Closing a Chapter

As 2006 comes to an end, Terry and I realize just how meaningful this last chapter of our lives has been.

As we look ahead at the many new adventures 2007 will bring, we can't help but be excited. For us, this is just the beginning.

We'll miss some things.
No more lying in bed all day on Saturdays watching West Wing or the Sopranos.
No more sleeping through the night (at least for a good long while!)
No more last-minute, hassle-free runs out to dinner or even to the store.
No more clean house.
No more laundry only every other weekend.

But, most things will only get better.
Watching Micah sleep.
Snuggling up on the couch with Micah for quick cat naps.
Experiencing all those firsts- first smile, first night at home, first roll-over, first crawl.
Allowing the house to get cluttered with toys, so the babe always has plenty to play with.
Dressing him up in his first little suit for Easter.
Dressing him up like a baseball player/dinosaur/pumpkin for his first Halloween.
Taking him for his first picture with Santa...

And then it will be time to welcome the next new year.

But, before we look ahead, I have to give thanks to those who made 2006 so wonderful.

Thank you to all of you who've spent time with us, laughed with us, played games with us.
Thank you to those who lent us money, did us favors, or extended your generosity through gifts.
Thanks, especially, to everyone who prayed for us.

And the most important of all...

To my husband—the biggest man I know—thanks for keeping me sane, making me laugh, teaching me so much, and for giving me Micah. My world would not have been the same, and could not have been as wonderful, without you in it. There is no one in the world who I'd rather begin a family with. There is no one in the world I'd want Micah to take after more than his daddy. There is nothing that makes me happier than waking up with you each morning.

Happy New Year to all of you! Hope it's as magical as you deserve!