HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

First of all I would like to say thank you for the encouraging comments! I am so happy to have this community by my side. I know we are still in the early stages of our journey, and I by no means take for granted how lucky I am to have such a supportive family. I know most of you can relate because you understand the major differences between a hetero couple TTC and a lesbian couple TTC. It's not easy, but I know for sure it is worth it. I no longer feel the incredible jealousy I felt before. I am still a little sad that they have it so easy, but that feeling is going away too. I am ready to move on...and make a baby!!

I searched around a little while to find a list for New Year's Eve...You know, something like "looking back on 2012." I'll be honest I really only google searched for a few minutes, so I wasn't really trying.

I think I will just ask myself some questions about this past year & then write about my hopes for the new year. This could be fun, right?

...Looking Back on 2012

1. What was your greatest accomplishment of 2012?
    I'd have to say my greatest accomplishment this year would be making my house more of a home for my family, and for my family to come. There are still things that need to be checked off our list before the house is really done, but we are getting there :)

2. What was your greatest fear of 2012?
    My greatest fear was Courtney hating me once she moved in. I was so nervous my habits and little quirks were going to be too much for her to handle. I am so happy I was wrong. We haven't had any problems at all. Her moving in was probably the best thing for both of us!

3. Who influenced you the most in 2012?
    Well, like with many years...I have to say my mom. At least on a personal level, she is the one who influenced me to have more patience, to realize things always happen how & when they are supposed to. Now, looking at the bigger picture...I would say the people of this country who voted to move forward with equality in November. I have a greater faith in our country after seeing inequality struck down state after state that night.

4. What is(are) your favorite memory(ies) from 2012?
    I loved taking road trips with my sweet Courtney this year. Even though we nearly strangled each other within the first 30 minutes of being in the car a few times. ;) We took adventures to places we have never been and we learned new things together...I can't wait to continue learning new things with her.

5. Did you accomplish any of your goals for 2012?
    I had goals to get rid of credit card debt. I consolidated A LOT of credit card debt when I refinanced my car. I was able to pay off high interest credit cards and save money at the same time. I am proud of that. Of course, with paying off those cards, we decided it was time to make home improvements...which we put on cards. So, for now it seems like this is the cycle. At least the cards we have balances on are 0% interest for a while.

Hopes for the New Year...

1. What is your number one goal for 2013?
    If you are reading this blog, I assume you already know my #1 goal. But if somehow you got here from a random google search, I'll fill you in...I want to become pregnant & I want that pregnancy to yield a healthy baby...and a couple happy healthy mommas too :)

2. What do you want other people to remember most about you at the end of 2013?
    I want people to see me as determined and dedicated to our goals. I want other people to look at Courtney and I and think "wow, someday they are going to be great parents!"

3. How do you plan to make an impact on the world in 2013?
    Recycling is a big deal to me. I hope to continue doing my part of cleaning up our environment with the recycling program the City offers. We also plan to cloth diaper to reduce waste in the landfills...hoping we have a tiny to cloth diaper towards the end of 2013!

4. Where is one place you want to visit in 2013?
    I would love to go back to California again at some point. I would also love to take a road trip up the east coast to visit our friends in the DC area again. Really a beach trip is in order for Courtney and I!!

5. How would you like to see yourself improve in 2013?
    Better health. I am not unhealthy now, but I could definitely shape up! Cut out the unhealthy habits I do have...no more sodas (even though those are few and far between), drink more water, get back into our exercise routine, eat less fast food, you know the usual :) I'd also like to get involved with some kind of volunteer program. The library is also just a block or two down the road, I would like to see Courtney and I make a habit of visiting the library for some quiet reading time.

See, that was fun :) Today is CD10, I started using my cheapie OPKs this morning, I won't get to test tonight because I am working at the Ice Rink until after midnight! I'm not worried about missing any surge tonight though, it is WAY too early for my body to be surging haha. I'll probably start on Thursday (CD13) with our ClearBlue Easy digital tests just to make sure we aren't missing the surge with the cheapies somehow. FF expects O around CD16-18, as usual. I am really, really hoping for CD17 evening surge...that way we can safely ship out on Monday night and insem Tuesday afternoon.

Have we asked you guys to cross your fingers for us, yet? Start crossing them, and your toes, and your eyes, and your arms, and your legs! :) Also, any new tips for the TWW? I'll take them. I have a feeling this one is going to be the worst.