2012 has been quite the year for our family. From Sweet Pea starting Preschool and Monkey going to daycare to my new job and RoadTripDaddy's continued success, there have been a lot of highs and certainly some lows mixed in as well. I could write out a list of all the things that have happened, and go into great detail about the happiest and saddest moments from this year. But instead, I want to focus on 2012 as a whole. And yes...this will be sappy. I just can't help it.
Personally, I have grown more this year than I thought possible. I have been challenged and succeeded, tested and passed, pushed and pulled. I don't remember a New Year's where I have been so at peace. I'm really happy. I feel blessed to have the people in my life that I do. My family, my friends. They mean the world to me. If you would have told me a few years ago that some of these friendships would be in place, I wouldn't have believed you. But the people that are a part of my life, make me feel lucky. I could not be happier with my new job. I didn't think it was possible to gain a second family in the workplace, but after 4 months at this job, the people I work with treat each other like family. There is friendship, respect, trust, and a willingness to help each other out that I have never witnessed before.
As for RoadTripDaddy and I, we seem to have a new spark. As in any marriage, it's a lot of work. It should be. Not hard work, but the kind of work that you get up in the morning, and take note, it's not just about you and your happiness. I think we are all working on this. It's not always easy to put someone's needs in front of your own. I tease him and tell him that I love him more than he loves me. But we both know that it's not a competition of who loves who more. It's a team working together, making the most of the high points in life and being there for the other person when it feels like no one else is.
Sweet Pea has grown so much this year. There are times when I look at pictures of her and she looks much older than her 3 years. She looks like a little adult and there are moments where she has the attitude to match. Sweet Pea keeps us on our toes with her questions, love of life and unending enthusiasm. She loves to learn and really enjoys Preschool.
Monkey has gone from the quiet younger brother to being almost as talkative as Sweet Pea. Once he started daycare, Monkey had a lot to say. He is all boy and enjoys making me sweat as he jumps from the ottoman to the couch and back again. Monkey also likes school and he keeps all the teachers on their toes with his charm. He's got a lot of RoadTripDaddy in him.
As for this blog, I have been slacking. I know that when I write, my mind feels lighter. I know that I can keep the memories that sometimes slip away. Like Sweet Pea saying "Oh my gosh!" whenever she is excited about something. We heard this a lot on Christmas morning. Or Monkey exclaiming "I found it!" when he saw a school bus while running errands one day. It is one of my favorite memories from this year. Or RoadTripDaddy looking at me and telling me that everything will be okay. He has been my rock (cliche, I know - but it's true) and has kept me afloat more times than I can count.
So I look back on 2012 with happy tears in my eyes. We are happy, healthy and ready to tackle all 2013 has to offer.