Thank you, 2019

The beginning of my 2019 started off with short family time before Chase was whisked off to Atlanta for football. In those four months without him, I learned a lot. A lot about raising a child on your own and a lot about myself and what I could handle.

One, I’m proud of myself and I give kudos to all the single moms out there (I’m not single but I did the solo parent thing for more than half the year). It’s hard to do things on your own and without a partner there to step in. My parents live fifteen minutes away which was and is great for me.

Now, I wouldn’t change a thing about my year besides effective communication. I realized this year that is something Chase and I were not good at. We’re not perfect, by any means and we have our ups-and-downs but we’ve improved. Is there room for improvement? Always.

We’re always working on our relationship. There are days when he annoys me and there are days when I annoy him but we work on it. Honestly, I’m proud of the fact that we don’t just give up on each other.

A year of change.

This year, I made a career change. I took a position in a field that interested me and left behind the job that I had for three years. It was hard as I had to leave behind my work family but I’m very proud of the experience that I’ve gathered and how I have adjusted to the change.

Most people like to ask why I left my old job which I have no problem sharing. I left for Cannon and an opportunity to learn about something I had a lot of interest in (influencer marketing), plus there was a pay increase that was hefty and something I couldn’t pass on. Obviously, I still miss my work friends and the social media that I did along with the work culture. It’s like entering a new world after being somewhere for so long.

Now, the biggest life challenge? Keeping Cannon happy and healthy.

Listen, being a parent is terrifying. In other words, I find that it’s the most challenging role that I’ve ever taken on. This baby depends on me and it’s crazy.

Sometimes, life knocks you on a different path which you weren’t prepared for and I like to think of that as parenthood. Cannon was/is my curveball and I like to think that I have yet to strikeout. I’m very grateful for how everything turned out because Cannon is the reason that I’ve made many life changes. From a lifestyle to career to the thought process, Cannon is the reason for making me a better person.

However, being a mom hasn’t been easy from me. From the start, I was handed this little 6 lb baby and expected to just know how to take care of him. Now, he’s thirteen months and around 22 or 23 lbs. He’s wild and keeps me on the move. Most importantly, I can’t imagine life without him.

But, I won’t deny the frustration and annoyance that he can bring from time to time. Above all, he’s just a baby and the bitemarks only last for a few minutes.

I’m not a perfect mom, at all. This year, I learned that I just needed to focus on making sure we were happy. We don’t need all the expensive gadgets or to follow our routine 100%. This new chapter of life has helped me let loose from the person I used to be.

Thankful for those that stepped up.

Also, I’m beyond grateful for the people in my life that have helped with Cannon, check in on us, and show support in any way. My parents are a huge help from daycare pick-up, walking Rocko, picking up Cannon some mornings, and much more. It takes a village and Cannon’s village is pretty great!

In 2019, this blog took a backseat (and in 2018) as I tried to grapple life and get things together. Thank you to the brands that worked with me. The opportunities are appreciated! In 2020, I’m going full speed into it with the hope that I am consistent and relatable to my audience.

What are my goals going into the new year?

I’m not 100% sure. To clarify, I think being a good mom will always be on my list as I want my son to feel all the love and continue to learn and wow me. I’m truly excited about 2020. Catch my blog and IGTV videos (they’re in the works!) with frequent updates.

Overall, gratitude will be the word to wrap up this year.

I’m overly grateful for all the people in my life that have stepped up in different ways to help. And, I’m grateful to blessed with a home to raise my son and a job to support him.

Yes, I was challenged but I made it through those challenges. And, there were ups-and-downs but when is there not? Nonetheless, this year was great. I recognized that I’m a new person — a mom, different from the being I was in 2018.

Am I excited about the future? Definitely! I can’t wait to see what is going to happen. This is the next chapter — we’re entering the toddler phase, I’m looking to list the condo and find a home, I’m taking on more opportunities that I need and want. 2020, you’re going to be a great year. I can feel it.

One more thing — thank you all who continue to follow my journey. It means the world to me. I can’t wait to bring you more content in 2020.

What did you accomplish in 2019? Are you ready for 2020?