A Year in Quick Review

So, obviously, my New Year’s resolution is to blog more. Why have I taken such a long break? Not sure… but, here we are again. Like the new look?

Good lord — has it been a year! Right?!

Rowan has gone from being a baby…. To being a full-on young lady.

Rowan & Santa, 2010

Rowan & Santa, 2011

How did that happen? I’m kerflummoxed. She went on her own little mini-vacation with Grandma and Grandpa in August. We missed her horribly, but had a lot of fun (and a few too many vodka lemonades) out at Edgefield for my birthday get away.

I feel like 2011 was a year of ups and downs. Many of them. Part of me hopes for a little more continuity this year, while the other part of me wouldn’t trade this last year for anything. Actually, the whole of me wouldn’t trade the past year…

I found strength that I didn’t know I had, and discovered new weaknesses that I’m still striving to overcome. I’ve cried a lot, but I’ve also laughed a lot.

Donovan and I are closer, and different. I’m continually thankful that the years we’ve been together have seen us changing together, compatibly, cohesively.

Rowan is amazing. I don’t think I can stress that enough. She’ll be three in January, but it’s seemed insulting, for the last 7 months or so, to refer to her as a two-year-old.
A few reasons why….

Ego: fully formed
Manipulatory tactics: tactical and effective
Imagination: wild, varied, and well used
Timeline cognizance: unbelievable (yesterday, today and tomorrow and all that)
Alphabet: Mostly
Counting: To 20!
Morning grumpiness: teenagerish
Appreciation for Michael Jackson: Displayed by very inventive dance tecnique
Puts her own clothes on: Check
Admonishes her toys when they are naughty: Eloquently and patiently
Helps make scrambled eggs: Check
Bowel and bladder control: Check

And… she tells jokes, which is ridiculously adorable. Here’s her favorite, which she invented herself:

Knock, knock.
(Who’s there?)
Dora.
(Dora who?)
Open the Dora!!!

Now… Christmas is over, Rowan’s birthday is coming up, and there are numerous financial challenges to hurdle in the next couple months. But you know what? I’m feeling very content, at peace, and snugly secure in the fact that it will all work out. It’s gonna be a good year.