Hi friends. I have been enjoying all the Finn time since I scooped him up last Wednesday from his long weekend with his dad. It was so wonderful to have an extended weekend with him at home and we made the most of it!
I don’t talk a lot about co-parenting on my blog/social media but I shared last night on Instagram that while I try to make the most of the freedom that “free” weekends offer, I am never (ever) not missing Finn. It’s not a great as it looks from the outside. I had an especially hard time last weekend in Park City on July Fourth seeing all of the families together. I was so grateful to be celebrating the Fourth in such a beautiful place with someone I cared about but there was an ache of longing that never left me.
That said, here are some scenes from the last week/weekend!
The Groovy Groomer came to get the pups all cleaned up! I am so happy that I’ve finally found a mobile groomer and that she does such a great job with Zoey and Benji. I was delighted to hear that Elizabeth (who just started her mobile grooming business after many years at PetsMart) had a full book through September much in thanks to referrals from my blog. YAY women supporting women!
But can we discuss Benji’s tail? Elizabeth texted me that his tail was a bit matted and she’d need to do a lion tail but that it would be cute. I definitely don’t hate it but note to self to be more vigilant about brushing! Haha. Love this boy so much and owe y’all a big update for his second birthday in a couple of weeks. 🙂
I got the whole crew out for a rare evening walk on Friday and it was the best, especially given that we’d been trapped inside all afternoon because of a thunderstorm. We walked three miles, Finn was happy to ride and it felt like old times. Note where he sat for the last half mile.
This weekend I got sucked into the vortex that is Manifest on Netflix. It’s an NBC show that apparently isn’t getting renewed after three seasons but is HIGHLY addictive. Here is a synopsis from IMDB.
“When Montego Air Flight 828 landed safely after a turbulent but routine flight, the crew and passengers were relieved. But in the span of those few hours, the world had aged five years – and their friends, families and colleagues, after mourning their loss, had given up hope and moved on. Now, faced with the impossible, they’re all given a second chance. But as their new realities become clear, a deeper mystery unfolds and some of the returned passengers soon realize they may be meant for something greater than they ever thought possible.”
I’m about six episodes in and recommend.
I literally kept my calendar clear on Saturday morning so that Finn and I could go to the Charlotte Regional Farmers Market to stock up on all the summer goodness. Tomatoes, peaches, squash, zucchini, eggs and much more deliciousness came home with us.
I squeezed in a quick afternoon run while Dorie’s daughter hung out with Finn. I had her come over so that I could finish a sponsored project that was due and ran before she left. Three miles was all I needed in 90 degree weather with 80% humidity. This was my only “workout” between last Thursday and tomorrow (Tuesday) with the exception of the walk on Friday.
We finished the day with a cupcake date and two evening hours at the pool. Two of his little friends from his first preschool class were there so it was a very fun time!
OMG…I tackled toy organization on Sunday morning and ugh. I don’t have a dedicated playroom or a lot of storage for toys. I don’t even feel like we have that many but they take up so much room. I made great progress and things feel more under control.
We didn’t leave the house until 3p when we took a trip to Whole Foods. Everyone needs to know that all ice cream products are 35% off through July 20 and if you’re a Prime member, they’re an extra 10% on top of that. We got four pints of ice cream and ice cream bars. Yum, yum!
We ended our Sunday with another evening pool outing. I’m so glad that I decided to join our neighborhood pool this summer and extra glad that I decided to do it back in February before the cascade of home repairs hit! We have both loved it!
Also, I LOVE these swim trunks that I got Finn for Easter. They come in so many fun patterns and are a great length.
It was back to work for me this Monday morning. I taught two classes this morning and then shot some content for an Instagram stories collaboration that I am doing this week. My day ended with taking Finn to swim lessons and then a quick trip to Target to grab some household things. Finn was in such a great mood and we had so much fun together.
My biggest PSA for you from our trip to Target is that our favorite granola, Purely Elizabeth, is ALWAYS crazy cheaper at Target compared to Whole Foods. I paid $6.99 for a bag of this at Whole Foods on Sunday and $4.39 today at Target.
This might seem a little random but I’m leaving you with the Instagram post that I screen shotted when I got home from Target tonight. I don’t think it was a mistake that it popped up when it did and Melissa’s words rang so true.
That’s all I have for you but it felt like just enough. Thanks for being here for all of it. I am never not grateful! 🙂
QUESTIONS
What’s your favorite summer farmers market purchase?
What is your child’s favorite “treat”?
What are your favorite summer kid activities when it’s super hot out?
I always appreciate how honest you are about life. I love so much about what you share. I love you take great pride in supporting and empowering other women and local businesses . I love that you share you’re parenting -honestly! You do a good job. I hope you know that.
That cupcake looks SO good!!!!
Thank you, Samantha! It’s important to me to write about the full spectrum of life and emotions. While I can’t be an open book on everything, I try my hardest to be as real as I can. Your comment means so much to me.
I’m divorced. I share 50/50 physical custody and it is HARD. 2 weeks w me, 2 weeks w dad. Nothing is perfect. I refused to put everyone through a horrendous court battle. But I know the judgement I receive. It’s so so hard. I miss my girls. You are not alone.
Sending you so much love Alicia. You are so strong. <3
We have our own garden this year so I haven’t had to go to the farmers market for produce but I always like to get honey from the market.
Orange Sherbet push-ups were always a favorite of mine. Gosh, it’s been awhile since I’ve had one that I might need to change that!
Taking the kids to the pool / water park/ splash pad is always fun for us. And if it’s too hot to be outside we like to go to an indoor arcade and library.
I just started Manifest season 3 (on Hulu) after getting sucked into in on Netflix. It’s not something I’d typically watch but it has me hooked.
That is so awesome that you have your own garden! Oh man, I forgot about those orange push pops. What a classic!
We are loving the pool this summer. I need to take finn to a water park. I bet he’d love it!
Finn’s Utah shirt ❤
My son is about to be 4 and our toy situation looks very similar. I think some things are getting tossed the next time he’s not paying attention! Lol
Isn’t his little shirt so sweet? Oh my gosh, clearing out the toys when they’re not around is the way to go!
I totally respect your privacy, however if you were to share more about handling time away from your child… I am facing a divorce while pregnant (with an older child as well) and would very much benefit from hearing your perspective. We are amicable (just in some truly divisive circumstances) and the prospect of missing half of my children’s lives is devastating. Any advice on how you cope (logistically, spiritually, emotionally, etc.!) would be so meaningful.
Hi Ella – I actually have a post planned on how to take care of yourself as a single parent when you don’t have your child. On a deeper level, I’m happy to connect via email if you want to drop me any email. I’m sorry you’re facing this. It’s difficult and I hate it for you.
I can only imagine how hard that must be. You are doing amazing!
Thank you so much Sarah! 🙂
50/50 is HARD. My son is with me 50% and even at 6 years old, I still miss him and hate how quiet the house is when he is not here. I dont think I will really ever get used to it…I just learn to acknowledge missing him and honor my feelings. He is my whole world. I would give anything to have him 100%- with that, he deserves time with his dad and he does have a great one!
My son’s favorite treat is ice cream. As far as snacks go, he always asks for Cheez Its.
My favorite farmers market purchase is always the sugar snap peas. They are so much more plump at the market than the grocery store!
I’m alicia above, same. 50-50 is HARD. But they adore their dad, and I don’t want to interfere w that!
I couldn’t agree with you more on all fronts RE: sharing. I also don’t think I’ll ever get used to it but I’m grateful that he gets to have a good relationship with his father! One of my friends just said to me, “It is ? ok to honor those hurts and hard things….it’s not complaining it’s being honest and truthful with yourself so it doesn’t negatively impact you and Finn.” Isn’t that so wonderful?
Finn is obsessed with Cheez-Its. Obsessed!