Out with 2010 and in with 2011

Overall 2010 was a great year for our family. It will always be tough to beat 2009 as that to date is the best year of my life but 2010 was still pretty amazing.

So much happened in this last year some of it wonderful and some of it totally unexpected.

We started the year with a 13 month old that had yet to learn how to walk on her own and was in physical therapy.

We hit mid year with an 18 month old that had still yet to walk on her own, was in more physical therapy and was diagnosed with scoliosis.

We hit the end of the year with the most amazing 2 year old who is walking like she is a pro and is officially done with physical therapy.

So while 2010 threw us some major curve balls, it came with a tremendous surprise too. I gained this second family really. All of the wonderful moms I met through Shriner's Chicago are a true  blessing. So the roller coaster ride that is progressive infantile scoliosis came with these amazing women, their kids and their families and  while I don't wish scoliosis on anyone, I am so lucky to have these wonderful people in my life to endure the ride.

2010 also marked the one year of waiting for Little Man. We are now 13 months into the wait and hanging in there. I can hardly believe how fast the year went.

So what's to come in 2011.

Well for Kiya there will be more casts, more fun, new classroom at daycare, fingers crossed she will be potty trained :), lots of time at the park, zoo and on her new Dora tricycle.

For us as a family, we will hit our 2 year referralversary here in just a few days and 2 years as a family close to mid year. We will have another year of trying to figure out this parenting a spirited and lively toddler who is ridiculously smart and full of energy and opinions. 

We might if all things align and get worked out be blessed enough to see our Little Man's face by years end and therefore get to plan our next trip to Ethiopia.

I am looking forward to all that lies ahead. There will be some unknowns and some bumps in the road I am sure but we as a family faced a lot this year and we are still standing due in large part to our spunky little girl who just never gives up.

I know I said watch out world, Kiya is coming last year but given the strength, determination, attitude and focus I saw develop and grow in Kiya this last year, the warning still stands. Kiya is mobile, active and has a lot to say and do and I frankly can't wait to see what she conquers next.

Happy New Year!