This post comes a couple days late! I've been picking at this post here and there, but was never able to sit down and finish it! It has been a busy week for us filled with doctors appointments, babysitters, dinners, and lots of friends!
I love Mondays! Call me crazy, but it's true. Mondays used to be just like any other day, like Tuesdays, nothing special about them. Mondays used to get mixed up with all the other days because of their lack of significance. Being a new mama on baby watch 24 hours a day, seven days a week...trust me, your Mondays will become insignificant too! Ever since Lola reached this wonderful age of awesomeness, I look to Mondays with a sigh of relief- my day of redemption. I see Mondays as a chance to start fresh with a pearly white slate. It's a chance to do things differently, hopefully better than the week before. It is an opportunity to plot out my plan of attack and sort out the things I need to accomplish. I compare and contrast, weighing pros and cons in my head, basing it all on the million dollar question, "Will it really matter?" And in the end I have the blueprints for a wonderful week. This week has a lot in store for us and could not be any worse than the last. Both Lola and Pieter fell victim to a random flu virus of some sort which resulted in the first ever appearance of "Speckled Chicken", proud wearer of a head to toe fever rash. With Lola feeling better, it was time to press on!
I love Mondays! Call me crazy, but it's true. Mondays used to be just like any other day, like Tuesdays, nothing special about them. Mondays used to get mixed up with all the other days because of their lack of significance. Being a new mama on baby watch 24 hours a day, seven days a week...trust me, your Mondays will become insignificant too! Ever since Lola reached this wonderful age of awesomeness, I look to Mondays with a sigh of relief- my day of redemption. I see Mondays as a chance to start fresh with a pearly white slate. It's a chance to do things differently, hopefully better than the week before. It is an opportunity to plot out my plan of attack and sort out the things I need to accomplish. I compare and contrast, weighing pros and cons in my head, basing it all on the million dollar question, "Will it really matter?" And in the end I have the blueprints for a wonderful week. This week has a lot in store for us and could not be any worse than the last. Both Lola and Pieter fell victim to a random flu virus of some sort which resulted in the first ever appearance of "Speckled Chicken", proud wearer of a head to toe fever rash. With Lola feeling better, it was time to press on!
This Monday morning was one of my favorite kinds, weather-wise. I love cloudy, overcast skies. The misty kind! Freshly fallen leaves absorb moisture from the ground, adding color and depth to each one. Sidewalks are drenched with a fresh coat of them, making this post-sickness-walk extra special for my speckled chicken. Lola's eyes scintillated with excitement, thrilled to be out in the open air.
Our to do list consists of lots of errands, the usual cleaning tasks, and lots of kitchen craftsmanship. Speckled Chicken and I go to breakfast to fuel for our day. She brings along Fox, a playground family addition. Lola became the rightful owner of this "treasure" one day at the park after it was abandoned by an unaware toddler. Since then it accompanies us on many of our excursions and makes it into the occasional pair of unoccupied shoes, for safe keeping I'm sure! I discovered his whereabouts one morning when I slipped on my boots.
And who needs a toddler cup when mom's cup is readily available?
She drinks and drinks...
...and dips and sips...
...and as she sips droplets of water, I drink too. I take her in with every expression, even the smallest and the most subtle.This is what Mondays are about, the small things that make life grand. I take in the minute indication of the rough weekend we had, her face still speckled and textured from her rash. I make note of the joy and excitement in her eyes, free from the heaviness of illness.
I make note of the changing seasons, leaves drifting from their prior home to their final resting place. I acknowledge this change and with it, the new beginnings it brings. I observe new life. Green moss detailing that thrives, finding it's new residence on brick, trees, and stone, it's paths ranging from simple to intricate.
I find delight in the simple science of baking, the combination of ingredients working together to achieve one common goal. I find solace in knowing that this controlled situation results in one perfect outcome.
Recipe from Framed , seriously, try this molasses cookie recipe!
I seek adventure with new recipes and ingredients I've never used. I learn from my mistakes, discarding my first unsuccessful batch, and find that I, in fact, have success with the second.
Martha Stewart's Candy Cane Marshmallows. Challenging but super delicious!
I am a firm believer of Mondays and the magic that happens when we take the time to get our head on straight. We have days that are a constant battle to get through, but at the end of a long day, it's those little special Monday moments that make all the heartaches, and headaches, and meltdowns worth it.
Have a great week!
2 comments:
1) Your photos are awesome. Seriously awesome. You have a great eye for capturing detail and emotion in the moment.
2) LOVE those boots of hers! :)
3) Also love the header photo! That is such a great picture of you and Pieter focused on your sweet girl, and directing her attention to the wonders of the world around her. (I know in this case it was Dan taking photos, but still. That's what you guys do. You introduce her to the world around her, and you love seeing her experience things for the first time.)
4) Love your Monday philosophy. I think I need to adopt your approach. I often dread Mondays. But your whole clean-slate, fresh-start view is a good one. Thanks.
Love this post! Such a good one. :)
Post a Comment