Confessions of a stay-at-home mom...

I don't have much to report on this week. Sometimes I have a great adventure to tell you about. Other times, a successful recipe, garden feat, or milestone reached by one of the kids. Then, there are times, like today, when things are very ho-hum and monotonous. I suppose it's good to keep it real, wouldn't want you to think that every day is a New England fairytale around here. The reality is- I'm the mother of two and married to a resident- I would hope that you'd know better anyhow! Both of these can be extremely challenging.

We are in for a busy month. Adam is working in the SICU (surgical intensive care unit) and that is kind of like walking around with a dark cloud over your head; the storm is inevitable. He is working nights this week, which makes life hard on all of us. He doesn't get any sleep and the patients he is in charge of are extremely volatile. By the time he gets home, he is exhausted and mentally drained. He is sleeping up in the loft during the days so I don't have to worry about keeping Gavin and Olivia quiet. Fortunately, he only has six shifts like that this month. But, he has a lot of call nights and will be pushing 80 hours each week- it's kind of a drag all around. We are having the struggle that many couples face when one parent is staying home with the kids and one is working. He is ready to zone out when he is home, and I am ready to chat and be stimulated by something other than Dora the Explorer. It's frustrating. By the time we have dinner, play with the kids, get them to bed- there is just not much time left. I might need to sign up for a class or something, otherwise, I might lose my mind. I love being with Gavin and Olivia during the day and feel really lucky that I have this time. But, there is something missing. Maybe it'll be better once the weather cools off and I can get back into the kitchen. I haven't been cooking much during this never-ending heat wave. Life is always much better when there is good food involved! Of course, it will also help when Miss Olivia starts to have a more predictable schedule! This too shall pass... 

I'm ready for fall. It's my favorite season, especially since living in New York. The weather report says we have another day in the 90s and then it will start cooling off. Gavin and I worked out in the garden this morning. We pulled the cucumber plants that had died off and took care of some weeds. I have some more weeding to do and will then plant some more lettuce, greens, and carrots. While I enjoy gardening, I am ready for the season to wind down. I am excited for some fall hiking. Adam's dad is visiting later this month and we hope to take him somewhere fun. We are also planning an October vacation, either to Cape Cod or to Philadelphia and DC. Isn't it fun that we have both as options? These travels and day trips really help keep my spirit high. It's nice to have things to look forward to and offset the days where I'm feeling ho-hum and too much in my head. And, with that, it's time to get Gavin down for his nap and get this messy house cleaned up.