Mommy Spa Day

Our weeks have been passing by in a blur, but this past Saturday, I had the opportunity to slow down for a bit. My mom, my sister, and I spent the day at the Grandover Resort & Spa as a special Mother's Day gift to each other. This is the third year in a row that we have had a 'spa day.' It's a tradition that started with my first Mother's Day when I was pregnant with Emmy. That year, we went to the Rock Barn Spa in Conover, NC, and the past two years we have gone to Grandover in Greensboro. It isn't too far, but it gives the feeling of a getaway. We enjoyed all the services of the spa: the fitness center, sauna, pool, and showers. After our massages, we headed out to the pool, and after a whole week of cloudy and crummy weather, the sun broke through the clouds, and we had almost 3 hours of uninterrupted pool time. The time went by too quickly of course. It's not often that we spend time just the three of us, and it is so special when we get to. Of course the nice robes, peaceful pool, and fruity drinks are a plus, too!

After getting back from Greensboro, it was a quick turnaround before leaving the house again. The Forbush women's soccer team played in the 4th round of the 2A State Playoffs on Saturday evening, and Boomer, Emmy, and I went to cheer them on against Salisbury High School. The game was at 6PM. We knew it would go past Emmy's bedtime, but we decided to risk it since she had had a pretty good nap that afternoon. She was content in her stroller for most of the first half, but then she became antsy during the second half. I tried to let her get some energy out by playing in the grass behind the stadium, but she kept moving back to the stadium. She was only interested in climbing up and down [and up and down and up and down and upanddownandupanddown] the concrete steps. Towards the end of the game, we moved back to our seats. She was most happy when she was sitting with Daddy or when we were giving her a constant supply of Cheerios. 

On Sunday, Boomer spent a couple of hours working on his dissertation. He estimates that he is about halfway through in terms of total pages, with another good chunk from his doctoral proposal that he has not yet incorporated. Neither of us like that the writing means more time apart, but we know that the end is in sight. I am so proud of him for continuing to chug along! While he is writing, I try not to bother him, except to send encouraging texts and cute photos of his girls. 

This week has been much lighter in terms of Boomer's evening schedule. Sadly, on Saturday, the Lady Falcons lost 1-0, bringing the official end of spring sports. With no athletic events, we enjoyed an evening at home together last night, and we hope to have several more over the next few days. Unfortunately for Mommy it means actually cooking dinner! :D  I feel like I am finally finding a routine of working out, picking up Emmy, fitting in dinner, walking around the neighborhood, and then getting ready for bed. It's practically taken the entire school year, but alas, here we are! Yesterday, when I picked up Emmy from daycare, I captured her sitting all by herself in the little baby pool that they use for toys. Her teachers say that she is "very independent" and "can occupy herself", and this photo confirms that. It's what we often see at home too when she plays independently. She rarely needs an adult or another child to keep her entertained. I love seeing her become engrossed in stacking blocks or arranging different items. I just had to laugh though, our little loner hanging out solo in the baby pool! Soon after this picture, she raced to the door to meet me and then pointed out her hair bow and her sippy cup, all the things we gather before we leave. Just like Mommy, it seems Emmy too has adjusted to the routine. 

When once mornings and evenings were stressful and frantic, now I find myself enjoying the time and loving the routines we have developed. If there are any new moms out there reading this, hang in there! I hope you feel encouraged to know that a 'new normal' will come, and you will love it! Now, my last sight in the morning is Emmy following her Daddy out to the car. And the evenings, we even manage to fit in visits to the library, dinners out, and Little League games with Emmy's cousins. 

Following Daddy to the car - such a big girl!