I can't say that during 2011 I was 'filled' with energy. Looking after a newborn is pretty energy draining through lack of sleep and of course the recovery from giving birth (in my case, surgery). But the shift from having one child to two definitely energised me in a way. Having two children has made me feel more like a real Mum, I am busier and more time efficient just because I have to be! I love seeing the girls play with each other, interact and learn different lessons about sharing and being gentle and more than anything I love being with them everyday to witness this. Treasuring every moment.
In the last few weeks of 2011 I began to learn about being at peace with things that had been causing me to be overly anxious. I've lowered my own expectations, I now ignore other people who feel they need to give me advice, I'm not 'sweating' the little things and most importantly I'm giving my cares and worries over to God. Thankfully in 2011 I have had people care enough to help me out when I've needed it. I am blessed to have amazing parents, siblings, grand-parents and friends.
As I mentioned previously, Miss 8mths has been a difficult baby and has caused my husband and I a lot of stress. While this year could have been one that pushed our marriage to the edge, my husband and I have banded together. We have leaned on each other when one of us has been struggling, we have supported each other in any way we could and this has brought us even closer together. At the moment we are working through the 40 day challenge and are really being encouraged to think before we speak, treat our spouse how we ourselves would like to be treated and to love. Always love.
During the last few weeks of 2011 I planned to begin gardening. I had no idea what to do, no garden knowledge and absolutely no idea where to start. But I got there! I'm learning each day and thanks to my Mum no plants have died yet! I've taken this as a challenge, a way to grow and to change. I'm having a blast- I just wish I had started this years ago!
Most of all, 2011 has been a year of learning. Learning about being more of an encouraging wife, more of a flexible mum, a patient person and fitting into my own place in our family. What a positive year 2011 was!
Wonderful reflections katie - what a year you have had! I am jealous you embarked on the gardening coming from a place of no knowledge. that is one of my "things" being a city girl - i always leave it to my husband and kids to handle the garden and do kill things.
ReplyDeleteYour journey to peace sounds wonderful - lowering expectations and letting go are big things i learned too!
welcome to the challenge
That's the best - seeing the kids starting to choose to be with each other :) Looking forward to reading more.
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by Leah. Seeing the two girls together, playing happily- it is priceless!
ReplyDeleteOh Deb, I don't think I will ever get to the stage where I can 'kill things'... that is what my husband is for!
Sounds like a good year! I'm so glad you and your husband were able to band together through the difficult times!
ReplyDeletelovely to read your post of what went right in 2011. I am also participating in this 52 week challenge and about to blog about good things I. 2011 for me.
ReplyDeleteThanks Tonia and 'Creative Wishes' for stopping by and for passing on your thoughts :) I appreciate it. Happy new year!
ReplyDeleteI loved this line especially, "I've lowered my own expectations." I appreciate you sharing that openly and honestly. I, too, have put unrealistic pressure on myself in the past. Once I learned to ask myself what is really important here? I was able to let the perfection go.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed hearing about the highlights of 2011 and hope that 2012 brings more blessings!
Thanks for stopping by 'Hands Free Mama'...
ReplyDeleteevery time I feel myself tense up about something, I just say to myself 'Is it really important?' and then 'Let it go Katie'... it is really working for me. My husband has noticed the difference in me :)
great reading.. i too have stopped the endless worrying and found it to be most successful :) Looking forward to the year ahead and some blogging :)
ReplyDeleteEndless worrying is certainly overrated! Thanks for stopping by Lesa :)
ReplyDeleteAs a woman about to embark on the journey to try for her first child, I loved reading about your 2 girls bonding together. I can't wait until my house is filled with baby giggles!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great year despite the stress and struggles, great that you and your husband were able to band together and lean on each other, not push each other away like some people do.
Thanks. And yay for you about to start 'making' a family. The last two years have been my best two years! Being a family is just amazing. I wish you all the best, hope you expect soon!!!
ReplyDeleteIt's always tough when there's a newborn in the house - it takes a while for everyone to adjust. I'm glad that the hard time brought you and your husband closer together. So often those times drive couples apart.
ReplyDeleteIt's great that you're learning to not sweat the small stuff - and giving it all to God.
Thanks Debbie :)
ReplyDeleteIn 2010 I read a book that talked about expectations, and lowering them (or not having them at all) Once I started doing it, I was pleasently surprised at the feeling of disappointment leaving, and the wonderful surprises that occurred. Its really life changing isn't it.
ReplyDeleteLearning is a wonderful thing to have achieved last year. Learning is a constant journey.
Popping over from the simply your life 52 week challenge. (but I had already found you via facebook ;) )
i love the fact you 'stopped sweating the small things' that is indeed quite hard to do!
ReplyDeleteI also welcomed my second child in 2011 {Jan 11 & my older son was Dec 09} and I could resonate with lots of things you wrote- I am also more prepared now with two to look after and I take 10 minutes out each evening to plan our day the following day with lists/packing bags or food if needed and making sure it can go as smooth as possible!
ReplyDeleteI need to stop sweating the small things- perhaps something I should work towards this year.
Lovely list of positives. I am moving into our new house this year and am looking forward to having a small garden to care for after apartment living for many years.
I love that you and your husband have pulled together during stressful times, and your girls are so cute together!
ReplyDeleteSweating the small stuff is so exhausting - so glad you're able to let it go.
Great reading...
ReplyDeleteI am trying to learn to sweat the small stuff!!