last day of summer, first day of work

Last Friday was our last day of summer.

I told Graham it was our last real day of summer because it was the last weekday untainted by the official work of the semester. It ended up being a really great day spent at home with my girls.

I had been reading some about breastfeeding (from "Child of Mine: How to Feed with Love and Good Sense" by Ellyn Satter - love the perspective she offers) and was determined to try really hard with Lydia that day. So, after her morning nursing, I kept her awake and entertained and then swooped in to swaddle and rock her at the first real signs of her being tired. After rocking just a few minutes, I put her down drowsy in her crib in her room with the sound machine on. I did have to go back in and shoosh her and give her her paci, but she took a nap on her own in her own bed!! She took three real naps that day by herself -- one of them was a few hours long!! It was amazing.

Eden and I enjoyed our time together during Lydia's naps. We went for a short walk in front of the house, picked flowers from the garden, ate lunch at the table, and played a lot. We also made oatmeal chocolate chip cookies and ate them warm for our afternoon snack. Yum.

While we were sitting at her little kitchen table next to the window, she said while gazing out, "I really like just being here with you, Momma." It was awesome -- It took all summer to get there, but it was one of those days that made me think I could really do this stay-at-home thing.

Monday was my first real day of work.

I woke up that morning and everything felt different. It felt as if the air and energy had shifted overnight -- as if summer had slipped away while I was asleep. Made me a bit sick to my stomach. I found out later that a front had actually come through on Sunday night bringing slightly lower temps. I wasn't crazy, but it was still a weird experience.

Eden could also sense something was different. She lost it when Graham left for work that morning even though he has gone to work nearly every day this summer.

Thankfully, my mom came into town before lunch on Monday to keep the girls while I went to a few meetings on campus. She brilliantly brought some "surprises" for Eden that could only be opened once I went to work. Eden had been saying all morning that she didn't want me to leave. A little while after CC mentioned the surprises, Eden said, "Can you go to work now?" It was a great way to start the semester. I'm lucky to have a brilliant mom.

So, I got all showered and dressed and attempted to do my hair like Whitney had done it. I went to campus hopefully looking like I had it all together. I left campus thinking, "I really like this ... I can do this." That feeling didn't last too long once I realized I had overlooked a faculty meeting, but at least I felt that way for awhile.

We spent the next day playing and shopping for some clothes that actually fit me. I successfully nursed Miss L mid shopping in a dressing room, and found some good things to start the semester with. With CC along, I actually got to ride the carousel with Eden. I just stared up at Eden and her smile as we were circling around on the carousel. As we left the ride, Eden wrapped her arms around my neck and said, "Momma, I am so glad you are here with me." It was awesome.

Just as I did last year, I'll end this with a letter to my dear friend ... ...

Dear Summer,

Why did you have to disappear so soon?

We have been challenged by you this year -- our very first summer as a family of four. You have been amazing, hard, tiring, exciting, joy-filled, at times a bit depressed, unorganized, full of family and love, and have been the most emotional and thankful summer I've ever had.

Please come back soon.

Love,
Eden and Lydia's Momma