Stockings on the Mantel
Originally uploaded by kerner
I think I can finally take a deep breath and relax. House is decorated, presents are wrapped, guest rooms are (mostly) ready, and I’m taking the 24th off work so I should have plenty of time to finish up any last-minute chores before my family shows up on Christmas Eve… bring on the big day!
Of course, it’s impossible for me not to always be thinking ahead, and I’m already seeing lots of blog posts about New Years Resolutions. I love list-making and self-improvement projects, so you can imagine I love coming up with ideas about how to make the next year the best. one. ever. I really like Gretchen Rubin‘s idea about one main goal or focus each month in 2010. But this year is a little tricky – how do I go about making plans when so much is unknown? I’m due with my first baby in late March, and I feel like all bets are off after that, because I’m so clueless about the reality of caring for a baby. Any experienced moms want to chime in here?
ps, if you’re just going to tell me how impossibly hard my life is going to be for the next 18 years, I’d rather remain blissfully ignorant. Thanks!
Hi Sarah! I usually just lurk, but since I’ve been through the experience of having my 1st child & now home with baby #2 this week, I have to chime in. Your life will change drastically-in the most fantastic way. You will be busy & tired, but you’ll LOVE every minute of it. My advice is to go into the new year planning to enjoy every minute of it. You’ll never experience having your first child again, so soak it all up! Hope you have a great Christmas with your family! (P.S. You look great-love seeing your belly pics)
I also usually lurk as well but I have to comment. Melissa is right, your life will change but in wonderful ways. The lack of sleep and hard work will all be worth it for you will experience joy and love in a totally new way. Little boy Kerner is a fortunate guy to be born into a family with so much love to give. I can hardly wait.
I have no baby advice to give you, so I’m just going to shut up about that (ignorance is bliss in my case). I think I’m going to try to focus on broad things – enjoy the good things in my life, craft when I have time and not stress about it when I don’t, work on photography and take pictures of my family and the things we do together … things like that. I don’t generally do well with resolutions, but think a life change is always appropriate. Merry Christmas and I’m sure we’ll be talking soon =)
as much as I love the idea of having several mini goals throughout the year I know that I will flame out and bomb by September maybe sooner since I suspect that 3 of my kids will want to be playing softball/baseball in the Spring! I already have a big knitting/craft goal for myself. Pretty big goal.
I’m so very excited for you guys expecting your first baby. Even though I’m a blogging/knitting pal I know how much happiness my children bring into my life (there is still stress that comes with it, but don’t everything have some kind of stress?). You guys are going to be loving it. My only advice is to be sure to take time for yourself. Just you, whether it be something as small as a shower, or doing something you love make sure you take time for yourself. You’ll be a better person and be energized too.
Congrats on the future little one!
Love your hand knit stockings. That pattern is on my Christmas wish list for next year.
My two biggest pieces of new momma advice: keep in shape while you are pregnant (you will need the stamina) and ASK FOR HELP! I for one always have a hard time admitting to my friends that I don’t have it all together (as if they don’t know), and it is so hard to simply function with a new baby. There are days when getting dressed is a huge accomplishment!
The greatest new mom gifts I received were simply gifts of time–when my mom took the baby for a walk around town so I could nap, when my sister came with me to the first baby check-up. Often people–even the ones who love you dearly–are clueless about what you really need. So tell them! Ask someone to cook dinner. Ask someone else to do your laundry. I promise your friends won’t say no.
My two biggest pieces of new momma advice: keep in shape while you are pregnant (you will need the stamina) and ASK FOR HELP! I for one always have a hard time admitting to my friends that I don’t have it all together (as if they don’t know), and it is so hard to simply function with a new baby. There are days when getting dressed is a huge accomplishment!
The greatest new mom gifts I received were simply gifts of time–when my mom took the baby for a walk around town so I could nap, when my sister came with me to the first baby check-up. Often people–even the ones who love you dearly–are clueless about what you really need. So tell them! Ask someone to cook dinner. Ask someone else to do your laundry. I promise your friends won’t say no.