Sorry for the brief absence here folks. Really when I disappear for several weeks at a time I'm usually sick or busy and by busy I mean engaging in one of the following: binge watching a tv show (The 100 I recommend it), reading a new book (not done yet I'll let you know), embracing a new hobby (hello adult coloring books), dealing with the hell that is searching for/ purchasing a home, and also in this case, writing a book which I am procrastinating to write this blog post (more details on this to follow). Well it's still January so I think I can still squeeze in my end of year post for 2015...yes...no...maybe...well here goes anyway...
As a sit down to write this, I think I am finally able to put into words what I couldn't in November. The part about becoming more of an adult. Truthfully, there are a lot of embarrassing details I am ashamed to admit here that took me way to many years to figure out/ get into the realm of adulthood. There are a few less embarrassing points I will share. Somewhere along the way in 2015, I was suddenly not content to inhabit a space (specifically my own home) that resembled any of the dwellings from my early twenties. I'm not sure if this part of adulting or rather a switch to a more expensive taste in furniture but there you have it. With this I embraced what I knew I loved all along which is minimalist decor. I'm finding a more organized space allows me to lower my continuous background anxiety a bit. Don't worry, I haven't run our finances into the ground buying furniture, thankfully there's craigslist. I have abandoned all hope of ever owning matching furniture (or real wood furniture for that matter) besides the 1980s oak bedroom set with floral engravings we currently use that was a hand-me-down from my husband's grandma.
Another adult revelation that I've been beating myself up about for a while is to take charge of my health. I finally found a primary care physician. I even requested extra blood work when I went in to make sure everything was looking ship shape, who does that? I also got workout clothes and a fitbit for Christmas so there you have it. Actually, I have been working out consistently (when I'm not sick) 3-5 days a week for a while now. I'm just hoping to take it to the next level in 2016 (not a resolution, just a thought). We have been eating healthier for a while now but I've been kicking it up a notch with pre-made lunches and intentionally adding more fruit in whenever I can.
2016 will hopefully, finally, be the year we move. I'm also hoping to start trying again for a baby. We did try this year but it did not end up working out. That was very tough for all of us to go through. But, like everyone else, we continue to navigate the ups and downs of life and I am determined to create my own happiness as I learn more and more you cannot count on it happening based solely on circumstance. That being said, here's a look back on the Patterson's 2015:
5 things about Emma:
- 2015 was the year she started to learn her letters and wrote her name for the first time!
- 2015 was also the year she drew her first stick person and it made me very emotional.
- Still not fully potty trained over here but nearly there with several dry nights. We have the big BIG girl bed on stand by for when we can finally go a week with no night time accidents!
- Music continues to be a big thing. She wants to sing it, dance to it, play it, and listen to it all the time! That's a passion I'm happy to indulge her in.
- Emma's vocabulary and curiosity continue to amaze me. She has so many four syllable words it's really wonderful. She also does not hesitate to ask about any life concept she needs to understand. For example, she has repeatedly asked me to explain why there are different colored lines painted on the road and why we need them! Something I don't think about ever she is fascinated by.
5 most read blog posts for the year:
It's always interesting to see which posts get the most reads throughout the year but usually not surprising. I know when I have written something genuinely heartfelt or maybe sort of funny and I'm glad folks enjoy sharing those moments with me.
- The Transition
- The Mom Quiz
- What was Going to be a Prologue
- The Green Pumpkin
- Happy Holidays Part I
5 songs I recommend you listen to from 2015:
- Cecilia and the satellite - possibly a predictable pick for me but absolutely number one
- Believe - Mumford and Sons - a very close second but this song sounds like it was written specifically about a personal experience I had.
- Wildest Dreams - yup Taylor Swift - when I went through a difficult time this year this was the song I needed to hear.
- Downtown- Macklemore - a good laugh
- I am kind of at a loss for the 5th as nothing stands out. Maybe listening to good music should be on my 2016 list.
5 favorite 2015 moments:
- Sharing my first time fishing with Emma! I discovered a new form of relaxation and Emma discovered an opportunity to dig in the dirt (to look for worms.)
- Family vacation at the beach! I was a bit nervous with so many people in one house together, but we had an amazing time at the beach with my family, my mom, and my sister's family! Can't wait to do it again this year!
- Halloween 2015 was by far one of the most magical times ever, like in my entire life. Dressing up in costumes and feeling the excitement radiating off three, three year olds was a major highlight not just of 2015, but of my life.
- Christmas 2015 (believe it or not a runner up to Halloween) was really amazing this year. Emma loved the whole idea of Santa Clause and sat on his lap all by herself! She really loved everything to do with Christmas and I'm excited to carry out the traditions from this year for years to come.
- Going to the pool and splash park consistently over the summer was really fun. I loved being able to go to the community pool and have Emma take swim lessons. It was something we all enjoyed as a family this year and look forward to continuing next year!
So long 2015! Here's to another year of learning, laughing, and loving for us all!
