9 years

R and I celebrated our 9-year anniversary this year. To be honest, we barely made it there alive. The previous 2 months were some of the hardest we have encountered--for several reasons.....

At the end of April, we were thrilled to find that we would be blessed with an addition to our family. This little sweetie was a long time in coming, and we were so happy. Unfortunately, that meant that I would not be feeling so hot for the next few months....

Also around that time, R started the 3 semester of his (2nd) Masters. It was the worst one yet. One of the classes was crammed into 8 weeks, instead of 16, and it was brutal. Work also seemed to be extra-demanding at this time.

Also around this time, our ward boundaries got realigned, and R was called as the EQP. Being an EQP is tough enough as it is, but I believe extra-daunting and time-consuming in a brand-new ward.

So, needless to say, our anniversary was a big milestone, but not necessarily innately. His classes ended then, I started feeling better, and school was over for Mr. B. No more meeting the bus....

We celebrated with a redbox movie and Chinese takeout--both of those more a luxury to us at that time than you would ever know.

The boys wanted a picture with me in my princess dress. I think they were just amazed to see me looking somewhat alive.... :) And it still fit, but just barely at 12 weeks....

Phew. We made it.