The Gift of Time

December 29, 2013
2 years, 1 month & 10 days

A Christmas Eve dunk.

Somehow, among the chaotic bliss that is a house full of Malcolms, I was given the gift of time.  Thirteen bodies, 4 dogs and countless germs, I've had more time to myself the past few days than I've had in a long, long time.  I'm relishing it.  Perhaps, just perhaps, it's the start of something new.  After all, the New Year is only a handful of hours away.

To be perfectly honest, since we left for Alaska almost 4 months ago I feel like I have been constantly in "go" mode.  Packing, unpacking, repacking....journeying tens of thousands of miles in 4 months is fun but also a wee bit exhausting.  I wouldn't change it one iota.  When I have these precious moments to sit in bed, alone, listening to Pandora through earphones and typing on my computer (which I have been longing to do for weeks now), I feel so utterly and completely blessed.

Alaska, Sedona (three times), Mission Viejo (three times), San Diego, Ridgecrest...All since September 2.  I suppose we Malcolms get around.

Grandma and Grandpa rule.

Jumping waves with Uncle Dave.

As I sit here tonight, I feel the change of pace creeping up on me.  Sitting.  Reading.  Blogging.  Not packing.  Not unpacking.  Just being home.  It sounds splendid.  At least until 2014 ;).

A year ago today, Colter wasn't walking yet.  He wasn't talking.  Today he can run, jump and play with his older cousins.  He desperately tries to keep up with them - the youngest still 4 years his senior.  It's amazing to see him hold it together all day long.  He's a determined little man.  Running to Mama only when it is high time for a nap, I'm proud to say he is quickly becoming the loudest Malcolm yet.

Keeping up with the cousins.

Poppy and the grandkids...all 9 of them!

If you had told me ten years ago my son would be a rambunctious, loud, hyper child, I probably would have laughed.  I can't imagine a child any other way now.  He brings out the extrovert in the most introverted soul.  No one can resist a good laugh when he chimes in to join his cousins in fart noises. 

Open wide!

I am thankful that he loves the beach.  He loves the snow.  He loves trains.  He loves trucks.  He loves cookies.  He loves his family.  On most days, he loves his Mama. 

Scoping out some barnacles.

My little Patagucci Man.
 

Trucks. Enough said.

Tonight?  Tonight I am thankful for a few moments of peace and quiet.  That near the end of a beautiful year, I have time.  Time.  A small four letter word that can be so fleeting in my daily life.  But not tonight- tonight I have time.

Here's to an epic year - to the one that was and to the one that is.  A very happy New Year to you and to yours!

Just Me and my boy.