Three! And, 2009

How was your Christmas/other holidays?

I'm grabbing a rare moment to blog while the "boys" nap (including Jeremy, who got off work a little early). Two things on my mind--having a son who's now three, and 2009.

We celebrated John's birthday yesterday by "takin' it downtown." A major Cincinnati company had a free train display in their skyscraper lobby, so I took John and Roland to see it. John was so excited. At Wendy's afterward, Roland, who's only ten months, kept trying to grab John's fries. Yes, he's allowed to have some. Sorry no pics--we haven't uploaded from the camera yet. We're having a joint party for John, Roland, and a cousin later in the winter.

It's a little mind-blowing to be the mother of a three-year-old. Hard to believe it was three whole years ago that John arrived at 7:24 in the morning, after an all-night labor (I'll spare you the details). So much has changed in him since then. He just woke up from his nap, and asked me to take his new train set "out of the cardboard." He can amuse himself so well with it.

Now for the parenting advice--I'm actually opening myself up for this :). We QUIT potty-training a couple months ago because 1) John was not interested at all and 2) people kept telling us, "A lot of boys aren't ready till three." We did, but now it seems like he'll stay in diapers forever if we don't up the ante a little bit. Give us your best potty training advice/stories, and we'lll pick and choose :).

John's not the only one who's changed in three years. 2008 has been a very challenging year for us. Many of you already know this--even though I've not blogged about much of what's happened in my private life. But I am persuaded that 2009 will be a happier year. Even if nothing miraculous happens outside of me. Because what happens inside of me is what counts. It's not the hand I am dealt--it's how I choose to manage what life throws my way.

In 2008, I've learned...

...that success as a writer means many different things, and, however it's defined, does not happen for all of us on the same timetable.

...that my identity as an artist is an important thing.

...that affirming others in their achievements is key.

...that the girl across the street doesn't necessarily have it easier than me.

...that there was a reason for those "mistakes" I made in the past--and that maybe they weren't mistakes.

...that being the mother of two is a wonderful privilege, and makes my heart more full than I could have imagined.

Happy New Year, everyone! I want you to know how much your messages, blogs, and friendship has meant to me.

Hugs, and here's to the wonderful and unexpected in 2009.