5 on Friday

1. Natives

I kept seeing these adorable shoes online and in photographs and new I needed to get them for the kids.  So many moms were raving about how soft the plastic was, how breathable they are, and best of all how washable they are!  Because they aren’t sold here in Central Iowa, I had to resort to the internet to purchase some.  I read the reviews and thought I had done the best I could at measuring the kid’s feet appropriately.  Well, they definitely ran big (for both my kids) and I ended up exchanging Brady’s for smaller ones.  I wanted to do the same for Tess, but unfortunately, just those four short days later all of them were sold out.  I think by summer they will fit perfectly and in the mean time she is getting tons of wear and tear out of her purple Easter jellies! 

2.  Fresh

Am I the only one out there that gets excited about new make-up?  To me, there is something so wonderful about the first use and first application.  I don’t care if it’s a lip gloss, foundation, or eye shadow…it’s remarkable!  I love how clean and unmarked the containers are.  And for some reason, I always think the make-up looks better because it’s new.  I know, complete mind game.

3.  Birthday Prep

I hate reliving last Saturday in my mind, but one of the topics that I kept asking Tessa questions about to see if she would be responsive was regarding her upcoming birthday party.  My baby is going to be four…four…oh my goodness, four. 

The only word she said to me was “butterflies.”  I don’t know if she saw one, was thinking about them, or wanted a butterfly theme.  Either way, that word is stuck in my mind too.  Now, I don’t particularly care for this animal, I’m anxious around anything that flies, but if my baby wants a butterfly birthday party – then I guess that’s what we’re doing, regardless of the idea I originally had. ;)

4.  Vacation Read

I put a request on social media for some feedback on a good book.  I rarely have time to read these days but we are leaving on vacation soon and I couldn’t think of a better pastime for the flights.  Unfortunately, all those that were recommended were checked out or unavailable at our local library.  And, yes, I must check out books from a library.  I will never purchase them or consider reading from a tablet – there is a feel, a smell, and something special about a library book.  To make myself sound even crazier, they must be hard cover.  Although the librarian convinced me that a paperback was essential for a flight due to the weight – she rubbed off on me just this once!

Enough of that rant…many of you recommended the author Elin Hilderbrand and I ended up checking out her book Barefoot.  I hope it’s as good as the reviews!

5.  Aloha

Believe it or not, the hubs and I are taking a vacation.  I have to read that statement a few times to make sure I really understand what is happening!  We haven’t taken a vacation since our honeymoon.  We went back and forth as to whether or not to make this a family trip or an adult vacation.  As much as we love our babies, we knew it would be best if we left them at home; as hard as that will be.  There were too many variables; the extensive flights to and fro, the five hour time change and adjustment period, nap time routines, having to choose which one of us will stay back with the kids so the other can participate in an activity, and quite frankly there was the point that this is supposed to be vacation for us…not a week away with exhaustion and chaotic schedules (we have that here).

I have had my moments over this last week where I look at my babies and think to myself what a stupid idea it was to leave them behind.  I haven’t left Tess for more than three days and Brady more than an overnight.  After I snuggle them and shower them with kisses, I take a step back and realize I am doing them a favor.  As mother’s we need time to recharge our batteries as well.  We need to be selfish and tend to our needs.  We need to relax.  After we have the chance to do so, we can go back to normal life with a fresh outlook and attitude.  Taking a break really does make us better mothers.  I know there will be heavy tears when I say good-bye and I will think about them every day (if not cry a little there as well).  But at least technology allows me to talk to them or see them whenever I want.  Kids are resilient; and quite frankly we all know better that it's always harder on the parents than the children.
  (and Lord, we don’t have the best track record these days so if you could just keep them in good hands while we are gone, free from allergy attacks and ER visits – we would be ever so grateful).

On the flip side of this, I will see my husband for seven days.  Again, I have not seen him for seven consecutive days since our wedding/honeymoon.  I’m not going to lie, I question whether or not we will have anything to talk about!  Our main source of conversation usually happens via text message.  If we do have a phone call discussion or one face to face, it’s typically about the kids or an event we need to prepare for the following day.  I mean, what is dinner really going to be like?  It will be a great opportunity for him and me to reconnect as well.  After all, wasn’t it just us in the beginning? 

I hope you all have great weekends!