kristine – thanks for the wishes to meet goals and having a new baby, esp for the first time absolutely changes everything. that first year really needs the time devoted to her. i am fortunate that, as slow as my writing is going, i’ve been able to do so in bits and pieces while baby c nurses or naps or plays on my lap. she’s been getting very busy of late, not such a lap sticker anymore. i think i’ve been able to be patient with divided attentions in myself because of all i’ve learned in raising my older kids, especially s, who can be a constant stream of noise. i’ve all but mastered tuning him out as i need to, and catching the hint that maybe this is not the time to be focussed elsewhere. this works for baby, too. good luck with your beautiful babies, human and written, in 2009!

I wish you the best in meeting your promises and goals for 2009. My goal is to also finish my novel. Maybe we’ll both be on the path to publishing bestsellers.

For me, 2008 was all about learning how to be a mommy to a newborn daughter and not having a nervous breakdown in the process. Now that she’s a little more independent, I feel like I can get back to integrating being a mommy with also being a writer.

i think i got it after mulling it for a few weeks amidst the craziness and illnesses:

2009 marks my return to living life to the fullest, as the grand adventure meant to be lived, fearlessly.

still long, but you get the idea. and the wish is to publish a book people will enjoy reading.

and i just want to share: today, honey and i went shopping, and bought coats for 3 kids under a 100 smackers! that’s a good start to the year!