You think you know… but you have no idea.
I’ve always wanted to say that…lol! It’s from MTV's series “Diary” (circa early 2000's), which documented the behind the scenes, unscripted, “uncut“ side of celebrities that we rarely, if ever saw. That is what I hope to share here. The behind the scenes of the curated pictures you might find elsewhere. The highs, the lows, the mommy fails, the things I wish I knew, things I have learned along the way and everything in between! If you’re interested take a peek, and if you are so inclined comment!
Party of five…
A couple months ago while searching for some pictures for my husbands birthday... I came across this one of him holding two carriers as we were leaving the hospital... and I paused a little longer than I had on the other pictures.
I remember thinking… one... how on earth was this over a year ago? I keep telling everyone this has been the fastest slow year ever.
They say it takes a village…
At the end of every week, I find myself so THANKFUL to have made it through… truthfully, Friday’s feel like crossing the finish line at the end of a marathon (I don’t actually know what that feels like, but I assume it’s similar… no?? lol). If I said each week feels so much easier than the last, I would be lying... but I find myself leaning on my mommy-friends more than ever before and for them I am so grateful.
But how does she do it “all”?
Do you ever wonder that about anyone? I know I do… and when a friend asked me the other day how I do it “all” with twins and a kindergartner and I replied “my house looks like sh*t and I don’t cook anymore”... I was half joking but the point I was making was that the only way I can do it “all” is by prioritizing. And shifting my priorities... often.
Give a little grace…
This school sh*t is hard. Period. For everyone. Teachers... parents... students... administrators... bus drivers... coaches... etc. etc.
No one expected this. No “solution” feels 100% right or addressed 100% of the individual circumstances of all of those impacted. But got damn it. People are trying.
Super…
The last few days (errrr... weeks... months) have been... heavy. The passing of Chadwick Boseman over the summer was another blow to what had already been an incredibly traumatic, and emotional year to say the least.
This, like all the other heartbreaking events of the last several months had me reflecting... and this one in particular reminded me that you never know what someone is going through. You never realize the strength of those who don’t announce it...
M.A.E
Truth be told... when my maternity pictures were taken I was still scared sh*tless at the thought of not only having twins, but also becoming a mom of three.
It wasn’t what “I” planned... it wasn’t what “I” envisioned and suddenly everyone went from asking when we were having another, to telling us they knew we had to be done now.
That’s exactly what I needed to hear…
When I was pregnant with the twins the unsolicited commentary and opinions I received never ceased to amaze me. In my mind I had a million comebacks... but in the moment I was often so... surprised... that I literally said nothing at all. (clearly I am forever awkward). Here are just a few of many “gems”:
Transitions…
Anyone who knows me knows I’m a planner... so when we decided to expand our family I tried to prepare our firstborn as much as possible for the change.
I wanted his transition into big brotherhood to not only be as painless as possible... but to also be something he was overjoyed about...!
It’s not a vacation… it’s a trip!
In July we loaded up all the kids... a 5 year old and the twins who were 9 months at the time... and headed to the beach.
We knew it wouldn’t be easy... especially during these times... but the change in scenery was so desperately needed.