While I enjoyed every.single.moment of my break, I am ready to jump back into things! I feel refreshed. I feel inspired. I feel like a new woman. It's funny how taking a small step back from your normal can really open your eyes and let you see things from a whole new perspective.
I've always heard the secret to this whole mothering gig was getting up early, so I started getting up between 5 and 6 every morning. I reorganized my whole day and re-prioritized my life. This week showed me that I was the reason for a lot of my own stress and since that realization, I have been working really hard to find solutions. Once I started focusing on that, things just started to fall happily into place for me. My priorities have shifted and I think everyone in this household is benefiting.
Planting vegetables with mommy. |
Last Saturday I read something on a church bulletin that was really an eye opener for me. It was a simple fact stating that parents of newborns have less than 1000 weeks to raise their child before they leave their home. That number really put some things into perspective for me. At least 68 of those weeks have already passed by for Ethan and I. Did I make those count? It's so easy to get caught up in daily happenings and forget how little time we truly have with our little ones.
Feeding the cows at Grandma and Grandpa's. Pretty sure Ethan is #18's new favorite person! |
I've been doing my best to take care of most of my work while E is sleeping. Things don't always go perfectly, but I can say that the amount of quality time we spend together has greatly increased. We've been getting out at least 3 days a week now. He practically begs me to go "ou-si" (outside for those of you who don't speak toddler lingo) starting the very moment he wakes up in the morning. It's been refreshing to get out and do things together whether we are at the grocery store, in the backyard or going to our new weekly parent and tot's class it doesn't matter. It's time dedicated to just me and E.
Making banana pancakes.You can go ahead and thank me for having that song stuck in your head now. |
There are certain moments in life that make you realize you have been taking things for granted. Unfortunately, I've had a few of those moments this past week and while the things that cause those moments suck, I'm glad they have snapped me out of the fog that I had been living in. With spring practically on our doorstep, Ethan and I are making sure to take the time to create plenty of memories together, soak up some vitamin D, and most importantly...stop and smell the roses.
First, thank YOU for letting me guest post. I am so glad to hear the week was everything you wanted it to be. I have been seriously considering beginning my mornings earlier just to get some of those pesky chores out of the way. You may have convinced me to give it a go. I'm already going to have to wake up earlier for my new job so I figure why not?!
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday!
Loved this post! So inspiring. Glad you're back...I've missed my daily reading!
ReplyDeleteI love this. So happy you are feeling like you are in a better place. I am about to implement this 5:00am wake up time, too. Didn't do it today b/c it stormed last night and WHO can start with a rainy Monday morning, but it's coming soon, promise! That 1,000 week stat is scary. I struggle with many of the same things and am working on it - enjoying the "stress" of a toddler versus fighting it.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you're back and feeling refreshed! Thank you so much for letting me guest post!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back! So glad you're feeling refreshed...love all of the fun photos! Looks like y'all have been having a great time :)
ReplyDeleteThanks again for letting me guest post while you were on break. Your refreshed energy really comes through in your writing of this post and the beautiful photos. I'm glad you enjoyed your time off and that is was so meaningful!
ReplyDeleteFabulous post mama!!! I'm glad you're back!! Your guest posts were fabulous! :)
ReplyDeleteYAY! Great post :) 1000 weeks... wow! Never thought of it that way before. Stepping back, reflecting on your life, and making positive adjustments is very invigorating. I, too, have been waking up earlier and it has made me much more productive and less stressed :) Keep it up, mama!
ReplyDeleteWelcome back and well said, and yes, THANK YOU for letting me share a bit of your blog with my post. I always feel like your posts are so thoughtful and I am glad to have been a tiny part.
ReplyDeleteWe are loving the spring weather around here as well, but I'm dreading TX summer when "ou-ide" becomes so darn hot!