How you doin’?

In family life    November 4, 2016      6 Comments

Anyone have any ideas for the best way to start a blog post after many months of not posting?

No?

Me neither.

So, here we are. I just set a timer for 30 minutes, and I’m daring myself to hit publish when the timer goes off. I have a lot of valid reasons for why writing and blogging are difficult to accomplish these days, and yet I still really want to write. I better just go for it. Time to ignore the critic and perfectionist in my head. We’ll see how that goes. =)

Since I last posted here, we had Baby Awesome #2! Cade Henry was born on May 29, 2016. He is a delight, and we can’t imagine life without him. He is 5 months old already! Cade smiles easily and is super chill. I love him so much!

Savannah is 2 years old now, and we think she is so fun. I love getting to hear her learn new words every day and see her figure out how to communicate and interact with the world around her. She is very sweet- she has started giving us compliments now and then. “Nice boots, Mom!” “Good job with Cade, Mama.” She has no idea how much her mama needs such kind affirmation.

While she’s definitely our Sweet Savvy, she’s also two, which leads me to say that parenting is hard, y’all. I pray for wisdom and patience daily, if not moment by moment. Often, those prayers sound like, “Lord, I don’t know what to do!” in moments of frustration or confusion. Does she need me to stick to my guns? Be compassionate? Listen? Affirm? Laugh? Distract? Remind? Yes, yes, and yes. All within one situation. It’s exhausting and humbling, to say the least. The funny thing is that parenting is also incredibly rewarding. So, while I struggle to find wisdom for all the little decisions I have to make throughout our days together, I also feel so honored to get to do such important and meaningful work.

Here’s a picture of her from earlier this week. Busy at play and busy at eating. Toddler life at its best.

Recently I’ve noticed that when someone asks me how I’m doing, I have no idea how to answer. I find myself speechless and searching for words. This is not normal for me. Saying “Oh, I’m fine!” doesn’t seem to hit the right note. I love being a wife and mom (so much!), but I also often wonder how this pace and schedule of life with little kids is sustainable. We are always in motion and there is always someone who needs attention. If I stop and do the math, we’re pretty much on for 13+ hours a day, seven days a week, and our sleep is interrupted on top of that. It’s nutso. But right when I think I can’t keep going, rest shows up in some unexpected way and I have a (short) moment to take a deep breath. I smile because there is so much to be thankful for. And I know that this season won’t go on forever, so I want to notice the sweet parts and not stress too much about the difficulties.

We had a rough morning today, but things started to look up after we got out of the house for some people time and Chick-fil-A. Waffle fries will do wonders for one’s mood. Then we came home and both kids took great naps AT THE SAME TIME so basically I feel like a magician.

And I’m writing! Praise the Lord for reaching a small goal. I definitely went over my 30 minute timer limit that I set at the start, but I’m still hitting publish on this little post. Yay.

Now the only question is, how are YOU?

 

 

  • This is great, friend! Loved reading this. “Recently I’ve noticed that when someone asks me how I’m doing, I have no idea how to answer.” So true! I stand there like a deer in headlights. How do you incorporate time in your week to reflect on how you are truly doing? Also, this: “And I know that this season won’t go on forever, so I want to notice the sweet parts and not stress too much about the difficulties.” GOOD reminder.

    • I’m so glad you enjoyed reading it, Renee! I’ve been trying to journal once a week, and that has helped me keep track of how I’m doing. We started having the kids stay with a sitter for Wednesday mornings, so I’m able to get some alone time for a few hours. That makes the journaling possible. =) It is such a gift to have some morning time to myself. I don’t seem able to reflect or process well in the evenings once the kids are asleep- I’m too tired!

  • Yes, I’d say you described it all very well! Wonderful, crazy, very humbling and so much more! I know you’re doing a great job loving on those precious little ones! Hugs to you today! Love you, friend!

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