A few months ago, my friend Christie wrote a post called “These are the Days Of,” inspired by the book Simply Tuesday by Emily Freeman. I’ve since been following Emily’s blog and am just finishing her book.

I’ve noticed that I’m constantly looking ahead to things in the future. From the day to day activities being done, to events that are weeks away and upcoming trips. The upside to this is that I can and do plan well, the downside is that it can and often does leave me feeling distracted and not able to be present to what’s in front of me. As a mom, I also find myself thinking, “if only we can get ourselves to such and such stage, things will be so much easier!” But, I’m not in “that stage” and I want to grow in embracing the here and now.

Since reading Christie’s post, I’ll find myself stopping from time to time when I feel like I’m looking too far ahead, and I’ve been making a mental list of my own “these are the days of…” Here’s what the list looks like now.

These Are the Days of:

New routines of school drop-offs every weekday

Being woken multiple times a night, every night. To nurse, soothe, change wet undies.

Toys and dirty footprints everywhere

Sweet friendships growing between my kids, it’s beautiful to watch

Time being very scarce to do anything beyond love my kids and husband, feed them, and return the house to a tidier state at the end of the day.

Saying no to lots of things and yes only to the most important.

Needing to scale back on my garden, it’s too big for what I can handle.

Plans being made and aborted due to meltdowns.

Baby toes, children’s laughter, and snuggles. The best.

Lots of reliance on Pat’s parents who live close-by, I don’t know what we would do without them.

Having lists of new recipes I want to try but only being able to cook the simple, old-faithful ones.

Loads of silliness and getting to enjoy my kids’ wild imaginations.

Lots and lots of children’s books.

Poop. Tons of poop that I am responsible for cleaning.

Getting used to Pat traveling more for work.

Loving to see how much Gianna enjoys school, it’s fascinating to watch her grow and learn. She is wonderful.

Lots of new in my faith-life, learning different ways to pray and walk with God.

Harder questions from my kids, ones that I don’t always know how to answer.

Stashes of dark chocolate in the pantry that I treat myself to throughout the day.

So much joy. Deep, good, wonderful joy.