Farewell 2009

Well this year is just about over and it has been a complete roller coaster for me.

It started out with my daughter husband and I being homeless for all of January. But we were lucky enough to have amazing friends and family who let us stay with them. Dan with Dave, Bonnie, Missy and Emma at the Sub (the Sub is the nickname for their house) and Titania and I stayed with my parents. It was hard but we made it through and many thanks go to Bonnie for all her help in finding us our apartment. I'm not sure what we would have done without them.

In the next few months I was forced to deal with PPD and went into therapy. Titania took her first play ride to Sarasota, Florida for my cousin Michaels wedding. It was beautiful and I had a blast being seeing my extended family again.

My parents finally realized their their dream and moved permanently to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I miss them terribly but was happy that they finally got to move down south like they always wanted, and thanks to Skype we can still see each other, (granted my webcam doesn't act up).

In June my grandfather passed away, and I feel honored to know that I was there with him at the end. I held his hand for 8 hours, I read to him and sang to him and let him know how much our family loves and respects him. I miss him so much and still cry every now and then. But the memories always keep me smiling and I can't wait to tell Titania all about her amazing Great-Grandfather, starting with how he came over to America from Italy all by himself at 10 years old.

My awesome niece Emma turned 4 years old in June and just seems to have grown up overnight. It was awesome to celebrate her first "kid" party where her mom invited her friends from school and daycare. Emma had a blast and in my opinion the best part of the day was when Emma opened her presents and the toys got barely a passing glance and the big girl underpants received the excitement. LOL.

The summer brought short term employment for me, but because my daughter is my first responsibility I lost the job and am now a full time stay-at-home mom.

In November I resumed my post as Emma's nanny. I now have the distinct pleasure of taking care of 2 of the coolest girls in the world, and Titania is learning so much from Emma and I think Emma is learning from Titania as well.

Titania turned 1 this year and had 3 separate birthday parties. I've never been so exhausted in my life. But Titania had a great time at all three, our friends and family were very good to us and we loved being able to celebrate with everyone. Titania also had her very first taste of ice cream cake and at first she enjoyed it until she realized that holding ice cream makes your fingers very cold. She also started walking around the time of her birthday and now we can't slow her down.

For Christmas we were lucky enough to head down to South Carolina to spend the holiday with my parents. The drive was long but we made it there and had an amazing time. Titania took her first trip to the beach and loved picking up shells and exploring the beach. My parents had a blast playing with their granddaughter and I had a blast watching them. It was a wonderful trip but Dan Titania and I were relieved to return home to sleep in our own beds.

This year has been crazy and insane in the best and worst ways. I'm hoping for the best of 2009 to repeat in 2010 and the worst to stay behind.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy new year and may all your wishes be granted times 2.