. I am so looking forward to 2009 and meeting Ron! That will be so cool. You are such a great support and I value our friendship. Perhaps 2009 will be the year Lemy and Ron meet? Not to mention their mommies? I mean, we only live in the same state and all! :)

    Seriously, I wish you and Mook and Ron a wonderful New Year! Lots of HUGS!!!

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  2. May 2009 be your best year yet. Happy New year!

    P.S. For me this last pregnancy, contractions went from annoying BH to nonproductive real ones to productive real ones. But it took nearly 5 weeks. And then mag, antibiotics, and steroids somehow added up to nearly 3 more weeks. May you be no worse off than that.

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  3. I got worried reading you returned to the hospital, but now feel much better knowing all is still okay.

    Please know that while you think of others tonight, you, too, will be thought of in return:-)

    Happy New Year, JJ.

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  4. Happy New Year JJ! 2009 is going to be a great one!

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  5. Happy 2009 to you! Prayers for Ron's continued baking! Hard to believe we get to meet these little boys in just a few short weeks. *hugs*

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  6. Happy New Year JJ, looking forward to meeting Ron in a couple of months!

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  7. Happy New Year, JJ! I wish all the best for you and Mook (and Ron)!

    I cannot wait to meet him!

    Take Care--see you on the flip side!

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  8. Wishing you and Mook and Ron nothing but bliss in 2009!

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  9. Wishing you, Ron, and Mook a peaceful new year ~hugs~

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  10. Sending you lots of "No more BH" vibes.

    2009 is going to blow your doors off the hinges

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  11. I will pray that Ron continues to hang out where he is. :) Happy New Year!

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  12. Oh, JJ, I was just thinking today that you had been quite and was going to send you an e-mail if you hadn't posted. I was glad to see that you had and I am glad you are home and things are well with you and the baby.

    Wishing you a fantastic 2009! I can't wait for Baby M and Ron to meet this year.

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  13. Wishing you all the best for 2009. So glad I "met" you in 2008--Thanks for giving me hope. :-)

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  14. Happy New Year to you and Mook and Ron!!

    Still praying that Ron stays put for a wee while longer. Can't wait to meet him!

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  15. 2009 is going to be a great year for you. Like everyone else, I'm looking forward to Ron's arrival, although I hope it's not for a while. Happy New Year!

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  16. Happy New Year! I hope the remainder of your pregnancy is relatively uneventful and Ron takes his time making his grand entrance.

    No question about it, you are in for an amazing year!

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  17. Happy New Year to you. I'm sorry you had to spend some additional time in the hospital. Hopefully all moves along relatively calmly until Ron's arrival in several more weeks.

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  18. Happy New Year Honey! I think 2009 is going to be an incredible year. Keep cooking Ron and taking care of yourself! xoxo

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  19. Happy New Year, my sweet friend. I'm so glad that I met you this year! Tell Ron to stay put so he can wait and come and play when Amelia does!

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  20. Happy New Year! I can't wait to cybermeet baby 'Ron'!

    Blessings to you, JJ!

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  21. Happy 2009! May all your dreams come true!

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  22. Happy New Year! It's good to hear that all is still well with Ron, and I'm hoping he stays put for several more weeks!

    jp

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  23. Happy New Year! I'm glad that everything is going well, and so excited for your 2009.

    Take care!
    Betsy

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  24. Happy New Year! 2009 is going to an exciting year. Sorry you had such a bad day in the hospital but, I am glad that all is okay. I am keeping you, mook and ron in my prayers.

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  25. I am looking forward to watching the joys of 2009 unfold for you, JJ!

    I hope the rest of your pregnancy is uneventful from a medical standpoint.

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  26. Scary way to end the year, but I am so happy to hear that you are OK. Sometimes I wonder if they do things like that just to remind us that they are in there... as if we can possibly forget with all the kicking and punching and the obvious daily elation that we are still pregnant! You've done a great job so far keeping him safe and I have no doubt that you will continue to do the same in his last weeks sharing space with you. Good luck and keep us posted.
    Happy New Year!

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  27. Here's to 2009! Cannot wait to "meet" Ron!!!

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  28. Happy New Year, JJ! May it be a wonderful year filled with the best memories for you!
    I'm glad Ron is still doing well - won't be long now!

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  29. Your body may be pitching a fit, but it is definitely resilient. I truly admire your positive outlook on things, and I can't wait to see your positive nature carry out with little Ron. Happy, happy new year to you JJ, and may 2009 be more than you could ever ask for.

    :)

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  30. yea! we are all so close to meeting the ronster. so very excting and a well earned conclusion to a long journey....

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  31. Hope you have a Happy New Year. Sorry to hear that you had to go to the hospital, but I think it's better that you went than waiting. The worry is just not worth it.

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  32. I've found a song you need to sing... "Beautiful Life" by Fisher. It would sound amazing by you!

    Happy 2009!! xoxo

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  33. Happy New Year, JJ! I can't wait to meet Ron, but I'm hoping the wait won't be too short so that Ron can keep cooking for awhile.

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  34. High hopes for you, Mook, and Ron in 2009!

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  35. Happy New Year to you, Mook and, of course, Ron!

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  36. I am so glad everything is ok, what a scary end to they year for you. I am keeping you and Ron in my prayers, I know it will work out just fine. Praise God for this amazing little miracle entering your life in 2009. It is "the year" of fabulous babies, if I do say so myself.
    *hugs*

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  37. I'm still just so happy for you guys! I pray that 2009 is the very best year of your life thus far! 2009 will be the first year since 2001 that I haven't either been trying to get pregnant the old fashioned way, dealing with IF treatments, or actually pregnant....I'm just going to be a regular person again...and I can't wait!

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  38. Happy New Year JJ! I, too, am wishing for 2009 to be the best for you.

    Re: your post about a diaper bag. Ohhhh sister. I hear you. I think I bought (and returned) about five diaper bags before I just bought a HUGE purse. I put everything - in organizer bags - in it. Sometimes it sucks trying to find my cell when it is ringing and I am driving but carrying only one bag (that doesn't scream "baby") is wonderful.

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  39. A fabulous 2009 to you! I hope (and suspect) it will be a wonderful year.

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  40. A great summation of the year! I feel like we've been with you the whole way. It is a time to reflect on the changes that come and shape our lives each year. Here's hoping that 2009 is the greatest year for you and Mook! CHEERS!!

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  41. Happy 2009! I can't wait to help you welcome Ron into the world!

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  42. Hey there. I've been horrible at reading and commenting lately, but wanted to check in and bid you a wonderful 2009! Sounds like Ron is doing great. Hopefully you'll be able to hold out and keep him cooking longer. I was on Procardia for 2 months. I'm not sure if it actually did anything, but I never did go into labor on it.

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