Happy New Year!

2013 is here (February is well under way ) and aside from preparing to file my 2012 taxes, I've been thinking about how different 2013 is going to be from 2012.

A few things we're looking forward to:

1. Family- In around 14 weeks we will be adding a bouncing tiny one to our peaceful family of two. I say 'bouncing' because jumping up and down on my bladder seems to be his favorite activity. I was warned about the possibilities of having restless leg syndrome during the night, but no one warned me about restless belly syndrome- this kid reaches his peak of activity between 2-4 am and it is difficult to sleep when you have a tiny one using your insides as a bouncy castle. Despite the nightly interruption, I am looking forward to meeting this little one and the sweet addition he'll be to our life.

How could you not want to kiss this face?

Shortly after our little arrives, my cute nephew will be turning one. It is so hard to believe how much time has passed since I got to hold this little guy! I'm bummed that we will be missing our annual trip back to California and that we'll miss out on celebrating this milestone with Matthew, but I'm sure we'll catch some of the action via Skype.

2. Work- Ross has another trip to Eastern Europe coming up in early April. (It may be his last chance to get away for a while!) I'm really proud of how hard he works and it is exciting to see all that work rewarded with journal publications and opportunities for further professional development. I am really thankful that Ross has a job he loves.

I'm still waiting for confirmation, but hopefully 2013 will bring me my first permanent contract. After 3 1/2 years of temporary contracts, it would be really incredible to be able to go off on maternity leave and know I have a job to return to. Regardless of the outcome, I will be spending much of 2013 at home with baby, which I am expecting to be a real adjustment. (We get up to a year of maternity leave entitlement here.) Part of me is excited about having time out of work to adjust to motherhood and build relationships with other moms. Another part of me is worried that I might go stir-crazy being at home alone all day with an infant... Only time will tell if the stay-at-home mom life suits me.

3. Church- Several months ago we took a step of faith and left our church family at the Tron in order to help support and serve another local and much smaller Calvary Chapel in the city. For reasons I won't get into here, that endeavor has now become being an integral part of a church plant in the city centre. With a core group of Gospel-hearted men and women, we are excited to see what the Lord will do as we attempt to reach this city for Christ. There is so much work to be done!

Alongside the blessing of this new opportunity, I am aware that impending motherhood is going to massively alter my contributions and participation in church activities. In some ways being home will give me more time, but much of that time and my energy will need to be focused on my own family. I'm praying that Ross and I will be able to find a good balance that will allow us to have a blessed family life and still be a blessing to our church family as it grows and develops. 

4. Home- With a growing family, we have started looking into moving again. The difference this time is that we are looking to buy a home of our own. All being well, 2013 may make us first-time parents and first-time home owners! The parenting part is slightly more immediate and important, so house hunting may have to be sidelined at times, but we are really hoping we will find somewhere for our little family to settle. Stay tuned...

2013 has some big changes and challenges ahead for us. Every year when I reflect, it is hard for me to imagine how the Lord could bless the next year more than the one that has passed, but He never ceases to amaze me with his abundant giving. I can't imagine juggling all life's balls without the peace and joy He gives at the center of it all!

May you all have a joyful and blessed 2013!