The Simple Life

Last week was a good week.  A really good week.  One where I finally felt so much gratitude for this simple stage of life.  The simple life where I can go on a walk, anytime, for however long I want with Henry.  The simple life where I don't have to clean today, because I have time tomorrow, or the next day, or the day after that.  The life where Henry and I can jump in the car and go play at grandmas, play with friends, go to the park, or run to a store, just because. The life that, although monotonous and boring at times, is undemanding and not busy...at all.

Cute even with a goober nose!

My mother-in-law recently reminded me that life is rarely in a stage like this (i.e. slow), and while I often find myself looking forward to the next stages of life with more children, driving the kids to school and activities, and being so busy with life, last week I finally felt so grateful for my days filled with me and Henry.  Just the two of us, hanging out together, taking moments throughout the day to countdown the hours until dad gets home.

Maybe it is so much easier to be so happy with dad home.  Dad's presence definitely makes life more enjoyable for both me and Henry.  I love looking forward to him coming home throughout the day.  And Henry gets to spend at least an hour playing with dad while laughing non-stop.  Yes, we are happier with dad home.

Henry, by the way, is still getting cuter.  I love to stare at him and dwell on his cuteness.  I can't get enough of my 14-month-old's good looks (thanks to his dad).  He said "please" twice last week.  Hasn't said it since, but it sure was cute.  I could go on and on, but I'll save Henry's cuteness for another post.

Simply put, I love my simple life and hope I enjoy it while it lasts.

My Month without Brendon

Whew...I made it.  Well, I practically made it.  I pick up Brendon in eight (long) hours.  Butterflies are flyin' in my tummy.  Today is going by so s l o w l y.

I was hoping to recap this month with something like, "Gee, that wasn't so bad" or "I managed surprisingly well" or "bring it on, residency."  Instead, I report the following:

That was pretty terrible being a part for so long.

I cried at least once a week (besides this last one).

Henry had a terrible bum rash for two weeks.

Henry's bottom hurt so badly he couldn't sleep through the night.

I went to my parents progressively more each week.

My parents fed me dinner...a lot.

Henry & I played with Cassie, Carter, & Emery...a lot.

Brendon & I talked on the phone at least once a day.

My new limit to being without Brendon is two weeks, no exceptions.

I never, ever want to do that again.  Ever.

Being a part from Brendon is hard.  It just isn't for me.  Some people manage to be away from their spouse perfectly well.  Good for them.  And as much as I need Brendon, I'm pretty sure he needs me, too.  It's a good relationship--it works for us.  We are simply better people when we're around each other.  I need him and he needs me.  We are a happy family. (I couldn't resist.)

A gigantic "thank you" to my family and friends.  I would not have made it without them.  Okay...I would have lived through the experience, but I'm sure Henry appreciated associating with people besides his tired mom as much as I appreciated associating with people who can talk.  I am so glad my family is a mile away.  I can't count how many times I went up there to get a break or to eat real food (because mac & cheese and top ramen aren't real food) or to get out of my house.  They were my saving grace this month.  My friends who offered to hang out, who watched Henry, and who helped keep us busy were and are such a blessing.   Family and friends are invaluable and we are so grateful for everyone's help getting through this month.

We made it!  Welcome home, Brendon!!!!

Easter

I told Brendon he's missing Henry's first Easter.  Then he reminded me, that this was Henry's first Easter:

Oh yeah.  I forgot.  But this is his first real Easter.  Truthfully, I'm not sad about Brendon missing Henry's Easter. Don't get me wrong, I'd love Brendon to be here, but it's probably Brendon who is a little sad about missing Easter with Henry.

The Easter bunny was very generous to Henry, thanks to Grandma & Grandpa's good connections with him.  They go way back.

Henry has eaten more chocolate this past week than ever before.  I'm pretty sure he loves it.  I think he takes after his mom in the candy department: the more the merrier.

My friend, Cassie, invited us to Spanish Fork's Easter egg hunt, which was a success.  After three eggs, Henry was satisfied.  And, knowing that I would be the one eating the contents, so was I.  Henry was anxious to pick up the brightly colored eggs covering the grass and, when the bell rang to hunt, he quickly went to find the eggs.  He walked around picking up and holding an egg for awhile, dropping it, then picking up another one.  He eventually put two in his basket and held one in his hand.  We enjoyed our eggs and playing in the park for the morning.

   

Grandma Sue bought Henry an Easter outfit.  While trying on his shirt, Henry went from crying to his cheesy face to laughing, all within a matter of seconds while I snapped the camera.  I love him.

 

We spent the holiday with a lot of family, enjoying good company and food. Everyone loved being with Henry, so I had basically a full weekend break, which was much appreciated and very rejuvenating.

Dear Dad

Just thinking about you.

Hope you're having a good day.

We miss you.

And we love you...

MOST!

See you soon, but not soon enough.

Let the one week countdown begin.

My Best Bud

It's amazing what a little companionship does for the soul.  

This little buddy makes the month without dad much more bearable.

(Dad must be aching to hold, hug, and play with "the little buddy.")  

I'm so grateful that my buddy is so happy and so easy going. 

That he is content inside the house and thrilled to be outside.

I'm grateful that he is my bud.

When I'm tired, he goes about playing on his own.

When he is ready for a playmate, he lets me know.

When he smiles or laughs, my heart still melts.  

He is the best little buddy.

In the whole world.

And he's mine.  All mine.

Get Together

As soon as we knew our husbands would be going to Kirksville at the same time for a test, Laura and I planned a get together.  We used to live next door to each other and would regularly pop our heads in on each other and hang out, talk, or watch tv together while our husbands studied.

Henry and I headed up to Logan after the dads left for Missouri and played for two days with Laura, Peyson, and Ainslee.  We had so much fun playing with old friends.

Laura and I were able to catch up while talking and hanging out, just like the good ole' days.  Peyson and Henry played together all day long.  Peyson was so nice to Henry, sharing his toys and playing "Boo" with him.  Henry really enjoyed Peyson's company.

I met Laura's new one-month-old baby for the first time and was able to hold and love her.  She is a doll and it was fun to be with a newborn again.  Henry got jealous whenever Ainslee cried and I was holding her.  Yep...he's an only child.

These kids were great together and we hope to hang out again while our husbands are away (again).  Thanks Laura, Peyson, and Ainslee!

Same Old

Life around here has been, well, uneventful.  Even boring.  I find myself needing a hobby--and one that doesn't require sitting.  Or maybe one that I immediately fall in love with.  Everyone always talks about how busy their lives are.  Mine is the opposite.  Why do I feel ashamed to admit that?

I'm honestly having a hard time knowing what to do to entertain a one-year-old all day long.  The short attention span coupled with staying inside due to cold weather and my inability to be creative makes for one bored little boy.  At least I'm pretty sure he's bored.  He's even tired of playing "I'm Going to Get You" with me.  The silly thing is, he still loves the game with everybody else.

I looked online for some activities to try this week.  With five minutes at each activity, we total 25 minutes of fun!  What about the other 9 hours of the day?  Well, I guess we'll just have to figure that out on our own.     

Being bored isn't all that bad.  I remember when my grandpa was in the hospital (on his death bed).  I was at the bus stop and overheard a conversation:

Boy: "How's it going?"

Girl: "Same old.  Same old.  Life is pretty boring."

I wished, in that moment, that my life was "boring."  I wished that everything was okay with everyone and that I had nothing to report when someone asked how everything was going.  I wanted everything to be the same old.  

So I guess I should be grateful that my days are sometimes boring.