Happy New Year!

A little into 2011 already, and I know it's going to be a great year. This Thursday we have the anatomy sonogram for baby #2, and I can't wait! This has been the easiest pregnancy ever, maybe because I'm not so worried about things this go round. And, I don't have time to come home from work, sit on my couch and devote the rest of the night to "being pregnant" like I did before. We have a rambunctious little dude calling the shots now, and he doesn't have patience for me to be tired or need a rest. Overall, I feel great and the sweet little kicks that started the last couple weeks can keep on coming ... always a good sign!

With last year sealed and delivered, here's my Top 10 for 2010 (in a semi-random order):

1. Finding out I was pregnant again. It happened a lot faster than I thought it would. I had the same feeling as before ... something was different. Funny how your body gives you those kinds of signs. So, I came home for lunch, forgetting that Adam was home that day, and took a test. Adam knew the answer pretty quickly when I found him the laundry room folding his shirts ... "Guess what??"

2. Buying our new home. It's definitely feeling like home now, and we have a lot of work to do! A painter is coming by today to give us a quote. I'm not a very good decorator, but it's a fun project and a big blank slate, and hopefully, we're not screwing it up too badly. Next projects: paint, cover the back windows, buy a fence. Most importantly, our kids will grow up here, so I want it to be comfortable and warm.

3. Celebrating Luke's first birthday and baptism. These two events followed one right after the other. We are so lucky to both have such big supportive families who also think it's fun to spend the day oohing and aahing over a 1-year-old. He changed so much the first year and had his biggest growth spurt between six months and his birthday. And, it's a nice feeling to know that he's been baptized with all our family present.

4. Suzy's wedding in Seattle. We flew as a family, and it was an adventure! Luke's already a jet setter with two plane trips under his belt and another one scheduled for this February. Suzy and Michael had the most beautiful wedding, and it was a great mini-vacation for our little family.

5. Hearing Luke's first words. First, he said "dada", and now he says everything from "nigh nigh" to "uh-oh" to "ow", which is his word du jour. Lately, any food I put in front of him, he says "ow" before even trying it. But, he also says "ow" to the fireplace and the oven, which is good. I think he's starting to understand they're hot. And, my ultimate favorite is when he screams, "Mama, Mama, agua, agua!" He's pretty demanding of his water.

6. Seeing how excited Luke gets when Adam comes home from work. Last night, Luke and I were in our bedroom when we heard the "beep beep beep" that happens from opening an outside door. Dada was home! Luke threw down his toy and beelined it for the garage door. He knows exactly what that sound means.

7. Reading to Luke. I love to read, and I hope Luke will love it, too. We try to read every night before bed, and lately it's becoming a longer and longer process. First, we read "Good Night Moon." Then, we read "Trucks Go". Then we read "Go, Dog, Go." Then, we read "Where is Baby's Belly Button?" You get the picture. It could go on all night if I'd let him ...

8. Watching that little brain operate. You can literally see those gears turning. Now I know he understands what we say to him. "Go get your shoes and bring them here." "Where is Max?" "Where is your nose?" He can't verbalize everything, but he still communicates with you. And man does he get frustrated when he can't figure something out. He'll spend a long time on a toy, concentrating on how it works, turning it over, taking it apart, putting it back together. But, if those stacking cups don't fit just right, or that puzzle piece is a little crooked and he can't get it quite in its spot, oye vey. It's hard not to do it for him at that point, but some gentle helping and urging him to "try it again" usually does it.

9. Observing a little personality forming. I've always thought that Luke would be quiet and reserved, and he is a little bit, but he's also really silly and "all boy". He loves spending time outside and smells like outside when I pick him up every day. Dirt's under his nails from digging holes and moving rocks on the playground. The teachers at his daycare say he's a "gentle soul", and when the mom of Luke's little classmate told her she was going to see Luke, she said, "Hug him." I'd like to think that he won't be the kid who kicks, bites or screams, but I know better. He'll do some or all of that at one point, but deep down, he's a super sweet little boy who loves to let Max lick all over his face, go on long walks to look at the trees and pick up leaves, swing in his tree swing, and help me load the dishwasher or "organize" my makeup bag. Sweet Luke.

10. Having a healthy kid. Last, but definitely not least! With a six-day stint in the hospital, I can now understand when people say, "At least I have my health." I know that our experience was just temporary, and looking back, I feel badly for getting so upset and distraught when there were kids at the hospital with bandages on their heads from having brain surgery. But, it was a scary experience, and I'm so, so glad that Luke is better and running and tumbling like any other 16.5 month old. He won't recall any of it, and one day, we'll look back and say, "Remember when we were in the hospital for Luke? How many days was it? I can't quite remember." If anything, it brought us all closer together and made us thankful for things we take for granted. Like standing up and walking.