Le’t s face it, 2013 was the year of Evan.
OMG…. so tiny!
It was a good year, if not a great year. I made progress – personally and professionally. I got to experience a lot of things I never thought I would, and I’ve really enjoyed every bit of having a baby — in ways I might not have with B and L. It was also a year of a lot of emotions (A LOT), a lot of frustration, not a lot of running, and very little sleep. So it’s safe to say I had my ups and downs.
While I don’t like to make resolutions, I do like to reflect on the year that was and make an effort to make changes so that I can keep growing as a person, and we can continue to work together as a family. This is what I want out of 2014…
More Family Time
It’s pretty easy to get caught up in things. Between work, school, friends, running, and managing a baby’s schedule – it’s easy to push family time to the side and say we’ll “do it later.” I am quickly learning that there is no “later” and that kids really do grow up in the blink of an eye.
How’d they get so big?
Instead, I’m hoping we make time each week to do something FUN together. We got a TON of games for Christmas, so Family Game Night is definitely one (of many) ways we can make this happen.
Probably NOT going to play this one with my kids, but just seeing if you’re paying attention.
I also want to give my kids more fun experiences – a trip to the Tampa aquarium, a trip to Disney (we haven’t been in two years!), and a beach trip are on my list of things I want to do this year.
Patience and Less Yelling
About 80% of the time my demeanor is calm and laid back. That 20% though… I have been known to surprise people. While, I think there is a time and a place for yelling – I resort to it TOO MUCH with my kids. So much so that I see B doing now when he is frustrated. Not good. So, I need to find another outlet. Maybe I need to give myself a time out. Something definitely needs to change – it doesn’t make anyone feel good.
More Sleep
I think it’s a given that I WILL (eventually) get more sleep this year than I did last year! In the next few weeks we REALLY need to sleep train E. It’s going to be painful and tedious (and crying-it-out is not going to work with his stubborn streak — oh my little Taurus), but it needs to be done!
Good thing he’s adorable.
More Date Nights
I’m pretty sure Dan and I went on all of 3 dates this year. One being the night out we had last weekend to celebrate our anniversary!
Not a bad view.
We also need to find a local babysitter. While I KNOW our parents love spending time with our kids, I hate having to depend on them. Especially when there are three crazies involved! I don’t really know how you find a babysitter (daycare teachers are out) – but I’m thinking the gym daycare is a great place to start, right?
More Running
I REALLY want to train for another marathon this year – as well as PR in the half and 10k distances. I am pretty sure ALL of these can happen — especially once we get that whole “more sleep” thing down. I’m also hoping for a lot more racing with this lady…
I’d like to be back to morning workouts by February – at least twice a week.
Say hi to my new Garmin. She’s pretty and I love her.
Also, I love these shoes. I may be a full-blown Mizuno loyalist now.
More Strength
It’s going to be hard to keep up with strength training while I’m marathon training – but I’m committed to making sure I do at least one strength training workout a week (if not more).
Ouch. I’m still feeling this one.
I feel stronger than ever right now (the 22lb baby might help!), and I’d like to keep those muscles.
More Reading
I feel like I really slacked on reading this year. It’s like I had other priorities or something? Well, in 2014 the books are coming back! It helps that Book Club was just revived by this lady. I can’t wait!
Focus on Healthy Cooking and Baking
I made Chocolate Chip Banana Bread as I was writing this. Definitely not healthy. Good thing it’s still 2013!
I LOVE EATING so it’s not going away, ever. However, I think we really need to make a shift. I’m not going to go OVERBOARD – let’s face it, my favorite thing in the world to eat is a bowl of pasta and drink a lot of wine – but I’d like to make an effort to eat MORE whole foods, drink more water, and consume less crap.
These also aren’t healthy, but let’s pretend they are, OK?
This includes more simple ingredient recipes and less quick and easy processed food. I’d also like to teach my kids how to cook and bake as well – I think that’s an important part of passing on healthy eating habits.
Spend Time Reflecting
I’m not big into meditating or praying – but I do think it’s important and it’s something I don’t do enough of. So maybe 2014 will be the year I bring a little reflection, prayer, and gratitude into my life. I do have A LOT to be thankful for every day.
World Peace
Too optimistic? Ok then…
Have Fun
It’s not that I didn’t have fun this year, but when you spend the first half of the year pregnant and the second half with a baby who is NOT sleeping through the night (*yawn*) — you end up a little tired, a little cranky, and a little consumed with other things going on in your life. I am full on committed to making the most of out 2014. This doesn’t mean partying 24/7 – but letting go a little. Living in the moment. Having more dance parties with my kids (and maybe at work?), and finding ways to make the monotonous things fun.
FYI – Fun things almost always make my raise my arms. Or maybe that’s just alcohol.
So basically what I’m saying is… it’s been real 2013. Bring it 2014.
What do YOU hope to get out of 2014?
Sounds like you have some good goals for 2014. To be honest with you, I haven’t even thought of goals for 2014. I did just sign up for my first race for 2014, a 1/2 Ironman, so that will keep me busy.
A half IM is pretty huge!!! That will definitely keep you busy. Sounds like you have at least one goal to me 🙂
I’m dying to know how you’re sleep training a stubborn baby. PLEASE TELL ME YOUR SECRET PLANS. PLEASE. PRETTY PLEASE.
Signed,
Desperate and Sleepless in MD
We’re going to attempt the Sleep Lady Shuffle — which consists of hovering over our child until he cries himself to sleep. But we will be RIGHT THERE. At least that’s what it sounds like. Each night we move further and further away until we are finally out of the room. Doesn’t it sound like a huge pain in the ass? I’ve read and been told by many people that it’s worked for even the stubbornest child (even though it first it’s like being in hell), so I figure it worth it. I’ll report back and let you know how it goes.
Looks like 2014 was so blessed and wonderful!!! Um hello pretty Garmin, I love her and I am quite jealous! 🙂 I think you can reach all of your goals!! happy new year!!
I swear I feel like AJ will NEVER sleep through the night & I hate to say it, but it really makes me feel SO much better to know that you’re still struggling with E! So so so many people say “But your kid is X old now, he should be going 12 hours uninterrupted”. And that “X” can be anywhere from 7 weeks to 5 months…seriously, I’ve heard it all. #soannoying We tried doing Babywise, but our little AJ just doesn’t like to nap, so that’s out the window. I just might have to give this Sleep Lady Shuffle thing a try…if I can convince Ryan it’s the way to go. Some nights aren’t bad, with just 1 or 2 wakeups, but more and more we’re getting nights where he gets up every hour.
Looks to me like 2013 was a great year for you — it was for me too, but I’m just much worse at documenting it! Here’s to a wonderful 2014!
Sounds like there’s lots of potentially amazing things ahead! Cheers to 2014!
P.S. So glad I found your blog this year! It’s one of my faves! Thanks for always giving me a smile and keeping it real. 🙂
I’ve really worked on the yelling stuff this year, I feel horrible when it happens and think I’ve gotten a lot better but I have to constantly work at it. We also need date nights, my hubby and I have not gone on a date since last winter…so sad right?? Need to find a babysitter!!!! Happy New Years!!!
I’m a yeller, too. Need to work on that. I just have so many emotions, haha. AND YES on more FUN. Which I’m assuming you just specifically meant hanging out with all of us at the race this month.