2011. It's been real.

I have to say, 2011 was really a challenging year for us.

But here we are, at the very end, and all I can do is look forward with hope and optimism for 2012.

In April of 2011, Jonathan was officially diagnosed.  By that time, we had been through so many screening, tests and appointments, the actual "your son has Autism" label was a sigh of relief.  Finally putting to rest what we already knew, and gave us the opportunity to move forward. 

Moving forward was not easy.  It took time to get him therapy, to get used to our new schedule and routine, and to let that routine sink in. 

I also had to finish my mourning.  I think this is pretty typical for any parent with a special needs child.  The letting go of your lofty dreams and expectations, and finally being able to embrace the unknown, as well as the present.  Usually the present gives you many gifts you never thought you would receive. 

This year was stressful.  This year was messy. This year was hard.

But oh the progress we've made.
Potty trained, talking, reading, and being the silly, adorable boy that he is.

We got our kitty in January of this year.
I completed my first Triathlon in July and first Half Marathon in October.
We are moving forward on Mike's back pain.
We took a parent's weekend away, leaving Jonathan with a baby-sitter for a full 2 nights.
We visited family in both Ohio and New York (car trip and plane ride!)
Mike and I both tried our hand at single-parenthood, due to business travel respectively.  And both hated it.
And you can't forget the welcoming of our beloved iPad.   

Lots of laughs, tears, frustration, a little sweat and lots of hard work. 
Summarizing it up makes it seem like it wasn't that big of a deal.  And maybe it wasn't.  Maybe it was. 

2012.  So much to look forward to.  Mike and I always sit down and write out our goals and resolutions for the year.  And I can't wait.  We have much to be grateful for.  We have much hope for as well.
We're ready to turn the calendar.