On being a family.

I’ve been coming to terms with being a family of three for awhile. (O is almost one.) It took me awhile to come around to the idea that he’s not going anywhere. Don’t get me wrong, I love the little stinker. But I am quick to say I am not an instant mom. (A mom who seems to have a switch and knows how to be a mom from day zero.)  I wish I could be, but I’m not built that way.  So it took me a bit of time to (1) realize and (2) embrace the facts.

There are SO many other factors that go into this. But regardless I wanted to send a message out there to moms to say it’s OK to ease into family life. There can be lots of joy and laughter as you figure things out and move a bit slower than everything else around you.

What about you? Did you jump in and not look back? Or are you a one-foot-in-at-a-time kind of person too?

Photo taken by Dad. This is Owen’s introduction to falafel. (He loves it.)

Family. And a tribute to dad.

Families are so quirky, aren’t they? No two families are alike, and it’s just plain silly to think they are. Here’s my unsolicited advice for the day: Love the ones your with. I’ve admittedly spent some years thinking that, “If my family would just do X; then I’d be Y.” Y being happy, normal, enjoyable, or a million other things. Have you heard of this before? It’s called the “if, then” syndrome. And it’s really not a fun thing at all to put others or yourself through.

It took me awhile, as an adult, to grow into my family. Weird statement, I know. But it’s necessary as adults to step back and see family in light of who we are and who they are. It’s way too easy to keep chugging along with the rhythms and patterns we all had growing up. My parents are amazing people. They’ve kept this family at the center of all they do, and they are absolutely endless with their love and dedication to their children. The ways that we have recently and continue to come together is both heart-warming and encouraging.

Today is my dad’s birthday, and I wanted to post a small tribute to him. I want to thank you, dad, for loving your family the way you do. You are a strong, compassionate, caretaker. You are a provider and a comforter. I am so happy to walk this earth with you, and I very much look forward to seeing what lies ahead.

Has your family experienced a transformation over the years? I’d love to hear your story.

PS Awkward family photos.

 

Family walls.

Do you have a family wall in your house? First off, I’m noticing that these are really quite hard to curate well. But I’m thinking of trying to pull it off going up our stairs from our first to second floor. I see it as an opportunity to tell part of our family story. And to indirectly state our values. And to show off odd family talents – you know, like cross stitch. (Because quite honestly, where else do you put items such as these?)  I’ve seen a few interesting walls, but I must admit, I think I’ll need to find some additional inspiration from within.

via Apartment Therapy.

via Apartment Therapy.

via Pinterest.

via Pinterest.

Would you mix and match frames. Or keep it neat and tidy? (I’m a mixer, for sure.) If you have any ideas, I’d love to hear them! Or better yet, send pictures!