This year has been a year full of changes. The birth of my daughter brought on many changes in my schedule, my environment, and my mental and emotional strengths and states. The most profound change, however, has been a change in perspectives.
This past year zoomed by. The progression of time overflowed with milestones and firsts. We made it through birth, breastfeeding, a RSV-related hospital stay, shots, injuries, illnesses and sleep deprivation. The first breath, the first smile, the first giggle, the first kiss, the first crawling step - all were celebrated briefly before the next milestone overtook the last. Never before have I felt so much like I've been in constant motion.
When the year started, time seemed to move at a much slower pace. A week strolled lazily by, a month trickled away, and a year crept at a snail's pace. As the year progressed, the week went from strolling to a trot to an all-out run. A month's trickle became a full-force flood. A year's snail-pace revved up into a cheetah-sprint. The year passed by so quickly I feel I forgot to blink!
I've learned to appreciate the quiet, somewhat still moments when they happen. I take them as they come, allowing myself to just stop and enjoy the moment. No matter how many things are on my To Do list, I always stop for a hug, a snuggle, or a kiss. I tell my daughter and my husband how much I love them as often as I can. The dishes can wait a bit while I play with Tree Faerie. The laundry won't go anywhere while I take a moment to stop and hug DTTF.
The most important thing to me at the closing of the year is my family. My family comes before everything else. I have made it my goal in life to ensure my family knows how precious they are to me and how much I love them. They make me want to be a better person. These perspective changes have been wonderful for me. I feel stronger and more flexible. I have found peace and excitement, sometimes in the same moment. 2007 has been a wonderful year.
Have a Happy New Year! I hope this next year is more wonderful than the last!
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12 comments:
That first year does go by in a blink.
Happy New Year!
Kids change perspective on life don't they!! I wouldn't give up my children for anything! They have sure taught me to love each minute as it comes!
Happy New Year to YOU!!!
andrea, you definitely have your priorities in the right order. your daughter will become an outstanding young woman because of your beautiful and wise love. your hubby will become an even better man than the great one he is right now.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
:)
maria
Happy New Year Andrea!
Milliseconds. That's what the years are now. Milliseconds. It amazes me.
Happy New Year to you, too, hon!
Love, Heather :-)
happy new year to you as well!
Happy New Year!!
Nice to meet you! I got here from Heather's blog. I like reading about your family. Thanks for sharing! Have a great new year!
Happy new year to you too! This year went by fast for me too -- moved to Arizona and Washington, D.C., visited the Grand Canyon, had lunch at the White House and met Rachael Ray. I don't know how I can top that, but I'm hoping to really make something out of my blog this year.
Hey, I don't know if you've seen this, but...
I'm visiting all those who have posted before and I'm inviting them over to my blog for a little giveaway that I am having. No gimicks, just a way to celebrate one year of blogging.
http://organizeddoodles.blogspot.com/
What a great tribute to the first year of your baby's life. And a beautiful tribute to the changes you've made in the past year.
Happy New Year! 2008 will fly by just as quickly if not speedier.
Very eloquent! Beautiful post about the first year!
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