A Break from reality

This past weekend Glen attended his annual mancation which consists of 15 or so men staying in a cold cabin, with no bathrooms, drinking their faces off. Of course I was nervous about staying in the house alone with the baby but I had an endless amount of chores to keep me busy. I’ve been going to a few hours of sleep for the last few months and in the back of my mind I needed a break from reality.

 

The perfect opportunity to “get away” presented itself on Thursday when I found out that my brother and sister in law (as well as my nephew and nieces) were staying in Bedford at my Mom’s house. I decided to ignore my long list of chores and skip town for the weekend.

 

Everyone seemed happy to see us and I was happy to be there. As soon as I walked in the door I felt my brain de-cluttering from my never ending to-do list. So what did I do? I spent a technology-free weekend away with my loved ones.

 

I spent a lot of time with Wyatt and his older cousin, by 13 days, Evelyn. We did a lot of floor play, interacting and jumping in the jumparoo. I watched chunky snowflakes fall and make a beautiful white blanket on the ground.  I filled my belly with home cooked meals made by my brother and sister in law which included a roasted chicken, creamy mashed potatoes, pot roast, noodles, bread, gravy and vegetables. I also ate my share of delicious, fudgey brownies. I took a nap. I colored with my three-year old niece, Violet. We also played make-believe with toys, made music with a play piano, solved some puzzles, had a tickle battle and flew around in the air. I watched my niece and nephew play hid and seek, puppy & kitty and zombies. Wyatt was not amused that Violet ate his brain as he immediately cried afterwards. I shared birth stories with my sister in law and shared the challenges of parenthood with my brother. I made a candy pact with my step dad after we bought four delicious raspberry creams and ate them together so that one wouldn’t be jealous of the other. I had a good heart to heart with my Mom when on our trip there and back. I slept in and took a long, hot shower. I rocked in the rocking chair and shared stories as Jerry toasted marshmallows for us and made s’mores for the kids.

 

Sometimes life can be overwhelming and I think especially so when you’re a new parent trying to juggle a family, a home and a career. My original plans were to stay at home, clean my house, wash my laundry, play on the internet and watch tv but I made the decision to get away and was reminded of what life is really about. 

 

 

A day in the life...

I got this idea from a fellow August Mommy. Actually, she "challenged" me to do a blog post on a typical day in my life. I gladly accepted because I loved the idea! You can read about her's here.

I choose today because I was home with my son all day due to the holiday (MLK) so this is like a typical weekend day for me.

 7:00

We woke up later than usual and I fed Wyatt then we cuddled in bed a little bit and shared smiles. We then played with the dog. Wyatt pet him and Anakin licked Wyatt's hands.

7:40

We went downstairs. I put the baby on the floor for some morning tummy time and I got my morning coffee. 

 

8:30

While Wyatt was playing I started my diapers

8:50

My feet were cold, so I wore Glen's slippers

9:00

The baby was a little fussy. I brought him upstairs and nursed him then rocked him to sleep. I laid him in his crib and he took a good nap. 

9:30

I made brownies and cleaned the kitchen while I baked. I even cleaned the space under the sink.

 

10:00

I worked on my blog a little bit and got online. The baby was still sleeping. 

 

10:30

The baby woke up and was in a good mood. We played together in his nursery. We played peek-a-boo and airplane.

11:00

It was clear that the baby was still tired. I nursed him and laid him back down.

11:20

I got online and finished my food blog. Click Here

11:45

I talked on my chat board a little bit and finished the diapers

12:30

The baby woke up and he was in a really good mood from his nice long nap. I put him into a cute diaper and got him dressed for the day. He was having so much fun being naked. I talked to him and sang to him during this time and he was all smiles. 

 

1:00

We had lunch. He had bananas and oatmeal and I had some guacamole, chips and a brownie.

 

1:15

We played in the basement. We practiced sitting at the piano.

 

2:00

The baby nursed and took a cat nap. I uploaded some photos while he napped. 

2:15

He woke up and we played around a little bit.

2:30

I took a quick shower. The baby sat in his seat while I did this. He talked and played with his horse.

 

2:40

I'm dressed and we play in the mirror for a few minutes. Then I put the baby in the sink for a second because it amuses me. 

 

2:50

We got downstairs and I put Wyatt in the jumparoo. I then sit beside him and talk to him while I stuff diapers.

 

 

 3:10

I text Glen about dinner. Up to this point, I have not had the tv on or used my phone all day. 

3:15

Diapers are done. Wyatt helps me put them away.

 

3:45

My feet are cold again, so I put Glen's slippers back on.

 

3:50

We sing songs! Mostly 80's hits.

4:00

Daddy comes home. Ohh, brownies, nom nom nom.

 

4:10

I take off my towel. Oh my! It's not a pretty sight. I brushed my hair and throw it back in a pony tail like usual. 

 

4:15

Glen gets a shower. Wyatt plays at his piano again. He's so good that he can even play with his feet.

 

And while Wyatt plays I'm folding laundry...

4:45

Glen plays with Wyatt while I have some "me" time. AKA, I work on my blogs. Don't mind his hair. We've kind of given up looking pretty when at home.

 

 5:30

I check in on the boys and Wyatt is passed out in Daddy's arms

5:45

I preheat the oven. We're having frozen pizza. We have planned meals for the rest of the week and just wanted to do something easy tonight. 

 

and Wyatt is having organic homemade sweet potatoes and sweet peas

 

6:25

The baby woke up and we're all ready to eat. Wyatt gets fed first while our pizza is cooling.

 

6:45

It's our turn to eat. We eat our pizza while Wyatt is in the jumparoo. 

7:00

I read two books to Wyatt and we play with some toys. He chews on sophie for a while before starting our bedtime routine.

 

 

7:45

Bath time with Daddy!

 

and while this is going on I'm laying out  Wyatt's clothes, diaper and sleep sack and preparing his bottle and pacifier for bed. 

 

7:55

Wyatt is done with his bath. He's dressed and ready for bed.

 

8:00

I give Wyatt a kiss goodnight and tell him that I love him. Glen gives the baby a bottle and rocks him to sleep.

8:15

I update this blog and get ready for bed myself. Glen unwinds in front of the tv.

9:20

I crawl into bed and watch a little tv before I go to sleep. The only time that I had any tv today.

So, was this challenging? I guess so but it was also kind of neat. Normally I wouldn't document when I did certain things and I wouldn't spend the day taking pictures of activities. You also missed some laughs, some tears, some snuggles, some frustration, some touching moments and lasting memories. I guess this day might seem boring to some, but it was a really fun day and I'm so glad I got to spend all of this time with my son.

Thanks for joining me today.