CRYSTIR

Probably the best parenting advice I ever received...well actually, it was more like parenting absolution, came from my Aunt Darlene.  She's my Dad's oldest sister and also my confirmation sponsor and also one of my favorite mom role models. (Hi Aunt Dar!).  I always feel like talking to her is within a space of non-judgment which is so very refreshing in this world of mom-eat-mom parenting out there. There are so many rules and guidelines and expectations these days on what being a 'perfect parent' looks like, and to be quite honest, going into motherhood for the first time with Greyson, I was all about those rules and my own expectations.   My kids will never ...., I will make sure my kids always ... were thoughts I actually had and believed in as a first time mom.  Aaaaand then I had a baby and hahhahhhha, to those thoughts.  I often wish now that I could go back to that pre-motherhood version of myself and give her a little hug and a kiss on the cheek and sa...

A glimpse into what it's like to live in our home just this minute.     Intentional Hours Outdoors  228 hours (of 1000) Boy, I'm not doing so great with this small babe and these early weeks of newborn hood, only up 12 hours this week.  I'm still trying to get a handle on the whole 'while he sleeps' to do checklist...and unfortunately, not often is the highest priority on that list 'get outside' yet.  waah.  On Sunday, we had our first intramural alumni kickball game, and then we were lucky to hang outside at the grandparents' houses though this weekend when we visited -Rustin's first time to both of their houses this week!  I also took the kids to the elementary school parking lot and playground to play for the first day of summer.  It was hot and very sunny and everyone turned out to kind of tired and cranky (including me) so it was kind of a bust - but I tried.  Reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo  the newborn exhaustion has lowered...

What it feels like to live in our home just this minute. Intentional Outdoor Hours  216 hours (of 1000) I  did okay this week, up 8 hours (and the kids are getting waaay more outside time than me, but this is my personal count, so I'm only including my own hours) but I'm still anxious to spend more time outside as Rustin grows and my energy increases...ever so slowly.  Thanks to this great tent from Coleman , I've been taking Rust out for short little bursts protected from the sun and strong winds. (thanks to one of my fav friends JP for letting me copy her! heehe) Grey and I took both dogs for an almost 2mile walk one night and they were so very happy about it.  Grey needed it too as he has been totally stir-crazy since school has let out.  I keep saying that between the four of them - Grey has been the most challenging because he has so much energy - he wants to play all.the.time.  Roller hockey in the garage, baseball catch, one-on-one kickball games, bi...

Rustin,  you're here.  finally.  It was a long time to get you out into the world.  Actually, it felt like a really long time considering I was ready for you to be born at about the 32 week mark.  And then on the day you were to be born, I so hopeful that it would be quick and you'd be in my arms by lunchtime.  Alas, you had other plans and we ended up having to wait all day for you to arrive.   In my rose-rimmed glasses of my mother's heart, I knew it should be special and cherished, this last go at labor and delivery.  And I really did want to hold on to each little piece of your birthday.  But I'll be honest with you, Rust, there were several times that it was just Dad and I in the room and I looked at him with tear soaked eyes and whimpered, "I just want this to be over.  I just want him to be here and to be done with this." And then, like all hard things in life, suddenly the enduring part was over and the doing part had arrived...a...