Happy New Year! It’s already January 3rd, and I’m just finally logging on here to write a little something. We’ve been pretty busy with traveling and enjoying time with family this week. Now we’re home; the Christmas decorations have been packed away, the festive desserts have all been consumed, new toys have been [mostly] organized, and the last of the artificial pine needles have been vacuumed out of the carpet. I suppose that means we’re ready for a fresh start!
I’m thankful to ring in the new year with my sweetheart and all these little people we call ours.
2018 had its challenges, some of which I haven’t shared much about here on the blog. I’m grateful to be through some of those hard things, but as usual, I’m always a little sad for another year to end.
I love seeing what my “most popular” Instagram posts from the year were, and, no surprise, 2018 was all about baby Eve (with a little running thrown in there)! Last New Year’s, I remember thinking forward to this year and wondering if I’d be holding a sweet prince or princess as we entered 2019. I had feelings that we’d have a baby girl, but my mind just kept saying, “No way, what are the odds?” But here we are. Four little princesses. I wouldn’t trade all that pink for anything.
I know a lot of people come up with a “word of the year” each January, but it felt just too hard to pick one word this year, so I have two “mantras”:
#1. I’m a worrier, and it can be especially hard for me when I feel like I don’t have “control” over a situation. I’m trying really hard to let go, have faith that everything will work out for the best, and trust in myself, others, and God. I’ve realized that I can’t fret about all the possible outcomes of every situation forever, so here’s to going forward with faith. All I can do is try my best.
#2. It’s taken me until the birth of my fourth child to realize how truly important “me time” is! I love my kids more than anything, but I’ve noticed that I’ve started losing myself completely to the role of motherhood. It’s not a bad thing to be devoted to my family, by any means- but it’s also so important to remember who I am. I typically feel selfish for taking any time away to do something that I want to do… but I need it. I already have some fun things on the calendar for 2019 (hello, half marathon!), and I’m hoping that a little self-care goes a long way in rejuvenating my mind and spirit.
Happy 2019, friends!
