Christmas Happenings and a Year Of Learning!

Okay.  I’m back!  I wasn’t in self imposed exile…I just had major laptop issues.  But, thank you Santa – I’m ready to start 2012 with a brand new one (and it’s red…I love it).

It was an interesting Christmas.  Lots of time with just the boy and I – which was both awesome and exhausting.  This was the first year that Will really got Christmas.  We watched the Muppet Christmas Carol umpteen times and once he finally got out of bed…he was super excited with the gifts that Santa brought him.  Santa (aka my friend Susannah) also left me a stocking and some surprises on my porch – I guess she couldn’t make it down the chimney.

We dog sat on Christmas day and Will learned that dogs can actually fetch – which came in really handy for our tennis match.

On New Years Eve, we hosted a party for some family and friends in the ‘hood.  It was a blast.  I won’t lie – secretly I thought it was going to be a s*#t show BUT the kids were amazing! They played, ate, and had a New Years countdown at 8pm.  It was the first time in years that we didn’t have to be constantly watching them – just listened for loud bangs and tears.

Before the countdown I was talking to the kids about what would happen in the upcoming year – kindergarten; pooping on the potty; another hallowe’en; riding bikes; and swimming outside again.  They were pumped (and so were the parents particularly about the potty thing).

After everyone left and I had cleaned up and settled into watch the ball drop with Kathy Griffin and the Coop – I started to think about 2011 and what I’d learned.  It was a fairly long list.

I learned….

..that I’ll likely always be on anti-depressants and that that is okay.

..that it’s okay to go on a trip without your kids…but that by day four you’ll wish they were there.

..that even if you’re not always crazy tight with your family, that in times of need, they’ll be there.

..that two adult sisters can live together for a few months without one being arrested for murder.

..that your foot can essentially be detached from your leg and grow back together – freaky!!

..that I’m not always going to like my kid but I will always love him. 

..that Will may have a billion half siblings but I’m okay with that because we have each other.

..that I miss Will’s naps more than I ever thought humanly possible.

..that I miss being in a relationship.  I can’t deny it anymore and I’m going to be way more open minded about meeting people. And I’m going to figure out why I can commit to not eating fries for a month but I can’t commit to a guy.

It was a crazy year – mental collapses, achilles ruptures, half way potty training, changes at work – oh and buying and selling a house.  But one thing became really clear to me this year.  I am totally and completely in love with this kid.  He amazes (and annoys) me everyday with his wit and smarts and two arm hugs.  I can really look back at the year and realize how truly, ridiculously blessed I am.

Not a bad way to start 2012.  Happy New Year!!!