Someone recently commented on one of my posts, "I hope life has you in the sweet spot," I've been thinking a lot about that phrase ever since.
The first couple months with two under two were overwhelming. It was literally impossible to do everything we were expected to do and I felt like I was failing at the things that were most important to me. I wouldn't use the words sweet spot to describe that phase, survival is more of the word that comes to mind. Then, (somehow) it felt like life gave us a bit of a breather and we found a rhythm. We lowered a lot of expectations (hallelujah for formula), started to acknowledge that parenting two kids was going to take more selflessness than what comes naturally to either of us, started to be more diligent about routine things that simply have to get done, and started taking better care of ourselves. Ok, I know none of that sounds glamorous. It's really not. We do a lot of the same every day and sometimes it feels boring, unappreciated, and without impact. A book that we are going through with friends (Dream Big, Think Small by Jeff Manion) really challenged our perspective on what this season means for us, "Much of faithful living involves bringing ourselves to non-spectacular tasks again and again. It’s the power of showing up. Of listening. Of hearing. Of loving consistently. Act swiftly. Time flies. Opportunity evaporates. Make sure you don't miss this. Take the time to do the little things, day after day, week after week, year after year." We hear so often from older parents and grandparents, "These are the best years of your life. You're going to miss this." I think they are absolutely right. These are some of the best years. Life has us in the sweet spot. Sure there are days where we struggle balancing working full time, nurturing our marriage, and raising two strong kids two and under, but God has provided for us immensely over the past two years. Our prayers of moving back to Grand Rapid were answered. We both have jobs we can honestly say we like. Our kids, they are awesome and bring us so much joy. Nick is hilarious, brave, stubborn, smart, and protective. Jade is sweet, content, smiley, snuggly, and joyful. Austin is selfless, patient, loyal, and quirky. We have strong support from parents, siblings, friends, and childcare. God has answered big prayers and has shown us grace throughout times that didn't feel very sweet. I'm so thankful for this spot in life. I know I will miss it one day when my kids don't think I'm cool anymore, when I don't always have a baby to snuggle, and so much more. Parents the work you are doing right now, the dinner, bath, bed, one million diapers routine, it matters.
1 Comment
Michelle Holzgen
1/30/2018 06:19:59 pm
I think you are going to cherish looking back at all of these entries. I think it perfectly reflects the very moment your family is in and I can see your kiddos reading back on these one day. You write beautifully and I love reading your posts. Of at least two kids older than yours...this time goes SO fast. The day the boys were born is so vivid to me I swear it was yesterday- but indeed they are 8.5. WELP! I finally came to realize that there is no easy stage... you just trade one problem in for another. 🤪
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
Author
Hi! I'm Haley. Archives
May 2019
Categories |