2000

This is my 2000th post. I realized last week that this milestone was fast approaching. That seems like a lot, and it is. Here are some things that have happened in the last eight years and five months since I started this blog:

When it began I had a two-year-old and a two-month-old.

Now I have a ten-year-old, an eight-year-old, a six-year-old, and a two-year-old.

When it began I dictated our daily schedule and used that freedom to go on adventures to the park and library and friends' houses on a regular basis.

Now our schedule is set by the school and our daily adventures focus on getting homework completed and chores done.

When it began I had lived in two states: California and Utah.

Now I have lived in seven states: California, Utah, Wisconsin, Washington, New Jersey, Illinois, and Pennsylvania.

When it began Bryan and I were in our fourth apartment of our nearly seven year marriage.

Now we are in our twelfth residence during our more than fifteen years of marriage.

When it began I was overwhelmed at the thought of taking care of my two boys overnight, all by myself, when Bryan traveled for work. Even a full day of on-my-own parenting, from wake-up to bedtime, freaked me out.

Now, though it's not ideal, I regularly handle the all-day shifts and, occasionally, the all-night shifts as well. It's not my favorite way to fly, but I can do it and we all survive mostly happily and no one gets scurvy from all the cereal and pancakes we eat during those days.

When it began only one of my four siblings was married and none of Bryan's six siblings were.

Now all of mine have been married, two still are, two aren't, and one is preparing to marry again. Two of Bryan's siblings are married. Between both sides, we have three nephews, three nieces, and with the wedding we'll happily add two more nieces.

When it began the kids had six living great-grandparents.

Now they have three.

When it began I looked like this:

Now I look like this:

When it began I had no idea how much time I would devote to the blog over the course of almost eight and a half years. I had no idea how much I would stress over planning posts to publish while we were away on vacation. I had no idea how careful I would become about privacy and online safety. I had no idea how important an internet connection while away from home would be. I had no idea that someday I would blog from my phone. I had no idea how long the blog would last.

Now I understand the time commitment of the blog. I know that I need to balance between thoughtful introspection and humor, and that sometimes a picture will do when my brain won't cooperate. I understand the value of making something a daily habit and how much one missed day derails me.

More than anything, I didn't know what a blessing this blog would be. I've recorded so many memories and events and kid funnies that would have otherwise been lost in my sleep-deprived brain. I've marked milestones and passages, both happy and sad. I've documented the kids' childhoods in ways I never anticipated. I've dug deep into my soul and testimony to write what is so dear to my heart.

Happy 2000th post, here's to 2000 more.