Summer 2024 Reflection

Happy Monday! As you're reading this, I'm likely getting ready to head into my first work week of the 2024-2025 school year. 

Last summer, I closed out the summer with a little Maternity Leave Reflection and found it was a great way for me to share some highlights and some photos from my summer last year. So, this year, I'm doing the same. 😊

Every single summer I think, "wow, that went by really quickly." But thinking back to the start of the summer with t-ball games and Jack's birthday party feels like forever ago. This summer was restful, productive, and fun all at the same time. 

This summer, Sammy and Jack really developed a sweet little friendship. They seek each other out in the house and are happiest when they are near each other. Many people warned me about sibling rivalry, and I haven't seen a ton of that...yet. 😉 Sammy sometimes gets frustrated if Jack "wrecks" something he is building, but it quickly turns into a smile. 

My favorite time of day with them was after breakfast. We'd all still be in our PJs, I'd make myself an iced coffee, and we'd head to the basement (the designated playroom at our house) to play before really getting our day started. The boys would play, sometimes together, sometimes independently, and I could sip my coffee. When I think about this summer, I'm going to remember our slow mornings the most. 

Sammy had two camps this summer that he really enjoyed. It was the first time, besides preschool and childcare, that he had really been away from me during the day for a "camp," and it was great for him! He did Farm Camp at Living History Farm, and VBS at our church. It was a great way for him to grow and try new things this summer. 

Jack grew this summer...quite literally. 😉 With Jack's FPIES diagnosis, we work closely with a dietitian who guides us in introducing new foods to his diet. We added beef, chicken, sweet potato, white potato, green bean, green peas, tomato, bell peppers, carrots, black beans, watermelon, white nectarines, dairy (YAY!), turkey, cauliflower, corn, and probably some more that I'm forgetting to his diet. Over the last month, he grew an inch and gained a pound which is quite possibly the biggest accomplishment of our summer. His diet is becoming more varied and we've been able to relax a bit, knowing that he is growing and getting what he needs nutritionally. 

Dustin and I completed a couple of organizational projects around the house this summer as well. We (he) organized the garage and the holiday storage closet, every bedroom has been deep cleaned, and the freezer is stocked with a few freezer meals to make life easier as we transition to busier days. 

We went to the pool, we went to the zoo, and we went on so.many.walks. Dustin and I have some of our best chats while Jack rides in the stroller and Sammy rides his scooter. 

I'm having so many feelings about Sammy entering Kindergarten and me beginning my 11th (11th!!) year of teaching. We've been anticipating Kindergarten for almost an entire calendar year. There have been many uncertainties about where he'd attend school, which has caused a tremendous amount of stress for my family. Sammy is ready. It's time for this change to occur, and while I'm nervous, I know good things are in store. I am praying his school year sparks a love of learning, and brings special friendships into his life. I know my family will adjust to this new normal, and we'll find a routine that works and feels good for us. I just need to be patient with myself as we find it. 😉 

And guess what? The start of the school year is the unofficial start to fall in my book. You'll be able to find me making pumpkin bread this weekend. 😊

Summer 2024, we loved you. We're ready for the excitement of Kindergarten, and praying for goodness ahead. XX