a snapshot of us at the end of 2012
Though vastly different from each other, seasons change subtly, so quietly that you barely notice until you look up and see bare trees or snow covering the ground.
Last January, my husband had just started a new job. I was a freshman biology teacher, explaining genetics and bioethics to 150 students. I was pregnant and napping most afternoons. I felt eager to raise my own child, instead of others’ children. We had what seems like a million date nights, but all we could do was wonder about our baby and the impending delivery.
And I look up – and we are in a drastically different season. Zach is still working at the same place, but his coworkers feel a little more like a family. His busy season starts now, but it won’t be interrupted by a tiny newborn. And even without all the date nights, I love him for how he steadily guided our family through a somewhat tumultuous year.
I spend my days with our little one, watching her grow and develop. Sometimes the quiet gets to me, but mostly I savor it. I am thankful to be home with her and go on adventures together. I know more teaching will come as she gets older, so we soak in the comfort of being close. There is a little celebration each night when Zach gets home, and we do bath time and books and put Evelyn to bed. By 7:00, we have time to cozy with each other.
Last year, I feared deep down that I would never feel like “myself” again. To my surprise, the pounds came off, and my emotions reached an equilibrium. Once Evie and I made it through the survival-newborn mode, I started to feel creative energy returning. So I spend time writing and building community and reading books and growing. So - quickly before it changes - this season is really, really sweet.
I've had so many of the same feelings. 10 months in with our second, and I too, finally, happily, think it's sweet. :)
ReplyDeleteLove the haircut!! :)
And lastly - your reference to busy season has me wondering ... you must have married an accountant (audit? tax?)
Yes - tax accountant ... I'll be writing about busy season later this month, because it makes life a little crazy!
DeleteI actually didn't get a haircut - I had it in a ponytail that day and you just can't see it. But it kind of makes me feel like (maybe) I could pull off a pixie cut someday :)
Oh you could totally pull it off! You have the right face shape for it! :)
DeleteI can sympathize with busy season! We're both accountants over here (although I'm now 'retired' and like my SAHM gig a whole lot better. :) ) Good luck with the craziness! Hire a sitter to give yourself a little time if you need to!
you all make such a beautiful family. i really like how you describe the changing of seasons in your first sentence. it truly feels like that!
ReplyDeleteoh - thanks sweet Leah! I still have to pinch myself sometimes when I remember that we are a family of three now :)
DeleteWhat a wonderful way to embrace your current season. And can I confess I had no idea your hair was short these days since your profile pic has it long?
ReplyDeleteMine is above my shoulders, but I now realize all of my side bar/about me pictures have it longer than that too.
My hair was just pulled back that day :) I didn't realize how much it looks like a pixie cut until the comments started rolling in!! It is hard to keep avatars up-to-date, though.
DeleteYou have a beautiful family Lindsey...I try to always appreciate the ebb and flow of events in each season. I think it's wonderful to look back and see where you've been, where you are, and possibly where you're going.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree Brooke. I have never been good at keeping a diary-journal, but I love blogging for that purpose of seeing how God is moving your family.
DeleteSo I just found you through the tell your story link up and I am so glad I stopped by... I am a freshmen biology teacher myself and I just had my first little girl, Millicent Ruth, she is 3 months and I go back to work in 2 weeks. I am dreading going back and I pray every day (several times a day) that God will soon bless me with the ability to stay home. Unfortunately my husband just recently lost his job, but he is working on starting his own law practice and finding some part time work. I know that God answers prayers but I also know his answer is sometimes No. I still pray faithfully though. In 2 weeks I go back to being a day time high school teacher, teaching photosynthesis, genetics and evolution while a friend watches my baby girl and my husband struggles to start a law firm. It isn't the best season to be in, but God helps us grow in each season and I will do my best to trust in him right now... I am adding you to my bloglovin feed and excited to follow along some more.
ReplyDeleteOh, Allison. Praying for you and your family. I'm not sure that desire to stay home ever goes away, but I do know that I miss my students, the rhythms of the school year, and the fulfillment I got from each class of students I taught. I hope that this season of three months when you were home with your little Millicent (LOVE her name) was a sweet bonding time. I think there can be joy and peace from God in knowing that you are doing what is necessary for your family, even if it can't be staying home with your girl.
DeleteI had one friend who went back to work give me some good advice - if she does anything NEW (sitting up, waving, "mama") during the day while she is in daycare, don't let them tell you. Then when she does it with you it will feel like the first time.
And I'll join with you praying for your husband's career and that God will make a way to give you the desire of your heart.
LOVE your hair and yes, i had so many of these feelings when i was a new stay at home mom of a baby (also a former teacher!). it does change quickly though and you will start having lots of noise to fill your days :). thanks for linking up this week, friend!
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