Daily Comforts New York Style

I’ve been an extraordinarily poor blogger.  For those of you who laughed at me when I started this blog on my maternity leave over a year ago:  you were right.  I was lousy at balancing work, motherhood, running, a marriage, and a blog.  However, along with the masses who are still at the gym nine days into the New Year, here I am.  Renewed.  Writing.  Recommitted.  Let's see if I can do better in 2012.

We are becoming the Long Island Stearns Clan.  Our family seems to be adapting to our surroundings.  I note the things that bring me comfort when most of my daily world is jarringly new:  

• The lady at Starbucks who already is comfortable enough to ask me if I could help her to throw a jewelry party.  
• The digital network of credit union friends sending me good luck from across the miles.
• The Subway guy who already knows my order and uses more cheese than most. Smile.
• Runners on the trail that smile at MIS with such joy. (Here she is on the trail...)

• Jones Beach.  I love living so close to such an amazing beach.  
• The woman who stopped me at the supermarket to say how beautiful MIS is.  She told me she hadn't been able to have kids and how hard that was.  I shared that we had struggled to.  She told me MIS was a miracle.  I agreed.
• Coming home every night.  My girl runs out to see me and within 20 seconds does the sign for eat.  Scott broke the news that he makes her hide when he sees my car lights coming.  So, it's a little staged, but it doesn't diminish it.  I also love that she's as into routine as I am.  She knows the signals: mommy comes home and I have dinner. (This is us in front of Snow White's Cottage:  AKA our rental house)

• The friendly folks in the office that have learned my name and stop by to ask how things are going.
• Sunday grilled pizza nights.  Yum.  
• My daily call with my mom.

As much as I love change, it's still tough.  The new routines we are building are starting to feel like "ours."  I'm thankful for these daily comforts.