This week has been a great week! It has been a while since I had one of those at home. Somewhat surprising considering the number of work and other commitments I had and then again, not that surprising as we just returned from vacation. I was trying to put my finger on what I was doing differently to make this week flow better. I finally stopped that exercise realizing “who the hell knows?” I mean there are times I am on top of my game and the kids still fall apart. And so rather than over-analyze it, I am just going to enjoy it.

I am definitely a way better Mama with sleep – I just feel better, I am more fun, and just have more energy for life. Today Tyler wanted to play Monopoly (preschooler rules here). Usually I would say “no” or brush it off. Today I made it a priority. And it was a really nice time. I sat down, we connected.

Of course after the game, they naturally went totally crazy while I tried to talk to my Mom on the phone. But I am remembering to surf the moments, and so I try to effect a shift in their energy, but I don’t lose it. And so they shift, and then you get this:

..and there they are, swinging easy and letting the day pass them by.

And naturally twenty minutes later they were both naked in the backyard playing with the water hose. I am learning to love these waves and not run from them, but rather ride them. Each one brings a surprise – what crazy play will they come up with, what body part will be the butt of jokes today (pun totally intended), what nook will they find to catch their breath, what will the quiet moment be.

I see how it is easy to feel like one big party pooper as a Mom. Always having to shut down the fun. And while yes, sometimes that has to happen, these days I am starting to join it a lot more often. And you know, I am having a lot more fun!