Top 10 of 2009

A friend of mine came up with the wonderful idea of writing down my top 10 memorable/meaningful moments of 2009 to help celebrate the New Year. I immediately thought, oh that's a great idea! But coming up with 10 big things is a larger task than I initially realized. After much tossing and turning I came to the conclusion that anything that sounded good at the end of this sentence should make my list:
"2009 was the year that such and such happened (Such and such of course being my memorable event)."

Please enjoy my Oh, That Was the Year [THAT] Happened List

#1: [The birth of Caleb Heath.] Probably a pretty obvious #1, huh? Creating life and welcoming it into this world is by far the biggest event of my year and well, of my entire life.
#2: [We found out we were pregnant.] After trying for some time and after a bit of frustration, finding out we were pregnant was a joy and a relief. The memory of peeing on that stick holds a dear place in my heart.
#3: [I truly learned about generosity.] Hubby and I were given so very much to help us along in welcoming our baby, and that wasn't the end of it. I was given hand-me-downs, brand new baby supplies, plants for the garden, vitamins for mine and hubby's health, coin collections from my dad, and the list goes on. There was never a moment that I wanted for anything. I also learned a lot about giving. It's not necessarily about how much you give, but that you are giving all that you are able to. It took me this long to realize that.
#4: [I became a breastfeeding mother.] I hate that this event had to make the list, but it is indeed an all-consuming part of my life and my 2009.
#5: [We started paying for daycare.] The expense of daycare takes a major toll on the budget. It limits all other spending. That is a very memorable part of my year. Can you hear my quiet sobs?
#6: [I grew as a Christian.] 2009 was the year I decided to read the Bible all the way through. And while I haven't yet met that goal, spending time with scripture daily has absolutely helped me strive to be a better person. I chose to only put this as #6 on my list because putting it any higher on the list might suggest I feel I've succeeded as a good Christian. Nope, I've got a LONG way to go.
#7: [We ushered in a black president.] Life in these United States has changed forever, and I believe for the better.
#8: [I took 3 months off work.] For maternity leave, of course. I am grateful to have an employer that was so easy to work with on my maternity benefits.
#9: [I had gestational diabetes.] It was interesting to live for 3 months with a disease that restricted my sugar intake. Sugar is an essential nutrient for me so you can see where I might have had a hard time with the change. I counted every single carb of every single meal for three whole months!
#10: [I went on vacation.] Hubby thinks Jamaica was a memorable trip, but I think our weekend getaway to Kentucky was even more memorable. We left our two-month old in the care of his Mimi for the entire weekend and even though we missed him terribly, we had a blast knowing we were still Jed & Melanie. It's a beautiful and often-needed reminder.

I hope that all of my readers have had a rich and blessed year, and a list of memorable moments to go along with it. Happy New Year's!