It's the Little Things

Last week when I linked up with Sarah Marie, I talked about some things that made my girls happy.  And of course, when my girls are happy, I'm happy too.  But this week, let's talk about all the just-for-Mama "little things" that have made me happy.

Thing #1: A shower

(photo source)

Most of you moms out there know that it takes a lot of effort to get a shower when you're a mom.  On the days when I'm working, I try to make showering a priority, but on the other days when I'm usually only seeing a preschool teacher or two and my husband, I find I just don't make the time for it.  Sure, I could get up before the kids.  But my humble opinion is that a nursing mother with a baby less than 1 year old in the house should NOT be expected to get up before her kids are awake.  If by some miracle your less-than-1-year-old sleeps well, then you should be catching up on all the sleep you missed when the baby wasn't sleeping.  And yes, I could take a shower at night after the kids go to bed.  My problem doing this is that I want to spend the maximum possible amount of time with my husband.  He's gone all day and I miss him.  And since our kids are in bed between 7:30 and 8, and my eyes start to close around 9, that only leaves us about 90 minutes per day of uninterrupted husband-wifely time.  I don't really want to use that time taking a shower.

And so most days, I just end up being greasy and grimy.  Borderline offensive, really.

Sorry to be gross, but those are the facts, my friends.

But yesterday, I just couldn't stand it any more.  Right in the middle of the day, I put C down for a nap, put on a movie for the older girls, and got in the shower.  The shower itself was a bit hurried and stressful as I worried about whether the girls were okay, but nevertheless, for the rest of the day I just felt so... clean.  It's amazing how much you can appreciate feeling clean when you feel pretty dirty on a regular basis.

Thing #2: The Middle Sister

A friend of mine, Missy, recently introduced me to this:

This week, I bought a bottle and enjoyed a glass each night during husband-wifely time.  I always think of my L as I drink it-- being sort of a middle sister myself (except my younger siblings are brothers) she and I have that sort of kinship going on.  I've been loving Call the Midwife and watching episodes of that (or Downton Abbey) online while snuggling up next to the hubby and having my nightly glass.  Pretty much the perfect combination!

Thing #3: Girly Night

I'm going over to Missy's house tonight for sesame chicken, roasted vegetables, perhaps more Middle Sister, and most importantly-- girly chat.  She's such a good friend.  I can't wait!

I've had a lot of time with good friends this week, actually.  It really helps.

Thing #4: Coffee

As the temperatures outside have dropped, I've been craving warm drinks.  This week I've been brewing myself a second round of coffee in the afternoon, just after I get the girls down for naps.  I think of my Grammie-- she was notorious for brewing coffee mid-afternoon (she called it "coffee break") and serving everyone a freshly baked cookie or coffee cake to go with it.  Even though I don't have Grammie's delicious baked goods to accompany my coffee, I am beginning to understand a bit of why her house was always spotless.  I've been buzzing around with all of my caffeinated energy, getting lots done this week.

And in celebration of the season, I've taken to using our fall leaf mug, which changes from this

to this

when filled with a hot beverage.  Cool huh?

I always tell the girls when I'm about to fill it, and they always drop whatever they're doing and come running to watch the colors change.

And speaking of colors, that brings me to

Thing #5: Fall Colors

I'm guessing we're at peak foliage around these parts.

These autumns in New England are what make the grueling winters worth it (not that I really mind the winter so much, really).  So lovely!

Thing #6: Blogging

I really enjoy writing about things here.  It's kind of a treat for me, actually.  So thanks to the (perhaps?) two or three of you who enjoy reading my ramblings.  :)

May your week be full of little enjoyable treats, too!