We Got Out

I needed fresh air.  Fresh air and natural light.  You know how it goes?  You don’t really know you’ve missed it until you have it again.  That’s what happened.  As soon as I felt the cool breeze hit my face and the fresh air fill my lungs I realized what was lacking. 

Why, hello there crackling leaves.

Charlie, Chanelle and I escaped for a bit Tuesday afternoon (a.k.a. the day I crashed) for a much needed breath of fresh air.  I had been wanting to work on a little craft that required pine cones.  Or “Pineycones” at Charlie and Chanelle call them.  We drove to a park where we knew “pineycones” are in abundance. 

We explored the wooded area while Charlie and Chanelle gathered pine cones in their bags.  They competed against each other to find the biggest, the fattest, the stickiest pine cones.  We traipsed among the barren trees and enjoyed the short reprieve from the indoors while Chad stayed home with Meadow. 

I have been reluctant to leave Meadow.  I think this is normal. . . or at least that’s what I’m telling myself.  I think we all needed this little getaway, though.  We talked and laughed and oohed and ahhed at the simple little treasures we found at this deserted park on a chilly afternoon.  The most exciting moment?  Finding the dead black squirrel buried in the leaves.  Yes, we did take a picture, but I will spare you.

It is amazing how much some fresh air can revive the soul.

Moving on. . . our days have been full.  I’m doing my best to balance quality time with Charlie and Chanelle with the necessary time it takes to care for Meadow.  Thankfully, I have a great support system.  Yesterday, my MIL came to spend a little time with Meadow so I could go on a date with my “big” girl. 

I told Chanelle we could go wherever she wanted for lunch.  She was so excited and it took her about a nanosecond to decide.  Bob Ebans!  Bob Ebans!  I get a bendy straw!!

She even had to take a picture of it. . . girlfriend likes her bendy straws.

They proudly displayed that they had decorated their sister with a headband and a bear.  Yes, they love their sister. 

Speaking of Sister.  I’m learning that she has a sense of humor and is already playing tricks on me.  At first, I thought it was a coincidence, but now I’m certain she does it on purpose. 

Here is the scenario:

Meadow cries.

I see smell she has a dirty diaper and like any good Mom I change dirty diaper.

Meadow is content. . .

Meadow gets really, really quiet and then gives me this guilty sideways glance. . .

I inhale and smell it again. . . immediately the diaper needs changed again.

Almost every time I change a dirty/smelly (okay, let’s just say it. . . poopy) diaper, she poops again immediately. 

You probably don’t believe me, but I know she knows what she’s doing.  I think it’s her game.  It seems that my four week old is smarter than I am.  Little does she know, I’m keeping a tab for the extra diapers.

So far she owes me $23.75.
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In all seriousness, though, I am loving these days.  Yes, I am exhausted, but oh my heart has expanded.  Life is different, more complicated, but better.  Our house is fuller and our joy is richer. 

These, my friends, are good days.

Happy Friday!!