During this past week or so my life was a bit more chaotic than normal because Tim was out of town/the country.** I was trying not to mention it / wallow in it while he was actually gone, but now that he’s back I’m one happy lady! He arrived home yesterday evening and we went to bed at 8pm (when Clara went to sleep) and slept until 8am (not straight through, of course, but for the first time in a loooong time we truly slept when Clara slept). It was glorious. Taking care of Clara by myself was exhausting, to say the least. 

I’m so happy to have my best friend and second-half back, and Clara is thrilled to have both of her parents around. (Well, she can’t really tell me that, but I know it’s true.)

** Tim was volunteering in Angola, where he was working with start-up companies and teaching university students how to develop. I’m very proud of him and his generous heart. As a family we really value volunteering and serving others and I’m glad he was able to use his professional skills to positively impact so many people on the other side of the globe.

Tim was gone for the last 10 days and…

• My friends brought me food and wine and great company.
• Clara learned to pull herself (to standing) up on furniture.
• More than ever I realized the importance of community.
• I got anxious about things I usually don’t get anxious about.
• I ate a ton of take-out food.
• Time seemed to go by so quickly yet so slowly.
• It snowed and got super cold and I became just a bit jealous that Tim was enjoying 80%20 degree temperatures.
• Clara decided to completely forget how to sleep and I became totally frustrated at night and exhausted during the days.
• I was able to workout a bit but still missed the freedom of going to classes whenever I wanted to.
• Ozzie assumed the role of guardian and barked at absolutely everything, none of which posed an immediate threat to anyone.
• Clara and I eventually got into more of a routine.
• I volunteered for a few hours, which saved my sanity – Hooray for talking to other adults!
• I developed an even greater respect for single moms and moms whose husbands travel regularly and especially moms whose husbands are deployed.
• Tim and I weren’t able to talk much because the internet was so slow in Angola. The time difference didn’t help anything.
• Clara became increasingly more active and can’t sit still for longer than a few seconds. She loves climbing all over everything and around the apartment. It got tiring to keep up with her level of energy!
• I became more independent and productive than I have been in ages. I definitely feel more empowered as a mom now.
• I spent lots of time with family and friends – this was the silver lining of the entire thing, I would say.
• I didn’t realize how much I missed him until he walked through the door upon his return and my whole being was flooded with a sense of relief and happiness and overwhelming love.

Now I’m not letting this man o’ mine out of my sight (for at least today).

*Also, when Tim arrived back at home I was able to tell him about ‘important world events’. He said the dress was black and blue and I looked at him incredulously. Just when you think you know someone…