2018 went by in a blink!
It has been a whirlwind year for me. Just the other day I was doing an exercise which required me to list 10 things which I have accomplished for 2018. I couldn’t get past number 2. I was stuck. I called Garfield lamenting that I haven’t accomplished anything in 2018. He quickly cut me off…
"What you mean? Are you crazy? You took on the role of a mom and you are doing a damn good job!"
He then went on to list a bunch of other things which I hadn’t even considered. By the time he finished listing what he thought were my 2018 accomplishments, I was in tears.
It meant so much to me to hear him acknowledge me out loud. More importantly, he put things into perspective. I am always looking on those big-ticket wins – new job, promotion, completing a degree, buying a house – to define an accomplishment, while ignoring the everyday wins... like winning in my new and most important role as a mom.
Are you being too hard on yourself? Go ahead and make your list of what you’ve accomplished for 2018?
As you reflect on 2018, let me share with you some powerful tips from Lisa Nichols to prepare yourself for the best year yet!
Podcast of the week
Are you hooked on Moms can Relate podcast as yet? Check out this episode where Debbie, Janella, Saudicka and myself share about our pregnancy journey. Janella’s story is especially touching (imagine not being able to hear your baby’s heartbeat for days) and I share about my frightening Bells Palsy.
On raising Jordan
Speaking of motherhood, may I have a completely vulnerable moment with you? I am not a fan of this toddler stage. It's mega frustrating!
Jordan went from a baby who greedily drank her formula and breast milk to a toddler screaming NO to everything, clenching her mouth shut and using her food as missile. How did we get here?
Jordan is the pickiest eater ever! It’s driving me nuts.
Thank God for Google which keeps assuring me that this is all perfectly normal behaviour for a child her age, otherwise I’m sure I’d be convinced she is possessed!
Do you have a 17-month-old? What has your experience been?
Family Photo Shoot
It’s that time of the year for family photo shoots! Last Saturday, we joined at Fern Elise in studio for a family session.
You know, everyone thinks that Jordan is the perfect baby, always ready with smiles.
Let me correct that misconception right now. She is not!
Last Saturday, she woke up grumpy and fussy and as the day progressed, she got grumpier and fussier. By 6 O’clock, I was prepared to hand her over to the highest bidder.
She didn’t want to wear shoes.
She didn’t want her hair combed.
She didn’t want a bow in her hair.
She didn’t want to get dressed.
What did she want?
Mommy’s boobs.
Did we do the shoot? Of course, we did!
But she’s not wearing shoes and her hair isn’t combed and we are lucky if she cracked a smile.
Behind the scenes with Little Miss
Keeping Up with our Favourite Wives!
This week I am sending you over to @nicolemclarencampbell's Instagram. If you are looking for a fresh way to jump start 2019, then this is the page for you! Here are two of my favourite posts: Choosing relationships and Finding and using your voice.
#BodyGoals
Let’s be honest, every woman dislikes something about her body. After having a baby, you feel so much more vulnerable, unattractive even. Last Saturday at our photo shoot, I was beyond self-conscious as I lamented my rolls and whined about my gut which no amount of sucking in could fix. I was also most distressed as I was forced to accept that my once perky boobs have caved to gravity, the effect of breastfeeding and Jordan’s non-stop tugging. Sigh.
So, I know the battle and the strength required of @krystaltomlinson to make this post! I applaud you for being vulnerable with us. #KillFear
Foodies
Did I tell you my mother-in-law is in the house?! I have no idea how I am going to control myself when I’ve already counted over 10 Christmas cakes and I come home to delicious meals everyday! Four months of this and I’m sure to pack on the pounds.
And just so I have company, head on over to @jessicainthekitchen for these delicious Christmas Bark recipes!
Conversation starters.
I know, you have more Christmas parties to attend this week. I got you!
Here’s how you strike up a conversation at the party.
Repeat after me: “Do you think the State of Emergency was helping us to feel safer?”
What side should you take? Well, it depends on which side of the fence you sit.
Opposition leader, Dr Peter Phillips, is of the view that we do not need a SOE to feel safe. Apparently, everyone in opposition feels this way as they all voted against extending the SOE. The opposition is contending that the government of the day has no crime plan and no plans to exit the SOE.
The PM and all his MPs disagree. They think the SOE is needed and is an important tool in fighting crime. The PM cited letters from the head of security forces requesting an extension and even pulled out the stats: murders reduced by 72% and shootings by 63% in St. James since implementation of the SOE.
Impressive right?
The opposition said Meh! Not impressed.
So, what happens now?
Basically, when the SOEs across various divisions come to an end at different points in January, they will not be renewed.
Bummer?!
As I said before, it depends on which side of the fence you sit.
Is there anything less political?
Yes! You can’t go wrong talking about BUJU!
Not only is he home, but the date for his first show is set! Everyone is waiting for tickets to Buju’s Long Walk to Freedom tour which kicks off on Saturday, March 16, 2019 at the National Stadium! Will you be there?
Until next week.
Happy holidays from our family to yours!
