2008 - what did you do?

It's nearly the end of the year, and I was listening to the radio this afternoon and they were talking about reflecting on the year that is ending, and I got to reflecting a bit myself.

What did you do in 2008 that made you proud?

*The most important thing, of course, is the arrival of my beautiful lil miss! I'm proud that I was able to give birth without any pain relief, even if I was screaming for it!

*I'm proud that, after a shocking breastfeeding experience with the gremlins, I have been able to exclusively breastfeed lil miss. Five months and counting!

*My big girl started school and is growing, and learning, and thriving and asking so many questions.

*I'm finally starting to understand what makes the gremlins tick, and able to enjoy them for the cheeky, complex little characters that they are.

*I'm proud of OHbaby!, which has grown so hugely over the past few years, and of course, the launch of OHbaby! Magazine.

*And I'm proud that in 2008 I celebrated 6 years sober.

So what are you proud of?

Congrats Emma!

It goes without saying that Hannah is, by far, my biggest source of pride this year!
She's such a fabulous wee lass with whom I'm falling in love with more and more as each day passes.

Another thing is after battling with my weight for years, I decided to something about it.
I joined the gym and have, to date, lost over 30cms and dropped 7% body fat!
I have more energy and much more self-esteem.

And last, but not least, DH and I have been together for over 8 years, married for 3, and still going strong.

I couldn't imagine life without my wee family and this year has been the best of my life!

I am proud that:

• We managed to buy our first house
• We have managed to stay out of debt (except for the mortgage)
• We decided that we want to spend the rest of our lives together and got engaged
• I have managed to complete 4 insurance papers, including 2 with distinction
• I have finally started to see that I am someone who deserves the best, and I am beautiful.

The last one is one I have struggled with for years, and I can finally see that it doesn't matter that I'm not skinny, or typically good looking - I am me, and that alone makes me beautiful and worth it.

2008 has been a tough year for me.

Marrying DH after 7 years together is the highlight.
I was pleased with my results from my first university paper.

Sadly since then I've been made redundant, and had nasty employment issues, which has left me some what disillusioned with my career choices.

Hope 2009 is better.

The highlights of my 2008 were ..

• Giving birth to my darling Isabelle
• Creating womble
• Watching SD become "Mum" and watching him show Isabelle the world
• Spending another year with the lovely Jan/Feb Mummies

On a side note .. lizzle, Opshop are signed to our record label ... they are lovely lads!

*I'm proud that I got off my ass and actually applied for midwifery and was accepted .
* I'm proud of my ratbags and how awesome they are. I love how well they play and how they are real little people now.
*I'm proud of me and Ben somehow making it through this year together with all the ILs and money problems we have had.
*I'm proud of Ben for not letting his nasty stepmother get to him and I'm proud of me for not letting the ILs get away with all the trouble they caused.
*I proud of how environmentally friendly we have become as a family
*I'm proud (and excited) that I am all organised for next year and can't wait to move on to the next part of my life.

I am proud of:

- the beautiful little girl I helped to create and bring into the world. She already makes me so proud and has shown me a whole new level of love.

- DP and I looking after her exclusively with no family around to help (even when I had sugery).

- having an even better relationship (post-baby) with DP even after 13 years together.

- making more friends over the last year than I ever have.

- keeping my weight under my pre-pregnancy weight.

I'm proud that I've managed to breastfeed for 21 MONTHS encounting ...I think we will easily hit the 2 year mark no problems

My little man has FINALLY started to self settle to sleep at night WITHOUT the boob - boy that was a hard habit to break!

Just overall very proud of my little guy, he's such a beautiful, gentle, loving soul whom showers me with kisses and cuddles all day long, he's the reason I live & breath.

Ohh and I'm proud I'm still single and haven't gone down THAT path ...I'm loving just focusing on Lucas and keeping him as my main priority. Bugger men. Over 2.5 years now

Hmm what else...

* First and foremost I'm proud and so incredibly happy that we had our first child, and that he's such an awesome little guy. I'm proud that I gave birth to him naturally with no drugs or gas, and that I felt relaxed and in control.

* I'm proud of DH for being such an amazing daddy, and that I feel so confident in leaving Harry in his care.

* I'm proud that I breastfed for 9 months, and that the last 5 months was while I was working so it wasn't easy

* I'm proud that I went back to work earlier than expected, and managed to settle in to a kinda challenging class half way through the year.

* I'm proud that I'm managing to juggle working and being a mumma.

* I'm proud that I've been able to "let go" of Harry so that he's used to other people looking after him and care for him. I love it that DH looks after him 1 1/2 days a week while I'm at work, and my mum the other day.

* I'm proud that we bought a second house (but our first family home)

* I'm proud that we're moving house tomorrow and so far we've managed to pack up most of our stuff at the same time as all the end of year stuff at school (reports etc) and I haven't had too big a meltdown about it

* I'm proud that I'm starting a new laundry/cleaning/meals routine so that things will run more smoothly in our household

* I'm proud that I've had quite a few experiences in my 23 years. Living in the UK for a year away from family and friends, travelling all around to 21 different countries, completing teaching degree, getting married, owning/running a cafe and selling it for a sweet profit, running Kids Church, teaching for 1 1/2 years so far, owning 2 houses and having a beautiful baby boy

* I'm proud that although I sometimes get stressed and exhausted, I manage to push through and keep going

* I'm proud that Harry is biting heaps less than he used to, and that it's cos we taught him not to, in a positive way... That feels so rewarding!

* I'm proud that DH and I celebrated 2 years of marriage and we're still going strong

man when i think of it it has been a big year

-i,m so pproud of my little boy who has come shucha long way after his dignosies of dyspraxia his streaghtnh and dederanation inspires me every day
-im proud i have given up smoking 5 months and counting
-i faniliy put my applacation in at teachers collage now i just need to get in

-ans im proud thugh every thing my familiy stays close and strong