Sometimes I see the notifications comes into my email that I gained a new blog follower.
“Oh, that’s nice,” I think to myself.
Nice that someone out there is interested to subscribe to a blog that has been dormant for 12 months. How did this even happen?
There are a few factors.
- The first half of this year I was pregnant — I was either exhausted and sleeping, or I was feeling great so I was out going on hikes with the pup and otherwise trying to “do all I can” before the baby arrived.
- A baby came into the picture — My time was therefore, uh, all went into raising a tiny human.
- Still in a pandemic, still not traveling — While pregnant I was considered high-risk when it came to covid and now with a baby, just being very cautious to not expose her since she is not eligible for the vaccine.
But, I am here to tell you I am back! Well, hopefully. I will try my best not to ghost you again. (And, I apologize now if I do).
I still have lots of thoughts and stories to share.
Even though I am a parent now, don’t worry, I will not turn this into a “mommy blog.” But, I am sure you will hear stories touching on the topic of parenthood/raising a baby every now and again since this is a big part of my life now. And, you know, one day when I’m out traveling again, I have a good feeling said baby will be tagging along 🙂
A lot has changed for me in the last 12 months. (You see how I measure time in months now?? It’s the mother in me. Apparently you can only speak in time in measurements by weeks or months when you have a baby). I have learned a lot. I have learned to live on very little sleep, when previously I was that person who couldn’t function if she didn’t get at least 7.5 hours of sleep at night! I have learned the many cues from my baby. I have learned how strong the bond between mothers can be. (I’m talking mothers who have friends who are also mothers, or even that random neighbor who is a mother and just “gets it.” I never knew I’d be part of this “exclusive” club). I have re-learned patience. And, I’m still learning — similarly to how my little one is learning every day.
As 2021 comes to a close, my pup looks out our living room window at the (now melting) snow. I’ll likely take her on another one or two walks in the snow since she loves it so much. I hope you’re ending the year doing something you love, or are able to spend it with the people you love. Wishing you and yours a happy and healthy 2022.
otter travel more 