2010.... really?

How can it possibly already be 2010? It seriously just seems like yesterday that Lane and I were celebrating 2004 and the beginning of our life here in Kansas City. Now we have been here for SIX years, have become homeowners, worked several different jobs, and started our family. Time just keeps on slipping through my fingers and with joy, love, and sometimes sadness I am watching our life continually change. When I look back on 2009 there will be several things that I will forever cherish:

~Max really becoming a child. This was the year. The year when I no longer had a baby and all of the sudden had a little boy. A boy with a sense of humor and a zest for life that brings immeasurable joy to each and every day. I know I am completely biased, but I seriously don't know anyone funnier than Maddox.

~I became secure in my role in life as Mom. I struggled giving up my teaching career. I struggled giving up the Mrs. Nelson part of my identity. This was my first FULL year at home with Max. I'm not going to lie and say it was perfect, I've certainly had those frustrating moments. But all in all, I am happy to be nothing more than Mom. I can't imagine missing these days with him and I'm so glad that I've found the joy and happiness in this new chapter of my life.

~Lane and I celebrated our 9th anniversary and during these 9 plus years I have learned the one absolute truth of marriage: that love is a choice. The day that Lane and I chose each other was the luckiest day of my life and every day I am grateful that we continue to make that choice. I can't imagine a better partner to travel through life with.

Brief highlights of 2009: our very first Monster Truck Show, Max turning two with Curious George in Oklahoma, sledding for the first time, turning the nursery into a big boy bedroom, my mom retiring from school and visiting a LOT more :), going bowling for the first time with Max, welcoming Jackson Danger to the world, flying for the first time with Max, attending and participating in cousin Sara's wedding, celebrating 4th of July "Nelson style" with friends and family, going to the "lake" with Laresa, Jonathan, Lane, and Max, letting Max go to OK by himself with the grandparents for a WEEK, Max's first day of parent's day out, rollerskating with Max for the first time, going to the pumpkin patch, trick-or-treating for the first time with Max, making my first Halloween costume for Max (thanks Catie), Max getting his second set of ear tubes and getting his adenoids taken out, welcoming Kalliope Sage Harris to the family, experiencing Christmas through the eyes of a two year old, making our very first snowman and laughing, laughing, laughing more than you can possibly imagine.

2010 is here and it is already slipping quickly away. I hope this New Years blog (that is just a few days late) finds all of you happy, healthy, and joyfully anticipating what 2010 will bring!