I read Uncharted Waters by Mommy Melee and was inspired to answer the questions that she posed and answered.
1. What did you do in 2010 that you’d never done before?
We flew around the world to Australia and had a remarkable, unbelievable time.
2. Did you keep your new year’s resolutions, and will you make more for next year?
I wish I could remember the resolutions that I made last year. Maybe I didn't make any because we were just barely surviving being new parents.
For 2011 I resolve to exercise! The plan is to walk in the mornings with Penny, like we used to, before baby (actually we used to run, but I think that's too ambitious for now). I already wake up before everyone else so it's a perfect time to get out and get moving.
The extra side benefit is that Penny can poop on the trail, which I pick up, rather than in our backyard where it sits a day or two before we pick it up.
I know it's not very original, but it's the best I got and I really think it's something that I can actually accomplish.
3. Did anyone close to you give birth?
Yes, a great friend who I once visited while she was living in London. I feel horrible that I have not met her new baby. Work has been hectic and the day I planned to go, Bella was feverish.
4. Did anyone close to you die?
No, thankfully.
Matt's dog died and it was very sad making the decision that it was time. He still talks about her fondly and misses her dearly.
5. What countries did you visit?
Australia
6. What would you like to have in 2011 that you lacked in 2010?
More sleep. Bella is sleeping well, but sometimes I'm still an insomniac! Typical sleep aids have an opposite effect so my quest is to find something that will work without horrible side effects. Sleep deprivation is torturous!
7. What dates from 2010 will remain etched upon your memory, and why?
There are not specific dates that stand out in my mind, except the 11th of each month when we're supposed to give Penny her heartworm and flea preventatives.
The first day of Bella's new daycare will remain etched in my memory. It was a great day and I was relieved overall, but also had some hesitation. How was our child going to get enough to eat and drink when they put her food (still jarred) and drink (formula) on a plate and in a cup? She managed somehow and grew up fast in the first few weeks.
A summer day in the community pool when Bella ate tons of watermelon & blueberries then barfed them up on me while in the pool. (Fortunately, or unfortunately, it was all on me and in my swimsuit; no need to evacuate the pool and ruin everyone's fun.) It was one of those hot, summery days that we were enjoying being parents and just laughed and laughed at the situation. We used the family shower and all had a blast.
Halloween was memorable because we celebrated it over and over. We practiced on Friday (school parade), then Saturday (with family) and the real deal was on Sunday (Hollieween!). Also, our neighbor decked out her home with witches, tons of witches and Bella absolutely loved them. She went over to her house often and walked around pointing to each and every witch, repeating "witch, witch, witch".
8. What was your biggest achievement of the year?
Developing a happy, healthy infant to toddler. Sometimes we just had to stand back and be thankful, watch and learn; she led her own development which was magical.
Balancing being a working mother in a relationship.
9. What was your biggest failure?
Not always balancing and prioritizing work, family, friends, sleep appropriately
10. Did you suffer illness or injury?
No, just a bug here or there. No injuries. I am thankful to have good health!
11. What was the best thing you bought?
An ergo baby carrier. I can easily carry Bella anywhere. We use it so much when traveling.
12. Whose behavior merited celebration?
I don't know. Anyone who demonstrated compassion and understanding using humor.
13. Whose behavior made you appalled and depressed?
I worked with some children in a community clinic and I was depressed after discovering that their parents do not talk to them. They prefer for their children to watch hours of television than to actually talk and look at each other. It's sad and my job to teach them that language development requires practice and examples. I'm amazed that even those with low incomes would prefer to bring their children to a speech language pathologist for language development. Although, I'm not complaining too much...once they are in the clinic, it's easy to teach and give "homework" so that the parents have more confidence and know how to talk to their children and everyone wins in that situation.
14. Where did most of your money go?
Mortgage, child care, groceries
15. What did you get really, really, really excited about?
We're thrilled with all the words and actions that Bella learned to do this year. We taught her a lot and so did day care. They thought of the things that didn't occur to us...and they know the words to songs better than we do. For us, working parents and day care is a great balance.
16. What song will always remind you of 2010?
Itsy-Bitsy Spider, Ring Around the Rosey and Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Bella sings them a lot and it's adorable. She learned them from school and shares them spontaneously.
17. Compared to this time last year, are you:
-happier or sadder? happier, mostly because I'm getting more sleep (ok, I did last night) and Matt and I have figured each other out and work better because of it.
-richer or poorer? the same
-thinner or fatter? thinner by a pound, but still not back to my pre-pregnancy weight - ugh.
18. What do you wish you’d done more of?
cooked dinner
19. What do you wish you’d done less of?
ranting. I should have gone for a walk or something...
20. How did you spend Christmas?
Christmas Eve day we woke up relaxed and went to the zoo. Afterward we visited with my brother's family and opened a few presents then played with them outside with the dogs running wild as they usually do. It's nice to hang out in their backyard because there is so much space for everyone. This time of year the weather is superb!
Christmas morning we woke up early and ate Christmas muffins and opened the remaining presents and emptied stockings. Bella really enjoyed opening presents!
Later, Matt prepared a delicious meal (filet mignon, broccoli rabe, asparagus, salad, potatoes) for us and a coworker, his wife and 5 month old. We enjoyed chatting with the international family (France & West Bank). After they left we had a quiet evening at home. It was really wonderful!
21. Did you fall in love in 2010?
Yes - with Bella! She's a real person now...not this helpless being. Watching her become a person is delightful!
22. What was your favorite TV program?
Grey's Anatomy, Private Practice and Two and a Half Men
23. Do you hate anyone now that you didn’t hate this time last year?
I'm not a hater. Sure, I'm annoyed sometimes, but that's normal.
24. What was the best book you read?
I don't read books. I try, but I almost never finish one. I read articles in Better Homes & Gardens.
25. What was your greatest musical discovery?
A CD that a coworker gave us that has childrens songs, but they aren't cutesy. They are really funny, especially for adults. Of course I can't remember the name of it.
26. What did you want and get?
A healthy happy child.
27. What did you want and not get?
A million dollars so I don't have to work for retirement. I could work for fun...and I would still work even if I had a million dollars. I really love my job.
28. What was your favorite film of this year?
I didn't see any films this year.
29. What did you do on your birthday, and how old were you?
We went out to dinner at Cavatore's. I can't remember who our babysitter was. It was anti-climatic since we were back at work and it was a rainy, yucky day. I was 35. My birthday is after the holidays so everyone is finished partying and has started their new years resolutions, which often involve saving money and losing weight.
This year will be better since we'll still be vacationing!
30. What one thing would have made your year immeasurably more satisfying?
The ability to sleep when I needed to sleep. It's so refreshing and healing for just about any ailment.
31. How would you describe your personal fashion concept in 2010?
Whatever fit and was comfortable. I actually purged my closet of bags of clothes that I'll never wear again...for a multitude of reasons. I no longer have a job where I have to sit on the floor so I don't need a dozen cotton pants. I also don't like the look of starched button down shirts on me and they are a pain to iron so I got rid of most of those. I like the alternative look of clothes at Anthropologie, but I can't afford them most of the time. I used to really like Target, but lately I can't find anything there. I'd like to be a 'funky professional' dresser which suits working at a university which should be my resolution this year! I do get lots of examples and hints from my 20 something students, but I often can't pull off their outfits because I'm not pencil thin or young enough to wear a headband (which seems to be one of the latest trends).
32. What kept you sane?
friends (real and online)
33. Which celebrity/public figure did you fancy the most?
I rarely watch tv for news
34. What political issue stirred you the most?
None. I'm not very political. Ask Matt - he could tell you volumes.
35. Who did you miss?
My parents who no longer live close by. They visit often.
Our friends who moved to Australia. Kimberly was a friend that I've known for many years. They lived close by so we hung out often. Their "baby" was 9 months older than Bella so we learned a lot about what to expect from them.
Our friends who moved to Vietnam. They were first Matt's friends and I loved getting to know them (and Matt through them). They were impressionable - I once mentioned that having a housekeeper occasionally would be helpful. Matt didn't really understand until he heard that they had a housekeeper, then we hired a housekeeper. They also had a daughter 4 months older than Bella so we got a heads up about what was going to happen next too. We also received tons of hand-me-down clothes that we absolutely loved! The wife was a working mom so I could really relate.
36. Who was the best new person you met?
A coworker with much older college aged children. She provides perspective outside of the baby/toddler phase.
I really want to meet another couple like the one who moved to Vietnam. I need to meet other working parents and we need some friends that we can casually hang out with that can accomodate and understand life as parents of a young child.
37. Tell us a valuable life lesson you learned in 2010.
Patience.
38. Quote a song lyric that sums up your year.
Three is a magic number! ...from school house rocks. Our small family of three has grown up (a bit) and I have thoroughly enjoyed this year.
