Two Thousand Seventeen
The passage of time is a strange thing. How is it that hours and days can feel long while weeks and years go quickly? As I look back on 2017, I have a feeling having a baby has something to do with it!
It’s hard to believe that a year ago, Brian and I were adjusting to being new parents. And now, one year later, we’ve celebrated so many milestones with our little girl that it’s almost hard to count! First words, first steps, learning songs, dancing, playing games of make believe, weddings of good friends, museum visits, tasting new foods, laughing fits, beach days, and more. Of course we’ve also seen a few not-so-fun phases, including the onset of tantrums (apparently she’s quite early on that front!), flinging food, teething episodes, stroller refusal, and good, old-fashioned stubbornness. But it’s incredible to see how smart and independent M has become in such a short period of time!
It’s also been a year since I resigned from my job, and I do miss the work and the people. I was lucky to freelance for the magazine a few times this year though, and I think it was a good way to ease into staying at home. I never really know what my weeks will look like now, but I know they’ll be centered around M. It’s true, my time is measured in naps and meals—not meetings and deadlines—but if there’s anything this year has taught me, it’s that childhood is fleeting. M will only be this little for a brief time, and even on the most challenging days, I’m happy to be home with her.
To be completely honest, some days I feel like I’m really nailing this whole mama thing. Other days I wonder if I’ll ever not struggle with keeping things clean and organized while managing to keep M well-fed and entertained. But that’s life, I guess! I’m trying not to be so hard on myself and to live in the moment instead of being hyper critical and worrying about what comes next. And if that isn’t a resolution for 2018, then I don’t know what is!
Here’s to a bright new year filled with kindness (to ourselves and others), laughter (that comes easily and often), and love (above all else).
X
