A Reflection on 2021

This was a tough adoption year…but then again, I think they all are. It’s a much rougher course than I expected, was told about, and would have signed up for if I had known in January 2016 (this January starts my 7th year in this process) that it would be like this.

I’ve been pretty open with the difficulties of adoption but I want to end the year on a high note. So, here are a few things I learned this year in no particular order.

• Words (spoken and written) matter. I apparenty say “what?” to little man a lot and he has adopted it. So, we’re working on “Como, mommy?” Although it’s the same meaning, it sounds much nicer.

• It’s okay to be thankful, blessed, and exhausted at the same time.

• Facing forward in a car seat is life-changing and gives you a completely different perspective – as does looking to the future and not focusing on the past.

• Rain boots were made for splashing in puddles…so go splash in some puddles.

• Nothing is as it seems to be and it can change in a heartbeat (good or bad). Enjoy the moment.

• Teenagers are the future and despite the slack they may get, they are responsible, mature, and a lifesaver for this single mom. Thank you to all the teenagers who have helped out this year. You know who you are and thank you!

• The right daycare provider can make all the difference in the world.

• A laugh a day helps. A walk a day helps more.

• A little boy’s best friend can be a neurotic little dog.

• This too shall pass…at some point.

• Nothing beats time with family and friends.

• Fight for what you passionately believe in. Leave all the other BS behind.

• Taking it 15 minutes at a time is okay. Some days taking it day by day is too much.

• Some days mama just needs a drink..or two.

• It’s normal to say “This is not what I signed up for” and not be considered a bad parent.

• Putting myself in timeout (on a daily basis) is good for all of us.

• Headspace…Yes! Been using it for about 4 years every night and it’s a miracle sleep solution.

• We are all just trying to figure life out and no one has it perfected.

• You are enough. I am enough.

I wish you a happy, safe, healthy, and prosperous 2022.

As it’s meant to be!