Everybody. Be. Cool.
I was recently featured on Coffee + Crumbs.
My most favorite blog, and one that I’ve been reading since the very beginning – selected something that I wrote! The writers on the site inspire me, and they are such amazing women and mothers. Not to mention they are making big moves in the world of writing. A book deal, podcast…there’s no stopping their creative force.
I’m honored they selected this piece to publish.
https://www.coffeeandcrumbs.net/blog/2017/4/13/dormancy?rq=dormancy
Reading: Present Over Perfect. Almost done, and man. It’s given me a few solid punches to the gut. In a good way. Have Uninvited and She Reads Truth. Also cannot wait to read the newest from my girl crush, this.
Eating: Whole 30. No surprise there. It’s October Whole 30 time! Every year for the past 3 years I’ve done a round. This is now my 4th, and it took me a few days to get psyched about it. I’ve found some new recipes and I’m excited about cooking. I know how to shop, and I know what kinds of things I like to make and eat.
Thinking About: What’s next. I’m trying to be really focused and present during my days with the boys. But I keep getting little nudges to step out and expand. And I don’t think I’m ready to move on to the seemingly bigger and better stuff on the other side of the grass. I’m trying to make friends, make our home welcoming and build a routine for the boys. And that’s plenty to keep me busy. The sparkly objects keep calling to me, but I’m choosing to just stay the course. The theme for our family this year was: Survive. And we’re really doing it. Next year might make way for other things, but this feels right for now.
Looking Forward to: A fun girls weekend coming up. It’ll be a whirlwind trip, but I’m really looking forward to some quality time with a dear friend and a little alone time. I’m already sad to be missing the boys for those few days, but I think it’s going to be a great weekend for all of us!
Enjoying: FALL! We have Fall! It’s amazing and wonderful and just like it is in the movies! I’ve always loved the “fall time,” but in Los Angeles it made me grumpy because the weather was always hot and miserable. Here – it’s so amazing and fresh and comforting. I knew when we decided to move that I needed to have 4 seasons in my life, and I’m so grateful we found it. I may think differently, come Winter. Fall might cause me to dread Winter – but I’m loving it so much, and tying to soak up all the colors and smells and sights. It’s amazing – COME SEE!
Learning: How to make friends all over again. Mom dating is hard. Making friends as an adult is hard. Moving to a new place where you only know 2 people is hard. But I’m trying. I’m like a freshman girl in collage. Join all the clubs! Get all the numbers! It’s working, I hope. I’ve met some really great people, and I feel welcomed and included. I have no doubt we’re going to find our village here, and our people. But I miss my other village. A lot.
Loving: Livepool jeans. I’m 100% obsessed. I got a pair from StitchFix, and it was the first time they’ve ever sent me jeans. I was skeptical…they looked just like maternity jeans with I pulled them out. Elastic band. But, I put them on and I’m converted. I want to shout it from the rooftops! All women should own a pair. They are the only jeans I’ve worn for the past 3 weeks. I’ve got my eye on a black pair next.
Yesterday was a doozie. Like, “had to call Merfman on the drive home from work for a pep talk” kind of day. Yea.
Merfbaby and I had a calm evening at home (praise the Lord) and he went to bed around 8:00pm. I made (reheated) my dinner, ate and cracked open The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding. Thank you, Stephie for the suggestion!!!
I felt encouraged, less overwhelmed. I’ve never felt like I couldn’t meet Merfbaby’s needs until yesterday. It seemed like a cycle of “what? I don’t know what you need.” It further confirmed that we’re an E.A.S.Y family, and everyone is happier when we’re on our routine. Between a “distracted” nurser and a daylight savings switch we were thrown for a loop. But you know what? Tomorrow is a new day. We’ll start fresh.
I started to think about the good stuff. I really try to not let the hard stuff overshadow all the wonderful moments. Somedays it’s more of a challenge than others, but the good stuff really is good.
I never want to forget those little newborn sighs.
The gummy smiles mid-feeding when he locks eyes with me, milk dribble and all.
How he rubs his face on my shoulder when he’s getting sleepy.
The way he grasps his hands, pulls his shoulders up to his ears, opens his eyes wide and starts to giggle.
That he’s finding his voice and loves to listen to his new sounds.
How he opens his mouth so wide before he starts to laugh.
When he reaches for my open hand to pull my fingers into his mouth.
The way he curls his toes right before I put his socks on.
That little side grin.
How he loves to grab the inside of his shirt when I’m trying to dress him.
His soft hair.
When he leans forward while I’m holding him to get a better look at something or someone.
I don’t want to forget those little moments. Soon enough they’ll pass and we’ll be on to a new phase. You can’t stop the clock, and I’m trying to savor each day and the memories they bring.
So, I’m thankful for the days. All of them. The good and the bad. Because each day I get to have with Merfbaby is a special one.
The Merfett 