Those were the days...

I remember those leisurely days of posting and pondering and hot coffee and hot food and naps (oh, naps) and a 9:30 ish to 1:30 ish work schedule. I remember them almost like they never happened.


Jackson is a running toddler and still just as cute as ever. He is trying out more and more new words every day and now knows our cats by their names. He enjoys going to school everyday and blows kisses to me before he and Daddy leave for the day. Tuesdays are tough for me because those morning goodbyes mean goodbye until Wednesday morning. Class until 10 pm on Tuesday evenings has been challenging after a long clinic day at work. I am mustering through, but not exactly thrilled about it.


My job keeps me just as busy and while I love what I do, I find I am really missing the Catie time I use to have. I miss painting and sewing and hanging out with friends on weeknights. I've all but forgotten what my art room even looks like and this makes me feel sad and disconnected from a few of my favorite things (like ribbon and double-sided tape). The fact of the matter is there is little time available and the time that is available is time I'd rather spend sleeping.


And I don't say all of this to complain.....well, maybe I do.....but, my point is, more specifically, that this is hard. This parenting without a village thing. Thank the Good Lord in Heaven that I have a confident and willing partner in Robbie, but still. We miss our time together too.


There are times I am amazed at how well we are getting along with Jackson and all that he requires. (Not financially of course, and let's not even talk about the Toy Pile in the living room.) I experience genuine joy when I see his little face in the evening, even if that face is a little sad and whiny and annoyed because dinner isn't ready yet.


Like everyone else in the world I am seeking balance. Balance with relationships, work, home life, hobbies and finding enough time to pay bills, do laundry, garden and clean that stupid cat box. I realize things aren't suppose to be like they were, but change usually comes with a few growing pains. At least change worth pursuing anyway.


So, we are still here and still kickin' it. Jackson is sweeter than Yoo-Hoo and quite independent these days. He has even started helping Mommy put her own shoes on. And let's face it - I need all the help I can get these days.

Comments

Amber said…
So, it never really gets back to "normal", does it? I was just pondering how easy things were for us 6 weeks ago. I could sleep when I wanted, eat when I wanted, and go places without a ton of baby necessities.

On another note, I am so super excited to see you guys in December. I realize that it's 2 months away but I'm still excited!
7:58 PM
Anonymous said…
You and Amber have hit upon the "thing is". A friend of mine once said the same thing to me. I asked her "what is normal?" We keep on changing and growing whether we want to or not. The only thing we can control is our attitude about it. What I want is for life to be perfect and to have "it all" whatever that is. Hang in there and enjoy the time with your sweet families, one of these days they will create their own families and you will want normal back, again... Love, Mom
9:44 PM
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