The Growing Year

This has been a year like no other for me... a year which has pushed me, challenged me, stretched me, and grown me...with the pain of adjusting to unexpected news, the ache of love moving on, and the unleashing love that comes as a result of seeing the Bigger Picture more clearly. There are years I look back on as standout years- not usually because they were particularly good or easy, but because I grew the most, I learned the most and I became ME, the most.  This was one of those years.  There were times where I felt stretched beyond what I could tolerate, but the gifts and joys and rewards were more immense than I ever imagined.  No...2010 wasn't an easy year, but it was a standout year. Maybe THE year.  The year I will look back on and think, "That's when it happened.  That's when I got one of the biggest lessons in life. That was one heck of a year."  The highlights- and my ode to 2010- are:

My pregnancy and the adjusting to our baby's Down syndrome diagnosis. At this photo shoot I began to reach out and meet other families who gave me a knowing look and said, "Just wait. You'll see... Our children are a blessing and a gift and your son will probably teach you more than you'll have to teach him." I think they might be right...

My family and friends embraced me and our baby boy with beautiful, thoughtful, charming baby showers. I felt them reach out to us in a big way to say, "We're here for you- no matter what."

We had to say goodbye to my first "baby", our dog, Buddy. He was pure joy, pure unconditional love and the greatest companion a girl could ever ask for. He saw me through the bulk of my adult life, to date, and was my crutch through both good and difficult times. I miss him everyday. He is still very much in the forefront of our thoughts.

Just two and a half weeks early, our beautiful baby boy, Elijah Patrick Currier was born and arrived through a natural childbirth, unmedicated into this world. It was the most beautiful experience I have ever been a part of. Despite his diagnosis of Down syndrome, he was born with no organ defects. Although we endured a 7-day NICU visit due to low oxygen saturation, we were able to bring our baby boy home to complete our family. He is my biggest inspiration. He amazes us each day of his young life, proving that a strong spirit and contagious smile are life's biggest attributes.

My biggest little man, Christian, turned 3! Watching his personality and sense of humor develop is nothing short of amazing. Although we definitely hit some patches of the "Terrible Threes", he manages to charm us and most people around him on a daily basis. He is a compassionate friend and a wonderful helper around the house. We are very proud of him.

I hit 39 this year! GULP. When did that happen??? I celebrated with a small gathering of close friends and then a wonderful family party to top it off. I am truly blessed by the people in my life.

Christian started preschool! Even though I cried the first three days of school, he adjusted well. He loves his teachers, Teacher Judy and Teacher Stephanie and talks often about the kids in class. I'm in awe of everything he is learning!

Some of the other things remarkable about 2010 that cannot go unmentioned are:
An amazing job teaching ballet with the best staff and students anyone could ever want!

A full year of teaching and bonding with all of my Stroller Stride Mamas...these ladies are remarkable. Thank you Mamas for enriching my life in so many ways!

My joining of two book clubs. Not only have I read more than I have since college, but I have gotten closer to some of the most inspiring and genuine friends I could ask for. We have intellectual conversations and a TON of fun. You ladies ROCK!

My best friend turned 40 this year. Again...where did the time go? It seems only yesterday that...well, no, let's face it...it feels like a lifetime ago that we were 21 and 22 years old living in our little two bedroom apartment in Sherman Oaks!!!

The 24 hour getaway!! My good friend Karen and I acknowledged that we were well overdue for a break, took leave of our families for 24 hours, checked into a near by Four Seasons Hotel and drank wine, watched movies, ordered room service and gabbed until the wee hours. Although our lives get crazy, I truly cherish our long-standing friendship- even if a month passes without the time to catch up. She is like a sister to me.

Our trip back East to see Charles' family. It has been over 2 years since we've seen some of the family and despite a very difficult trip getting there (and getting back...), we enjoyed spending quality time with them. It was especially fun to see Christian's connection with his Grandma! Plus, there was SNOW!!!!! It was the boys first experience with real snow, and I've kinda missed it too!





The blessings of a busy year for my Event Business. Even though I sometimes complained about the stress of running a business and balancing a family, I was grateful for all of the wonderful events that I had the pleasure of making (hopefully) just a little more beautiful. There are too many to name, but some of my favorites are here:







So, I am officially donning 2010, the Growing Year. Thank you 2010 for all of the ups, the downs and the in-betweens that brought me to where I am today. Now...here's hoping that 2011 has great...but maybe not quite so big, lessons to learn! I need a little time to keep adjusting to the ones 2010 threw at me!

Even though I am not a big resolution person (maker or keeper), I thought it was fitting that 2011 start off with a few goals. They are:

1. Continue to find a better balance between work and family. Prioritize. Prioritize. Prioritize.
2. Get my pre-baby body back!!
3. Treat myself to a fabulous pair of heels...even if I have no place to wear them. Then, create a scenario where said pair of heels is worn!
4. Girls Trip! I've been wanting to do some sort of a girls trip, and I think 2011 is the year to do it!
5. Listen to my instincts- particularly when I feel certain people or situations are too draining. Life is too short to waste the energy!

So there it is. In writing. My 2011 Resolution list- a mix of serious and fun...just like I'm hoping 2011 will be...