eleven, twelve

I'm not a big fan of New Year's Eve. Probably because I'm not one of the cool kids. I don't know where it's at. I don't even know what it is, really. But I always, always find myself in a reflective mood. And this evening is no exception.

Best bits of two thousand and eleven (in no particular order)
Seeing my big boy leap into his first year of school, make lots of friends, learn to read. Amazing stuff.

Sharing a pregnancy with my little sister and my best friend. Then all having baby girls within weeks of each other.

Experiencing my final pregnancy and birth, with yoga to support my body and mind. A most incredible, happy birth.

Listening to the middle guy learn to really talk, at a rapid rate of knots. And then, inevitably, wishing for quiet.

A blessingway, to prepare for birth. A celebration of mothers, daughters, sisters and friends. My most special day as a woman ever, I think.

The changes that the birth of a little girl brought. Changing our family to "us five", turning the little boy into a big brother, making me the mother of a girl, creating a daddy for our daughter.

Finding my creative soul again, and finding exciting possibilities around sewing and the handmade.

So it seems 2011 was a year of birth for me. Not just the literal birth of our baby girl, but birth in all aspects of my life. The year ended with much consideration of my career/family self. I think I have finally done tossing and turning, and I'm ready to put this problem to bed, for a while anyway. 2012 is a time to focus on growing our family. Finding out who we all are, individually and together. Finding out what makes us happy and doing it.

Thank you, 2011. It was a blast.