As I look back on 2009, it seems to have slid right by in the blink of an eye and also like several years rolled into one. Some ups and downs (mostly ups). Some (extended) family adversities not shared here, but overcome...or simply endured...or just delayed for awhile. Nevertheless, upon review, the year ended well. And so some highlights:January - A fresh start. Obama is inaugurated. Commitment to the 1/2 marathon. Grace loving school two days a week and her teachers. Lila was 6-months and sweet perfection during the day - full of cuddles and laughter and bright eyes. However, not sleeping much at night. Sleep deprivation had the best of me.
February - The daily rumpus begins.
March - Longing for Spring. Longing for green. And so we took a trip to Pittsburgh for St. Patrick's day. Potty training was at its prime.
April - Sunshine and warmer weather at last. Easter with the cousins at the farm. Lila moved upstairs and learns to sleep through the night. Completed the music city 1/2 marathon with an amazing friend. Dirt and worms and sunshine, new teeth and blossoms and lots of lovely, lazy days - just the three of us.
May - Spring arrives for real. Peonies and peas. Bushels of fresh vegetables from our CSA. Outside concerts and the palpable anticipation of an amazing summer ahead.
June - Grace turns three. As a mother, I am intensely emotional and realize that this is never going away - the bittersweet of a family growing up. Lots and lots of beets in the garden. Farm visits. Swim lessons. Allergies. Baseball games. Our anniversary. Summer in all its splendor.
July - Lila Rose turns one. Let the weeping ensue. The first tomatoes. Farmer's markets abound. Grilling out with friends. Back yard parties. Remembering how much I adore my husband...and my life.
August - Everything outside. Parks, the zoo, the fountains. Peaches, fresh corn and figs. Long talks in the evening on the porch with Brad. Wine and cold beer. Those lazy summer days coming to an end.
September - Grace starts two days of school again. Hannah learns the girls. Nana and Pops do too. Adventures in Paris.
October - A ballerina is born. Also a princess and a pea. Cavities and pumpkin picking and crafts and friends. Great friends. Climbing Mt. LaConte. Conversations with my brothers. The last of our vegetable bushels. But the garden still provides a bit.
November - Thankfulness at so many levels. A feast with family at our home. Lila Rose starts to walk. Off to Disney.
December - Holiday celebrations with family and friends-as-family. One more farm visit. Fireworks and cold winter chills. Santa, advent, baby Jesus and little girls snuggling and cuddling and reminding us what the season is all about.
Uncle John says: Sarah, just when I think 2010 couldn't come soon enough and I want nothing more than to put 2009 behind me, I get to read the Daily Rumpus. Your post reminds me of two important things: 1. Regardless of the ups and downs and highs and lows, its the simple things that are the best. Fireworks and outside parties and cousins at the farm. Crafts and Friends. Snuggling and weeping. 2. Sam will turn six and 2010. Anna will turn four. We will never get those days back! It's important th cherish them each day. So, thanks for your post (and for letting me get a little sentimental).
ReplyDeleteDitto Uncle John!
ReplyDeleteAunt Lori
xoxo