Change

In a word, 2013 can be summed up by change.    Most of the changes were expected and anticipated, but there were those that came unexpectedly.   This year has witnessed us selling our first home, living in a rent house, coping with childcare changes, building a new home, moving (again), and the passing of an incredible lady.  

Selling our home was our first big change of the year.   It was much more difficult than I thought it would be.   I had said since we bought that house that it was not my "dream" home.  There were always little things I didn't care for about it.   But this past March when everything was cleared out and I made my final walk-through, I cried in each room.   Every room held precious memories to me.

The rent house we lived in was...different.   I reminded myself regularly that I was warm, dry, and safe, because we really, really did not enjoy living there.   Living on a busy street with a 2 1/2 year old was not a change I relished in.  

In the spring, our right-hand woman, Carole, the nanny, suffered several different medical issues that kept her from working.   Folks, I am spoiled rotten.  I don't mind to admit it.   Carole has come to our home most days of the week since Jillian was about 8 months old.    I didn't have to get my child up and/or dressed, fed, or anything else.   I got myself ready, and I left to take on the world.   Carole being out of commission definitely changes the way my world works.

Jillian competed on the swim team for the first time this year.   She did so well - after some initial adjustments to not always winning.   We - for the first time ever - had a summer "thing" that dominated our time.   She practiced three mornings a week and had 5 meets throughout the summer.   This was a change I wasn't sure I would enjoy.    But I will tell you something, it was fun to watch my girl compete (and win a few heats) along the way.

Our house building adventure officially began in June.   So we also spent our summer evenings coming here to check on the progress.   We questioned this, that, and everything.   I think Nathan struggled more with the process than I did.   It is not something I want to do over and over again, but I didn't think it was too bad.   We survived and we have our home as a testament that Nathan and I do work together and get along.

In August, we got even more bad news on Carole.  She was diagnosed with cancer and was facing surgery.   So one of the biggest changes came for our boy.   He started going to preschool.   He had never been anywhere like that.   I was scared of how he would do (you know he doesn't ever always behave).   He was scared because Mommy was leaving him with strangers.   He has done well.  He is learning new stuff and making new friends.   He would still prefer to be home and he misses Aunt Carole, but he is doing very well with his change.  And he gets to stay with MaMo and PopPop some, so he is doing okay.

Carole continues the journey through chemo and healing and has had more than her fair share of obstacles to overcome.   We are anxious to get her back to work - hoping for that to happen after Spring Break.

In the midst of all of this, Harrison moved into a big boy bed and was potty trained.  

And, of course, here in December, my Nanna passed away.  This holiday season had some difficult moments as we all remembered wonderful Christmases with Nanna.   But I will have those memories and many more of her as we move into a brand new year.   A year that is sure to see its share of changes as well.

Happy New Year!