Split Frame

 
I try to capture a picture with G everyday, but the ones taken on Monday mornings are the most important to me. Those are the mornings when the weekly routine feels so heavy, when I spend half of my commute talking to an empty carseat before realizing he's already been dropped-off at daycare, the days I spend most of my time with my cell phone in my lap, scrolling through photos and looking for a pick-me-up. I try not to dwell on it or wallow in some bratty entitlement issue that makes me sour about having to do what the rest of the world does everyday - go to work to support their families. But most of the time, I feel that even if I had fifty hours in a day to spend with my son, it still wouldn't be enough. I'm thankful that we have stable careers that provide food and shelter and security for him, things he'll hopefully never have to question.

It's still tough some days.

On those tough days I rely a lot on the blurry (and often, unfortunately, rushed) photos I snap with my cell phone right before I scoot out the door. Today is one of those days. Cell phone in lap or back pocket, I'm feeling thankful to be where I am while also feeling thankful that there's somewhere else I'd rather be. I suppose that while it's not a physical possibility, my heart can be in two places at once.

Home Roast

There was a hint of chill in the air today so Joe bought a pack of quick-starter logs and we sparked a makeshift fire in the fireplace. We need to get our hands on some real firewood one of these days.

I love that we have a fireplace in this apartment. Sitting in front of the fire until my back reddens helps to make up for the chapping cold that will be here in a few weeks. Although all four of the seasons are about the same length of time in Maryland, Autumn always seems so short and Winter so long.

I put a roaster chicken in the oven, then played with G in front of the fire while Joe made mashed potatoes and gravy to finish things off. He makes the creamiest mashed potatoes and I always request he make a double-batch so I can feast on leftovers for the next few days. G was eating them by the fistful. He's a very independent eater these days and it's a nice benefit that the three of us can eat the same meal together at the same time. Now if only we could find a way to add another day or three to these beautiful obligation-free weekends...

Rollin'

Late last week, G woke up with a little cold tucked inside his pocket. He had an intermittent moist cough, a sniffle or two, but no sign of the full-blown winter colds that trudged through his immune system last year. We've had a great many illnesses that have hitched a ride home from the daycare petri dish and they unfortunately hit the little one the worst of all. When this cold plateaued at the runny nose stage, I figured we were in the clear.
Alas, it must have been my turn to test drive the worst of the symptoms. I'm happy with that outcome as long as G and Joe avoid the aches, burning eyes, sore throat, and ringing ears I've had all week, but I have been grumpy and miserable and generally hell to live with. I've cussed at the poor cat more times than I'd like to admit and have fallen into the unfortunate habit of comparing gripes with an insistent retort of, "At least you're not SICK like ME!" I finally broke down and heeded the advice of a very tired husband and took a dose of NyQuil last night. Despite a solid and much-needed sleep, I still feel like my insides are made of rubber and my head is floating somewhere in the rafters. I almost T-boned someone in the parking lot this morning because my head space is crowded with fluff. The weekend can't come soon enough.


I just hope I looked as cool as I felt while toting this stylish roll of Charmin around the office today. My coworkers must be so envious.