2016 was a huge year of change for me. It was a year of learning, growing, and adapting. For those who might have missed parts, Matt and I separated early in the year, which pretty much rocked both of our worlds. I think, I hope, we are all happier now. Matt and I remain friendly, and Mazen seems to be doing fine.
I have lots of thoughts on divorce in general that I have considered sharing, minus any specific details – things like reflecting on divorce with a child verses what I imagine it would be like without – but I am still pondering whether or not I want to jump into topics like that here. I guess I am waiting to see if it feels right. Perhaps with a little more time it might be. My goal with this space is to help others live their healthiest and best lives, so if sharing some of my thoughts helps others going through the same thing then it’s worth sharing.
Despite the changes, Mazen and I had quite a fun year together! And we welcomed some new friends into our lives as well <3 We traveled to the beach twice, started soccer and preK, and played many many games of Batman. And the snuggling was off the charts!!
Thank you all for following and sharing our adventures!
xoxoxo
Life throws curve balls sometimes. Mazen is the cutest! Missing my C’ville Crunch. Loved it with pb&j.
Mazen is beyond adorable. And your parents don’t age, do they? 🙂
Also, the following is a compliment, as I’ve been reading you daily for IDK, 5 yrs now? So obviously I enjoy your posts. However, this year I picked up on glimpses of a sense of humor I didn’t know you had! There were quite a few one liners that made me “ha!” and several times I was surprised to see we liked some of the same things. Except country music. Never country music. LOL!
Haha!! One day you will change your mind 🙂 🙂 🙂
I totally agree with the statement above!! This year I noticed your sense of humor more! 🙂 Such a great thing too! (I’ve been reading for so long! <3 love your blog!!
I would love to hear more about your thoughts of divorce with a child… one of my best friend got divorced last year right after having her first son with her husband… and she is getting remarried next year so I totally get that every situation is different and timing and etc To me the most important thing is their son has a lot of love and is well cared for, and obviously Mazen is as well!. Love that cupcake picture 🙂 Happy New Year!
I agree – we have taken great care to be sensitive to Mazen first and ourselves second, and I know this has been a good thing for us all. I also don’t really believe in karma in a literal sense, but I do think that if you put kindness and generosity out there, the long term ripple effect will be in everyone’s best interest.
Happy New Year Kath!
Happy Neeeeew Yeaaaaar!!
Longtime reader – and wanted to comment that you have handled this year with an incredible amount of care. Posting with the realization that your sweet boy will someday read your words. Whishing you health and happiness in 2016.
Thank you <3
Love seeing all those photos of my adorable grandson. Here’s to 2017!
Longtime reader here, since you were in RD school! I think a lot of your readers would benefit from your thoughts on going through divorce with a young child. The care you have shown to your family during this time is apparent, and I think those who may be contemplating or experiencing divorce could gain valuable insight on how to go about it in the healthiest way possible. I am so happy for you and all that 2017 will bring.
Kath, you did a wonderful job this year on the blog 🙂 I enjoyed all your posts! Coming from a mama of two boys whose also going through a divorce, I found a lot of joy in how positive your posts were!
Thank you and hugs!
Mazen is simply adorable. He looks very happy, so you’re doing doing a great job. I’ve been reading for many years, and I look forward to more in 2017!
Mazen is adorable – his eyes!! Glad you had a good 2016, and here’s to 2017!
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
I would love to hear more thoughts on divorce, if you feel comfortable sharing. I am childless and am currently going through a divorce. On the one hand, I am glad that I don’t have any children because I know all too well how much the changes of divorce, remarriage, etc can affect the children. However, I can’t help but wonder if things would be easier if I had a child in my life to focus on and love, etc. Being completely alone for the first time in over 6 years is really difficult.
Anyway, I love your blog and have been following for several years!!! Happy New Year. Lord knows I am SO ready for 2017!!!
“To focus on and love” – yes this. I can really see pros and cons in each situation.
You definitely had a big year of changes, and you handled them well 🙂
I kept scrolling through the photos thinking that the last one would have a new friend in it 😉 Okay, okay, I just love love, I can’t help it!
Happy New Year!!!!!!!! All the best in 2017!!!!!!!!
Haha!!
Isn’t it amazing to look back ever year and realize how much has actually happened in the year – good and bad. With everything ‘bad’ thing that has happened I’m sure you can always see the light at the end of the tunnel, and hopefully the purpose for it happening. Happy New Year!
My sister was divorced and had no kids and I was divorced and had three kids. The biggest difference is she literally hasn’t seen or heard from her ex-husband in 20 years and I see and talk to my ex-husband all the time. It takes a lot of grace and courage to navigate a divorce, much more than it appears looking in from the outside. Putting your child first is always the right thing to do and you seem to have done a good job with that. It is really nice to see you happy.
Happy New Year!
YES – this is what I guess the biggest difference would be. I read a book where they did a trial separation and literally did not see each other. If kids were not involved, your former partner could move across the globe and that would be that. And I think it would be lonelier without some family (in the form of children) to lean on – even if they were small.
Mazen appears to be quite contented with the love he is receiving from both of his parents. We can not give our children any greater gift than to feel secure and valued. I was a single Mother of three, without financial support from the Father. Upon graduation he took his college diploma( I worked so hard for) and went to find himself. I guess he’s still looking, it’s been over 30 years! My children are the joy of my life and I have a 3 yr. old Grandson from my youngest daughter. All three are successful in their professions and private lives. I am so proud and blessed to have them in my life. Our lives don’t always follow our plans, and sometimes we have to take an alternate route to reach our dreams. Enjoy each day for the gift that it is and remember that “life is a journey, not a destination.”
Thank you for sharing that!
Enjoy each day for the gift that it is and remember that “life is a journey, not a destination.” <—- I absolutely love that!!
I’ve been incredibly impressed with the level of grace and kindness you’ve shown through what must have been a very challenging year. I applaud you for always having kind words to say about Matt and your situation. Mazen seems like an amazing little boy and that no doubt has everything to do with how you and Matt parent him and respect one another. Thank you for being open and honest about your situation-I think you’ve put a lot of good out into the universe!
Thank you <3
I’d love to hear your thoughts on divorce. I divorced a year ago so I think I can relate to a lot of you thoughts.
happy new year
I’m so impressed with how you handled your divorce with such grace. You are a great mom and are truly inspiring!
Thank you
I’ve been a long time reader of your blog and I agree with others that your humour has been more evident in some of your posts as of late. I enjoy when you share personal/real-life snippets, as I think that’s often what makes a blog stand out (but as someone who blogs, I can fully understand it’s not so easy to just let it all out there!!), because it provides some truth and something to relate to if that makes sense. So thank you for sharing the less glamorous bits with your readers! Here’s hoping you have a wonderful New Years and an amazing 2017!
Hi Kath!
Love your blog and always find your posts
inspiring? Are you going to post a letter
to your future-self again this year? I loved that letter and am thinking of doing the same this year.
All the best in 2017!
M.
Oh good idea! I’ll put that on my list 🙂 I want to go read last year’s!
Wishing you nothing but the best in 2017. happy new year!!
In terms of the blogging world, in my opinion you’re a true professional. I’ve really admired the way you’ve held back in sharing details of your divorce, such a personal topic, while still keeping us up to date on your life. Go with your gut on what to share, it’s steered you right so far! Thanks for writing, I’ve enjoyed reading you for years.
Thank you so much <3
Divorce is so unique, and I’d love to hear your thoughts. As an adult, it’s been curious to slowly piece together the details of my parents’ divorce, which my mom postponed pursuing or discussing until my sister and I were in college. I’m not sure if I would have made the same decision in her situation, but who can say? Also, as a mental health practitioner, I know that every child encounters risk factors, such as divorce, but having a variety of resilience factors can set them up for success. It seems like Mazen has a strong support system in multiple settings and he’s thriving 🙂
Happy New Year, Kath! I’ve enjoyed reading your blog throughout the years. Life has its ups and downs so we just have to get through the tough times and really embrace the good times. I got divorced last year and it was really hard. I think as long as you come out of things happier and knowing that it was for the best then it was all that matters. Hope you and Mazen have an amazing 2017!
<3 to you too
Wishing you a healthy & Happy New Year, Kath!
My sister and I both split from our long-term partners this year. She was unmarried, but has a four year old, and I was married for six years, so it was interesting to compare the differences in our situations as we separated from lives we thought were permananet. I have to say, like you, both my sisters and my sense of humor also grew this year! I completely admire the strength and beauty with which you’ve handled the public parts of your life on this blog this year. Sending lots of happy thoughts for a great 2017!
Thank you, and I’m sending the same to y’all!
You’ve handled everything with such grace! Happy new year! Here’s to 2017!!
Thank you <3
I remember you announcing your separation not long after my (now-ex) husband and I separated and were trying to figure out if we could work through things or not. I would love to hear your thoughts on getting divorced. I don’t have kids, but it was difficult to find situations otherwise similar to mine – in our 30s, together a fairly long time, splitting because it just wasn’t working and not because of cheating or abuse or anything, trying to remain friends of some sort. I’m sure there would be plenty of people who would find your thoughts to be helpful!
Here’s to a much calmer and happier 2017 for both of us!
Cheers back to you! Sounds like we had very similar situations except we had the addition of Mazen. I’m definitely considering writing something, but I’m still not sure how or what!
Happy New Year from a longtime reader! May your 2017 be wonderful in all ways!