Chances are, that if you know me, you've met or heard me mention my best friend Sarah. We've officially been "besties" for almost ten years now. We attended the same high school and college. We've also worked at 3 different jobs together, lived in two states together and have been roommates twice. Between acquiring our driver's licenses together, attending proms, graduating, road tripping, turning 21, getting our first jobs, boyfriends, etc, we've been there for a considerable amount of life's main events. Not even a year ago, she was my maid of honor at my wedding. And I couldn't be more honored that I got to be part of her becoming a mama.
After a long and exhausting labor process (like three days long), Mr. William Austin Nickless Moe made his dramatic entrance into the world on January 6. I feel such elation about him being here that I truly can't imagine what Sarah must feel like. Becoming pregnant four months after she did (no pregnancy pact, I swear. Just unbelievable coincidence) has been an educational experience to say the least. It's been so beneficial to have a preview of what pregnancy was going to be like. And now that Will is here, it's a great window to look through and see what motherhood might be like.
I used to think that having a baby meant that your own personal life basically ends. Which is true. I also figured it meant having to live one day at a time, as each 24 hour cycle is a learning process. I am now seeing that between the sleep deprivation and figuring out feedings and general infant care is something you must literally get through one hour at a time. But I've also never seen Sarah happier or so fulfilled, which absolutely lightens my heart. It's amazing how someone so tiny and new has the ability to instill such joy and unite everyone around him.
Although the weather is awful, the sun is never out, and the apartment never gets quite as clean as I'd like it, I keep reminding myself to embrace these days and these memories. I'm savoring these next four months of it being "just the two of us", doing errands or relaxing at my leisure, and taking all the time I want to prepare dinner. I'm also still enjoying all of the flutters and kicks (and punches) happening in my growing stomach. Even though balancing the internship and my current job is bound to be tiring, I know I'm lucky to be doing two things that I really enjoy. That being said, I can't remember having so much to be glad for in January ever.
It has become clear to me that the next few months of my life are the last few months that I really get to claim as my own for awhile. Thus, it seems like a good opportunity to:
a) document life as I used to know it.
b) revel in all the excitement that's building by the day
c) make sure I still know how to spell and express myself without the excessive use of exclamation points and smiley faces.
There's much to be thankful for and to look forward to in life right now. Firstly, my current job is busy (to say the least). Working retail hours and weekends isn't everyone's cup of tea, but it sure makes it easier when you have fun people to work with and a fabulous boss who makes me bomb earrings every now and again. In addition to the enjoyable environment, I get to use my creative brain just about everyday which makes me smile.
Secondly, I just accepted an editorial internship on top of my full-time job. Once it starts, I certainly won't have much time to myself but I couldn't be more thrilled that this opportunity presented itself to me. This will be the third internship I've had. I feel a little old to be an intern at 24, but more than anything, I just feel lucky.
Thirdly, Joe and I are expecting a baby this May, just in time for our first anniversary. We're about at the halfway mark now. I am thoroughly enjoying not throwing up anymore and embracing my increased appetite. I may not be able to outplay, outwit, or outlast, but I can certainly outeat just about anyone right now. The ultrasound revealed no gender (at our request), but achingly adorable images of fingers, toes and a rather dashing profile. It's fun speculating who this first child is going to be, what his or her name will be. I very much can't believe it's still happening.
Fourthly (is it now bragging that I've moved on to a fourth thing? Yes, probably), we have a mini vacation planned in February to Las Vegas with the sibs in law. How grown up of us is that? Yes, rather grown up, I know. I am giddy at just the thought of getting away in the middle of winter.
December literally flashed by in an instant. It was filled with snowstorms, baking, hot food, frantic shoppers, tree aquiring, tree trimming, card sending and receiving, and excessive amounts of peppermint mochas. Just the way I like it. Now that most of the craziness is over, it's nice to be able to look back and reflect on all that has been lovely, not just this month, but the entire year.
