My husband asked me a couple of days ago if I’d ordered a new calendar to replace the 2022 version that is hanging on the front of our fridge. I hadn’t ordered one yet, but his question reminded me that—ready or not—2023 is about to begin!
As we start this new year, I’m taking a moment to reflect on 2022.
Winter
I began the year by tackling an issue that we have faced for some time: picky eating. I shared a number of strategies for getting kids to try new foods. Though I did not know it at the time, picky eating is something we would revisit a few times throughout the year.
Like many of you, I have to-do lists that are extraordinary long. Sometimes, when faced with so much to do, I find it difficult to begin and get even the simplest tasks completed! This phenomenon is termed “workload paralysis.” I shared a post exploring workload paralysis and some ways in which we might overcome it.
In late winter, I began to compare my struggles (simple, routine things) with the struggles being faced by people around the world (such as war and famine). I realized that I was facing insignificant things compared to what others are facing. However, as I thought more on this, I realized that my suffering is valid, even when others have it worse.
Spring
Spring was an exciting time for us! I updated my printable vacation packing list and made some printable cards that contain road trip games as we prepared to leave on a trip. We spent a week at a vacation home with my sister, her husband, and two of their three kids (“the teenager,” as my kids call my oldest nephew, elected to stay with his grandparents instead of making the trip).
We were so thrilled to have this time together. Because of COVID, work schedules, and other happenings, we had not seen each other for three years! I was pregnant with my youngest during our last visit, so they had not even met her. The cousins had a great time! We committed to get together again soon.
My parents came for a visit shortly after our vacation. They were here for Easter, which is always a fun time. Each year I get a picture of my girls in their new dresses. How they’ve grown!
Summer
As I noted earlier, picky eating is a topic we revisited throughout the year. In early June, we prepared Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Skewers. This is a recipe that my kids picked to try after looking through a cookbook. (This is a strategy I’ve been using to get them interested in trying new foods. I let them look through cookbooks, select recipes, and help prepare them.) To my surprise, they actually ate these!
We celebrated my middle child’s birthday in late June. Beautiful, clever Nitara is now a 6-year-old!
She wanted an Oreo cake for her birthday. It took a lot of time and effort, but I made her one! She loved it.
We got confirmation in July of something we had suspected for some time, which is that our youngest daughter has autism. We began noticing speech delays when she was approaching age 3. This, along with other signs (echolalia, repetitive behaviors, blank facial expression, obsessive interests, etc.), led our pediatrician to refer us for an evaluation. She has now also been evaluated by a speech therapist and occupational therapist. She is getting therapies provided by these professionals and we are so pleased to see her gaining new skills!
Fall
The early fall months are the height of hurricane season for us, so I took time to update our disaster preparedness kit. I also updated the disaster preparedness kit checklist that I have here for you.
After managing to avoid it for 2 years, we finally came down with COVID. The entire family had it, and the high fevers, muscle aches, and other symptoms made for a couple of rough weeks. Thankfully, we all recovered and have no lingering symptoms.
Gilana, my youngest child, celebrated her 4th birthday in September. She’s an extremely picky eater (she’s getting feeding therapy along with her other therapies) but she likes chocolate sandwich cookies, so she had these instead of cake or homemade cookies for her birthday.
Shortly after Gilana’s birthday, my eldest celebrated her birthday. One of the gifts Amaris received was a scooter, so we spent lots of time outdoors playing with that.
We had many loved ones join us for Thanksgiving. We had an amazing time together. We had a full house and full bellies, but our hearts were even fuller. Having so many loved ones together and being able to reminisce and dream together was refreshing.
We made many desserts for Thanksgiving. My favorite this year was Pecan Pie Brownies. These were amazing and will become a staple on our holiday dessert tables!
We welcomed my parents into town for Christmas. Sadly, we ended up having a subdued celebration because they started feeling poorly in the days after they arrived. We tested them and it was COVID. They spent most of their visit isolated in the spare bedroom! They got the rest they needed and everyone else has stayed healthy. Thankfully, their symptoms have resolved. We’re planning another visit in a few months—hopefully this one won’t involve illness!
Final thoughts
I typically approach the New Year with hope. I feel as though I’m getting a fresh start. If I’m being honest, I have to say that I don’t really feel that this year. I haven’t really had time to plan for the upcoming year (something I really like to do). Additionally, instead of feeling eager about the exciting things to come, I feel somewhat weighed down by the many tasks I know are before me. I’m not sure if this is how I feel because of my current season or if it is something that happens with age.
Do you feel this way or are you eager for 2023? What were some highlights from your 2022?
Regardless of what you are feeling, I’m grateful that you were part of my 2022. Likewise, I am thankful to have you with me as we enter 2023. I pray you and your loved ones experience a year of good health and joy.
I need to go read your post about picky eaters. My son is one. My son has sensory processing disorder, so it’s been a constant struggle. I’m like you…a little apprehensive about what this new year will bring. Just praying it will be ok. Your daughters are beautiful!
Thanks for the kind words about my daughters!
Having picky eaters is tough, Mandy, but I know it is even more difficult when it is due to sensory issues! I hope this year brings an extra serving of patience for you and some progress for your son in that area.