Work
2024 started out as a mixed bag. Let’ start with work. I was about three months into a new role at a new workplace and felt like I was barely staying afloat. It was a role I had wanted badly for a while, worked hard to get, and was truly excited about. Yet, even with all the preparation, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I was sinking.
The learning curve was steep—I had anticipated that, but even so, I can’t understate how overwhelmed I felt, even three months in. I started to worry that I’d feel this way the entire time I held this position. Lmao, what a depressing thought. But it got better. The fog lifted sometime in January, and I can comfortably say that I ended the year without a heavy stone pressing against my chest and stomach. And for that, I am grateful!
Sleep, Nursing & Wisdom Teeth Drama
Sleep-wise, I was relatively sleep-deprived while still nursing Sweetpea, who was around nine months old. I was finally excited to slow down on pumping and looking forward to her sleep schedule improving. By June, she had stopped breastfeeding. Honestly, I thought she might go for longer, but I guess she was ready. I think my wisdom tooth extraction played a role in that because, for the week I was on meds, she couldn’t nurse.
Speaking of wisdom tooth extraction—why did I wait until the pain was absolutely unbearable before scheduling it? I was literally non-functional—my head was pounding, my world was spinning (really and truly, lmao), and ibuprofen & Aleve did absolutely nothing. Almost all in-network providers were booked out. This was the first week of May, and I had an international trip scheduled for most of June. I was terrified I wouldn’t get to enjoy all kinds of cuisine if I didn’t fix this soon.
In the end, I paid more out-of-pocket than I would have if I had just listened to my dentist five months earlier when he said extraction was my best option. Lmao, I was so silly—my reasoning was that nobody in my family had ever needed a wisdom tooth extraction, so maybe it wasn’t as big of a deal as my dentist made it seem. How wrong I was!
Also, dental care is just so expensive, and I assumed they were just trying to make me spend more money for no reason. But I’ll tell you this for free—getting that wisdom tooth out significantly improved my life. If you need to take care of yours, try to schedule it during an off-peak season at work because the pain will drag you through the mud. You’ll need about two days to recover, and while the meds help, they’ll keep you very drowsy. Lmao.
I can happily report that three weeks later, on my trip, I got to eat everything I wanted, so I guess that was a fair trade-off for the cost.
Trip to Kenya
This trip was so exciting because I had a clear list of things to do, where to stay—lmao, that itinerary was packed—maybe too packed. The most exciting part? Sweetpea would be meeting my siblings and parents for the first time!
She was 15 months old when we traveled. It wasn’t the worst experience, but it also wasn’t the best. Idk, traveling with a toddler (heck, any kids) is chaotic, lmao. Aaand she was constipated and uncomfortable throughout the 21-hour flight. Poor thing. Her sleep schedule didn’t cooperate either. Most of the flight, I was just anxiety-ridden—even more than her dad, who did such a great job with her.
That said, it was incredible seeing life through her eyes. I checked off a bunch of things on my to-do list—microblading my eyebrows, jet skiing, boat rides, etc. Moving around with a toddler was definitely different than before. It required more planning, timing, and consideration for locations, but it was so worth it.
I made new friends, visited old ones, and had a great time overall. Most of my siblings were available to vacation with us for several days, which I truly appreciated. We’re all grown and so busy now, so whenever they dedicate time to do activities together—or just hang out—it means so much.
Staycation in Branson, MO
In late August or early September, we took a staycation to Branson, MO. We love visiting Branson as often as possible—it’s like a tourism wonderland, a town that exists on its own planet.
We attended a live play, which turned out to be both exciting and unexpectedly hilarious. The show was at 3 p.m., which was perfect because it left room for an evening activity if we wanted to fit one in. I don’t recall if we did, though.
Pumpkin Patch Adventures in October
In October, we visited a pumpkin patch. I loved taking themed pictures and spending time with family. Sweetpea was 18 months old at the time, and I absolutely loved that age—the little teeth, the curiosity, everything.
She enjoyed the hayride, playing in the corn maze, and running around. I think this will become a yearly tradition for us! Next time, I want to explore farms with even more activities, like pumpkin carving. Some people in our group wanted to go zip-lining, but since we arrived after 4 p.m., it had already closed. We still got to feed goats and horses, though, which was so fun.
Lmao, the whole thing felt so whimsical—maybe that’s why I enjoyed it so much. The farm was like a fall wonderland, bursting with bright autumn colors. My husband tried a burger there because I lowkey pressured him into it, lol. Unfortunately, it didn’t sit well with his stomach—poor guy. Thankfully, I wasn’t hungry, so I dodged that bullet.
Also, I learned that some of these farms make their own wine—and they’re actually really good. I’m looking forward to sampling more next time!
Christmas Obsession in November
In November, I put up our Christmas decorations way before Thanksgiving. Lmao, I’m just that obsessed with Christmas. Since I work from home, it was so nice to have the house all lit up—it made everything feel extra cozy.
Sweetpea was fascinated by the tree ornaments. She thought all of them were apples and tried to eat them, lol. Luckily, there were plenty of child-friendly hooks and plastic ornaments. By Christmas, the bottom half of the tree was completely bare because Sweetpea kept taking everything down.
December’s Fails & Sleep Struggles
In December, I didn’t do well on a certification exam. Lol, no surprise there—why did I even schedule it at such a busy time? I think I just wanted to achieve that goal before the end of the year to feel accomplished. Rightfully so! But I definitely should’ve timed it better, especially the study period. So maybe 2025 will be the year for that.
Also, the sleep deprivation? It never got better. Just ugh. Every time Sweetpea hits an exciting new milestone, she seems to have a sleep regression—each one worse than the last. SMH. She’s almost two now, and at this point, I need a solution—some magic, even—because surviving two years with minimal sleep has been brutal. I hate it.