I had the idea of doing 52 projects in 52 weeks at the end of last year. I planned to start with the new year. And while I didn't actually blog about my projects I did get a few of them done. And I planned to blog about them. But then I had a baby. I kept the dream alive for a few weeks, but then being the mom of a toddler and newborn finally caught up with me and I had to do what may have been the hardest project yet - I had to accept that I needed to just let it go. It was harder than I would have thought to accept this. I have always thought of myself as a person who can say no. But I guess that applies more to saying no to other people than it does to saying no to myself. Anyway, after feeling guilty for a few weeks about not being able to accomplish everything I wanted I gave myself permission to let it go and just learn how to be the parent to two kids (which I learned is a completely different thing than being the parent of one child).
So I let it go. And it actually really felt great. I am sad to day that I didn't sit down to my sewing machine a single time on my maternity leave. When I was on leave after having my son I sewed like crazy. But alas, as I already mentioned, having two children is a lot different than having one - especially when one is a newborn and one is a toddler. While I didn't sew, I did survive. And to be honest there were a lot of times I wasn't sure I would! But eventually I learned to do more than just survive. We took long walks and we went to story time at the library. We spent a lot of time reading books and snuggling. I spent a lot of time on the floor playing with my boy. I found a way to actually take a nap or two with my sweet new baby girl. And there were a few moments when I was able to just admire her. As a working mom I was very appreciative of the time I had to spend with my kids and I made a conscious effort to not wish the time away in those hectic moments. As I held my son on my lap, or picked him up after his nap, or played cars on the floor with him I would think, "This. This is what I was so much wanting to do all those days I was at work." And I would savor the moment.
Now, I am back to work. Sigh. Big, long, tired sigh. The first week back I cried all the tears. Now we are settling in to our new routine. And I am getting back into the swing of things. And, I think I am ready to tackle some projects. I have a whole list of ideas! (While I was too busy to actually complete projects I did have enough time to dream big and make a list for the future.) So here I go. One project a week. I am excited to get some things done.
So I let it go. And it actually really felt great. I am sad to day that I didn't sit down to my sewing machine a single time on my maternity leave. When I was on leave after having my son I sewed like crazy. But alas, as I already mentioned, having two children is a lot different than having one - especially when one is a newborn and one is a toddler. While I didn't sew, I did survive. And to be honest there were a lot of times I wasn't sure I would! But eventually I learned to do more than just survive. We took long walks and we went to story time at the library. We spent a lot of time reading books and snuggling. I spent a lot of time on the floor playing with my boy. I found a way to actually take a nap or two with my sweet new baby girl. And there were a few moments when I was able to just admire her. As a working mom I was very appreciative of the time I had to spend with my kids and I made a conscious effort to not wish the time away in those hectic moments. As I held my son on my lap, or picked him up after his nap, or played cars on the floor with him I would think, "This. This is what I was so much wanting to do all those days I was at work." And I would savor the moment.
Now, I am back to work. Sigh. Big, long, tired sigh. The first week back I cried all the tears. Now we are settling in to our new routine. And I am getting back into the swing of things. And, I think I am ready to tackle some projects. I have a whole list of ideas! (While I was too busy to actually complete projects I did have enough time to dream big and make a list for the future.) So here I go. One project a week. I am excited to get some things done.
