Happy Birthday, Gracie!

One year ago we got the final decision that Gracie was, in fact, coming earlier than planned.
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The due date of December 21st became November 30th and since then, things have really never been the same.
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In a good way, of course.
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I catch myself saying that she's the slowdown we needed. Not that we were running all over the place all the time, but we go about things a bit more intentionally.
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Partially because we have to and partially because we want to.
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With Sean traveling each week, we can get caught up in packing everything into the 2 1/2 days he's home. This year has been a little different. We've actually had weekends where we didn't have anything planned. We didn't have to be somewhere someone wanted us to be.
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While we love having things on the calendar, it was really nice to have some blank spots. To have a slow day without feeling guilty for it.
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Much like our businesses we always have things we could do. But dangit some whitespace is so good for the soul, isn't it?
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I've personally had to learn a lot this year. How to navigate two kids, truly listen to Ellie's stories while also keeping Gracie out of the toilet, ask for more help, improve my systems, and be okay with sending my newsletter a day late (and typing them one-handed so she gets a good nap in).
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To surrender to what I feel needs to be done and to unlearn a whole lot of old stories that loop through my head.
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It's wild what a little one can do.
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Some days are just magic and I feel like I can conquer the world. Aaaaand some days are so frustrating that I want to throw in the towel (mom + biz life). In those times I remind myself that it's not forever. The deadline I set for things can usually be adjusted. And tough moments don't mean the whole was ruined.
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One. ONE!
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Dangit that felt so fast.
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Here's to growing kiddos and growing parents.
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And cake. Because there will be cake 🎂
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Thanks for reading today's journal entry :)
Amanda