The 2 W's

Today was the day of the 2Ws. Walk and Water. These two things definitely kept me sane today! My little boy, who’s nearly 3, didn’t have a nap today. When this happens, my level of frustration usually explodes from 0 to 10 very quickly because I need to have a nap! So after several attempts at getting my 12 week old down for a nap and having a preschooler running around being a complete maniac, I gave up and began to read to Ephraim. He usually will lie still and listen and even fall asleep but alas, not today. So knowing myself well and keeping in mind my quest to be a better mother I set a timer for 30 minutes and told him he could not come and get me until it beeped. I lay down with wee Annie and she drifted off. I could have slept the entire afternoon away but instead waited for that nasty timer to start beeping. And when Annie woke up a mere 40 minutes later, I decided to pack everyone up and take a big walk to check out a new toystore. I somehow managed to get the rumble seat installed on our stroller for the first time in the midst of crying baby and zippy toddler spinning circles around me and reformatting my laptop while I tried to read the online instructions. Finally outdoors and the bright sunshine had disappeared behind a huge set of grey clouds. I didn’t let that stop us and the walk did wonders – I regained some energy, the kids had a chance to rest and we found an amazing place to shop, rest, nurse, and play (oh and pee too!) – Silly Goose on the Danforth just west of Woodbine. On the way home we stopped at a playground and Ephraim and I spun out the last of our energy on an old merry-go-round that I’m surprised is still allowed being that it is solid steel. I was glad it was there as Ephraim shrieked with joy and I remembered why I love being a mother all over again. We arrived home with a new found calm. Annie was asleep (finally!) and I set Eph up at the sink with lots of water, soap bubbles, and apron, and a variety of containers. It was a little splashy but kept him happy while I made supper. Whew! It was a long day, but a great day. Let’s see what tomorrow brings!

Back in the saddle

Over a year has passed since my inaugural blog entry. I didn’t know if I would return but here I am for better or for worse as they say. And here is how my year has been – survived the miscarriage of “Wee Willy” – what an insane time. However, I can happily say that I did conceive again and became a mother for the second (or is it third?) time to wee Annie Catherine. Now on maternity leave and spending my days raising my two little miracles (cheesy I know but once you’re a parent it really does click that that is what life is – truly- miraculous.) And now I’m in search of something. I’m in search of being the best mother that I can be, the best possible version of myself. Isn’t everyone? I suppose they are. But here is my story; day by day or perhaps more realistically week by week. How can I…oh shoot dinner is burning…no, just over cooking. Sorry dear family your tofu has gone from deliciously crisp to wilted and soft. Oops. As I was saying…how can I be a better mother to Ephraim and Annie? I don’t yet know but I sure as heck am going to try.