Saturday, June 22, 2013
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
The Beach
One day a few weeks ago, I managed to sneak out during rest time on one of Matt's work from home days for a walk on the beach. On my way back to our street, I passed the cutest old couple. She was bent over, helping him take off his shoes and socks while he balanced by holding on to her back. As I walked by, I heard them chattering away to each other, and I said "Oh yes, you definitely have to get those tootsies in the sand!"
They smiled and me and she replied "Oh yes, we do! We have never been to the ocean before! We are from Ohio and this is incredible!"
I congratulated them and wished them an awesome stay. In all honesty, I didn't think about it again.
A few nights ago, I managed to sneak out after bedtime for an evening swim. It had been a really rough day, full of stress, and sick and unhappy children. As I floated in the cool, clear water, I pulled my toes up to wiggle them. And it hit me...
"We've never been to the ocean before!"
My mind went blank as I imagined never having seen the ocean. I've lived next to the water the majority of my life, except for maybe 3 years total where we lived inland. That cute little couple had gone 60+ years of their life without hearing the ocean's roar. Or feeling the sand beneath their feet. What did they do? How did they relieve their stress?
The ocean is ingrained in me. And my family. Our little piggies belong in the sand. The beach is where we go as a family to learn, grow and enjoy in each other. Bonds of trust and happiness are formed as we swim in the waves, in every sand castle we build together, and in every snack we bring to share at the beach. The ocean is where we belong to nature, where we celebrate the Earth and the simplicity of what it has to give us. Stress and unhappiness are checked at the street, and as we come over the dunes our hearts are filled with joy and peace.
Floating in the water the other night made me more aware of the gift that we have been given in living here. I will say that I take it for granted. I know that. When something is a part of you, you just don't question it. But after meeting that couple and seeing the pure joy on their face of experiencing something they had only dreamed about, I felt ashamed for not being more thankful for the amazing-ness that is seriously steps from my front door.
We are all water babies in this family. I love seeing my children grow up in such a simple environment. It takes us back to what is really elemental in our lives. Sun, water, sand, and nature. No TV, no distractions. Just us. We never know what we are going to see at the beach, what animal we might discover, what friend we might meet. But I do know one thing... I won't take it for granted anymore.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
Bittersweet Snuggles
So a yucky stomach bug has made its way through our house. Thankfully Matt and I have been spared (knock on wood) but Escher and Roo Bear have had it. On Sunday, the only way Riley wanted to rest was to sleep on my chest. Its so bittersweet to me, because I loved the snuggles, but I know I only got them because she was under the weather. She is so on the go these days that stopping to snuggle is down on her to-do list ;-)
I can't believe how big she has gotten. She didn't even really fit on me all snuggled up! Her long legs would fall off the side. I'm hoping she feels better quickly, but I know I will cherish those few hours where we just snuggled together. Thankfully no throw up made it into her hair, so I could smell how sweet it was, and how soft. Love me some baby snuggles.
Monday, June 17, 2013
Sometimes...
I want to keep Escher just the way he is. I want to freeze time. I want his hair to always be so soft, with the little curls forming at the ends. I love hearing his little voice talking about all the animals of the world. I want to keep him close and snuggle him as he smells of baby sunscreen.
We have a countdown until his birthday going. 20 days. 20 days until my first baby will be 4 whole years old. He told me awhile ago that he was scared of turning 4, that he wanted to stay 3 forever, because 3 is his favorite number. I feel like I remember waiting for him like it was yesterday. Feeling him kick inside me, but not having a single clue what he was going to be like. He was so perfect when he got here. All 7lbs 3 oz of him. Such a sweet baby that has grown into such a sweet, fun, outgoing boy.
Time going by is inevitable, and as we grow in the roles of mother and son, I can't help but wonder what the future will bring. He makes me want to be a better person, stronger, happier, smarter. Sometimes I feel like my heart will burst with pride because he is just so awesome. I keep telling myself to slow down and cherish these moments with him. I never want to forget how he was today, with his boardshorts hanging down by his butt like always, his sunscreen freshly applied and his clean soft hair smelling so good. I just love my little man!
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
Monday, June 3, 2013
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