2009 in photos

This is us, December of 2008. Had I any idea what 2009 would hold for me, I wouldn't have believed you. I entered 2009 the lowest I'd ever been--experimenting with depression meds, alternating between sleeping all day and staying up for days at a time, missing Ricky who I felt had deserted me for a break in California...

Had I known Finley was on her way to me, I'd have brightened a lot earlier.

So, in 2009, I:

Wrote a novel in two months

Turned 22

Peed on a pregnancy test. It was positive.

Found an incredible support system in my family (this is July 4th and we're HOT)

Went to Lagoon for the first time in years, where I couldn't ride any rides because I was knocked up (Lagoon quote of 2009 from my father after getting off the Samurai: "That ride's a nutcruncher!")

Tried to train my dog to balance crap on his nose like Chuck... Nope.

Searched for cake wrecks on nights when we were bored and broke (we found one that was posted for St. Patrick's Day)

Spent what little money I had on preparing for a baby instead of seeing Tori Amos in concert (I'll see her someday, mark my words!)

Went to a book sale in Park City, where my family came home with 400 books for less than 50 bucks

Grew another human and an appetite to match (50 pounds gained!)

Watched Keats play football (that's him with the popped hip--his football stance)

Was blessed by three amazing friends who threw me 3 amazing baby showers

Discovered that despite my love for all things autumn, corn mazes are hella boring

Drank my weight and then some in soda (weirdest pregnancy craving, and as soon as Fin was born, it was gone)

Had my wardrobe narrowed down to three pairs of pants I could fit into, but still managed to rock my Converse

Had a nice, mellow Halloween with the Bride of Frankenstein

Was thoroughly entertained by Keaton's sense of humor weekly

Became better best friends with my sister Was jealous of her strong, healthy relationship with a fantastic guy, Jeff, but proud that she seems to have learned from my mistakes

Felt lucky to have a psuedo-sis-in-law like Reilly, who doesn't make fun of my half-assed elephant costume on Halloween

Tried to get labor going by walking around malls weekly

Celebrated Thanksgiving overdue and anxious

Then gave birth to a perfect daughter and cried in her hair

All in all, pretty perfect year. There were many things that I thought would happen this year that didn't, but why dwell on that? I have my health. I have my family. I have a beautiful new daughter whose infancy is quickly escaping and it's almost time to start writing another novel. As far as resolutions go, I want to savor every moment, do the best I can, and always be honest with myself. Those are vague, but if I can follow them all year, 2010 will be even better.