Friends! I’ve missed you! I wanted to share a glimpse into our world lately (so here are some snaps from a warm October day)–and to check-in.
This year especially I’ve found the most joy in my role as a mother. In my close friendships, my mom (my rock!) and literally leaning on my girlfriends and husband to lift me up!! I’ve found that on the days I just give into the chaos or the boredom of another day at home and lay in the grass with Rex and Willow–or find new found joys in our home or do something for myself–I go to bed feeling so full. I’ve been trying my best to let go of my previous expectations, to go with the flow and embrace the slow days. In fact I’ve found that I’m turning more and more into a homebody. I’m not sure if it’s been this Covid year or motherhood that’s slowly turned me into a homebody… but even as social as I love to be, I’ve realized this year especially how much I need that balance. And ironically, even with as much time as we’ve been spending at home I’ve been so looking forward to this change of the seasons as an excuse to embrace all of the cozy aspects of being home. And so here we are, October.
This past weekend I was solo parenting and the good news is the highs far exceeded the (few public meltdown) lows. (We definitely made a scene in CVS over the weekend, as in I thought security was going to have to escort my crying children and I out ;P)… but it was one of those weekends that filled me up so much. I just couldn’t be more thankful for Willow and Rex this year–truly making me love home. They are my home! Willow is running around these days and seeing the two of them play together more just makes me so happy.
I’ve been into creating “mystery dates” for Rex and I to go on. He loves a surprise and I equally love that giddy look on his face when I’m about to reveal where we are or what we’re about to do. Our local movie theater is letting you rent out the theaters for private groups, so a few of us in a Covid pod took our kids to the movies this past Sunday. It was Rex’s first time in a movie theater and seeing his pure joy and excitement over the whole experience (how big the screen was–the popcorn–everything) was the absolute BEST. Also being back in a movie theater myself was just one of those lovely little luxuries. I totally want to do it again soon.
Even if our dates are just cookies in the back yard, I’m really leaning into making my one-on-one time with him feel really special and intentional. Especially now that he’s back in preschool (wearing a mask all day long)–I’m just wanting to give him these special moments of normalcy.
And Halloween! To be honest I’m not one to dress up or get excited about the holiday. In college sure, when you were with all of your girlfriends. But it’s just never been my holiday. This year though my spirit is at all time high. I’ve loved hearing everyone’s alternative takes on their holiday plans this week. A few of you mentioned scavenger hunts around the neighborhood or yard, glow stick bath parties, glow in the dark candy hunts, trick-o-treating indoors through the various rooms of your house, family / friends bonfire, and the AppleTV Charlie Brown Snoopy special.
Hope all is well with you and your families! xx
