Week Twenty-Four: Stay at Home Mom for the Summer

I've always had anxiety. But after having O I feel like it has become more of a presence in my life. It's not super overwhelming, it doesn't usually get in the way of living life, it's just...there.

When I started thinking about staying home full time this summer break my anxiety shifted into overdrive. I've been so nervous about it. Nervous about spending all day every day with my kid. Then upset for being a bad mom because I shouldn't be nervous about that. Then getting sad that I can't stay home full time year round with him. Then getting upset that I'm so nervous for a few weeks, I'd never be able to handle staying at home full time even if it were an option! 

Do you see this spiral of crazy that happens in a matter of moments? That's what my anxiety feels like. Thinking about nonsense, but on crack. 

Anyhow, summer was coming, ready or not, and I needed some sort of plan to help curb my crazy brain. 

I decided a schedule would be the best way to help give O and I some structure this summer. As I started pondering what it should look like I turned to my BFF Pinterest. Did you know people have already come up with colorful little posters with a clever little summer schedule for families?!  I'm ever so happy for the inspiration. 

There were a couple schedules that looked fun, and I already had a couple ideas, so here is the mashed together version of a summer schedule that we are going to try to stick to this summer! 

*Disclaimer: I've already given myself permission to skip it some days or to switch up days to fit the weather or plans with friends. I'm not crazy enough to think I will stick to this 100%*

Make it Monday 

-crafting 

-cooking

-art projects

-sand castles

-memories {nice and vague}

Trooper Tuesday

-running errands

-grocery shopping

-cleaning the house

-marching around the neighborhood {playgrounds and just going on walks}

Waterworks Wednesday

-water table

-water park

-beach

-making Popsicles 

-water area at the children's museum

Thinking thespian Thursday

-dress up

-play kitchen

-play tool bench

-library trips

Fresh and Friendly Friday

-play dates 

-fresh ideas to try/see/make/experience 

-farmers market 

BOOM. 

In all honesty, I've already skipped Monday this week because I sent Owen to daycare so I could get some cleaning done at work and at home. And Tuesday-- since I didn't finish cleaning on Monday. {We were already contracted to pay for Monday and Tuesday at daycare, so why not send him so he can play while I'm productive, right?}

Wish us luck!

-H