Welcome 2014!

Happy New Year everyone! I am sitting at home whilst the wind howls outside and the rain lashes against the windows. That has been our weather for the Christmas season. Dark and dismal. Thankfully it has not been a dark and dismal time.

First of all, I would like to apologise for my total lack of blogging over the last three months. I've had plenty to say but very little energy to say it. That, and sitting in front of the computer when you are constantly nauseous isn't as easy as you would think. However, I am not complaining, because it's all worth it.

I am pregnant again. Our baby is due in early June. The dating scan in November was definitely my highlight of 2013, to see our little baby wriggling around and waving away. To know that our baby was doing well and growing strong. We have since heard the heartbeat and for the past couple of weeks I have felt fleeting and exciting movements in my belly. We are so thankful to God for this amazing gift, and we pray each day that our baby will continue to grow strong and healthy.

2013 was not the greatest year. With the miscarriage, my husband's job rejections, and ongoing and ever increasing problems in our house, as well as difficulties being experienced by friends and family, it's been pretty difficult. I haven't always remained positive throughout it all but I never lost hope, and if nothing else 2013 has certainly been a year of hope.

There were highlights too, such as my brother-in-law's wedding in March, our holiday to Rome in June, my husband's graduation in July, becoming godparents in September, and me being awarded a permanent contract at work in November. There has always been really good stuff happening despite the bad, and sometimes it was easy to forget during the grief and the stress and the frustration. Even without those bigger things, there have always been family and friends, church, and projects to keep us occupied, involved, excited, and hopeful.

2014 is set to be an interesting year indeed. It will certainly be exciting, it will also be scary, and there is a lot that is unknown. We need to move house, my husband is still considering his career options in the field of scientific research, and above all we know a baby will change our lives forever. But is good and I remain hopeful. I have to acknowledge that I do worry and I do get scared, but I trust God and His goodness. Even when I don't feel like trusting Him any more because it hurts too much, that faith never dies, that flame never goes out. And that is why I look to 2014 with hope. Because of Him.

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year, and I hope to blog more frequently again!

Some 2013 Highlights - the Colosseum, zebras at Port Lympne Wildlife Park, wigs in the pub on my birthday,
snowdrops at Strumpshaw Fen, fire buckets at the Bluebell Railway, flowers in the local park gardens,
snow at Lewes Casle, Dover Castle, 80s party!