Two years and a few months into parenthood, I can confirm that the cliché statement given to all expectant first-time parents is true: A BABY CHANGES EVERYTHING. The lives John and I lived pre-baby hardly resemble the lives we live now, but that’s not a bad thing. I mean, sure, there are things I miss- downtime being the biggest one. But I view being a new parent as just another chapter in this life, and I’m realizing it’s a much shorter chapter than I thought. “These are the days” and I try to remember that when I’m feeling tired or defeated or like a mama failure.
A few recent lessons from Oden: Bubbles are magical. Playing the same game over and over 1,000 times is fun. I will never enjoy a snack all to myself again. Pants are optional. Sometimes, you just need a good cry. A hug and a kiss can fix a lot of issues. And there’s always room for something sweet.
When I look around our house, I keep noticing signs that kids live here. No, I’m not talking about the messes, like the piles of toys yet to be put away or the bottles in the sink. There’s a mini teepee in our family room, for Pete’s sake. I mean the little details that reveal that happy bare feet run around this house and we embrace being a family. Like I said, these days are fleeting and I know it. I’ve started trying to observe these things, knowing someday I’ll wish there was a tiny sock left in the hallway (with its tiny foot somewhere close by). Look…
See what I mean? A stranger would know within 5 seconds that a youngster lives here (soon to be two!). Our home is lived in by all of us and that’s the way it should be. Now, does anyone know how to get yogurt off of a leather couch…?
the usual bliss 
How SWEET 🙂 Having Nephews I remember the various balls they played with and remember having to clear the yard before mowing. Tennis ball through mower is not pretty and even more so is the plastic ones. I want to go play now. Happy Weekend – Enjoy!