top 10 of 2021.

It’s been a few years since I’ve done an end-of-the-year recap, and looking back, the years have kinda blended together so I wish I had. Some big things – ok, one big thing! – happened in 2021 and it definitely deserves to be remembered. And in a time of pandemic burnout as well as (still) bouncing between uncertainty and some normalcy, it’s important to remember the good stuff. With that, here are my top 10 of 2021!

jackson, duh

How do you top having your first babe?! Jackson is hands-down the very best thing to come out of the last few years, and really, probably ever. Motherhood wasn’t something I thought I’d love (more on that in another post soon), but it cannot be topped ♡

the best partner

I also hit the jackpot with Nick. It’s been amazing watching him be Jackson’s dad and there’s no one else I’d rather parent or do life with (I mean, he changed every single diaper Jackson’s first six weeks and did an overnight feed for months so I could sleep!). I am so lucky. ♡

my body

There’s nothing like pregnancy, birthing a tiny human, and then feeding him to make you appreciate how amazing your body is. It still baffles me. Most days I look at Jackson in complete awe that he’s growing all thanks to me. Also amazing: being able to swim/bike/run almost my entire pregnancy, the ability of the body to heal after a c-section, and its ability to build back to fitness.

our second floor renovation

This was a fun project during my second and third trimesters! Work started in March and was mostly wrapped up by the week were in the hospital (plumbing was finished the day before we got home 😆). We’re thrilled with how it turned out – thank you, M Gen Con! – and it’s been amazing to have a true main suite and a second bathroom. Watch for a post soon with all the details.

our dogs

What would we do without these two ding dogs? Luma turned 5 and looks at us everyday wondering when we’re gonna give Olli back (even though I think she secretly likes having him around). He’s definitely escalated her sugar face. Olli spent three weeks at training camp in July and came home a better behaved dog. He’s Nick’s running buddy and loves digging. Our backyard is a disaster. Both doggos are obsessed with snuggling under blankies.

home

How HOW has it has been almost two years since the pandemic started. While living through a pandemic has been rough for everyone, I gotta say, as an introverted homebody, it hasn’t been horrible. I’ve loved being cozy at home in the quiet.

science

Science is amazing for so many reasons, but this year I’m extra thankful because it gave us Jackson (yay IVF!) and gave us the covid vaccine (please get yours if you haven’t!).

our trip to Marquette

One of the hardest parts of the pandemic has been not traveling (I know, first world privileged problem). For a year I didn’t leave the 494-694 ring around MSP – oof. Needless to say I got a bit stir crazy. It also made me realize that despite loving home, it’s seeing new places that brings inspiration, expansion, and all around zest for life. We finally left home, taking our first family trip in October to Marquette. It wasn’t quite Hawaii like it was supposed to be, but we still had a great time exploring this beautiful city on Lake Superior – and dipping Jackon’s toes in! – and catching up with friends.

mat leave

I’m so grateful for the 18 weeks I had at home bonding with Jackson (Nick was home the first month, too, which was so special). It was hard – because newborns are hard! – but it was so, so special. My favorites: our daily stroller walks, nursing him, and all the snuggles. The only thing I’d change: a couple more months off.

boston

When I BQ’d at Twin Cities Marathon in 2019, I figured Boston wouldn’t happen because I was hoping to be pregnant or have a newborn at home. Well, that happened, but so did the pandemic. And then Boston happened this fall so I definitely thought I’d missed it and would have to qualify again. But surprise – the 2022 race included my 2019 marathon so lucky me gets to run Boston in April!