I've only been back in the working world for a week and already, I've figured out one thing...I don't get to see the kids as much as I'd like to. I can't even describe to you how weird it is to go from spending nearly 24/7 with them over the past 2 1/2 years to seeing them for about 30 minutes every morning and a couple of hours every night with them on the weekdays. Sure, SweetPea absolutely loves kindergarten...being with her best friend and learning a ton of new things and Lil Buddy...well, he's at least enjoying playtime outside. I suspect he's enjoying more than that, but he is still adjusting...but I digress. No matter how you cut it, we're spending a lot less time together. It's for this very reason that I'm learning that we need to make the most of our time together, especially on the weekends.
This past weekend, we made an effort to get out of the house and spend some quality time together. On Saturday, we grabbed the kids' bikes and took them out to "the big park" where Lil Buddy got to swing to his heart's content and SweetPea got to ride her bike. We fed the geese...and the leigons of pidgeons...and the nutria. When we were all worn out and sweaty, we cruised into McDonalds so the kids could have their favorite meal...chicken, apples and apple juice...and the cool Strawberry Shortcake toy of the week. On Sunday, we hung out at the indoor play area at the Mall and then browsed around Barnes and Noble when we were done playing. Oh sure, we didn't do anything exciting. In fact, we didn't really do anything we wouldn't have done any other weekend before I went back to work, but this time...this time it felt different. I felt like I needed to grab a hold of every little simple moment and relish it.
A day into week two and I'm trying really hard each night to make the most out of my interactions with both kids. Sure, there are things going undone (and uncleaned, might I add) so that we can find those extra minutes here and there to spend with them. Hopefully in the end it all pays off.
Aw, definitely sounds like you are making the time count!! Wow, what a transition!!
ReplyDeleteI think in the end it is the quality of time our kids remember not the quantity. It sounds like you are so totally aware and organised and I am so happy for you got thru your first week. I can only image how hard it is for you but Aly, I think you are doing an amazing job.
ReplyDeleteHave a great evening, T. :)
It's rough when you have to be away from them. I remember my mom worked full time when I was younger but to be honest I don't remember the time she was away, all I remember is the time we spent together. It's the little things, you know? sounds like you're doing an awesome job : )
ReplyDelete