Transitions

Well it seems everyone else is writing about the year past and what to expect from the year ahead...and, since I have a lot of time on my hands these days - here are some of my own musings.

First off, a lot has changed. I won't bother with a run down of the top ten 'big events' of 2010...most notable a new family member. Instead suffice is to say that life has been a bit hectic and hard this past year. I have found myself struggling to come to terms with being a working mom and the guilt associated with having my baby in daycare. This year has been an exercise in patience (something I don't have a lot of) as I have learned to tolerate both my husband and my baby's struggle to learn to communicate effectively.

As we begin to embark upon 2011, I am sure this year will be equally challenging - if not more...in fact, strike that I know it will be more challenging! Already it has been a bit of a rough transition as we learn what it means to go from 3 to 4. Just when I felt we were establishing a routine and each others roles, I am quickly discovering it has all begun anew. Avery is an absolute blessing - as is Kendall, but I don't think I could have imagined how much her arrival would change things. Perhaps the biggest challenge has been to renegotiate the division of labor with Aaron. Oh, how I already loath the coming of March when I go back to work, when Avery goes to daycare, and when Aaron starts the baseball season...I can't imagine how I will survive it all. My only solace is trying to imagine Aaron struggle with this summer and all the joy it will bring as he embarks on his 'vacation' with two little girls in toe.

In spite of all the adjustments that we have to make, it is all worth. Today was Avery's 2 week check-up (a little late as she is actually closer to 4 weeks old). She is doing great! As a reminder she was 6 lbs, 15 oz. and 19 inches at birth. She is now 21 inches long and weighs in at 9 lbs, 5 oz. In comparison, I went back through Kendall's records and at 2 weeks she was 21 inches long and 8 lbs, 7 oz. I also think that she legitimately smiled at me today, although I still can't be sure. Kendall loves her baby sister and continues to wake up every morning/come home everyday to ask about 'baby Avery' first thing. She also routinely showers her with kisses.

For all the challenges that this new year will bring, I know it will be overshadowed by our ability to watch our kids grow, to continue to learn to love one another, and to learn to juggle our personal and professional lives. So...cheers to 2011 and ALL it has to offer.