Happy New Year

It's hard to believe another year has come and gone...2007 really had some great highlights for our family. It would be easy to call it one of my personal greatest years - college graduation after some 18 years of trying, finally conceiving not one, but two siblings for Thomas (after more than a year of trying), and, most recently, becoming a finalist in the application process for my master's degree at UCSF, a shocking and wonderful bit of news that came to me on Christmas Eve. Not sure what I'll do about it yet, but more time to ponder that later. On the family side, Thomas started his Spanish immersion kindergarten and loves it, and we had a "Summer of Fun" that was really one to remember, especially our wonderful trip to Michigan that far exceeded all of our expectations, although we also had so how much fun camping and going to Santa Cruz beach boardwalk...oh yes, and Thomas's pirate party that was such a success.

But losing Blake will keep 2007 from ever being a truly great year - it casts a shadow over everything else. It's a loss that my conscious mind won't allow me to fully absorb, only in small bits and pieces, but at night I often dream of him and they are sad, emotionally draining dreams that remind me of how terrible this loss truly is and how my life is forever changed by losing my cousin and one of the very best friends I've ever had. I miss him so much already.

2008 is off to a good start...today Emmett received a clean bill of health from his doctor, so we can relax about that - good cholesterol, reasonable blood pressure, all systems go. He seemed healthy, but it's always a great relief, especially with two babies on the way, to know that your partner, best friend and lover is strong and healthy. :-)

Happy New Year to all and may 2008 bring peace, love, and happiness

Love,
Melissa