New Year's Traditions

Chex Mix- Check
Sausage and Cheese Tray- Check
Nachos- Check
New Family Game- Check
New Year's hat and horns- Check
Sparkling Cider- Check
Grandma and Grandpa Farm- not yet

Every year we celebrate the arrival of the New Year in almost the same fashion.  It starts with a mad dash to get the house organized, extra toys and old clothes donated and snacks made.

This year is no exception- with one small thing.  While cleaning out and donating toys and clothes to our local women's shelter, my mood swiftly changed.   It was time to say bye-bye butterfly to all the baby gear.  It had been sitting in Toby's room for the better part of 6 months.  I guess a part of me wasn't ready to disembark from Babyville population +1.  While I know my neurologist has said it isn't a possibility to consider, I still held out hope.  Hope for a girl, hope for another little nugget to add to the lodge, hope for that bus load of kids I one day wanted to have...

Out of the many hats I wear, this is the one I cherish the most.  I love everything about being a mother.  I love everything that leads up to holding that 8 lb nugget in my arms- and everything that comes after.  I love holding that tiny being while a feeling of calmness washes over me.  I love watching them grow and develop their own individuality.  Don't get me wrong, it's hard work.  There are many sleepless nights, sacrifices and  discipline that go into being a parent.  But for me to hop on that bus again would be selfish.  I would be putting my wants and needs first. 

As I sit here watching my 20 month old tornado his way from one room to another, I know that he is the last link on our chain.  I have 2 boisterous boys that have their own will and way of tearing through life's peaks and valleys...and I need to be here for them.  To watch them hit their milestones, to guide and to bring down the hammer as the case may be. 

So I will cherish being an aunt. I will poke and prod all of my brothers and sisters to get on board.
Aunt Julie has a van to fill...