Maeve's Momma: Thoughts on Motherhood: This Was a Year

Well, well, well, 2013, it's been fun. But now you're like an old shoe, just worn out and full of memories. As I sit here, blowing my nose, typing up a New Years' blog post, I look back and thing, holy, holy, holy. How is it I forget the holiness of the moment so easily? I learned from my imaginary friend Anne Lamott to always try and be where my butt is, as she so gracefully puts it, and I try, I really do. But it is awfully easy to wish away the moments, and then suddenly look behind you at twelve months of wishes washing away.

But I did succeed sometimes, I really did. I was there when my baby gave up diapers and her pacifier, when she learned to ride her tricycle and learned how to successfully carry a plate full of food down the stairs. I watched her sound out her first word this year, and count to thirty, and memorize whole Beatles songs. I mean, it's really been an amazing year.

And do you know what I did? I got a real job for the first time since 2010, I successfully dropped my daughter off at several different locations without totally falling apart, I learned to cook countless new meals and trusted myself in the kitchen more than ever before. I got a haircut, started wearing makeup again, and at least semi-regularly, hopped on my exercise bike. I did things that made me happy, just because they made me happy. I sang solos in choir, sometimes even confidently. I became a member of my church, after not belonging anywhere for eight years. And I kept this little blog running on nothing but 5am inspiration and coffee.

Next year? Well, I don't really do the whole resolutions thing. But Brene Brown has taught me: Only Love Today. So I am aiming for that mantra, and I want to keep on trying to take care of myself, trying new things, finding new challenges at work and in writing, and being a better parent. You know, the usual.

But here's my quick photo year in review, in case you want to walk down memory lane with me.