These days most of us are living busy over-scheduled lives. It's easy to lose track of the moments that really matter, which can often be the most ordinary parts of our days. In the midst of all the responsibilities of our day, we need to remember to check in with ourselves so that we don't lose sight of who we really are and what is really important to us. This series, #TheDailyMoments was started by my good friend @steph.pollock and as soon as I saw her first post, and when she said,
It's these small moments that make up a lifetime of beautiful ones,
I knew this was something I needed to join in on.
Last week I added some short captions, and this week I had a little more time so I'm using this as more of a journal. So when I look back a year, two years, or even 5 years from now, I can relive the season I was in currently, and either be thankful I'm out of it, or grateful for the new season i'm currently experiencing.
Potty Training a naked toddler in my dream kitchen
Finn crawled into our bed at 4am, he told me, "mommy my tummy." I'm pretty sure he was telling me that he wanted to potty because when he actually crawled out of bed at 5:45, he told daddy..."I want to use the potty!" We're on day 4 of potty training today and we haven't left the house since last Friday morning. I'm working on a full potty training post and will link it here soon, but it seems to be going well with only 2 accidents in 4 days. So this morning we went to Target to get a BIG SURPRISE for Finn to celebrate goodbye to diapers.
I assured Jason Target opens at 7, but he wanted to go by his normal Starbucks first. We sat as a family and chatted about our days all before 8am and it was such a nice change compared to Jason waking up at 4:30 to go to the gym and us just saying goodbye as he left for work most mornings. I spotted an elderly man reading the Wall Street Journal and even though he numerous other tables were open, he decided to squeeze into the table next to us unfazed by the crazy toddler trying to tear the blinds off the window. I don't know why but I love watched elderly people. He was writing a to-do list to himself on a small piece of paper and it made me smile because no days everyone is glued to their phones.
Jason left to put Finn in the car while I cleaned up the table and as I was leaving this young business sitting alone across the room stopped me... he said, "That's so awesome! Do you guys have breakfast together every morning?" I wanted to answer yes but it kinda made me sad that we actually don't ever do that. I told him in an almost embarrassed way, "no, my husband is actually going out of town tomorrow so he wanted to spend some extra time with us before work today." He applauded us for it again and we both smiled and went on our way.
Daddy does the Target run with us
I don't know, the last few days have been challenging for me. Potty training is no joke and I just needed a break. My patience level is at an all-time low and I can't stay calm and be present with my actions. This toy we bought him as a celebration of joy, I almost threw it out the window, it was so hard trying to build while he was so excited and wanted to play with it. I took a break and just breathed and then it turned out perfectly.
This part is very hard to share but, I know when I look back at these images of this day. I will only be able to think back about how hard it was for me. My best friend has been in the ICU for the past couple of weeks, and can't get it off my mind. I find anytime I can to go see her and today after I put Finn down for his nap, I had a sitter come over and I rushed to her bedside for only 30 min, until it was time to head back home and put my mom hat back on.
I tried so hard to push my sadness aside today and to just be present with him. We played outside in the sunshine until daddy came home. I then retreated to the guest bedroom for a little mental break alone while my two boys did push ups and yoga in the playroom. I heard them on the other side of the wall and really felt so thankful in that moment.
I cooked a comfort food dinner, the kind my bestie would love. It was still 80 degrees outside, as we are in the middle of another heat wave so, we sat outside as a family and talked for a bit and then daddy took over. I crawled into bed at 8:30pm. He did bath time, bedtime and even did the dishes and laundry for me. I need that today.
Just as Steph did, I am inviting you to do the same, join us in this movement of letting life be more enjoyable just by letting it be exactly what it is. Tag your photos with #thedailymoments so we can all share in the joy of the simple moments that make up a lifetime of happiness.
My Family’s favorite Friday-night dinner. These grilled burgers are quick, customizable, and picky-eater approved—even if your house eats five different ways like mine.