My goal was to have the kids in school on time and that was met. But maybe my goal should have been to move in at least a week or two before that. We just didn't really have the option. So right now we are doing the first days of school, learning the bus pick ups and drop offs, adjusting to Eastern Time Zone, meeting neighbors, directing movers, directing handymen, directing maintenance men, calling gas, electric, trash, and all the other places I'm forgetting. Oh plus I get to be mom 24/7. That never stops.
After school the first day we left our new house to come back to Connie & John's (where we've been staying until our house is ready, more on that eventually!) and the only thing on my mind was to jump in their pool. I went right off the diving board only I don't dive- I plug my nose and jump the right way. And if felt marvelous. I stayed in the deep end where the kids are not allowed and it was kind of a break. They played in the shallow and watched me swim and do backstrokes and just bob around. Carter wanted to know how I could just be in the 9ft with my head out of the water like I was standing on my feet and I told him I was actually kicking really hard underneath.
That is you and so many other mothers I know...maintaining the calm facade while working so intensely to keep it all together. Your moments of rest are coming-hang in there :)
ReplyDeleteI feel like I can say this...I love you, Steph. I love the way you communicate something without actually saying it, but also without being passive aggressive.
ReplyDeleteYou inspire me to be a better writer.
Oh and I hope this transition period goes by before you know it and your home is really and truly "home".
Just wow.
ReplyDeletePerfect metaphor. I miss you more now that you're in Ohio :)
ReplyDeleteI feel your tiredness and wish I could drive over to relieve some of it for you. But good for you jumping off the diving board. I know that had to be a stress reliever. Love you.
ReplyDeleteI feel your tiredness and wish I could drive over to relieve some of it for you. But good for you jumping off the diving board. I know that had to be a stress reliever. Love you.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, me too. Kicking so hard, just under different circumstances.
ReplyDeleteFirst, that IS the right way to jump in. I agree.
ReplyDeleteAnd I know you're kicking really hard right now, but soon you'll find you don't have to be in the deep end all by yourself. Hope things smooth out soon for you...
I love the way you write and express yourself. Do you still get that feeling of righteous satisfaction when you really nail the written word?
ReplyDeleteBeen thinking about you (and reading but not commenting). What a wonderful new adventure for your family! It will come together!
ReplyDeleteNothing like water to release the weight of pulling moments. It's the small things, right?!
ReplyDeleteThat last line gave me goosebumps. I miss you. You make me want to write again.
ReplyDeleteReading along, nodding along, yes, yes. And then? That last line stole my breath. Gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteReminds me of a saying I have heard: Always behave like a duck - calm and unruffled on the surface but paddling like the dickens underneath. Ironically enough, my nickname once was Duck! Love this and can so identify!
ReplyDeleteSteph, you are THE cutest! I can just picture you plugging your nose and treading water!
ReplyDeleteMoving is such a huge, huge, huge adjustment. I had forgotten how crazy it is. A friend's mom said to give it a full year before expecting to feel fully settled in. That took so much pressure off of me. After a month in our new house I definitely feel like we're still adjusting. Praying for peace and rest for you and your family! :)
Oh that last line. That says is all right there. :)
ReplyDeletexo
Powerful statement, that last line. So well stated that it brought out the tears!
ReplyDeletekicking really hard underneath. Yup. Hey, send me your new address please ;)
ReplyDeleteOh. My. I wish I was right there paddling along side you. Or better yet, pulling you around while you recline on a nice lazy raft. Soon, my friend. There will be better days ahead:)) XXOO
ReplyDeleteYep. Just keep swimming!
ReplyDeletethe way you say things without saying them is the very best. It always makes me gulp down my heart.
ReplyDeleteWow. Perfect analogy. Just keep swimming, just keep swimming! Hang in there!
ReplyDeletewow! that was cool what you did. I was just reading along about your day and then you created a vivid image that said SO MUCH MORE. I have so much respect for your writing! The way in which you do it and the message that you're sharing. I hope you know how much you bless so many mommies out there (in addition to just being a blessing in general to your adorable children!)
ReplyDeleteHow fun settling into new digs.
ReplyDeleteI sent you an email about being added to the baby wearing blog roll. But I can tell from your post life is crazy for you right now, so no worries. I have had the button on my blogs for years but don't think I'm on the list you have.
Also I tried some of the links to blogs that baby wear but many are for invited readers only and many were old abandoned blogs.
The Mega family blog list I'm on has a rule that you MUST post the button and if you don't your blog is taken off the list.
The list is a tool used to conect with like minded bloggers.
The few blogs that were curent did not have the BabyWearer badge.
Have a awesome time getting settled and e-mail when you have time.
My blog is The Garden Gate
www.ourfruitfulharvest.blogspot.com
Peace+
Georgiann
I ditto what Heather of the EO said. It's a gift for sure.
ReplyDeleteWhat Heather and Ann said times 100,000. I envy your subtle touch with a pen (keyboard?) And I am crying because you have just summed up the last ten days for me perfectly. People keep asking me if I'm okay? Maybe I'll tell them I'm kicking really hard underneath and my legs are getting tired.
ReplyDelete