I don't know what 2009 will bring. That seems so obvious that it's barely worth saying. But I am hopeful. Hopeful that there will be more stability for my family, more prosperity and recovery the world over, some measure of peace.
Last night we attended a New Year's Eve party that was purposefully child-friendly and relaxed. We put Caroline down at her normal bedtime in a pack-n-play in a guest room. But Hannah held her own and kept her eyelids determinedly open until after the ball dropped at midnight. After a bit of sparkling grape juice, we packed up the kids and headed home. They were both asleep after just a few minutes.
When we arrived home, Caroline, as is her tendency, woke when the car stopped. Hannah, as is hers, did not. I got Caroline settled in her crib and Todd left Hannah snoozing in her car seat while he carried in various bags and other items. When I came back into the living room, he had retrieved Hannah and was carrying in. She was outfitted in a pair of her new footie jammies, draped like a water-logged blanket over Todd's shoulders, and festooned with a hot-pink "Happy New Year!" tiara. It was a gorgeous image and it made me sappy and smiley for the rest of the night.
Come what may, I've got a great husband and two phenomenal girls. [Insert chorus here.] So let's go, 2009, we're ready for 'ya.
