Not wanting to say goodbye, really.

We're five days into 2010, but frankly I'm having a hard time saying goodbye to 2009. I know most people like the new year and are generally ready for a fresh start, and heavens knows I have a birthday coming up next week that I am usually as excited as a kid about, but, I don't know. That ol' 2009 has its grips on me.

And I know exactly why.

There are only a few years in your life as a mother where the difference in your children from January to December is so completely striking, breathtaking. 2009 was one of mine, and to be honest, I am only now sitting down, picking a photo from each month and putting them together. Until now, I haven't gone back. It's just too sad, that I can never get that baby face back!

And to make matters worse, even my sweet husband noticed this last night himself. We're standing in the children's doorway watching them each pick out a book for bedtime, and I see that look that says he's really looking, and when I ask, he says to me, I just can't believe we have kids this big. Hush your mouth! Don't you say it, too, then it's really true.

So, even though I'm five days into my annual January Photo-a-Day, even though it's Tuesday (I'll think of ten for next week), I realize I'm going to have to celebrate 2009 just once more, before I can glance ahead at the blessings 2010 holds for us.