It’s approaching that time of the year when we stop and reflect on the year that was (or at least feel like we are meant to!) and set ourselves new challenges for the upcoming 12 months.
I have heard quite a few people discussing what their ‘word’ or ‘words’ for 2014 will be, and I have also been trying to think about my own. I’ve also been thinking a lot about a word which best sums up my year, and I’m going to go with – surviving.
It was surviving through the often conflicting roles of being a Mother, Wife, Sister, Daughter and Friend…. not to mention, just being me.
The first five months of the year I was attempting to survive the emotional turmoil of yet another high risk pregnancy.
For the first month after Aiden’s early arrival, it was all about surviving each day (and night!) trying to spend time with both Aiden and Liam, as well as have food in the fridge, clean clothes, the ENDLESS expressing and the recovery following my second caesarean in 16 months (seriously they should have just put a zipper in there!).
It was then all about surviving life with a newborn and a toddler. Trying to give them both the attention they need and deserve, and battling with lack of sleep and the unrealistic expectations I put on myself in those early days.
This year was about surviving the mother’s guilt which drops into my thoughts a little too often for my liking.
It was surviving through the rest of my crazy hormonal thoughts and emotions.
Now that I am almost at the end of this year. I am happy to change my word for 2013 to survived.
Yes, there may still be a couple of weeks until the official end of 2013, but I’m calling it – I have survived…. and in pretty good shape too I think!
As for what my word/words for 2014 will be…. well we have a looong road trip down south ahead of us which will give me plenty of time to ponder this.
What is your word/words for 2013? Are they different now to what they were at the start of the year?
createbakemake 
Glad you survived. The head is the largest part of this. So you can call it, if you think it. (and survive the holidays 😉
Good for you. Sounds like the exact same situation I was in 2 years ago. Baby came very early, emergency ceasarian and a 14 month toddler at home. Funnily if our third is a boy, Aiden is one of our favourite names. Wishing you and your family a very happy christmas and may 2014 be super successful for you x
I’m glad you survived 2013, but I’m hoping that in 2014 you’ll THRIVE! Best wishes to you and yours this holiday season.
Sorry it’s been so hard for you – but I’m sure you’ve grown very strong through it all. This year I haved coped a lot better with 3 under 5, but still have much work to do on nailing it and being less grumpy! Merry Xmas 🙂
Thank you – I’m glad your coping with your three kids, it is hard worth but so worth it! Have a wonderful christmas x
Oh Lauren, you’ve done such an amazing job raising two beautiful boys and I’m so glad you’ve survived it. My word would be scary. I went through so many thoughts and emotions that really scared me, I think it’d have to be one of my toughest years on record but towards the end it’s gotten better. My word for 2014 will be thankful.
Thank you Eva, and thanks for sharing your word. It’s quite hard to sum up a whole year with just a single word, especially when so much has happened. I’m hoping 2014 brings nothing but happiness and positive things to you xx
Survive is a great thing! 2012 was about survival for me, this year was about recovery. Next year is about butt kicking 🙂 Merry Christmas to you and your gorgeous family, Lauren x
That’s wonderful to hear, and I love your attitude for 2014! Merry Christmas x
I think I feel the same about this year, I’ve survived it. I survived a semester of uni while pregnant with twins, and have survived the arrival of twins to our family, taking us from an average size family, to a large one. I think next year, my word will be rediscovery.
Thanks for sharing Georgia. I hope all is going well with the arrival of your babies and things are settling down for you. I think rediscovery is a great word to have/live by. Wishing you and your family a very merry christmas, and all the best for 2014 x
That which we survive shows us just how tough we really are. If it makes you feel any better I think this year has been one of ‘those’ years, I have survived 2013 too. Onwards and upwards next year xx
Cheers to 2014 being bigger and better for all of us. Merry Christmas x
I haven’t got any words yet for next year. What a year you’ve had, but you have survived and made it through and you are so blessed to have two boys. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with them and look forward to your future posts about words to describe next year. 🙂
Thank you. I’ve been thinking about it for the past few weeks, and keep changing my mind! Wishing you and your family a lovely christmas x
I am glad you survived. Lauren. I had my 2nd baby in January this year and basically felt like I was surviving too. xo
Congratulations! That second baby can sure shake things up a bit – I wouldn’t change anything for the world though! Have a lovely Christmas and well done for surviving this year too xx
I have been thinking about my word/s for 2013 lately too and so far all i can come up with is crap! lol… hopefully 2014 is better for both of us! Am sure you are doing a fantastic job 🙂
In 2013 my word was ease and it’s worked out well for me. A big part of it was finally getting a “stop doing” list and stopping doing (we, mums, are not very good at this usually, so it was hard, but well worth it)! I do have a word for next year, but I’ll keep it a secret for now.
Sounds like you have done a lot more than survive!!!! I’ll have to have a think about what my words for this year will be! The year has certainly improved as it’s gone on!!! xxx
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