reflections on the past year: January to July

2011, eh? How did that happen? I have spent some time this weekend thinking about the past year and "sitting" in the memories. A lot has happened and we have so much to be thankful for.

In January I was starting the last semester of my third year of nursing. I remember feeling very uncertain and overwhelmed by the thought of being that much closer to graduation. I feel much the same right now as I enter the final semester of my nursing degree. Final Semester. Wowza! The "big event" in January 2010 was my Opa's 90th birthday. Most of my mother's family got together to celebrate the occasion.

Not much happened in February. The Olympics came to Vancouver and we spent too much time watching TV and tearing up the the "I believe" video montages.

In March we moved into our own home! I can't tell you how exciting that was for us. I love my sister dearly, but much prefer having my own place. Our basement suite is cold, dark, and absolutely lovely. We have felt more relaxed here and love that we are both able to walk to work... and the beach is right down the road.

April was probably my favorite month this year. Sawyer Dawn as born in April and I had the honor of attending her birth. That was easily one of the most amazing things I have ever witnessed/experienced. In April I spent many sleepless nights at Kevin and Mandi's snuggling with Sawybean. I practically moved in with them for a couple weeks and I loved every single minute of it! Sawyer was perfect. She smelled delicious, made the most adorable sounds, and had deliciously kissable cheeks.

My friend, Milena, accompanied me down to Abbotsford in the middle of the night in April to see my Opa who was sick in the hospital. Milena was 7 months pregnant at the time, but she jumped in the car without complaining because I had no one to make the drive with. That was the last time I saw my grandfather. I am so thankful that Milena took the trip with me. We didn't make it to Abbotsford until 1:30am and we went straight to the hospital. I didn't get her to a bed until 3am, but she didn't complain once. And she was 7 months pregnant!!! I love her.

Things didn't change much in May. I still had sleepovers at Kevin and Mandi's, I had practicums in the hospital, and we were prepping for Milena's baby. Sawyer did come for her first sleepover at my house though - she was six weeks old. She slept on the floor at the foot of our bed.

My Opa passed away in May and all of my siblings were able to attend the funeral. Zachary even built the casket. It poured rain that day as we stood huddled around the grave, sharing umbrella's. We each put gummy bears on Opa's casket before leaving the cemetery. Then we over-indulged in food at Oma's house after the service.

My niece, Hailey Jade, was born in June. This was very exciting for the Jansen family as it ended the baby drought we'd been having. I am now praying for an onslaught of births in the coming years. I knit a dress for Hailey. It was the first project I have ever attempted and I think it was adorable! I was so proud that I was actually brave enough to even try an actual pattern. It ended up being easier than I expected and I am itching to make another one. I think I'm going to make it for my future babies. What if I stop knitting before I have kids?? At least I will have something I made for them (granted they are female).

Erik ventured to Alaska for another season of Salmon fishing in Bristol Bay. I said goodbye to Lynn as she moved away to Australia. We hadn't seen each other in so long and it was nice to catch up, even if only for a few hours.

Most of July was spent trying to convince Milena's body to go into labour. She was due July 14, but was hoping for an early delivery as that seems to be common in her family. We went on many long walks, but to no avail.

Maelle Mai was born at the end of July. Again, I had the pleasure of being present for Milena's long labour. I love labour! I know it's much easier to be the support, but labour is fascinating and wonderful. Milena was incredible and I am so proud of her.

Well, that gets us to the end of July. I'll finish off the year later.