Happy New Year!!

Another year has come and gone. They go so quickly, don't they?

2009 was a year of excitement, a year full of ups and downs, adventures and challenges. 2009 brought us Henry! We sailed 2400 miles. We sought adventure and found plenty! We also had a lot of pitfalls in the business and had to make a few sacrifices and changes of plan.

I think that when you look back on your life, though, it is the highlights that stand out. The hardships only make you smarter, stronger, and lead you on another path. Our trip was something that most people don't ever get to do, and we enjoyed four and a half months on the water together living our dream.

Our first year with Henry couldn't have been better. He is such a wonderful, charming little boy. We like to think that spending so much quality time with him, living this 'life less ordinary' has helped him to become the sweet, adventurous, boisterous little man that he is. I love him more than words can say.

The clock is ticking on whether or not Henry will officially walk before his first birthday! He will be one on January 14th. He is now walking between us at a fairly slow, controlled pace, up to 5 or 6 steps! He is so close, I think he just lacks the confidence to let go and be off! All in his own time, I'm sure.

Everyone we see these days is asking, 'How are you managing wintering on the boat?' The answer is that we keep the boat at a nearly tropical warmth, Henry and I get out for walks every day to stave off cabin fever, and my sea sickness has been cured! In short, life aboard is wonderful...even in the winter.

Christmas was good. Hectic as usual, visiting both families, with all of the travel that entails. But we had a nice, simple Christmas, enjoying the most important stuff...time with those we love, good food, and good cheer. We had Christmas Eve and Christmas morning on the boat, just the three of us (five if you count the furry ones!), then went on to Kitchener to see the Oakes' for a few days, then Peterborough to spend time with the Francey's. It was really nice.

On New Year's Eve we went out on our first date since Henry was born! We were more than due! Andy and I went to the annual party at the Heathcoat residence. It was great fun, as usual, with a live band, good company, and great food. Henry had a date with our wonderful neighbours, Deirdre and Bruce, who kept watch over him on our boat. He woke up and was quite upset to find us absent, but Deirdre worked her magic, and he was sound asleep again in no time! Thanks Dee!!

My New Year's Resolution? Same as everyone else's, probably...I want to lose a few pounds and a few inches. I'm going to cut out all of the desserts that we feasted on almost every night in 2009, and do daily sit-ups and push-ups to get back to my pre-pregnancy waist size! There...now that I've told you, I will have to stick to it!

So what's next? Well, the maternity leave money has stopped coming, so off on the job hunt I go. I'm hoping to find something part time so that Andy can be with Henry when I'm not. We really don't want to put him into daycare.

I wish you all a happy, healthy and successful 2010! Follow your dreams, and great things will happen!