2011....some things I’d like to record and remember

Last year was a good year all being said. It has been a journey for me in many ways (as every year is) and I’ve learned some things, discovered some new things and grown as a person. My husband began another new stage in his career and we’ve had some incredible moments with the children making memories along the way.  I did have some tough moments times in 2011 and a short period where I slipped back into some negative head space and old worries resurfaced for a while, robbing me of my usual spark and positive attitude. Unlike previous years though, I’ve tackled things, tried to move on and accept the things I can’t change. It is a work in progress but I’m getting there.

2011 ended well for me and my family and I wanted to record some of the highlights here (which I plan on doing every new year from now on) to make sure me and the family have something to remember it all through.

We’ve still got issues with sleep when it comes to my youngest Georgia (5). I look back at last year and we have come a long way but she remains gripped by bad dreams, fears and general nervousness at night time. We are sleeping more on the whole though and have decided not to over analyse it any more. It is what it is. It won’t last forever. Or at least I hope not. If I ever feel despairing I go back to read this post to get things into perspective. I’ve come a long way baby and it’s not so bad.

Career wise I am still not where I want to be and my quest for work life balance continues. Bottom line is, working motherhood is really hard work. I doubt it will ever be anything other than that. So I’ve tried not to complain so much this year and we’ve arranged childcare to ensure there is a little less pressure on me than in previous years. Couple that with the girls getting older and it is about as good as I think it will ever get and for that I am grateful and more aware of how much harder some others have it. If I do have a particularly bad day, I read thispost from a blogger I love and whose posts often relate so closely to my own experiences and remind me that my trials and  tribulations are by no means unique.  

One of the best things about last year, and every year since 2004 really,  is the pure joy I get from being a Mum.  This year I’ve watched the girls grow closer, play together better, laugh together more and generally develop their bond further. I love watching them dance, perform and go off into a make believe world together. The build up to Christmas recently and their combined excitement and wonder over the festive season was amazing to watch brought me so much happiness. They are becoming best friends (most of the time) and that is something that makes me very proud.

In spring last year we managed to get away to Cornwall on a summer holiday, just the four of us, and we had a lovely time experiencing new things and enjoying some down time together. When the kids were asleep, hubby and I enjoyed some quality time alone, with cuddles on the sofa, nice meals and it was fabulous. 

 

Then in June we celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary and escaped for the night to a lovely little bolthole and enjoyed some delicious food and some well deserved alone time to reflect on the previous ten years of marriage together.

Finally, in Autumn I even managed a weekend escape with some lovely girl friends and had lots of laughs, wine, uninterrupted sleep, hot tub relaxation and well earned ‘me time’. It was self indulgent and fantastic and I have now decided that all parents need and deserve a break now and again. This year I discovered that it is ok to be ‘me’ for a weekend and take time away from my parenting role. It doesn’t mean you are selfish or a bad mother.

2012 lies ahead and who knows what it will bring? I quite like not knowing what’s in store but this year I’m hoping for a year of stability and tranquillity and I also intend to once and for all deal with my weight. Here’s to a happy and healthy year ahead.