We’re doing quick takes on a Monday today because I have a lot to discuss. Let’s go.

one

This is my last week of maternity leave. On one hand I can hardly believe it, but it also feels right. What I’m most nervous about is getting myself and two kids ready to go in the mornings and getting to work on time. (What I’m most dreading is being away from Liam for so long and pumping at work, but I know it’ll be okay.) So this week I’m doing a practice run and acting as if I had to work. This morning went smoothly and I was able to wake up in time to do my Bible study and have my breakfast, get everyone ready and dropped at daycare by 7:30am, and then I practiced the drive to work and it took me eight minutes. I still want to budget twenty minutes for the commute so I can figure in parking and anything else that might come up. Also, this morning Meredith was unusually cooperative and even got herself undressed and her outfit picked out while I got myself ready. So we’ll see. I’m also not allowing myself to do things during the day that I normally wouldn’t be able to do, like house chores or starting on dinner. I want to see how my new routines are going to work, because in my mind everything is perfectly timed. Once I figure it all out I’m sure I’ll do a post just on that.

two

I am sooo inspired by the Bullet Journal system. Even though I have several other systems in place (my iPhone calendar, Things app, and a 5-year journal) I am still giving it a try. After using it for a few days I can see that it definitely won’t replace my digital calendar or to-do list (the automated repeating tasks in the app are too amazing) but I think it’ll be a great addition.

three

The greatest thing ever happened last week! My best friend Becca came to visit! We went to high school and college together, but now she lives in Kansas so I get to see her once a year if I’m lucky. She has three awesome kids 5 and under and came by herself, so we did some serious relaxing. We watched a whole lot of Parenthood, she taught herself to crochet (with help from my mom) and I made a ton of progress on my autumn sampler, which I should be able to finish this week. We also tried making soy candles using this tutorial and it was super easy! I’m thinking I’ll make a huge batch of them for ourselves and to use as gifts during the holidays.

four

Becca also helped me fix the tension on my sewing machine and I was able to sew a row and a half of my quilt that I started over a year ago. I intended to complete it last year, but pregnancy and the fact that I couldn’t sew a piece together without the fabric bunching up derailed me. I’m way into it now though, and loving it.

five

Let me just talk about Meredith for a second. Remember how I said I weaned her from nursing? Well the week following that (the one before Becca’s visit) was a complete nightmare. She bit five times at daycare, had nightly meltdowns, was blatantly disobedient, wouldn’t eat for us, and I was legitimately scared that I had made a bad kid even though rationally I knew it was a phase. Then suddenly, last Saturday, a switch flipped and she was her sweet self again. Well-behaved at school, fun to be around, cooperative, big appetite, and way less tantrums. We had made some adjustments, like cutting out most treats for her, being more rigorous about a nightly routine, and thankfully the weather cooperated and we got her outside to play and for walks. But I don’t think those things (although good, and we will keep them up) are what did it. I think it’s just that she is two. It’s a crazy age.

six

Liam is two months old today, so look for his update later this week!

seven

David and I were super productive over the weekend. We fixed the headlight on my car, installed new blinds in our room, and did some rearranging of car seats. These were mostly new things for us, and there was some frustration and some words were had. But we survived, and we were successful, and our marriage is intact. :) Now that those things are out of the way, I can spend this week focusing on decluttering and crafts. Trying to make the most of this last week!