2024 started with a bang. And by that, I mean a literal eruption of activity. It just goes to show that you can never really know what to expect when it comes to having kids.

After a very busy November, I’m looking ahead at the next few weeks and realizing that December will only be a little less frenetic. Continuing to prioritize writing for this site and Backlog Reviews, as well as putting considerable time into editing/rewriting my third book, puts me in a tight spot.

Since the start of 2017, I feel like I’ve been juggling one too many hobbies, and it’s clear that this site has suffered as a result. But big life events—and a new “addition” to the family is pretty significant—certainly serves to remind me what’s important, and that I could probably dedicate a little more time to my personal blog.

I mentioned last week that I love Christmas, thanks in large part to my family. When we lived in Delaware, the week of time between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day felt like one giant celebration.

It’s a strange experience to wake up on Christmas Eve and not see my family. I know that makes me sound a bit childish, but the truth is that this is my first Christmas away from my parents, brother, and sister.

I always heard the rumor about monstrous in-laws that made people miserable, but I've never in an opportunity to test that myth firsthand...until now.

Kim and I already planned out our first few holidays: we’d travel to Delaware for Thanksgiving (ostensibly to meet any relatives who hadn’t been able to travel to the wedding), stay home to enjoy our first Christmas together, and then reconsider our “traditions” for 2017.