I completely envisioned the summer to play out differently than it has. I imagined daily splash pad adventures and trips to the aquarium and hours upon hours spent at the park. I dreamt of long days filled with watermelon, trips to the beach, and lots of books read.
Doesn’t that sound so incredibly amazing?
Yeah. That’s not exactly how our summer played out.
Although we have done pretty much each of those things listed above (except the aquarium!), we had a pretty low key summer over here. And by low key, I really mean low key.
I was worried that the summer would be forgettable as I didn’t have ticket stubs or a gazillion photos of GBB eating watermelon or jars full of shells and rocks collected from the multiple beaches we frequented. We didn’t have massive adventures crossed off our summer bucket list. I didn’t want this summer to be forgettable! Time is going lightning fast and I often wonder if I am creating enough memories with my family and if our memories will make a lasting impression.
But how silly of me to think this.
How silly of me to even entertain the idea that the summer would be forgettable.
How silly of me to even carry mama guilt (the worst kind of guilt!) that I was not showing George how fun of a mama I am + how incredible the city we live in is.
SO SILLY.
The summer is almost over and we are in the month of September (how did this happen so fast?!) + fall is fast approaching (I’m pretty excited!). Reflecting on the last three months, we’ve done a lot. We’ve done a lot of the little things (which are really the big things in life).
We’ve enjoyed one another’s company. Learned from each other. And cuddled and giggled and played and tried new foods; George enjoyed his first pancake + if you’re following me on snapchat (@holbowman), you probably saw that he loved it (my son through and through!).
This summer, George turned ONE, he popped his seventh and eighth teeth, he started to walk, he has become so chatty + hilarious, started to enjoy the car seat (halle-freakin-llujah!), decided he loves blueberries + strawberries, giggles constantly, naps solo and sleeps in his big boy bed, has experienced camping in a tent, has started to say “BALL” and “VROOM”. George spent a full day with daddy while I styled a wedding and we’ve been slowly getting into the work-from-home groove. George also had his first babysitter experience with his Auntie Ali + it was a tremendous success (more on this later!). We’ve played with GBB’s new water table and drove his mini dino coupe all over our yard (and to the farmers market down the street!). We went to the park and George tried ice cream (loved it, obvs). We had playdates with our close friends and grilled out most nights and we planted flowers + weeded the garden. George discovered where his belly button is and has become so incredibly curious. He is our little explorer dude. Our little family took a road trip + experienced some hilarious parenting firsts (you can read all about it here)!
I’ve decided I’m totally okay with taking it easy and spending my days nice and chill. I’m working on living life as simply as I can + learning to enjoy the journey. This is hard for me, you guys, and I know I’m not the only one. We live in such a fast-paced world where the focus is on the outcome + instant gratification. I’m learning to step back from that. I am learning to appreciate what is right in front of me + the adventure that is my life. And work hard, play hard, and dream big.
You know what keeps me on track? And what keeps reminding me of how precious + fun this life is? Especially when I’m feeling down, overwhelmed, confused, or just plain crazy?!
This guy:
Yep. You can’t help but be as present as possible with children; they are full of life and joy and happiness. And big toothy grins + spit bubbles and deep belly giggles and cheerios everywhere.
Nothing else matters at the end of the day.
The summer was really wonderful, really memorable, and really fun. One I will never forget.
And now we’re officially into fall! Give me alllll the pumpkins + pumpkin ale! Oh, and Hocus Pocus on repeat (although I don’t start this until October 1st!).
XO