Relishing on simple joys.

(long, slow blinks) Well, hello there! Hellooooooo from my land of yawns and diapering and snack making and couch cuddling and time out giving and insane chocolate craving and, what’s that I was wanting to write? I’m also thick in the memory loss phase of mamahood, oh my goodness! In case you missed it, here’s Marigold’s birth announcement. I can’t tell you the number of times I blanked out when trying to remember what I was doing. Feels safe to say we’re a little bit tired around here. And a funny thought, yesterday at an appointment, doctor Zack shared with the doctor the realization that, “the kids are usually wide awake and happy, while we’re absolutely exhausted”. Simple joys :)

Monday was my first day solo parenting these three cuties. And when I write “these three cuties” you’ll have to imagine a photo of them together on the couch. I haven’t braved taking a photo of them without Zack standing nearby. But I can already imagine the scene: Maxwell would likely try to get off the couch with Goldie, and Natalie would likely give Goldie a rub that’s a little too hard. The older two sure love their baby sister, there’s no doubt.

My mom was here for about three weeks, and seriously, thanks to her visiting and being so great at Grandma-ing, Zack and I were able to sneak away a few times, just the two of us. We ran a few errands, got coffee, had lunch together — nothing fancy, but still important (and lovely) to be with him alone. Simple joys.

About a month ago I moved the yellow love seat into the big kids shared room so we’d have a fun place to read books and I could nurse. (Goldie will have her own nursery, but for now she’s in a cradle in our bedroom.) When Natalie was born and we were in Los Angeles, I moved an oversized chair into the kids shared room so we could all be together safely. Natalie could nurse and sleep, and I could keep an eye on her while Max and I played together on the floor. I knew I would have my hands full with two kids ;) if only I knew what it would be like to have three kids! No, I’m joking. It has been a lovely transition, one I’m so thankful for. But nonetheless, I grabbed my previous knowledge of having a comfortable place to sit and prepared for Goldie’s arrival now that we’re back in Detroit.

What has the biggest help been? Getting outside! Our neighborhood is perfect for walking and bicycle riding, and our backyard is a tiny land of adventures. We have a row of small trees and bushes in the back, which Max has declared “his forest!” — I just love his imagination. It’s been raining a lot, so our grass is incredibly green (and in need of a mow), but any time the sun pops out we run outside for 10 or 15 minutes to play. Simple joys.

Ten or 15 minutes, that seems to be the measure of time right now. I can do anything with three kids for 10 or 15 minutes. We are all on this learning curve, trying to catch our breaths, catch a nap, catch any tears before they fall. And for myself, I’m trying to do something just for me, every day, for 10 or 15 minutes. Too easily can I feel overwhelmed because I can’t quite see past “right now”.

The smallest accomplishments feel like the biggest victories. Things like taking a shower before Zack leaves for work (hello, self-care), playing in our back yard, and spending quality time with each child are at the very top of my list.

Speaking of self-care, if you’re in need of a little yourself, send me an email: maggie AT maggiewhitley DOT com. Last year I began taking better care of my skin, a habit I needed to adapt! Did you know I had been using baby lotion as my face moisturizer? Terrible! Anyway :) I’d love to share with you how easy it is to achieve your skincare goals, Rodan + Fields has skincare solutions for dryness, sensitive skin, acne, sun damage, redness, brown spots — even tired, puffy eyes in need of a little illumination. Simple joys ;)

What are you up to today? Maxwell has his first dentist appointment, and I really hope we’re back home in time for the trash truck. Today is our garbage pick-up, and the men always honk the horn when they pull in front of our house, it is so sweet! The kids love the attention, and I love hearing them squeal with delight over such simple joys.

Happy Thursday! :)