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S & Q on January 1, 2013

S & Q on January 1, 2014

I don't know why, but I feel unerringly optimistic about 2014. It just feels so new and full of possibilities. I like the idea of authoring my life and of today being the first blank page that I set my pen to for this year's novel. I spent a lot of time today enjoying my small family--watching S tickle Q on the couch as she giggled and giggled, taking Q to visit her great grandma in the hospital and discovering that she looks infinitely better than she did yesterday (when she didn't even realize we were there).

And Q woke up at NINE this morning. NINE, I TELL YOU. Do you know when that has ever happened? Do you?! Never. It has never happened. S and I attended a party last night that resulted in us climbing into bed at 2am. As I drifted to sleep, I thought to myself, "Ugh, this means I'll only get about 5-6 hours." But I woke up refreshed and elated to the sounds of Q babbling to herself over the baby monitor at 9am. We ascended the stairs and found that my mother-in-law had prepared blueberry waffle batter, which I made into heart-shaped waffles drizzled with syrup. Also today, I worked out to a fitness video while Q chilled in her playpen for 30 whole minutes without making any complaint. That in itself is a small miracle.

And you know what? I'm going to see a moose this year. I can just feel it in my bones.

Good things: My mother comes to visit in two weeks. My husband and I attended a great party last night; I had fun despite not knowing another soul there, and I am excited at the potential of new friends this year. One of my best friends is bringing her daughter to hang out with me and Q, tomorrow. Q's (much older) cousins stopped by for a visit and gave her a stuffed glowing seahorse that plays music and water sounds. And I am sipping the most delicious sparkling wine I've ever tasted--I'm not even sure it has alcohol in it.

So here's to you, 2014! I expect great adventures, personal growth, family, good books, love, and industriousness! And moose. Please don't forget moose.