Summer = The Best

Today was one of those blog-worthy days.

Not because it was particularly challenging, or that a kid was totally out of sorts, or anything horrible happened. Quite the opposite: today was just a fun day, when everything seemed to click. Since there are usually one of these days for every three frustrating/horrible ones (and then everything else is in between), I feel the need to document.

Started the morning at 5:30, nursing my ever-growing baby girl. A little early for my taste but each nursing session feels like a gift at this point, rounding the corner to fourteen months.

I got a solo run in this morning before Nate left for work, since he is starting his Tuesdays later to make up for being gone until 9 pm this day. He's gone late for golf, not work, so don't feel too badly for him. But we signed up for another half marathon so we are trying to be good about actually running three days per week again---and it felt awesome to hit the pavement before 7 am, even if it was already 80 degrees. Happy to have a husband who will watch the kids and allow me my alone time to set the day off right.

We met our new neighbors who are moving in next month. They are newlyweds and seem really fun, which is good since we only have one neighbor. Excited to get to know them over the years and I feel a little nostalgic thinking about those first few months of marriage, and how they are just starting some of the most memorable years of their lives.

Cecelia took a stellar morning nap while T and I played trains. Then the three of us went to the pool and although it was PACKED because Wisconsin isn't sure what to do with 90 degree weather, it was a blast. My favorite part was having both kids on my lap as we sat in the water together and we were bouncing and jumping and I was throwing them in the air. My least favorite part was when Cecelia face planted into the sand and I had to rinse out her nostrils and eyelids with water. But she was surprisingly tough and couldn't get enough of the sand and the water today. We were there from 11-1 and I could tell the sun did it's job to wear my kids out before naps. Thanks, sun. I owe you one.

Truman went down right away since he ate a little lunch at the pool. CC and I ate together, she played alone for a whole five minutes (!!), and then she nursed down for her nap. Which ended up being another solid 2+ hours. Amazing. Never happens anymore. Dual naps = happiest mom.

I got all caught up on my work stuff during the naps, then continued to plan and research for new wall decor and picture frames for our house. Is it lame that home decor projects make me ridiculously happy? Did some laundry and even folded it right away. I'm telling you, something good was in the air today.

Once Cecelia finally woke up (in a great mood!) we got her big brother, too. They had a snack and I realized CC is probably old enough to actually sit at the kids table with her brother. Snapped the first pictures of the day (the horror) and chuckled at how cute they can be together. Right before they started pushing the table back and forth away from each other.





I made dinner and Truman said, 'Mommy, don't put CC in her highchair to eat yet. I want her to play with me.' So they did, and I had a glimpse into my future of children actually entertaining each other instead of needing me to keep them occupied. Love it.

Both kids ate well for dinner. And so I formulated a plan: it was only 6pm and both kids slept so late in the day that I wanted to push my luck and try for a few errands 'late night'. Cecelia usually goes down at 7 but you know what? It's summer. They were well-rested and I still had a few places calling my name. So we packed up, Truman demanded to help CC put her tiny shoes on her tiny feet, and our trio was off. So wild, aren't we?

First, Michaels to check out frames and a canvas (scored on both fronts). Then to my favorite consignment shop because I left a diaper cover there over the weekend and they held it for me behind the counter. And then? I asked Truman if we should get Kopps custard because we were kind of close. And the flavors of the day looked too irresistible. Anything with Reeces PB cup and I'm a goner and apparently Truman 'loves orange'. Done.



We sat outside and again, I had a wave of gratitude for these amazing kids. Grateful for summer warmth, a sun that doesn't set until 9pm, for my part time schedule, and for these two little beings that Nate and I created.....making memories with them like random ice cream on a summer night. Childhood. Innocence. Dessert. It doesn't get much better.









Of course, Cecelia unloaded in her diaper while we were basking in the glory of the moment and heaven on earth Kopps doesn't have a changing table, apparently. Changing a dirty diaper in the front seat of my car because the trunk was overtaken by picture frames was probably the low point of the day, which really wasn't all that low.

Bath time was a breeze, reading books to my babes was fun, and putting miss C down was a sweet quiet moment for just us girls. Nate is home now and Truman is still awake at 9:30 pm. I guess he doesn't want the day to end just yet, either.

I need to shower because chlorine and sweat and general disgustingness clings to me. But I hope the contentment I feel after a fabulous day at home with my kids sticks with me, too. When the challenging days hit me like a ton of bricks, I'll do my best to remember our summer fun day. And maybe a run, or a trip to the pool, or just custard could cause contentment by themselves but for some reason it was a freaking awesome day.

Love it when that happens.