My 2008
Well 2008 had its fill of goods and bads. In February, Pete and I were able to take Xander on his first vacation, our annual Seven Springs Ski trip. He was just shy of 3 months old and it was the first of many vacations this year.
Spring found us with some bad news. My oldest sister was diagnosed with Lupus and fibromyalgia and my father was diagnosed with cancer. Both of these were hard to deal with and continue to be a daily battle for our entire family. We also found ourselves dealing with some weight issues on Xander’s part. He was diagnosed with a lactose/soy intolerance and him and Mommy both went on a STRICT diet. I lost weight and he gained it so it worked out for the best for both of us. We also found out that our not even 5 month old needed glasses. I don’t consider this bad news. Both of our families wear glasses so we were expecting it, just not quite so early. He was also made to wear a patch for 3 hours every day to help his lazy eye. He was and is very adorable in his little glasses and we get comments on them all the time.
In May, we took Xander on his second vacation of the year. We were able to go for the second year in a row on a boating trip of the south with Uncle Not Elvis, Mr. Guth, and Mr. Bob. Daddy had fun although he did get beat up pretty bad on the second day.
Summer brought us new play buddies as both of my best friend’s gave birth to beautiful baby boys within two weeks of each other. Xander is quite happy to have Eli and Liam in his life and we look forward to many years of fun and adventure.
We ended summer with a bang and took two long weekend vacations. Our first was another boating trip to Western Pennsylvania where we were able to camp out and enjoy the great outdoors. Our second was the most exciting as we were able to finally make the trip to Indianapolis to visit Xander’s great grandpa. Grandma and Granpa Martin were able to ride with us and we had lots of fun in the few days we were there. I was just happy to not end up in the ER like my last trip to Indiana. Great Grandpa was quite happy to see all of us and even treated us out to Bob Evans. Soon after we got home we returned to the doctor and found out that Xander no long had an allergy and was able to eat whatever he wanted. We slowly began trying new things and as of now have found very few things that he does NOT like to eat. He is a fruit boy and loves his grapes and bananas.
Unfortunately being a single income home did not work out well for us so in September I had to go back to work. On a good note, it is for friends of ours and I am able to have Xander with me every day. My Dad’s first batch of chemo and his surgery went quite well. He was in good spirits and Xander loves his Pappy.
In October we were blessed with our last BIG vacation of the year. Pete, Xander, and I were able to make the trip to Florida accompanied by my niece nephew, parents, best friend and her family. We spent a VERY eventful week in Orlando visiting all the Disney parks and both the Universal Studios parks. Things did not turn out at all like we planned but I think everyone had a good time and memories were made, both good and bad.
In November we were able to throw a party to celebrate Xander’s first birthday. It’s hard to believe my baby boy is that old already. It seems like I waited for him forever and now he’s growing so fast. He changes in personality every day. We had over 40 people packed in to Pizza Hut for our Pirate Themed Adventure and he loved every minute of it.
Our year is ending with some good news. Xander no longer has to wear his patch. His glasses prescription has changed and he still needs them but his eyes are much stronger then our visit 8 months ago. We were also told that my 39 year old sister, married for over 8 years now, has just recently found out that she is pregnant with her first biological child, she happily has a step daughter. She is filled with trepidation because of her age and a past lost pregnancy but we are all excited for her and keep her in our prayers. My dad is in the middle of his second and hopefully last bout of chemo. We can’t wait for 2009 and hope that it brings many more good things than 2008 did. Our family has had its strains this year but I guess that’s what makes us who we are.
Thanks to all of our friends and family who’ve helped us through some hard times. God bless you all and have a happy and blessed 2009!!!