Monday, Tuesday, Happy Days

I've heard many different takes on motherhood that are very different from one another. It appears that it is a different experience for everyone. As I approached having Jack, I was nervous. Moms know everything, and I certainly didn't. Also, I felt way to selfish to be a mom. Anyway, the fateful day came, and although I don't feel changed like I thought I would, I have to admit that I'm different. I still love everything that I loved before (Brian, Atticus, hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing, reading, singing, rec. management, teaching, etc...), only now there is something else I love: Jack. That's not what really changed everything though...I think it was being responsible for him.

Anyway, it's put things in perspective a little, and I strangely find myself more capable. "Like superwoman", as Rosa put it. I feel strong; like I can do things I couldn't/wouldn't have done in the past. I also don't worry about my body like I used to. Sure, having a kid did not-so-attractive things to my body, but I guess I'm more focused now on being healthy so that I can be there for him. I also find myself handling stress like never before. I thought having a kid would be more stressful; not less, but I can organize my time better now. Maybe part of that is because of the perspective change. For example, I was way more worried about grades before Jack. Frankly, now I don't care so much about my grades. My family is my first priority. That's how it is so far for me anyway. I'm just, well, happy.

I  haven't posted my snapshots in some time. I use a bigger camera, so I can't just upload to instagram or anything, so here are my favorites from Fall:

Here are some from Christmas:

And of course, I couldn't help but include Jack in some of them:

I haven't been diligent about taking snapshots daily, but here are few since Christmas:

Isn't she a beautiful cat? I think some cats start cute (what kitten isn't cute?...except maybe hairless cats. Those aren't so cute), and then lose their beauty as adult cats. Not Maggie. She is stunning.

Anyway, I may be jinxing myself by saying this, but I feel like life is falling together. Coming back to Ithaca, starting my Masters, Brian starting his job, and Jack...life is good.