My 2014 word

Last year I decided evolve was going to be my word of the year.  I think it was a pretty good choice considering the huge evolution we went through as a family and the evolution my body, mind, and soul went through as I made the journey into motherhood.

As I was reflecting on how that word encapsulated my year, I started thinking about this year's word.

It came to me pretty quickly actually:

Christmas Eve 2014

EMBRACE.

1. to hold close with the arms; a sign of affection

2. an enclosure or encirclement

3. eager acceptance

There are so many things I want to embrace this year.  I want to remember every tear, laugh, frustration, and joy that comes my way as a mother, wife, friend, daughter, sister, etc.

We were going on three hours of CT crying one night and nothing I did seem to console him.  I found myself looking ahead to the nights when there won't be that 4 a.m. wake up call and it hit me: those nights that I'm looking ahead to will mean that this stage of his life is over.  The nights when he doesn't wake me up at 4 a.m. will be the nights that he is no longer a newborn.  No way do I want to wish these moments away.  No way do I want to look forward.

I want to embrace the now.

I want to embrace it all.  The wardrobe malfunctions.  The explosive poopy diapers.  The moments he has his eyes open or smiles or laughs or lifts his head.  The moments he won't stop crying unless I hold him.  The nights he won't sleep unless in my arms.

Fact of the matter is, so much of what I'm experiencing now is not going to last forever.
Therefore, each little thing, I will embrace.

What's your word for 2014?