Reflecting on 2007

This year has been very interesting to say the least. Earlier this year my husband and I were just getting used to the idea of having a child. We were planning for his July arrival, had begun the process of buying a house, and we were having a lot of fun deciding what his name would be. Then life threw us a curveball. We found out that my son would have to be delivered 16 weeks early because I had developed preeclampsia and as a result my son developed IUGR. He was born March 26th at a tiny 1 lbs 2 oz and the roller coaster ride of the NICU began.
I didn't really realize how amazing childbirth was until my child was born early. I didn't fully understand just how much a woman's womb nurtures and protects a child until I saw the doctors and nurses trying to replicate it in an isolette. I also wasn't ready for all of the different emotions I would experience. Feelings of inadequacy, fear, and helplessness.
It's difficult to come up with a reason as to why your body failed you. Why you weren't able to do what other women have been able to do for centuries on end.
It's hard to look at a doctor and read the expression on their face that says they didn't think your child wouldn't make it through the night. Or to watch alongside as nurses worked to resuscitate him. It's not something I would wish on my worst enemy.
Yep 2007 was a crazy year indeed, but in a very weird way the challenges of this year proved to have a blessing mixed in.
I don't think I've ever been as thankful as I have this year.
I'm thankful that I had a great doctor who really jumped on my condition. Without her quick action my health would have been severely jeopardized and in a worst case scenario, neither my son nor I would be here.
I have the best husband ever. I love him and I really enjoy being married to him. There are no words that can adequately express how much he helped me this year.
I'm blessed to have great family and friends. Family that dropped everything they were doing to help us, and friends that met my needs, plus listened to me cry, complain, and worry.
I have a great new home that I love and a job that I enjoy.
And I have a great little boy. He's curious and silly. He has an infectious laugh and a smile that will steal your heart. He's great.
I have to wonder if I hadn't gone through this if I would be as grateful as I am now. I wonder if I would've taken everything I have for granted. It's certainly in my personality to do so.
So yes, while 2007 was probably the roughest year of my life I appreciate the lessons it has taught me.
I need to remember to cherish every moment, to not take my family and friends for granted, and as the plaque in my kitchen says "In everything give thanks".