January 1

So, I've been thinking, as the end of one year and the beginning of another tends to make people do, and one of the things that I've been thinking about is this blog. I don't really know what this blog is "about", although I suppose it's a craft blog, even though I think my posts are sometimes light on the handmade and heavy on the blabbing. But one thing I know is that, while it may seem obvious from my posting or my lifestyle choices, etc., I have not said in this space enough how much I really, really love my children. I just want it to be out there. If this is some kind of a record of our lives, then the most important thing for me to record, I think, is how head-over-heels in love I am with these two people. Edited to add: I didn't mean to sound like I was having an identity crisis with my blog ("What category do I fit into?" etc.), just that I felt like it was about time to put my intense love for my amazing children "out there" in a way I hadn't before. Don't worry, I'm completely happy with the content of this site and it won't be changing!!!

Elisabeth -- wow, you are a powerhouse. We butt heads more than I wish we did. But your passion is so inspiring, and your gentleness, affection, and sensitivity to your brother is amazing to see. I love your creativity, your ability to become the characters of your play, your enthusiasm for costuming yourself and all of your dolls and stuffed animals, and your blossoming artistic abilities. I wish you would be gentler with yourself about your drawings. A mama wants to be able to save at least a few!

James -- you are my honey-silk, roly-poly, merry little baby. I love how smiling and joyful and downright jolly you are. You are almost two, and you like to tell people that's what you are. "What's your name?" "Two." I know that soon enough, you'll be doing a lot of talking and making (just like your sister) and growing hair and all of those "big kid" things, but for now, I love to just hold you and cuddle you and know that you're my baby.

The two of you have made me who I am, and influence and inspire every aspect of my life, work, and decision-making. I love you. Happy New Year!