Before having Addilyn I would have characterized myself as a homebody. I got overwhelmed when we were busy. I didn't like having something every night of the week and felt exhausted when we had busy weekends in a row with lots of people and many plans. I felt recharged when I spent time alone. I savored nights at home, sitting on the couch.
While I still am perfectly content spending evenings at home after Addilyn goes to bed, and actually often prefer that than having plans in the later evening, during the days I struggle when we don't have plans. I get antsy staying home all day with Addilyn. I get bored and feel like we've run out of things to do quickly. I dread the thought of cold, winter days where we're stuck at home.
I'm so lucky to have a lot of friends that stay home with their kids and we almost always have plans each day. Even if it is visiting one of my friends at school, or meeting a friend at a park for an hour. Days where I have no plans I almost count the day from the start as long.
A few weeks ago Addilyn had hand, foot, mouth disease and besides one brave friend who kept our playdate, we stayed away from friends for the week. And it was really hard for me.
I know Addilyn is still so little, but everyday I feel like she picks up more and more. I want her to be content staying at home. To not have to fill every minute with one thing after the next. Which I realize sounds kind of silly to a one year old. Clearly I'm not expecting her to sit still and do nothing, but to not fill our days with plans after plans. I want to be more content playing at home. Finding things to do around our house and being happy with a day just the two of us. To not be on the phone talking or texting so often, and to be more present.
I want to work on finding joy and contentment in the smaller moments. In chasing Addilyn around the house or playing with bubbles in the bathtub. In the excitement of her saying a new animal sound or eating a new food. I'm determined to be more content with simple days and quiet moments.
9 comments:
Great post - I feel the exact same way!
I can relate to every bit of this post. I went from being a homebody to wishing I had more friends and more to do. I attempt to fill my weeks. It can be so hard but I desire contentment as well. If you figure this out, I'd love to hear more from you.
I don't know how you do it, but it's like your in my head all the time! :)You're dealing with a lot of the things I'm struggling with too! I'm such a homebody too, but also get bored at home during the day.
A lot of my mom friends work during the day, so that's a bummer!
I'm thinking of joining some kind of playgroup for the winter months!
I think a lot of moms and dads deal with this same thing. I love that when we are at home my kids can now play with each other. Less pressure on me to do all the entertaining! HA! Also, as Addilyn gets older and starts to do more things that you might also enjoy (like coloring and puzzles and art crafts and stuff) it will be more fun! That's what I have found, at least!
Hugs !!!
You are so wise and I love your open heart. That picture is just the cutest thing ever. You two are adorable!
Love how honest you are, and always have been. I love how much you try to keep busy, but also see how much joy there is in sitting at home with your baby and relaxing. It's so important. Sometimes I think I'm the busiest person I know and I hate that!
Oh, those days go so fast!
It is wise to drink them all up and treasure them forever!
Carolyn
http://www.ccmcafeeperspective.com/
I hope she is feeling better now! I keep hearing a lot of little ones getting it.
I am a homebody as well but honestly being kept in too long can just drive you up the wall!
Enjoy the times with her! she is getting big fast!
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