Mrs. Bookworm

Sunday, October 5, 2014

Day 5: It's Okay If You Are Tired and It Looks Like your House Imploded.

As I type this Little man is laying on my chest, on his tummy. Every once in awhile he acts as if he is going to kick something. His nuk landed on the floor next to the chair, thankfully it was in my reach. Yesterday I was hoping to get all of these home chores done, but it didn't happen. I was unmotivated and when Owen was awake he was unhappy if he couldn't see me. So, between my lack of motivation and him we didn't get anything accomplished in terms of chores. We did however play, jump in the jumperoo, chill to baby music while playing with toys, work on a gift for friends, and eat, and rock-a-bye in his room. He took three hour long naps and while he was sleeping I worked on a friends baby book.

And you know what? Everything is all right, it was more important for us to just be together yesterday playing, learning and growing than it was for us to be working on our house.. The mess is still here, and the laundry is now sorted but still in the baskets, but my son will never be seven months and two days ever again! I know that there is some guilt felt by moms who are working, but it seems like the house is always a disaster... because honestly my house is that way too. But, our children are growing and learning and always changing it and I would rather spend time to my son opposed to having a perfectly clean and organized house.

Housework can always be done at another time, like nap time. If you are still in the stage of your child's life where you need to nap during nap time, don't feel guilty about it. This stage will pass quickly and you will get more sleep. So, I am going to wash, rinse, and dry some dishes while I listen to Little Man self soothe himself on his monitor. He is ready for a nap now, because our morning has already been filled with learning experiences.

It's okay mama, everything will get done eventually. Enjoy your little one, for soon they will be too big.

Saturday, October 4, 2014

Day 4: A Gray Saturday

Sometimes we get up early, and sometimes we sleep in. Today was an early day, Little Man woke up and at 6:15 he wanted OUT of his crib. He snuggled with mama and he played and talked to his daddy, he has had his breakfast and he has played with one of his toys. Currently he is just chilling in his bouncy seat.

It is not really a weekend of being outside it is cloudy, windy, and only suppose to reach highs of 50 degrees (F). It did try to spit snow flurries out yesterday as I was leaving school. My goal is to get apples picked during nap time, but we will see how this goes! We also need to do laundry and wash dishes (we don't have a dishwasher). We aren't always exciting here, but that is okay. A gray Saturday is meant for jammies at least part of the day.

What are you up to today?

Friday, October 3, 2014

Day 3: Breaking up with my Closet

I have been cleaning out my closet, which really translates to a huge pile of clothes by my dresser in my room. The reason why I am getting rid of them? They either don't fit me or my post-baby lifestyle. Mostly they don't fit me...
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If you are new hear I will give you a quick snapshot of who I am. I am a late twenty-something who lives in the midwest (winter will soon be upon us), wife, and mama. My son is known as Little Man and he is seven months old. I am a teacher and Migrant Family Advocate. We also have an approximately three year old rescue, Annie, who seems to get a little more rambunctious everyday. I thought they were suppose to mellow as they got older.

As you can tell from my little snapshot we are busy. We seem to always be on the move. When little man becomes more mobile I will be even more on the move.

I can't have super high maintenance clothing because realistically they just lay on the floor in my laundry room forever! I hate laundry! I don't want to spend all of my time doing laundry, especially since my time with my little family is restricted to evenings and weekends. My new clothes need to be machine washable and be able to be put in the dryer! I do hang dry my pants now, because I have shrunk some beyond what would be considered appropriate for anything. The other reason as to why it needs to be machine washable is the fact that Little Man is starting solid foods... and I have already had green beans and sweet potatoes rubbed onto my clothes. I imagine the things that get wiped on my clothes will only continue to get worse. Right now I am trying to keep it a little bit more neutral and adding color through pieces that I already own and am able to keep wearing. Eventually color will be back in full force. My wardrobe is still in this awkward transition.

It is important to know what works for your body... I like long and lean jeans from GAP-- they are super comfy, long enough, and have a little bit of a higher waist. I do like sleeveless items, because I tend to get warm, so I can layer appropriately and still look classy, I love the structure of blazers. The flowyness of tie blouses, and I don't like anything with a super close fit. This is an interesting development because 90% of my closet was fitted. After having my son, I am just not interested in that style anymore. It is an adjustment and I need to have things in my closet that work for being a mama and that work for my job.Our dress code is business casual.

I don't have all of the answers, but I do know that this mama needs to wear something! So, I am breaking up with my closet, which has been difficult, after many years of having pieces that I truly love and wore all the time. REMIXABILITY is the name of my wardrobe game... because when everyone woke up late and I have to get myself and LM ready to head out the door in a total of under 15 minutes EVERYTHING has to MATCH! Sometimes LM doesn't match, but he is in daycare and the kiddos don't know their colors yet. Not that I am speaking from personal experience or anything.

One aspect of my real life is that I wear like the same 6 outfits on repeat, because sometimes the wardrobes are working against me. I don't always see things that I love, nor do I see things that will necessarily be easy to care for. Eventually I will love my closet once again, but until we get to the place I will just be patient. This time is a time of self discovery and growth. Even though I feel like "I have nothing to wear" right now, things will continue to get better!

Thursday, October 2, 2014

Day 2.5: Confession from a working mama

As soon as little man was put to bed I through on sweatpants. I am rocking the ever classy look of dressed down casual. I have on my blouse and cardigan with college sweatpants. As soon as I know that he is asleep for sure I will most likely go to bed after feeding the dog. It is a quarter to 8 pm here!
Man am I looking forward to the weekend when we can just relax, and hopefully have a playdate with friends.

Day 2: Are you an English Muffin?

What are you even talking about lady? NO! I am not an English Muffin, I am a person.

I was doing my morning routine of getting Little Man up and changed (not dressed, we have jammy days on the weekend). He was in a good mood and so I popped an English muffin in the toaster. I like them lightly toasted two times with butter and peanut butter-- all melty and delicious... well, that didn't happen. LM was in a state and I needed to tend to him and I forgot all about my English Muffin for two days in the toaster. When I finally remembered that I had once had an English Muffin it was all dried out and gross. This sadly is not the first time that I have done this.I have no explaination of how this happened other than the fact that at that exact moment in time there was something more important than having breakfast. As moms we are hardwired to care for our children, but sometimes we do that at the expense of our health and well-being. I have done it too, skipping a meal because my son needed me or because I wanted to take advantage of a peaceful moment.

I encourage you to stop and just breathe in the life happening around you, these moments go really fast. Besides you don't want to be told that you are an old English Muffin.

Wednesday, October 1, 2014

The First of October

The first of each month is a time of newness and excitement. There are many questions still unanswered, and one of those questions is "What will unfold this month?" Today is October 1st, and while the first official day of Autumn/ Fall is September 1st here in the midwest. The first of October is much more fall like. September has unpredictable weather here, certainly but it has more tinges of summer than October. Who knows what this month will bring, but for us it is a time of excitement. It is Owen's first fall. There will be leaves, tractor rides, and pumpkins for sure. Though, there will be other firsts as we work our way through the fruits and vegetables, Little Man will become more independent and more mobile.

So, while we wait for new experiences to come about tonight we are enjoying the familiar. Soup on a chilly day, playing with toys, LM's sweet potatoes, and of course snuggles. While new things are exciting these are the things that are a part of our journey. I hope you grab a warm drink and join me as I reflect, try new things and enjoy my son's first ever October!

Monday, September 29, 2014

October 2014: 31 Days of Real Life

I am going to be spending the next 31 days (Starting October first) talking about real life.My focus is on what really happens, here in my home and heart. I am a working mama, things can get hectic around here especially when it seems busier than usual and there is mount washmore to try and scale. My goal is to encourage you in real life... I am figuring this out as I go, and will be tackling a variety of topics as I go through this month. Motherhood is new to me and I am just trying to enjoy one day at a time. I will using this particular post to hold all of my links for the next 31 days. My goal is to write every single day for 31 days! Thanks for joining me on this crazy ride.