Because bulleted lists are my new best friend.

We are in such a good place right now, it almost feels too good to be true. These days when the kids are young and we’re tired all the time, they are hard. But they’re so rich in love and happiness; I am so satisfied. Here’s what I mean…

* When Zack and I first moved to Los Angeles (from Minneapolis) we had very few possessions. Basically, we had with us what was inside our Jeep plus a couple of shipped boxes. And that was it. We downsized in a huge way when we moved to LA, not only with the size of our home but with what we owned and used. It has been hard at times — like when I really, really miss not having certain something (which I rarely used when I did have it, oddly) — but for the most part it’s been a simple transition. And when I look around our apartment, anything and everything I see has a very special meaning. I just love that.

* Max and Nat are doing so well together, it’s absolutely precious to see. One of my favorite things about being their mama is watching Max seek out his baby sister just to give her a kiss on her foot. And I’m convinced Natalie knows her brother is little just like her (and therefore super cool), which is why she gives him such big smiles. Of course she loves her mommy and daddy, but she has a special love just for her big brother.

* For months last year, as Max got older (and heavier) and my baby bump with Natalie got larger, I struggled with figuring out how to get our clothes washed. The laundry room in our complex is downstairs, across the way, and then around the corner — it’s not all that accessible. I don’t like to do our wash only on the weekends, in fact I’ve learned there is way less mama drama (ha…) when I get all of my housework done during the week. So just recently I realized if I wash our clothes in the evenings and then air dry them overnight while we’re sleeping not only do we have more space during the daytime to play, but I wake up to a home that smells like fresh laundry. Bonus! We have two fold-up drying racks and they changed my life. (It’s the small things, right?) Doing the wash is one of my favorite things, I actually told Zack once, “don’t hang up the laundry, I want to do it — it’s my favorite part!” Snort.

* I logged my first workout on February 19 with Map My Run, a simple app on my phone that tracks my route via GPS and records my mileage & time. I am a dork and actually counted, I’ve traveled over 71 miles since starting last month. HAVE I MENTIONED I LOVE RUNNING? There’s no use trying to figure out what has changed, because I have never enjoyed running until now. Like, neverrrrrr. But honestly, I’m loving it and here are a few reasons why:

– it’s something I can do with the babes and dog (and it’s free)

– hello, sunshine

– each day the scene is different (I’ve gone on dozens of runs now and never have I taken the same route twice)

– the day goes by so much faster (usually I run late-morning which means we’re home just in time for lunch & naps, suddenly it’s 3pm and the babes have woken up, and in a few hours Zack will be home from work)

– my overall mood has lightened and I sleep better at night

– the final pounds of baby weight are d r o p p i n g off before my eyes.

I’d love to share more about my running journey, but I think a separate post would be best. I have learned so much and am so proud of myself for committing to working out almost 6 days/week. And one of my favorite parts? I found a routine that works really well for our family and with only two workout outfits. So if you see me around town and notice I wore today’s outfit yesterday, and also two days prior, just give me your best smile. Because I warned you ;)

Happy Thursday friends!