Bite Size

OH My August..

How could you not love August ? Still 31 days to savor to soak in all of summers gifts.

In my house.. we forgot about August until we find ourselves arriving to month 9 without our favorite thing -structure. 

Yup for Ally- schedule and structure remain the top priority. But to a young woman who had worked so hard all year and even gone to school during summer -what's wrong with a little break? 

We like to say it's a lighter schedule.. 

THE August schedule. 

My girl and I take in bits and pieces 

Bite size. 

Let's just say we kind of stay on that toddler type schedule. 

You know -from bouncy seat to exersaucer to play gym to stroller type schedule?? 

One thing is for sure. I am Ally's guide and a teacher of sorts .. but I am her mother first. And she wants to be "mommy-ed.. 

She can only withstand so many teacher type situations that involve tasks.. she wants Mom to take her for car rides, out to eat, 

beach it, swimming, make her lunch -and give her hugs and scratches .. (Ally likes to have her hands scratched for sensory reasons)

Leave the behavior stuff for the teachers and she will provide and cooperate!! 

We must do our schedule in bits. 

We take breaks. We need breaks. 

In fact everyone needs a break. 

We call it relax station. 

It's when I can do a ten minute meditation and a quick form of exercise... 

Or sit with iced t -and read the mail

And maybe close my eyes for a sec. 

But I need to make sure -that when Ally breaks -I break. 

Just as when baby sleeps-Mommy sleeps. 

Otherwise there is no self care. As I teach Ally how to regulate herself.. keep a quiet body while shopping, using an indoor voice, and all daily living skills...I also need to stay on top of my own energy.. 

I can't give it all away in one day. I conserve -because in motherhood giving is round the clock .. 

Let's face it Mommy's we as one person cannot do it all in one day. 

Each day we begin. Taking care of our own health, physically and mindfully is the Essential top priority. 

And ... if we hang around and the pickings are slim that day -we let things go, we stay in our summer heart, where we lay low, savor sunny days, stop at farm stands, grab fresh flowers and fruit, take long walks and ...trust...

there's always tomorrow... 

AND then... 

of course September😜... 

xo stay Radiant