Up The Farway Tree

2015 in pictures

I never have time to update my blog any more but decided to do my annual year in pictures as it's nice to look back and it has been a very exciting year!

January

This was a difficult month as we attended my dear friend Emily’s funeral and in the weeks following we both had the 'flu virus, and I was off work for the first time since 2009...!   We did snap some stunning pictures from the plane, flying back from the funeral.  Emily would approve.

February

We actually started attending preparation classes for adoption - the final one being on valentines day! I didn't feel I could blog about this because it was very unknown if we would get approval with my health issues.  Corey and Monika got engaged this month! I went to my first rugby game.  I started mindfulness classes and tried to learn to sit quietly, with variable success.

March

Had lovely weekend with Louise, Barry and the kids.  They brought me an amazing unicorn cake - just because!  Had a lovely weekend in  London with Andrew and went to see Matilda the musical.

April

I had a tea party and went to the Owl centre for my birthday!  It was also my 7 year transplant anniversary and we celebrated my ongoing good health!!

May

We went on the holiday of a life time to San Francisco and then an Alaskan cruise.  It was amazing and so many fabulous memories!

June

We stayed at Norton House where we had our wedding 11 years ago :-) 

July

We had the pleasure of attending Emma and Kevin's wedding.

August

We stayed in Fintry with Louise, Barry and the kids and had a fab few days.  We also celebrated our 11^th wedding anniversary.   Seb had his incident with the neighbours dog this month - poor wee poppet!  He has made a full recovery though!  We attended what we thought was Kirsty's engagement party and it turned out to be a surprise wedding!!

September 

We had a stunning holiday in Mallorca with total relaxation.  We knew we had adoption panel at the end of this month so needed the rest!  The panel went well and we were approved without any difficulties!   It was of course Frances Ann's birthday and anniversary this month and on holiday we built a wee cairn in her memory.  

October 

2 weeks after our panel meeting - the day the minutes were signed - we heard about a possible match. From this day on it was a roller coaster ride!!  We read paperwork, met medical advisors, foster carer, social workers and a date was set for an official matching panel in November.  We hadn't shared the news with many people so I had to just go about my business as usual.  We had been undergoing an intense home assessment since the prep classes in February! Andrew managed to fit in a half marathon and we had a get together with friends, as well as attending Andrew's dad graduation :-)

November

I have never been quite so busy before!  We had matching panel mid November and were officially matched with our baby girl Estelle.   I had a few weeks to  finish up work and hand over all my patients, as well as a mad 2 week Christmas shopping spree and decorating and furnishing a nursery! I managed to fit in a wee hen night for Jennifer and a stay at Stobo castle with mum as well!! I had the Christmas presents wrapped and delivered, had finished work and had the nursery perfect before we finally met Estelle on the 25th November!   What a whirlwind.  We knew from the moment we met Estelle that she was meant to be with us!   We had a week of introductions until the end of November.  

December

Our baby girl came to live with us on 1st December and life has changed beyond belief!   Yes, it's exhausting and non stop - but she is also she best Christmas present we could have ever hoped for. She is an absolute delight and full of sparkle and fun :-)  

Looking to the year ahead as a 'family' is something I thought would never happen for us. However here we are on Hogmonay 2015 ready to embark on the journey of our lifetime. I wish for a year full of laughter, good health and happiness.  I also think of my donor and the fact her wonderful gift has allowed us to welcome Estelle into our family.  I think of Frances Ann and Claire and wish they could meet their niece - but I do know they will be watching over our little miracle.