This Year vs. Last Year

Last December, I had so much time.

Despite the fact that Nolan was a mere two months old, and big brother Aiden was a precocious two-and-three quarters, I had so much time.

I could plan fun activities, like going to the mall to see Santa (something I’d never done as a kid, but wanted to try with my boys), baking Christmas cookies, and all those holiday bucket list items you’re supposed to cross off. It was the PERFECT time of year to be on maternity leave.

This year, there’s not nearly as much time. My Monday through Friday, 9-5 job (which I am ridiculously thankful for, thankyouverymuch) doesn’t afford me as much time—or to be perfectly honest, energy—to plan so many activities. It sucks because I want to do all the things we did last year (and more), but there are only so many hours in a day, and the boys need to be fed and bathed and read to and then there’s laundry and getting things in order for the sitter’s house (not mention my job) in the morning…just not enough time.

This is a tough balance, this working mom stuff. I’m pretty seasoned at it by now—I’ve got nearly 4 years under my belt—and I’ve got a great amount of help from the hubster, but this time of year, with all the fun and pressures brought on by the holiday season, I notice it a bit more.

But I’ve got to get it in gear. I’ve got big plans for 2012, especially in my personal life. Shedding a few pounds is at the top of that list (seeing myself in my sister’s wedding photos has provided a lot of motivation for that), closely followed by a desire to be more healthy in general (let’s face it—I’m not getting any younger). I also want to be a better mom, wife, employee--all that stuff.

So while I may have started off this post a bit whiney, I'm ending positively. Looking forward to 2012, and wishing everyone else out there the Happiest of New Years :)