We spend the heat of the day splashing in the pool. We walk or bike ride our way around town frequenting the park, local ice cream shop, and occasionally head to the lake for a sunset adventure. My boys and I spend the majority of every day together – working our way through the fights, fits, hugs & kisses, and the fun. It’s an exhausting job, but it’s so rewarding. I’m always happy to spend time with other moms at the pool and park, but as any mom will tell you, “mom time” is a far cry from girl’s night out. We are distracted and it’s very noisy, but I love the adult conversation and look forward to it. Summertime means sunscreen, sand, chlorine, and dirt, so every night is bath night. Since we soak up every ounce of the warm sun til the street lights come on, my precious “me time” between the boy’s bedtime and when I finally put myself to bed gets shorter as the days get longer. Between my business and the kids, I don’t set aside a lot of time for myself – and I absolutely wouldn’t have it any other way.
My life half a decade ago resolved heavily around my social calendar. I traveled, met new people, relaxed, and did spontaneous things. It was fantastic, and life will be like that again someday. After Charlie was born, I dropped my gym membership, and happy hour cocktails with coworkers became a thing of the past. I can count the number of movies I’ve seen in the theater in the last couple years on one hand. I don’t dare think about how many music festivals I’ve missed (someday my boys will go with me and I remind myself that when I feel the music scene slipping away from me). Brian and I do manage to get out occasionally, but most of our time is spent doing something kid friendly. However, for all the things I’ve put on hold while my children are young, my life as Mom has given me happiness and fulfillment tenfold. Chasing the boys is my workout, Disney Pixar movies are actually really good, and I’ve had more sing-a-long/dance parties in the kitchen than I ever had pre-motherhood. My children are my fountain of youth, my proudest accomplishment, and when I’m long gone, they will be my legacy. Their early childhood is so much more important than anything I’m missing. This precious time in their lives will shape who they become. I need them to know how much they matter to me. I want them to see me smile and know how happy I am to spend my days helping them discover the world.
Years from now, when my children are independent, I will join a gym. I will make plans to meet my girlfriends for coffee. I will decide to get away for the weekend at the last minute, and I will relax. Those things will all be there waiting for me, but childhood happens only once. Cherish it, appreciate it, and enjoy it with your children. They will thank you for it someday.
p.s. Thank you Mom.
