Looking Back.

It’s amazing to look back as Fall is now here, thinking back to when this New Year Started.

Every year, my mother, her friend, and I come up with a slogan. This year, our slogan was “2022 Dreams come true.” I definitely have had my dream come true with becoming a mother. It just amazes me that we are already looking ahead to 2023. I am nine months into 2022, and so much has happened.

When I found out I was pregnant, I know I needed more space. I loved my little house and probably could have made it work, but parking down the hill was no longer an option (Especially in Duluth)! I found the perfect fit, really without even looking too hard, and before I knew it, I was packing, moving, cleaning my old space, and decorating a new environment.

I managed to totally reconstruct not only my way of thinking and deepen my outlook on life during this time, but I managed to create a space where I feel even more at home with the utmost peace. I wanted to dedicate my time and energy this year to create a space for my son. It was not easy… but it came down to sacrifice. I had to give up some hikes, trips, social events, and some things I would normally do for myself (even financially), but none of that mattered anymore. Saying “no,” and saying “yes” to doing what I know had to be done at the house, just felt like the new norm, and I became okay being a “homebody” every weekend. (Don’t worry, it won’t last forever! This girl still loves a good adventure!)

I’m sure there will be a time when we will now do those things together; so sacrificing one summer of fun to invest towards the beginning journey with my son, was totally worth it. I’ve created a space … a home … where my son can spend at least a few years growing up, making memories each day. Now, I can finally look back and give myself a pat on the back *which I do not do often,* and say, “job well done.” All of those sacrifices were worth it and definitely not in vain.

Below, is a picture of the final outcome of this love, sweat, and tears – his space, his nursery. It’s where we will spend many nights ahead with hugs, kisses, laughter, cries, dirty diaper changes, and long bedtime stories. I am so ready to take on this journey of becoming a mother. The world can keep spinning and time will surely pass, but I will never let the moments pass me by gazing into my son’s eyes. I will hold onto those memories forever and live completely in the moment – that’s my vow to him, and this is just one of the special spaces we can do it in.