Our 2021

Last year, I looked into the tops and flops of our 2020. It is time to do it again.

Source: Media by Wix

So, what went well?

- Little M is a pleasure to be around almost every day. We are flabbergasted by the development she goes through every moment. Her first steps, first words, and first two-word sentences have made our year.

- We got to visit Estonia twice (July and December 2021). Despite some troubles, these visits were unforgottable.

- M's grandparents were here with us twice, in September and in November. It was great having them around.

- We went for two weekends away on our own (in November) and with our friends (in July) without our child. Getting to sleep in until 8:30 is a treasure.

- We have made some new friends around our neighborhood and at work.

- Got our first two vaccinations and a booster. Never been more thankful for science. Definitely have dodged some bullets due to that.

- I completed a very busy important part of my training. Got more secure and more convinced that I can do it all. Now busy with the last months.

- We made 3 extra payments off our mortgage.

- I joined a local running group just before summer and have been attending weekly. From September to December I also took part in a local weekly yoga class.

- I was able to breastfeed for 14 months. So thankful, but I wish I would do it differently next time.

- Being open about struggles with parenting has definitely helped to deepen some of our relationships. Honesty is the key.

Some improvement points:

- The C-word is still around us. Full stop.

- We have been sick tons, relating to a lot of walking the rope with work and care. A baby and then a toddler at daycare has really put a toll on it all. It has again been very tough to care for a child abroad with no family around.

- To add to that, living abroad was again pretty tough. Seeing dear friends expecting and having children in Estonia makes me really want to be a bigger part of their lives.

- This all feels like juggling tens of balls while walking on a suspension bridge. So. Busy. All. The. Time.

- Our relationship is somewhere out of the Top 3 or Top 5 priority list.

- I have run less than before. I need this more in my life.

- Due to an unexpected reason, December was very difficult in my training. I have gotten it sorted now mostly, but it led to quite some doubts and changes in some decisions.

- After successfully building down to 1-2 cups of coffee before noon, I have gone back to 3 in most days before 3 pm. December has been tough.