She’s Here!

Time: // 9:03 a.m., Sunday morning

The scene: // I’m sitting at my desk, holding my newest arrival. Ms. Gwendolyn a.k.a. Gigi was born a few days after my last post. After 19 hours of labor, she was in my arms. The past week and a half has been surreal. I feel like I’m in a dream and keep wanting to pinch myself, it’s so good. The kids love Gigi and fight over who gets to hold up. I’m so blessed.

Feeling: // pretty good though my daughter insists on being up throughout the night.

Currently reading: // I haven’t been able to read since giving birth, but I plan on trying to again. Two weeks ago, I started reading Our Kids: The American Dream in Crisis by Robert D. Putnam. It’s about how the American Dream has become harder for young people to acquire and why that is. Putnam writes about the economy our grandparents and parents were born and thrived in compared to the present economy. He also discusses how familial makeup, the way we parent our children, education, and community play a huge role in whether or not people are able to have the opportunities needed to fulfill their dreams. A lot of what Putnam writes about is not new, but it does remind people why things are the way they are.

Thank you for: // all the well wishes on Instagram and Facebook. It’s easier to post pictures than it is to write a full blog post.

Now: // I’m keeping this short but sweet since Gigi is asleep.

What have you been up to?

Sunday Salon

 

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Time: // 8:08 a.m.

The scene: // sitting at my desk, waiting for the donuts to finish rising. I have about 45 minutes left before I can start frying them. Most of the kids are asleep and I’m enjoying the silence.

Listening to: // Melody Gardot’s album, My One and Only Thrill. It’s jazz and her voice is so beautiful. Take a listen:

This week: // Bout of Books was a fail. Well, not really. I did manage to finish and review, The Strange and Beautiful Sorrows of Ava Lavender by Leslye Walton. I’ve started reading Mambo in Chinatown by Jean Kwok. I’m really enjoying it and will try to finish it today.

Grateful for: // the fact that I start work tomorrow. It’s a warehouse job through a temp agency but it’s a start. I was looking for a job that I can work late afternoons or nights so I can still homeschool during the day and be around the kids. I’m glad I found one with compatible hours.

Appreciating: // my extended family. My cousin recently passed and Friday was his funeral. There was so many people there and we laughed and cried over my cousin’s antics. He was one of the most giving and friendly people you could ever meet. Going to his funeral was sad but it didn’t end that way. I was so happy to see my family and will keep in touch.

Writing down: // my summer bucket list. I saw a post on How Sweet It Is and within minutes came up with a ton of things for me and the kids to do this summer, which includes making watermelon gazpacho. Have you ever made a summer bucket list?

Now I’m off to: // fry some donuts.

What are you doing today?