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Thursday night I got to see something amazing, something I had witnessed before, but not for a long time, and something that I am sure will never get old.

I saw a baby be born!

I had the privilege to see three of my nephews be born, the last almost exactly seven years ago. It was just amazing each time.

Then I had my own babies, but I didn’t really get to watch that per se, since Joshua was an emergency C-section, and although Sophie’s was scheduled, they don’t let you watch yourself being carved up for good reason, I am sure.

So – my friend Tosh was in labor alllll night on December 30th and allll day on the 31st, and about nine p.m., she had her sister call and see if I wanted to come because she was ready to push, and I jumped at the chance.

When I got there, I could see the baby’s head and Tosh had pushed a couple of times. Her mom, sister, dad, and grandmom were all there. I felt so privileged to be included in the group. As soon as I came in, Tosh’s mom, my BFF Luanne, started making motions for me to take pictures. So I did.

A few more pushes, and some funny comments from Tosh (after one push -“Is anyone else a little stressed?” and after the baby’s head was out, “Oh my gosh! There’s still SHOULDERS!”) she gave a nice big push and baby Marler Kay was born – all NINE POUNDS FOUR OUNCES of her!! I was in awe. Tosh was so amazing. I know I keep using that word, and I hate to be inarticulate, but it was amazing. I was in awe and overcome by emotion. I sobbed like the crybaby I am as we all hugged and oohed and aahed over this new life and her mother’s efforts to bring her into this world.

A baby being born is such a miracle. It sounds trite to say, but even now, four days later, I am too stunned by what I saw to be more descriptive. It was just indescribably beautiful and miraculous. Truly I felt like the presence and love of God in the process of this baby’s birth.

Welcome to the world, baby girl!

So like all the other bloggers in the world, we’ve put together a post highlighting our favorite posts of the year. Most of those over-achieving bloggers did it yesterday, you know, when it was still 2009, but Jenny and I are always a day late and a dollar short, so this comes as no surprise. And we actually didn’t get around to it until January 2nd last year, so we’re really making progress. (What’s that? You missed last year’s edition? Well click right over here for a dose of nostalgia).

So let’s blast through the past year Mommin’ It Up style, shall we?

First of all, in January, Jenny started the year off right by telling us the story of true love. And her bowels.

Then in February, she got stuck in an elevator (and 10 months later, it still makes me laugh).

In March, I let go of any dignity I had left and told you all a story about Spanx, a pregnancy test and a Target bathroom.

On April 15th I remembered to do my taxes.

Jenny got a little sappy in May and wrote about how we both owe our existence to refrigerators and washing machines.

In June, I drew pictures of the time my husband and I walked to Kentucky.

In July, I got stuck in an elevator (and 5 months later, I still can’t believe the irony).

Jenny’s baby started school in August, and so did mine.

In September, Jenny told us the romantic story of her husband cutting his thumb off with a saw.

Kate and I made a disastrous cake in October.

In November, Jenny was chastised by a disinfectant company and pacified by the mayor-elect of Dayton, all in one day.

And finally, in December Jenny fessed up about the fact that she was a 20-year-old doggy-paddler.

Thank you all for being here through the good times and the bad, laughing at with us and crying with us. We big puffy heart our readers. You both all are the best.

Happy New Year!

Also? Don’t forget about your ovaries.

A week or so ago, I heard about the Santa calls being offered from Cincinnati Bell, so I arranged for Santa to call Kate that evening. It’s a pretty cute service – you go to the website, put in your child’s name and your phone number (only the greater Cincinnati/Dayton area works) and the time and date Santa should call, and voila, your kid gets a call from the big man himself.

When the phone rang that night, I asked Kate to answer it. I heard her say “Hello?? Hello??? Hello????” and then she hung up. She looked at me and said “Sammy must have called someone or something, because no one was there. All I could hear was ‘Ho, ho, ho.'” Being the genius I am, instead of just letting it go, I was like “Kate, who says ‘ho, ho, ho’??” A look of recognition came over her face… and then horror… and then she burst into tears. She was absolutely heartbroken that she hung up on Santa! It was so pitiful, and while Andy and I did our best to comfort her and convince her it was ok, she didn’t really buy it. I immediately got on the computer and arranged for Santa to call again 15 minutes later, and that time Kate let the man talk. Apparently Santa did a plug for Cincinnati Bell while he was at it, because Kate now says that he lives in northern Cincinnati.

While a phone call from Santa is cute, a video of him talking to your child is even better! Yesterday Emilie sent me a link to the Portable North Pole, where you can make a customized video of Santa. You answer a few quick questions about your child, what he or she wants for Christmas, and upload a picture, and within seconds you have a video of Santa talking to your child, and since he has all the “inside info,” his message is really specific and personal. It is so cute! I was hoping I could embed the video I made for Sammy in this post, but I don’t think there’s a way to do it. You can click here to see it though! Also, if you have teenagers, they’ll let you put them on the “Naughty” list – too funny.

Enjoy!