2009 - Thoughts & Recap from Shannon

BANKS FAMILY PHOTO - 12/6/09

While I think back on 2009, it started with much sorrow. We learned our beloved dog Avalanche's health was failing and we had to have him put to sleep on 12/30/08, which was very difficult.
And then Emily & my mom unexpectedly died on 1/5/09, it was terrible.
The grief, sorrow and ache we experienced was unbelievable and still hurts at times, probably always will.
All of our hopes and dreams focused on June and getting to June when we'd meet our growing and recently announced baby.
I can't tell you the encouragement and hope this baby gave me during the most difficult times. I will never forget the hope & excitement I had when I felt my baby move for the 1st time on 1/9/09, the day of my mom's funeral. I know that was a special gift from God.
Lots has happened between then and June, but most of it I don't remember as I was pregnant (LOL!) and I still don't remember well yet. I am afraid this memory loss may be permanent for me.
I do recall we spent time with friends and family, found out our baby is a boy!!!, enjoyed participating in our Bible Study group, and spent TONS of time preparing, shopping, buying, etc for Baby Boy Banks (BBB) as I often referred to him. We went to Texas in March, Andrew had a sinus surgery in April, and we had a wonderful baby shower in May as well.
My water broke (at work!) on 6/9, at 4:03pm and our darling son, DAKOTA PAUL, was born on 6/10/09, at 7:50am.
His birth was difficult and he actually had to be transported from our hospital to the Intensive Care Unit in a nearby city. We have NEVER been so terrified in our lives, but we THANK God for a clean bill of health and a perfectly wonderful & healthy son!
Dakota was discharged on 6/15/09 and overall things have only been getting better and better since!
I took 12 weeks off of work to care for my baby and absolutely dreaded leaving him, but I returned to work on 9/9/09. Andrew was also uncomfortable with my return to work so he majorly adjusted the budget so I could quit my job!! I am thrilled to have been home with Dakota since 10/10/09!!!!!!!!!!!!
Life has been a whirlwind as caring for a baby is shockingly time consuming and both Andrew & Emily have very BUSY schedules, but I LOVE being home with Dakota, taking care of our home, and taking care of my family. I am even enjoying cooking now, which is something I never enjoyed before.
Andrew continues working to earn his Accounting degree from Northwood University. He usually takes 16-17 credits a term so his days are extremely full with work, school, homework and family time, but he is motivated and is handling it all very well.
Andrew continues to enjoy various outdoor activities like: skiing, climbing, fishing, hiking, etc, but since Dakota arrived he has taken a break from those things, as he can't wait to get home to his boy every evening.
Andrew is a super fun dad and he & Dakota have a special relationship already! It is awesome! I am absolutely thrilled my son has such a loving father.
Emily got a car in August and started her Junior year at Dow High School & began Beauty School in September! Emily worked at our local mall from June to November and will begin a regular babysitting job in January.
Emily turns 17 on 12/26/09 and has planned a nice birthday party that we all are looking forward to. We have an extra special birthday present for her! We seriously can barely wait to give it to her, in fact Andrew really wanted to tell her last night but we stayed strong & hope to contain our excitement until her b-day.
She is really doing great and loves being Dakota's Aunt! She often makes up fun sounds for him and he is always so impressed!
For Dakota's updates, just stay tuned to this blog, seems like I am regularly posting new pictures and stories about him, since he grows and changes so quickly.
Dakota is a very good natured little guy, he has a gorgeous smile, an adorable laugh, is very social, and tells us terrific stories! However he definitely makes his dislikes known and he is not a good napper or sleeper. Every single day he amazes me and brings me so much happiness I can't believe it!
I had my last Spanish class in May and look forward to resuming my lessons in 2010. I can't wait to teach Spanish to Dakota! I am excited to continue learning to be a mom to Dakota, sister & "mom" to Emily, and a homemaker & wife to Andrew.
I finally feel like what I am doing is meaningful and will actually add value & matter someday. I never felt like that when I worked outside of our home. I know what I am doing right now is the most important job I will ever have. I am surprised though at how fast the weeks fly by and how much work being a stay-at-home mom and homemaker really is, wow, but I wouldn't trade it for anything. I feel absolutely blessed to be where I am right now.
In addition to everything I mentioned above, from July to December we spent time with numerous friends and family members, took a vacation to Colorado in July, Andrew had another sinus surgery in September, and I quit my job in October.
Dakota has changed all of our lives and all for the better! I think our lives were fine before, but now things are extra special. I am shocked at how we've changed and how our priorities have changed since his birth. I am so thankful we have him! I truly cannot express in words the JOY my son has added to my life and to our family! He is absolutely amazing, a precious gift from God and the most valuable & wonderful gift I have ever received!
Now we are settling down and looking forward to relaxing during the holidays and enjoying our baby's 1st Christmas, we are SO excited!!!
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE!!! ENJOY IT! :) And Happy 2010!