A Year in Review

The year of 2010 has come to a close, and I can hardly believe how quickly it flew by.

We have so much to be thankful for... we were married in January surrounded by our amazing family and friends. We then settled into our home in Cleveland, OH where Chris continued his fellowship training in Cardiology, and in February I began work as a PA. In June, Chris finished up his 1st year of training and was awarded the "CICU first year fellow of the year award". How proud is this wife? :) August brought news that we were expecting our first child. And although it was bittersweet, in December we celebrated the life of my grandpap, Charles Friend.

One of my uncles spoke at the funeral, and I think what he said is relevant to everyone as they begin a new year, so I'd like to share it. He said that Grandpap's passing is a pivotal moment in our lives. Things will never be the same without him here with us. And when we come to a pivotal moment in our lives, we have to pivot. We take a slight turn off the path that we were on and head down another. It may not be comfortable or easy at first, but eventually you will see that life and joy are found on this path, too.

And so, 2011 begins...I have pivoted and find myself here. Ready to start a new year, where I will once again witness that God's mercies truly are new - every morning. Where Chris and I will celebrate the ups -and downs- of a 2nd year of marriage. And where we will prepare for and receive the birth of our little girl. (Yes, I said GIRL!!)

Meet Olivia Joy Huff. "Olivia" is just a name we have always liked, with the nickname of "Livie". "Joy" is my Grandma Erenrich's middle name. My Grandma truly is joyful, and has the heart of a servant...if Olivia turns out anything like my Grandma, we will be honored.

(For those of you who can't get oriented to the ultrasound picture...you are looking at a profile view of her laying down. Her two feet are almost straight up in the air, kicking my abdomen. I can't wait till I can actually feel those precious kicks.)

I pray that whether you had a tough year or an awesome year in 2010, that you pivot into 2011 expecting it to be filled with new and exciting opportunities and experiences. Love you all!