My 2022 Recap

It’s that time of year again! On New Year’s Eve, day 365 of a 365 page book I take a moment to reflect on the past year and all it has taught me.

The biggest thing I think I can take away from this year is that motherhood is HARD, but oh so rewarding. I mean from the moment it turned 2022, I was in the hospital being induced, exhausted and discouraged. A year later I lay in my own bed, still exhausted as my kid doesn’t believe in sleep, but oh so incredibly blessed.

I’d like to start something new as I end this year and begin a new one. I want to have a word of the year. Something I can ponder and reflect as I navigate the ups and downs of the year. I’m not going to give away my word for 2023 until tomorrow. But for 2022, I think my word would have to be flexibility. So many things did not go as planned in 2022. And I can be high strong and a major worrier/control freak. Therefore, this has challenged me to be more flexible with parenting, my time, sickness, money, expectations and so many other things. You know what, that’s okay. I think it’s a lesson I needed. Things don’t always go as planned and that’s okay.

Here’s a look back at my 2022!

January

Gave birth to our rainbow baby Matthew.
Started my breastfeeding journey.

February

Quit my job and became a stay-at-home mom.
Charles turned 26.

March

Transitioned our son from bassinet to crib.
Rocky turned 2!
Developed Postpartum Anxiety

April

Matthew started rolling over.
Matthew started PT.
Charles started a new job.

May

We moved out of our apartment and in with family.
Matthew started solid foods.
Developed Postpartum Thyroiditis
Celebrated my 3rd Mother’s Day

June

Matthew started sitting unassisted
Matthew said his first word “mama”.

July

Matthew got a swimming pool.

August

I turned 27.
Charles and I went out on a seafood date.
Matthew started crawling and pulling himself up on the same day!
Matthew graduated from PT.

September

Took a family trip to the farm/apple orchard.
Had dinner with some friends/extended family.

October

Matthew started walking.
Matthew was Tigger for his first Halloween.
Matthew got his first pair of shoes.

November

Matthew went sledding for the first time.
Matthew touched snow for the first time.
Matthew learned to wave.
We celebrated Thanksgiving.
We watched the U of M and Ohio State Game with family.

December

Matthew started clapping.
Blizzard of 2022.
We celebrated Matthew’s 1st Christmas.

Now, I’d like to take a minute to reflect on the goals I met this year!

2022 Goals

1. GIVE BIRTH TO OUR BEAUTIFUL RAINBOW BABY!

This goal was met immediately in January, when we welcomed our precious son into the world!

2. START A SMALL BUSINESS ON THE SIDE

I did not meet this goal, but am continuing to plan and brainstorm on what I would like my small business to be when the time comes!

3. FINISH READING THE ENTIRE BIBLE

I did not meet this goal either. I stopped reading somewhere in Isaiah. However, that doesn’t mean I have stopped reading completely, I read at least a verse to a chapter everyday and meditate on it in hopes to find wisdom in how to apply it to my daily life.

4. MOVE TO A BIGGER PLACE TO FIT OUR FAMILY OF 4!

This goal is still in process. As many of you know, we made the decision to move in with family earlier this year. And after much time, hard work and saving up; we have now started the pre approval process and house hunting season. It’s a little nerve racking but very exciting.

5. PUBLISH 1 OF MY BOOKS

I think this goal will be on the list until it happens. Guys, I want to publish a book, I really do. I guess at times, I just doubt myself and let life get in the way. I don’t know why. Maybe I just need a swift kick in the pants to get things moving along!

6. PAY OFF HALF OF MY CAR

Did I pay off half my car? No. But I paid off a huge chunk! Maybe 25%. I’m pretty dang proud of that!

7. KNIT CHARLES A SWEATER

I didn’t reach this goal, cause when we moved, I packed away his sweater and my crochet stuff. Silly me. Next year hopefully.

8. CREATE A WILL

I didn’t reach this goal, but I feel I did get this goal started as I’ve had the hard conversations this past year about what and how I want things done when the Lord calls me home,

9. MAKE MONEY BLOGGING AND TURN MY BLOG INTO A JOB FROM HOME

Ya, still not sure about this goal. But I have been looking at different virtual jobs like tutoring or call centers.

10. WRITE 500 BLOG POSTS

So, I’ve written 408 posts. I was 92 posts short. But that’s okay, I’m still proud of what I’ve accomplished on top of becoming a new mom,

Wow, this year has been a whirlwind. Another 365 page book of my life has come to a close. I’m tired but I’m blessed. Can’t wait for the blessings and even the challenges that may lay ahead in the coming year.

Happy New Year Friends! 🎉🎉🎉