Just One Year…
Posted by Anne
So before I dig right into today’s post…I need to announce a Life In Pencil milestone! Today marks Elizabeth’s and my 100th POST!! Thanks for reading, for commenting, and for generally supporting us. Hard to believe.
365 days. Each year flies by, and yet can’t we name specific years in which our lives truly changed? I know I can…the year I got engaged, the year I finished school, the year I started school. In 365 days, a life can be transformed. This length of time—this one year span—seems particularly significant these days. One year brought me a new nephew, a new niece, and the amazing growth of my oldest nephew. What a difference a year makes…
Just one year ago, my sweet nephew was born. Just one year ago, I paced my living room—waiting for phone calls, waiting for updates. Text messages appeared and voicemails were recorded…most of which said, “not yet.” Until the message changed, and my nephew arrived. My big sister became a Mom. In just one year, the snuggly naps he took in my lap have given way to first steps, and first words. The changes are so quick, they’re dizzying…and incredible.
Just one year ago, a world away in Ethiopia, a little girl was about to become my niece. My sister-in-law called, telling us about the phone call they’d been waiting for…the name and picture of the baby who was about to become a part of their family—my family. I became an aunt once again. Today, she walks, laughs, and makes sassy expressions.
My happy little niece, Mezmur.
Just one year ago, my oldest nephew Rhett became a big brother. The little toddler I met 3 years ago is becoming a little boy. In this past year, he rode a bike for the first time, and held an entire phone conversation with me on his birthday. He sings songs, dances, and makes up stories.
Reflecting on this year, it’s amazing to me how obvious it is when babies grow, and children develop. There are tangible milestones. Walking, talking, eating solid foods, and pedaling a bicycle for the first time. Truly, children are the essence of change. For adults, is it ever the same? For me, it’s more frequent that change creeps in—I may change, but I hardly notice. Nobody records it in a book, or shouts it from the rooftops. But change is still there.
- My growing nephew Rhett–is there anything better than 4 years old? Or chocolate ice cream cones?
Just one year ago, I wonder how different I was. Just one year ago, I didn’t have this blog. Just one year ago, I’d been married only a month. Just one year ago, I wasn’t planning a trip to S. America. I changed. No specific moments—not like Isaac, Mezmur, and Rhett. But change happened. I’m just not nearly as cute.
November 13th, 2009 at 6:49 am
Not nearly as cute as the kids? Or as cute as you were a year ago? I’d say YES to both, but then…I’m your mother.
November 13th, 2009 at 7:26 am
I was recently reading a novel, and one of the characters makes the same point, that wouldn’t it be nice if adults had the same external “markers” that kids did to let the world know that things had changed. Once we reach adulthood, most of us certainly don’t look much different from year to year; or, at least we don’t change at the same rate. Thoughtful idea.
Here’s to another 100 posts!
November 13th, 2009 at 8:38 am
Congratulations, ladies. 100 posts is quite an accomplishment.
As for change, I’ve had so many of the same thoughts lately. Just a year ago Isaac was still kicking me in the ribs while waiting to make his grand entrance. And now he’s walking and saying words and holding up one finger when we ask him how old he is.
The thing is, from this side of the parenthood fence, I don’t really stop to think about how I’ve changed in the past year. Obviously, with the transition into parenthood the changes are innumerable. But with a child in front of me, his changes are much more fun and interesting.
November 13th, 2009 at 9:16 am
Happy 100th, Auntie Anne.
November 13th, 2009 at 1:38 pm
Happy 100th indeed! You are a lucky Aunt to enjoy such happy relations. They are cute, hard to top!
You know those baby’s first year calender’s? I started noting my first’s along with my babies, and the trend moved to a notebook/journal. I enjoy looking back and seeing my changes along side their’s. I cheer their poo, I cheer my homemade cough drops. It’s a win-win.
November 14th, 2009 at 8:30 pm
A lot of changing DOES happen in a year. We are adjusting to our crazy change from going to one kid to two! Not easy!!!
Rhett and Mez are soooo lucky to have you for their Aunt! I feel pretty lucky too.
Congratulations both of you on your 100 posts! That is huge!
Oh, and yes…you are very cute.
December 1st, 2009 at 4:33 pm
Congradulations on you 100th and here’s to the 1000th!