We didn’t make it to midnight last night. Well, I can only speak for Tadej and myself on this one. Tadej went to bed at his normal time after a fun day with a little more screen time and sweets than usual due to holiday status, along with a friend visit, awesome outdoors walk around Menucha, and lots of play time. I made it until 10:30 then was out like a light. Ana might have made it until midnight but not sure. I am up early this morning in front of the gas fireplace being cozy and writing a bit, an indulgence of a little extra time for sure. I just cuddled Tadej back to sleep after he woke up asking for a mama to come in for warmth and sleepy cozy cuddles.

I wake up this morning ready to think about the new year ahead. I am hoping for less physical transitions and more community making. I am looking forward to watching our little guy grow and grow. I am eager to connect with my spouse more now that we are out of having a baby phase. I know that other toddler challenges are to come but we can do it together as team us. I am hoping to carve out a bit more space for re establishing ways that I am me and taking care of myself…challenging with a new full time steep learning curve job and a toddler. I am looking towards ways to travel here and there like we love to do and see our people more and more. I vote for more dinner parties and communal gatherings in 2025 for sure.

I am so lucky to have this little family that Ana and I have created and feeling so blessed to be back around my family of origin more and more. I hope to create more chances to be present to them more and have us become the community we yearn for around us. This insular Western nuclear family stuff just isn’t for me. I want long tables, dropping off our kids at each others houses, surrounding more and more, kind of life.

I yearn to be outdoors more. I am excited for great coffee and wine like we have here in this place. I am eager to read more and learn as I go. I want to support my spouse in doing things she loves. I want to sing more often for sure and call my people out to retreat so they can do what they need to do these important years ahead.

I don’t want to count minutes but be fully present when I can be.

I am excited about the year ahead. What do you think?

When you need your Christmas glasses for naptime….