Envy x 7

Envy denotes a longing to possess something awarded to or achieved by another.

Someone I know (and have never met) is having a baby. I am following her pregnancy on her blog. Every few days I check her status to read how her midwife appointments went and how she feels about this new life joining her family. She is so eloquent and I feel often that her words have touched my life so profoundly that they have changed who I am.

Someone I know (and have met) is having a baby. She is an incredible woman who is so much like the woman I wish I was. I fall short but am thankful for the inspiration. What a lucky baby that little one is!

Four people I know (and work with) are having their first babies. It reminds me of my first years in Switzerland and the 'wave' of pregnancies at that time, including mine. Expecting your first child is such a special thing.

Someone I know (and do pilates with) is having a baby. She looks like she is carrying a delicious secret. She has 3 little girls and knows what the sex of this next one is but isn't telling anyone. I remember finding out that Isla was a girl, even though I didn't really want to. I loved holding that information in my heart and having it just for me. It was as if she and I were fooling everyone together.

Happy envy. Each and every one. Happy, happy envy. I want it for myself but until that time, should it ever come, I will rejoice in the babies being welcomed into other families and be thankful for my own naughties.

Peas in a Pod

Is there anything nicer than a sister or brother?

I love how Max wants to look after Isla and show her things.

I also love how Isla looks up to Max and wants to do everything he does.

When I see them playing I am reminded of the Bugs Bunny cartoon with the big bulldog (Max) who struts down the street with a little yappy dog (Isla) jumping up around him and practically begging to do the bulldog's bidding.

A Cup of Kindness

Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And never brought to mind?
Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
And auld lang syne!

For auld lang syne, my dear,
For auld lang syne.
We'll take a cup o' kindness yet,
For auld lang syne.

I love New Year.

I love the idea of starting fresh, of being full of hope and the promise of things to come.

I never let January 1st slip by without making some new year's resolutions.

For what they are worth...here they are (perhaps sharing them will help me keep them):

1. This is the year of German. I WILL learn to speak German better than I do now. I will practice my vocabulary and try really, really hard to understand the rules of German grammar. I will make a greater effort if, for no other reason, than to seem worthy to my Swiss friends and neighbors who are shocked and horrified that I have lived here for 7 years and still can't proficiently speak the language.

2. I will learn to sew. My Mum is coming for a month in the summer and it shall be the summer of sewing. Don't plan on seeing me on Project Runway anytime soon but I may be able to hem trousers and curtains and make some dolly clothes.

3. I will talk less and listen more. (This should actually be number 1, if we are listing them in order of importance)

If you would all please raise your glasses for a toast...

Here's to times gone by. Here's to friends and family who are gone but not forgotten and lastly, here's to tomorrow and the promise of a fresh start.