2020. It doesn't really need an introduction but I am going to say it anyways.
What. A. Year.
This year has been incredibly challenging, stressful, and sad for all of us. But in this year, God led me to what my heart was longing, my favorite "job" in the world. He led me to what I believe I was meant to do - stay home full-time and raise Lainey. My heart is so happy, and I am so thankful for this opportunity!
Because there were some really big events that happened this year, I decided to document them for my own purpose; my own memory. I am using this platform to do so, and am not using it to boast or brag.
Our 2020 in review looked a little something like this:
Lainey
Lainey began daycare on January 10th, 2020
Less than two months later, Lainey was pulled from daycare due to the growing global pandemic crisis
On March 16th, Lainey began staying home with us while Tyler and I both worked from home full-time (Lainey was about to turn 5 months old)
We officially unenrolled Lainey from daycare during the summer months
On July 15th, 2020, we learned the cause of Lainey's hearing loss (genetic change on GJB2 gene)
Lainey went on her first vacation (Up North over Labor Day weekend)
Lainey turned one, and we celebrated with a "Mack-themed" party
Family & Home
We became an aunt & uncle for the first time on April 8th
We sold a lot of furniture on Facebook Marketplace and redecorated Tyler's office
We remodeled our kitchen with a lot of help from my parents
We started creating a playroom in our basement for Lainey (hopefully finishing in early January!)
Finances
We paid off Tyler's student loans
We refinanced our home to a 15-year mortgage
Career
My maternity leave ended on January 13th, and I returned to work full-time at the Medical College of Wisconsin (it was very difficult, and I was very unhappy)
I started to work full-time from home on March 16th due to the pandemic, while simultaneously caring for Lainey
I went to a part-time schedule starting on June 1st
Tyler grew his social media management and consulting agency so that I could stay home full-time with Lainey
Tyler "hired" me to take over the day-to-day operations of his business
Among all of this, the absolute highlight of my year (and life!) has been being able to stay home full-time with Lainey. On October 1st, I turned in my corporate badge so that I could raise Lainey. I have never been happier!
I am so thankful for Tyler's amazing work ethic and for all of his crazy businesses and ideas, which have played a big part of how we were able to make this work financially. Above all, praise be to God for directing, opening these doors, and providing for us financially.
Who knows what 2021 will bring, but I will always look back on 2020 as a special year despite all of the challenges it brought. Cheers to end of one chapter and the beginning of another - 2021!
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