Things have been intense at our house recently. There’s the usual chaos of life with little kids, plus two colds, one sore throat, a fever, and two yucky rashes.
The doctor’s rash prescription includes six (!) mini-baths a day for Skylar and since I’m also trying to pump four or five times a day to increase my milk supply for Autumn (a whole other story), my days have been a whirlwind—put Sky in the bath, listen to Micah say, “My turn take a bath now too?”, explain to him again about “Sissy’s owies”, get Sky out of the bath, cover her with cream, nurse Autumn, bottle-feed her, pump, and start the cycle over. Oh, and food, diaper changes, cuddles, naps, and usually a few temper tantrums are squeezed in there somewhere too.
I basically run around my house like a maniac most days. I told Adam I wish we had a camera set up so the two of us could watch parts of my day later and laugh about them.
Like one morning last week, when Sky and Micah discovered a cricket in the bathroom and decided to “make a home for him” complete with toys and blankets and snacks. It’s crazy how fast two little kids can make a mess, isn’t it?
The other night I went out to the store when Adam came home from work, hoping to pick up a prescription and a week’s worth of groceries in under an hour so I could get back before the kids’ bedtime. As I raced around the store I marveled at the other shoppers, who calmly walked through the aisles, reading labels and looking at lists.
Who would have thought the life of a stay-at-home-mom would be so, well, rushed? The irony is that our desire to live a slower-paced life is a big part of why I’m home with the kids full time instead of out working.
Maybe things will slow down when our kids are a little older?
For some reason I feel like you experienced moms are laughing at me right now.
Maybe there will always be something driving us forward a bit more quickly than we’d like. I guess we can’t control everything. But we can still have goals, right? Adam and I have realized this year that our ideal family life is slow and simple. Breakfast at the table and school together at home. More playing in the yard and less hurrying into the van. Time to have friends and family over for dinner.
I’m not sure how our future will look. The Bible says a man makes His plans, but the Lord orders His steps. So for now we’ll keep trying to slow things down and hopefully accept whatever actually happens with grace.
You and Adam are such fantastic parents! You make a great team and parent with wonderful humor, grace and purpose. Keep taking those amazing photos to capture the memories of the “cricket homes” – when your children look back at those as adults they will have fun memories of life lived moment-to-moment with two parents who made space for fun and creativity.
I miss you Aron! Let’s hang out soon. =)
What happened to the cricket? I didn’t see him in the photo.
He escaped! Later I found him on our bedroom floor. He didn’t look quite right, but I set him free in the garage and hoped for the best.
Linnea, I think I can speak for all of us moms who have been in the “raising 2 or more toddlers” stage, that we can all relate to the “normal” feelings of where you are right now. Yes, most of the time it does feel like the repeatative, mundane routine is like being the hamster on the little wheel. It can sometimes blur the bigger picture of working towards the goal of our children growing into adults who will walk in a close relationship with the Lord , who will find their purpose of what God wants them to do in the time frame He placed them in. I delight in seeing the photos of where you stop a moment and enjoy your little ones in the their thinking. Some moms would have seen the big mess in the bathroom and fussed at their children. Instead you saw it as something to smile at. Not only did God bless you with these three gifts, but He also blessed your children with the gift of having a loving mommy who delights in them.
Thanks for your sweet encouragement and for all your help this week!
That is funny about the cricket!! So cute that Micah and Sky wanted to share their toys!! Sorry about all the sickness at your house! My hubby has been sick so its been a quiet week and thankfully I am starting to move past the dreaded nausea stage!! Hope everyone feels better soon. You are a wonderful mom!!! YES some days are crazy like that and I feel so rushed too. cook, clean, diaper, feed, repeat.
Blessings to you and your little fam!!
I’m so glad you’re feeling better!