Five years ago, one of the things I tried to give my life was balance. My life consisted of working and baby time. Not much time with Joe, and even less time with friends and family. After half a decade, I feel like I am starting to get that balance right. Of course, since this week really only consisted of three work days, I think that maybe the only way to have it all is for all of us to work half weeks!
Time spent with my mom and Henry. Henry's wearing a hat that I wore as a kid. My grandmother, Eloise, knit that and it was one that was itchy but kept me and my siblings warm when playing long hours out in the snow. Obviously, Henry has a big head if he is wearing a child's sized hat!
Henry tried avocado for the first time. He didn't really appreciate it much.
Joe had the week off, so he met me for lunch several times. Shown above is my plate of tastiness from Taj Mahal, a local indian place that has a fabulous lunch buffet. I love the creamed spinach with cheese.
After one of our lunches, we went to 'S Wonderful, a place that I would describe as upscale upcycle. Super cool stuff, and while I seriously considered buying those doors for our foyer as an early 35th birthday present to myself, they were way too big. And pricey. But they are oh so wonderful.
I hope you had a great first week of 2013!
Those are wonderful doors!! A balance in one's life? Just when you believe things will even out, life occurs! But, I do think you are starting to reach the point where you can look forward to "date night with Joe" again and some time with friend also.
Henry is getting so cute! I love those eyes --they're just like James'.
Posted by: Leslie Fehr | January 04, 2013 at 04:47 PM
You're so right about balance, Leslie! Maybe I'm just learning to be more... selfish? I think that's one word for it. Or perhaps just learning that my kids would rather spend 4 hours with Grandma or a great sitter, rather than a 60th hour with me.
And I think Mama is a lot happier when she takes some time for herself.
Posted by: Allison | January 04, 2013 at 05:02 PM
I wouldn't call it "selfish" - it's more of "mental health" time. If Mom is worn to a frazzle - everyone suffers. Learning how to carve out personal time is something that many don't learn for a long time. But, it is essential for your own well-being.
I used to take advantage of the Mom's Morning Out sessions that a local church would offer. Good supervision and snacks and other kiddos to play with - and I would read or sew or knit or get my hair cut - even take myself to a tea house for a treat for myself.
Lately, I've been tell my coworkers I need to cut back to 3 hours a week with a super huge raise or my quality of life will suffer LOL I think I'm finally approaching retirement.
Posted by: Leslie Fehr | January 04, 2013 at 09:52 PM
Being retired, almost all of my time is "me" time. And I love every minute of it. There is balance, however, with family which gives me my love connection.
Enjoy when you share pics and remarks about your young life. Makes me smile remembering those days in my own life and embracing my own memories.
Posted by: Susan Hill | January 05, 2013 at 11:28 AM
Zingerman's! Good choice of bib!
Posted by: Nancy Butler | January 06, 2013 at 01:14 PM
Mmmmmmm, we have an Indian restaurant near us that has a buffet. I love it because I can eat all the samosas I want! And lamb curry and aloo gobi (potatoes & cauliflower on a reddish spicy sauce - Yum). It's been rated by restaurant reviewers as the best Indian restaurant in the Chicago area. Henry is getting so big so fast! Those doors are gorgeous but moving them might be a monumental undertaking also.
Posted by: Donna | January 06, 2013 at 05:11 PM