San Diego Family Photographer- Katrinaelizabeth Photography

So just about every new year, I make a few resolutions.  You know, things that you hope to do better in the next year… but this year I’m over it.

I would like to say that I’ll take better care of myself, but who am I kidding… I’ll have 4 kids to worry about, (ohhh did I mention that I’m having another baby… due in June- SURPRISE!) and I’ll be working full time.

I’d like to say that I’ll start working out… again… no time or energy for that either.

I’d also like to commit more time and energy to my photography… but about 2 shoots a month is my max, and I don’t expect that to change any time soon.  I did get a subscription to a great on-line photography magazine and I have gathered a few inspirational books to read over the next few months, but no BIG changes are in store!

How about eating better… well maybe that one will stick this time, but usually we end up eating junk in our house, because we run out of time to prepare a healthy meal.

The life of a working mom is sooooo not glamourous.  I know that there is a whole generation of women out there who WANT to be “super-moms”.  They want to “have it all”!  But in my experience, that is simply not possible.  When you work, (especially outside the home) you give up time with your kids… you poor energy into other things… outside your home and family.  For some, this isn’t entirely a bad thing.  They have a separate identity… beyond “wife”, “mom”, “cook” and “maid”!! I just know that it is ding-dang hard to try to “have it all!” so I have learned to pick my battles very carefully.  I try to put my life into perspective, and keep priorities straight.  God, family, friends, job!

I plan to pop out this baby… and get back to work in the Fall.  That means, dropping my little 3 month old newborn off… abandoning him/her… into the car of another- 5 days a week!  (Am I a terrible mom?- wait… don’t answer that)

I have had mixed reactions from people that I have told that to.  Some don’t understand or believe that I will actually be able to do that. Then I simply explain that I work because I HAVE to… not because I WANT to!  Honestly, thank God that I have a job… because without my income we could not afford our life.  Sometimes it gets really hard to think about abandoning my new little- still un-named little bundle of joy, but then I give myself a little pep-talk… and remind myself that this child will not even remember being in “day-care”… and that he/she will be in the best care that I can find.  It is the big picture that matters most!  This child will be born into a loving home, with siblings and parents that love him/her.  Sometimes it helps… other times, well… I remind myself that I just have to pick my battles, and do the best that I can.

So back to 2010… there will be not lofty goals here in the V home.  We are praying for a healthy baby, and the energy and wisdom to carefully balance all that is going to be on our plates in this next year!

Finishing this year of teaching, continuing to have a healthy pregnancy, carry the baby to term, have a healthy baby… put together a new nursery, transform our loft into a room for Wesley, get Rylie potty trained, weaned from her pacifier and transitioned into a toddler bed… just to name a few!  These are essential things!  All the great ideas for starting yoga twice a week, and getting the kids into extra curricular activities, are just going to have to wait until next year!

I’ll leave you with a few highlights from Team V from 2009!  It was a great year, and we are looking forward to many new memories and challenges in the new year!

Peace.