2023

i realize it’s already a couple of days into january, but it feels perfect given the past year. it has taken me every moment of these first couple of days into the new year to really have a chance to recognize that the past year happened, and to wrap my head around all of it - the challenges, the joy, and everything in between.

looking back, our family was the absolute core of it all; expanding our family, getting our family through chaos, and then settling and loving our family. we became a family of four earlier than anticipated, and despite the fear and angst we felt initially, i look back now and think how lucky we were to have an extra six weeks with our amazing baby boy. 

we felt like we were in survival mode, time and time again. surviving the surprise of going into labor, surviving the nicu, surviving those first few months, surviving going back to work and figuring out what life looks like. it felt like beautiful chaos for so many reasons this year. 

in so many ways, i felt like this year pushed me to every limit. with the amount of changes in our lives, i had many moments of feeling a little bit unsure of how to pull it all together, a little broken. then i would wake up on the other side and realize that we did it all. but we didn’t even just survive. we may have thrived, learning our family dynamic, making incredible memories, and bonding in the most incredible and special way. every time i felt over extended, exhausted, pushed to the brink, i also realized that comes with being present in the moments i wished for over the years.

i have the honor of being a mom to the sweetest, most incredible children. while i recognize my bias, watching my kids this year has given me the most immense joy. I have a little boy who came into this world a fighter; who is so curious, active, happy and giggly. I have a little girl who has taken her role as a big sister in stride, brimming over with love for her brother and maintaining her independence and joy for life, becoming my little mini and bestie in all things in life.

so despite the chaos, and the very messy messy moments, 2023 pushed me, and i feel stronger and happier than i knew was possible. i am so immensely proud of my role as a mom, but just as thrilled to learn more about this new version of myself. this version of myself that’s not only mommy to these two babes, but passionate about her career, craving creativity, looking for the beauty and joy in the small quiet moments every day.

i look at the next year and can’t wait for what is to come. i feel so much stronger and more sure of myself after the past year. i am so excited to watch my babies grow and learn and take on the world this year. i can’t wait to chase new dreams this year, to be creative and find new adventures for myself and my family. to cook more with my baby girl and to watch my baby boy grow. to plan beach vacations and quiet weekends home. 2024, we’re coming for you! 

photo credit: sandra morlet