Like the one you knew before

This is that part of the year that I like the least. From Evan's birthday until Easter, it's cold and gray and it seems like the sun will never return. There's not much to look forward to, and it makes me grumpy. I get in moods that are hard to shake--I spend time imagining other places, other things, and looking desperately for something to make me feel more alive.

I've been getting up at six for the past few mornings, to get some time to myself and get some exercise in before the day begins. It has helped--my brisk walks wake me up and give me more energy for the coming day, and that's something I needed. Sadly, they've also given me some nasty blisters on my feet. Maybe it's time for new sneakers.

Evan has been shaking things up in his own way. Mike's mom told him he was a superhero for trying a new food the last time he was at her house, and now he's on a mission. He wants to try one new food every day, and after he does he has to call Grandma to tell her about it. Ev has even been helping me write our weekly dinner menu, choosing meals that he wants to try. It's great--he has tried a lot of things that are out of his comfort zone, and he's found a few things he likes!

He went so far as to try a banana over the weekend, but he gagged pretty violently after that, so he said he'd like to wait another year before he tries again. I'm really happy that Grandma gave Ev the motivation he needed to eat new foods, and I'm glad that he's found a way to manage his aversions. It's taken a lot of work to get him to this point, so it's good to finally see some results. He's a totally different boy than he was just two years ago.