getting in...

sadly, this little blog of mine has been put on the back-burner. ever since I went back to work I've felt spread too thin. I started subbing at a local preschool while simultaneously opening an Instagram shop (@shoplittlemouse - come find me!) so any spare time I've had I've solely focused on my family. blogging just didn't fit in this past month or two.

however, my hours at the school are slowing down and I'll be home with Norah more so we're not going anywhere just yet.

the one positive outcome of this busy period is that my downtime was not spent on the computer or my phone. It's been much easier to separate work time from play time because I've been forced to. When I was home full time it was too easy to go on my phone or sit at my desk, in the room with Norah but not really there. Now it's much easier to put those things aside and spend quality, hands-on time with my family.

we even have some evenings like this:

though i've been exhausted, i'm grateful. not only for the fact that i HAVE a job (or two!) but that it's helped me to start managing my time better. when i can set aside certain periods of time for work, blogging, IG shop work, etc. it is more likely that i can say yes to norah every time she asks me to play, or color, or sing, or get in the bath tub with her... 

tonight when norah said "mommy take a bath too?" i hopped right in, no questions asked. i wasn't too busy on my phone, my mind wasn't anywhere else, i just got right in. she gave me a bubble beard and i styled her hair. we splashed back and forth (tidal waves!) and i showed her how to blow bubbles in the water. we stayed in well past her bedtime, fingers and toes pruned and both of us ice cold. but you know what? she had a huge smile on her face the entire time. 

and so did I.

we're back at work/school tomorrow, but i look forward to what evening will bring.