It's been quite the year!

The last time I wrote, I had no idea what the next 12 months had in store for me.

On October 14, 2010, I signed up for my first Half Marathon in Toronto, ON.  It would be May 29, 2011 and it was for Women only - I figured I could handle that distance with the training and effort required. 

On October 29, 2010, I graduated from my Master of Social Work from Wilfred Laurier University and my son, husband, my mother, sister, nephew, mother in law, brother in law and a wonderful family friend were all present as I crossed that stage!  2 solid years of long hours, and time spent away from my family - sacrifices made for the end goal!

October 2010 - my brother and sister in law moved back to Ontario from Alberta.  We were glad to have them back and able to share time with them. 

December 31, 2010.  There will be something separate about this day, but this day, changed my life direction.  I had no idea at the time, but the impact would be great!  I am pregnant and due September 7, 2011.  I ran 10 kms that night and obtained a personal best by shaving 8 minutes off my time from April 2010.  However, the true "personal best" came 10 hours prior to my race, when that test came back positive.  Girl Power!

I shared my news with my personal trainer who was supportive of my continued goal of running the Half Marathon and so, I said, Bring on 2011.

February 2011 my family took a trip to Cuba.  It was chilly for Cuba and we really had not expected that kind of weather and therefore, were not quite dressed properly.  However, it was a great get away with family to spend some great time together!

I was sick throughout this pregnancy more so than with my son.  I took time from work.

I ran the Half Marathon in May.  My time?  2 hours and 59 mins!  YIP...my goal was less than 3 hours and I did it!  I was sore the day of the race and after but was fine the next day.  However, some of the others in the group, were quite stiff and sore.  I thank my personal trainer for pushing me and encouraging me to cross train and lift weights.

So I could not longer run after the race.  So walking and swimming it was.

September 6, 2011.  My water broke at 4:30pm.  I was in Starbucks, but not bought anything.  I left my puddle on the floor and headed out the door.  In case you are wondering, I did not tell anyone what had happened, other than my friend whom I had been chatting.

My contractions were about every 3-6 minutes apart and were strong.  I picked up my son and all of his daycare teachers were mad at me for driving, picking him up and then driving home.

I called my husband, labour support and midwife.  Husband was on his way home, Labour Support on her way and midwife said that when they are strong and regular, call back.

After labouring at home, walking, getting in the tub and sitting on the ball.  My daughter was born at home on September 7, 2011 at 12:06am.    This pretty girl was 9 lbs, 2 ozs and 19 3/4 inches.  A couple of stitches, no drugs and the love and support of those around me.  She is beautiful and I can say a complete surprise.  How much of a surprise?  My husband wanted to announce if it was a boy or girl and he said, "there is no penis" and thus, our little girl had arrived!  More on the birth story later.

So here we are, over a year after I posted that first entry.  Things really have changed but I am looking forward to the adventures of what the next year is going to bring for me and my family.