The last year has been difficult for me.  In fact, as I look back farther, the whole past five years has been hard in a lot of ways.  Geoff and I talk about it, and we list the major events - those that occurred over a long time, and those that happened with a sudden boom - and we end up with a pretty impressive list.

• Geoff started a new job, as music director at Edgebrook Lutheran Church.
• Katie and I (and the dog) were in a car accident that totalled our car.  The other driver was killed.
• We tried for over 15 months to get pregnant without success.
• We house hunted, bought a condo, moved.  Five years later, our place is likely worth less than we owe on the loan. 
• A few months after I was able to get pregnant, I had a miscarriage.
• The same week I had a miscarriage, Geoff's sister Stephanie attempted suicide.
• I got pregnant again, which was wonderful.  Everything was fine.  I was healthy.  The baby was born at the right time, perfectly healthy and completely beautiful.  She didn't sleep for more than 3 hours at a time (and often woke up every 2 hours all night) until she was 10 months old.
• Geoff's sister Stephanie overdosed and died.  We are still grieving.
• All the stress that went along with potty training Katie.  She did not voluntarily and regularly use the toilet all of the time until a month or so before she turned 5.