My 2012

It's hard to believe that a year has come and gone already. It seems the older I get, the faster time passes. I remember December 31, 2011, like it was yesterday (almost) - and here I sit, another year later, another year older and wonder - where did it go!?

2012 was to be one of the biggest years of my life - the birth of my first son was about to take place!! I had big hopes and dreams and I have NOT been disappointed.  Nothing really pops out at me from January 1 - April 1 as being big and unforgettable. Good times were had and lots of food was consumed (I was 6-9 months pregnant!) 

And then, April 3 at 12:48 we finally met Brogan Christopher Sherrick and our lives were forever changed. The next few months were full of fears, tears, sleepless nights, joy, anxiety and most of all, love. I couldn't believe how much love I could have for a tiny person that really didn't love me or anyone else back. I knew from the moment I saw him that I would do anything for him. What a feeling! 

In June, we decided (last minute) that we would take off for a week and head to New York to visit Chris's parents and extended family. Brogan's first real road trip. He was a wonderful 2 month old passenger! We had a great (surprise) visit and so glad that we took that time to have Brogan meet family for the first time.

In July, Chris took our teens to Miami for a missions trip and had a wonderful eye opening/life changing experience there. At the same time, Brogan and I went to New Brunswick for 2 weeks where he met all of his family there for the first time. We drove from MI to NB with my Grandmother and her husband and flew back when our time was up - marking, Brogan's first flight! Once again, he was a fabulous traveler! We are so blessed!

                                               

Not only were we professional travelers  we were also in a transition stage with Chris's job. He was ready for a job change. Through prayer and several conversations with each other and others that we sought for advice, we decided we were going to move. Leaving behind an amazing group of teens, a wonderful church family and ladies at work, who I grew to love, in Michigan. With a 4 month old, 2 cats, several fish, a moving truck and a car, we headed west, to Wisconsin.


August 6 was our arrival date and it went rather smoothly. But I must say, if you can help it - which we couldn't - do NOT move with an infant!!!!!!!!!!!! I dreaded this time for so many reasons, but with lots of help and a wonderful easy going and happy baby, we made it!  Here we are Wisconsin! First time parents, first time lead Pastor and wife AND first time home owners! What are we thinking?! :)

Before we moved, we knew that sooner or later I would have to return to work to help support our family and pay all the fun bills that go with being a grown up! So I hoped that I would be able to have a day care service in our home - just a few kids - enough to help get by. Living directly across from the elementary school, I thought this will be no problem! I'll even offer before and after school care. Simple, right? No! I learned a 'small town' rule really quick. No one is going to send you their children if they don't know you. haha! You think I would know that - since I'm from the metropolis of Perth-Andover! :)
 
It was my plan and if you have ever had plans of your own, you know that they don't always go the way you planned - but they aren't always the best either! In September I saw a post in the local 'paper' of a part time position needed with children after school. Long story short, I got the job and I l-o-v-e it! Not only do I like the actual job part, but I have wonderful co-workers, and I am able to take Brogan with me everyday. What more can you ask for?

October through December, we have had an almost constant trickle of visitors between parents and siblings! It is so nice to see family when you live so far from them. Their visits are never long enough (even when they get stormed stayed), eh Jen? :)  In November we welcomed Chris's brother to live with us for awhile and it has been great to get to know him better and have some family close by.

Of course once you introduce babies to other children, you can almost count on some colds and other sicknesses to get around. Brogan had 3 ear infections within 3 months and several colds. I'm thankful for a wonderful doctor who took care of my sick baby! I experienced what it was like to see your baby unhappy, in pain and not being able to do anything but just cuddle and love him. What a helpless feeling! It helped so much that he is the happiest baby I have ever dealt with and it was so hard to tell that he was even sick. 

We just made it through our first Christmas with Brogan and nearly 6 months at our new church and things are going well. Of course I can't cover every significant experience of the past year, but I can say that we are blessed and so very grateful for the year that has come and gone. I know not everyone had a wonderful year like we did. Because of this, I hug my baby tighter, tell my husband I love him and appreciate him more and keep my friends and family near as much as possible. Time is precious and we never know what tomorrow holds!

I look forward to 2013 and what it holds for the Sherricks!