2012, in review

2012 was a big year for this girl, and 2013 is shaping up to be even bigger! For posterity, here's a look at my 2012...

January

• We had just moved into our very first house and began life as homeowners, and I started working at the museum again.
• Tash and Ryan got married in Ft. Lauderdale, which, as expected, proved to be a fun mini-reunion weekend of foolishness.

February

• My mom and dad came to visit for a quick weekend to see the new house.
• Poe and I took the plunge and got ourselves an adorable puppy, Lucy. She is half weimeraner, half lab, and 100% hot mess. I did not know what I was in store for, but I sure do love her!
• A group of gals and I hosted a baby shower for our friend Meghan. It was the first big party in our new house.
• Poe and I started our Catholic Church wedding pre-cana sessions.
• I flew back to Chicago for Kelly's bachelorette weekend...as fun as expected!

March

• Poe's mom and dad came for a visit to see the new house and spend some time together.
• I was a bridesmaid in Kelly and Craig's wedding in Chicago. The entire weekend was a blast, though sadly Poe couldn't join for the festivities. 

April

• Meghan gave birth to a beautiful baby girl, Nolyn. Looking back at the pictures from our visit, I can't believe how teeny tiny she was!
• The Riepe's hosted an Easter brunch for our friends who stayed in town for the holiday.
• Lauren came into to town for a quick work trip, but we were able to get dinner one evening to catch up.
• Sarah gave birth to a grumpy-looking (in the most awesome way possible) baby boy, Ben. I didn't get to meet him until July, but he was worth the wait!
• I started my new job at a local charter school as their first Development Director.

May

• Melissa and Klarysa hosted an incredible Bachelorette weekend for me, in conjunction with Cinco de Mayo. A few friends were able to come in from out of town, and it was one of my favorite weekends to-date!
• Some of my Charlotte friends threw a fun couples shower for me and Napoleon, including caramel layer cake, qdoba, and a bonfire. What good parties don't have those three things?!
• Lucy had a much needed surgery on her lady-parts, and subsequently was in need of constant care, and diapers, for a number of weeks. We still think she is worth it. At least we hope.
• AJ came to visit for a couple days at the end of Memorial Day weekend.

June

• Poe and I took a trip out to Chicago for a long weekend of wedding-planning-related activities. We were able to tie up a lot of loose ends and got our marriage license! My sister and mom also threw an elaborate wedding shower for me that left me feeling quite spoiled!

July

• Meghan and I went to the Coldplay concert here in Charlotte, with the help of Meghan's husband.
• Erin and Paul hosted a 4th of July barbeque for some close friends.
• Poe and I packed up and headed to Chicago for the big day. Obviously I've had 8,000 posts about the wedding, but it truly was everything, and so much more, than I could have hoped for. I still look at pictures and wish I could go back and do it all over again!
• Following the wedding festivities in Chicago, Poe and I flew to Las Vegas for a few days of fun and relaxation.
• Returning to Chicago, we then drove out to Baltimore for a Wedding After Party, hosted by the Sykes for their friends and family that couldn't make it to Chicago.
• After the whirlwind couple of weeks, we were sad to go back to life as usual in Charlotte, but did enjoy the Summer Olympics!

August

• Just a hair shy of our one month anniversary, we got the news of our lives...we're pregnant! Subsequent posts will certainly cover all of the baby excitement, but needless to say, we were surprised at just how fast it happened for us!
• We celebrated Kim and Arby and the impending arrival of their baby boy at a couples baby shower hosted by some friends.
• Poe and I brought baby Sykes to his first concert: Matisyahu at the Fillmore.
• A few couples started a supper club, or Deacon Dinner, as Klarysa likes to call it. We had our first dinner, and have managed to neglect it ever since. One of these days we'll hopefully bring it back!

September

• Josh and Jess got married in Rochester, NY over Labor Day weekend. It was easily one of the most gorgeous weddings I have ever attended!
• Kendra and Mrs. Sykes came to visit for the DNC. A friend had given me tickets to the Presidential Nomination Acceptance event, but sadly, on the day of the event, it was moved to a smaller location due to inclement weather, and we weren't able to go. I was in the heat of my terrible morning sickness though, and likely wouldn't have been able to make it through the festivities.
• Anna came to visit for Wake's Homecoming weekend. Not being able to drink put a damper on the weekend, but we found ways to stay entertained, as we always do!
• We had an impromptu visit from my aunt and uncle and were able to get a quick dinner and show them the house.

October

• My Great-Aunt Stella passed away and I flew to Chicago for the wake and funeral.
• Klarysa, Erin, and I went to see Amy Schumer at the Comedy Zone in the NC Music Factory.
• Poe and I celebrated our birthdays by going for an early gender ultrasound...and found out we are having a boy!
• The Riepe's, Mayer's, and Poe and I went back to Wake for the Dig for the Cure volleyball match, in support of Heather. We were glad the deacs got a big win that night!

November

• Both sides of our families came to visit for Thanksgiving weekend. During the weekend, we had a very small ceremony at the Catholic Church here to recognize our marriage.

December

• Poe and I spent Christmas in Chicago with my family. The weather held up great and it was fun to see my family and friends again.
• Once we returned to Charlotte, the remainder of our break was spent relaxing before we had to go back to work and real life! Although we did take a couple days to start visiting daycare centers for the little guy.

All in all, 2012 was a pretty incredible year. It's always amazing to look back and see just how much happened and changed. Feeling blessed to have the life I have been given, and looking forward to the adventures that will come our way in 2013.