I don’t think I’ve ever had a single year as full of ups and downs and major life changes. I became a mother. I had a home birth. I had to stay overnight in the hospital once for my own illness and again for the baby’s. I had surgery and had to go to the hospital in the middle of the night twice for pregnancy-related scares. I lost my grandfather, and missed his funeral due to the aforementioned hospital stay. I missed my grandmother’s 80th birthday party due to the pregnancy, and my aunt’s wedding due to the arrival of our son. Each of these things deserves their own post, if not a whole dedicated blog, but the list will have to do. In looking at the tally, the downs seem to outweigh the ups. Really, though, becoming a parent outweighs everything and all the complications and scares and sadness pale in comparison to the wonderful thrill of bringing a new person into the world. We’ve certainly been tired, but I haven’t had this much fun in years.

I don’t expect 2011 to be quite so turbulent: I’m looking forward to the small ups and downs of transitioning from parenting a baby to parenting a toddler. I have no greater wish for the new year than to have the people I love be happy, healthy, safe, and secure. And last but not least, much laughter. Happy New Year!