So, Thank You...2015

Tonight, as I was putting Amelia to bed, she insistently declared “big girl” until I acknowledged that, yes, she is a big girl.  This is not an uncommon occurrence; “big girl” is one of many favorite phrases at my house right now.  But, tonight, I realized she’s right.  2015 has been the year of going from babyhood to toddlerhood for Amelia.  She’s running, climbing, yelling, using sentences, playing with toys, having simple conversations, and the list could go on.  I know that it’s completely cliché to say it, but on this New Year’s Eve, I’m reminded how quickly moments pass.  2015 has been full of all kinds of celebrations for our family;  a 4^th anniversary, a 31^st birthday, a 34^th birthday, a 7^th anniversabirthary and a first birthday.  We’ve travelled to Williamsburg, Gatlinburg, and Nashville to visit with family.  Adam spent time in Liberia; somehow, the only thing I did by myself was have thyroid surgery.  We’ve laughed, cried, fought, played, experienced good days, bad days and average days.  It’s been another year in this crazy life, a life that we are so lucky to share.

So, here I am, blanketed with nostalgia, joining everyone else out there thinking about the past year and the one to come while watching college football through confetti.  It’s the end of one year and the beginning of another.  We’re on the precipice of a new beginning.  Join me in the cheesiness of this wistfulness…jump on in, the water’s fine.

Since it’s the end of 2015 and not quite the beginning of 2016…yet, I’m going to look back for a moment.  2015, overall, you’ve been a good one.  I’m not saying you haven’t had your moments or tested my patience or even introduced me to situations that made me wish you away, but in this moment, I can honestly and confidently say, thank you, 2015.  That’s right, thank you.  I know it isn’t Friday night, but I’m going to thank you, a la Jimmy Fallon.

Thank you, 2015…for turning Amelia into a toddler, and all that entails.

Thank you, 2015…for giving us another giant monthly bill disguised as a house.

Thank you, 2015…for reminding me of the joys of anesthesia.

Thank you, 2015…for bringing Nike back to Tennessee and forcing some people to accept Smokey Grey.

Thank you, 2015…for talk shows and sketch comedy during election season, especially this one.

Thank you, 2015…for Amelia’s friends…and their names, that she recites at all hours of the night.

Thank you, 2015…for providing so many inanimate objects for Scout to save us from and bark at.

Thank you, 2015…for awakening the force.

Tomorrow, I’ll be ready to say, welcome, 2016 and bring it.  However, for tonight, I’ll leave it with thank you, 2015.