Summer’s End

This summer.

It’s been the most “wild ride” of a summer. It’s been chaotic, stressful, exhausting, and so much fun.

When I had Norah at the end of May, I knew this was my last leave, and the last time I would have 12 weeks of time to spend with my little family. The last time I could fully dedicate all my time to being a wife and mom, raising these two little humans when they’re this tiny.

I told myself that I was going to take it “easy”. I cleared my calendar for the entire summer. I took a break from blogging and school. I didn’t sign up to serve at church. I took a break from everything, while picking up an entirely different set of tasks.

I changed diapers and made sandwiches. I breastfed my baby. I had ice pops on the front steps and let Norah nap in the shade of a tree in our backyard while Will played. I pumped - a lot. We went swimming, and went out for ice cream. I went for walks and I took naps. I snuggled both of my kids, and watched Lilo and Stitch 24 times. I soothed the baby when she woke up in the middle of the night and did countless loads of laundry. I ate meals prepared by others who love me, and started working out again.

There are so many things that I was able to fill my life with when I took a break from the “demands” of life, for maybe the first time ever. And it was so good.

Now, were heading back into our regularly scheduled programming. I’m starting another class next week, and we’re back to work. But this time, I’m trying to make space for living. There is intentionality behind when I choose to serve at church, and lots of thought behind any plans I make.

I’m looking forward to some of the things I took a break from, but will resume with a lot less stress. I won’t post here every week. One day, I might get back on that rhythm, but for now, my time is much better spent resting, reading one extra book at bedtime, exercising, or goofing off with Elliot when we’re cleaning up the kitchen after a late night snack.

It’s been a wonderful break, but it’s good to be back.