Top Ten 2013

Today, I tried to end the year in just the right place: with a clean house and a trip to Mass; by the stove and in front of the oven preparing a good meal; taking time for a run and making sure my work was done; sharing as much time as possible with my family; and reflecting - on yet another year that seemed like it could be deemed the best yet.

Sure - there was loss this year. And some heartbreaking, big ones. 

There were also some very tough moments. I honestly didn't think I would survive the first week back at work after maternity leave. There was stress and sleeplessness; fear and frustration. But mostly, this year can be categorized as nothing less than amazing. And I feel prouder than ever about what I produced on my blog this year. Probably because I constantly had an inspiring subject to write about: Mary and motherhood.

With that and after ample reminiscing, here is my top ten of 2013.  

10. Vacations to Sonoma and Martha's Vineyard

9. An amazing first Christmas 

8. Celebrating Thanksgiving in New York City

7. Racing in Chicago's marathon and Pittsburgh's half marathon

6. Visits from friends and family and the meals we gathered around (there are too many articles to choose from.) 

5. Learning how to be a breastfeeding, rat racing, working mom. 

(There are no pictures of the time I spent in the mother's room at work this year.)

4. Bath time and one very special bath 

3. Finding out that I not only married the perfect husband for me, but the perfect daddy for Mary.

2. The night and early morning that Mary was born 

1. Mary.  

Erin, how am I doing? I'm blessed.
So blessed.

Lo.