"Live so that when your children think of fairness, caring, and integrity, they think of you."

January: Nutrition and Health
February: Kindness and Generosity
March: Order and Purpose
April: Strength and Flexibility
May: Relationships
June: Adventure and Fun
July: Community and Environment
August: Knowledge and Interests
September: Sleep and Tranquility
October: Simplicity and Moderation
November: Gratitude and Positivity
December: Spirituality and Resolution

On April 22, I found out I was pregnant for the first time. Even though the digital home pregnancy test plainly read "PREGNANT," it might as well have been written in Japanese. I reread the word at least a dozen times before it finally sunk in...I'm going to be a mom. Okay, it didn't even sink in at that point. I had never been so overwhelmed with emotions, from fear to excitement to disbelief to nervousness to love. I always knew I wanted to have kids, but I had planned that for the future, for a time when I would be financially and mentally prepared to start a family, and I kept bumping back the perfect age or year when that would happen. I guess life has a beautiful way of letting us know we can't always call the shots.

Yes, I'm tired, a little moody, hungry, thirsty, anxious at times, and experiencing all sorts of stomach issues, but I don't know if I've ever felt this happy and excited before! All I can think about is this baby, and she/he has already changed everything about what I eat and drink and think and do. Are we having a boy or a girl? Is she/he going to be healthy? Shy or outgoing? What books do I need to read? What stuff do I need to buy? Am I a terrible person for drinking this cup of coffee? Am I getting enough sleep? Am I eating too much or too little? Should I tell people??????? This is the hardest secret in the world to keep!

My husband and I decided to secretly tell only our closest family and friends and then to wait until after the first doctor's visit and the two month mark to tell the rest of the world. This created a problem that I am very lucky to have: I have a big family and lots of close friends. As we told each person and the various squeals, cries, and congratulations poured out, I was moved. How fortunate am I that this baby would come into the world with happily married parents who have supportive friends, excited family members, and a lot of love to give?

It seems pretty ironic to me that back in January I had devoted May to strengthening relationships and reaching out to loved ones. This month, without even thinking about the blog, I have already communicated with more friends and family members than ever before. My husband and I have grown closer over the past few weeks as we've relied on each other for support and gotten more and more excited about our future. I've called, texted, emailed, and met up with friends and family for help, ideas, and advice as I go through this experience. I feel truly blessed that I have these strong relationships, and I think the best way for me to show my appreciation is to focus on strengthening my role as a wife, friend, relative, and mother.

April and May's posts are a little different, but starting in June I will be posting like I usually do. 7 more months before we welcome a little baby into this world and 7 more months before the end of my blog and a full year of becoming a better, happier me. I couldn't have planned it better if I tried :).