Unexpected

Unexpected, a photo by Lukasmummy on Flickr.

Credits: Layered template (Just Journalling, Volume 2, Template 4) and The Journey Begins both by Jen C Designs. Font is DJB Lindse1 by Darcy Baldwin.
Journalling reads: Life is a constant learning experience, with every year that passes, there are always new lessons just waiting to be learnt. Some of them are positive and some not so much. 2011 was a year that was filled with surprises and lessons, but the most important one for me, was one that I seemed to be reminded of frequently throughout the year - Sometimes you just have to do something unexpected and wait to see what happens next. Whether that is how you react to a situation you are placed in or a choice you make it doesn’t matter. You just have to overcome the fear of people making nasty comments or judging you as crazy and go ahead and do it. Some of the most unexpected things in 2011 were, finding out I was pregnant again and that we were finally getting the little girl we had been dreaming off. Surprising the boys with 2 day trips to London to celebrate their half birthdays. We all had a great time riding on the London Eye, visiting Madame Tussauds and the London Aquarium. Nan being admitted to hospital for most of the summer gave us some great opportunities for unexpected things, like borrowing a wheelchair so I could take her for a walk around the hospital. Then there was the party we packed up and took to the hospital so she could celebrate their birthdays with them. Me being admitted to hospital 2 weeks before Leia was born via C-section. Leia being nearly 1lb heavier than anyone expected or being fine except for being tiny, she only ended up spending 3 weeks in hospital before we were able to take her home. Or even cooking and taking an entire Christmas Dinner and Buffet party for Boxing Day to Nan’s so she could celebrate Christmas with us. But I think the most special one for me, was the most simple. I sent my mum a Christmas card with a photo of the kids on it. It seemed like a nice thing to do, but I was worried how she would react. Our relationship has pretty much always been strained and difficult. She completely surprised me by sending me a thank you note via facebook. Then when we happened to run into her while shopping she made the effort to come and talk to us and look at Leia. We ended up visiting them on Christmas Day and she even had gifts for the kids. I can’t describe how amazing it was for her to be so nice. We had been really struggling to get into the holiday spirit but it ended up being one of the best we have ever had. Here’s to hoping 2012 will be just as full of unexpected surprises, crazy ideas and special memories.