MAY: The Start of Summer

May always reminds me that I DO love summer, especially now that I have kids. The garden is waking up, the sun kissed skin and sweaty hair gets a daily bath, the attitudes are dwindling as the last of the cold weather fades away. Warmer evenings call for us to eat dinner outside and play until we're too tired. Nana and Pop Pop's pool opens up, which is always a sign that summer is just about here. We have LOVED May so far.

My last post in April shed a little light on how hard that month was. Our family was struggling, so we decided a mini trip away would be a good reset for all of us. Sometimes it's good to change things up and add a little flare to the mundane parts of life. It's good to get away and have a change of scenery. So we took a one-night trip to Chicago. We visited the Brookfield Zoo, stayed in a hotel (easily, the most exciting part of the trip), and then spent the next day at the Morton Arboretum.

Our consensus was this zoo was a lot of walking for not so many animals. But we did get to see some big animals like lions, polar bears, and giraffes. We even got to see a dolphin show, which had Isla enthralled. We were a little overwhelmed with the amount of field trips full of rowdy, wild children. But after they all left and we mostly had the place to ourselves (because it had started to rain), we had a blast. I told Michael I think our kids were more interested in learning about the animals than any school-kid I saw there. They wanted us to read the signs to them and tell them cool facts about the animals. Isla loved the Okapis because they are called the "unicorn of Africa" and Ewan liked the giraffe and his long neck.

From there, we went to dinner at a restaurant called The Junction where our food was delivered by train! Our train-loving Bubba was thrilled. The restaurant also had toy trains, arcade games, and a big chalkboard wall so parents could eat dinner while kids played. There should definitely be more restaurants with the same kind of concept.

We joked that next time we want to take a vacation, we'll just get a hotel somewhere. The kids love "ho-tails" (as Ewan calls it), especially this one with the see-through elevator and hot tub.

The next day, we went to the Morton Arboretum, which is a 1,700 acre tree-focused botanical garden and research center. And as boring as that sounds, I have to say it was probably one of the coolest places I have ever been! It was a beautiful and peaceful nature preserve on steroids. There were tons of trails, lakes, and hiking with really cool natural sculptures. It would take days to hike through the whole thing. But the best part was a 4 acre "children's garden". There were hedge mazes, vegetable and flower gardens, waterfalls and rocks to climb, natural living art pieces, natural playgrounds, frog and fish ponds, wooden climbing structures, and so much more! The kids and I are scheming up a way to get our co-op to go just so we can do it all again!!

I have come to terms with the fact we will never be like my friend whose 5 year old has been to 44 countries in his life or my cousin who takes a 19 hour road trip like its nothing. Our family does not travel well; however, these mini-trips are PERFECT for us. The kids handle a quick getaway really well and even Michael enjoys his time (mostly) :) Maybe someday we'll take longer trips, but for right now this is great. I'm so thankful for Michael's secure job that can fund these trips and that he is able to get away for a mid-week vacation. AND we are all happier and sweeter because of it ;)

In other news, our garden is in full swing! As of this week, I have officially put everything in until I start my fall crops. This feels like it's going to be a good year in the garden. I have strategically planned everything for multiple rotations and companion planting, I have a new system in place to cut back on the weeds, I'm not pregnant or exhausted with a newborn, and I have the best little helpers I could ask for... I'm feeling hopeful!!

I personally think everyone should have a garden, even if it's just a couple plants. There is something so good about caring for something beyond yourself, working with the earth and nature, and reaping the rewards of your hard work. Science even backs up my opinion, claiming that gardening reduces stress, boosts your mood, regulates your immune system, and is meditative. For children it can encourage responsibility, create healthy eating habits, and teach them about the science and life cycle of plants. Learning where our food comes from and how we can contribute to our dinner table are important lessons. It doesn't matter if you only grow 2 tomatoes or your pepper plants dry up... it's the process that matters. I want my kids to be a part of something bigger than themselves and gardening does that!

Besides that, my kids are more likely to eat brussel sprouts and cucumbers when they've taken the time to grow it than if it comes from the grocery store. That's enough of a reason for me.

And while we are gardening, we are making sure we are getting as many hours outside as possible. And while we're outside, we are usually barefoot and full of dirt. Being barefoot reduces stress and inflammation and can even improve sleep! The practice of grounding, especially in children, is so profound. We don't squeeze our feet into shoes at this house if we don't have to. We encourage barefeet and dirty play. I learned a long time ago that kids are completely washable. I'd rather them build their immunity in the dirt and finish their day in the tub than miss out on the sensory experience or regulation of dirty play and barefeet.

Another exciting outdoor activity has been SWIMMING. When Nana and Pop Pop open the pool, it's the start of summer in our house. Even in 60 degree water, the kids are sure to be in the pool. We've really bred little fish I think.

Another special day in May is Mother's Day. Michael and the kids always do a great job of making me feel so special on Mother's Day. It is not lost on me that I was once told that I might never have my own babies and now I have the privilege of being called "mom" by three babies! I love my job and I can't imagine anything better than being their mama.

The following week, my whole idea of motherhood and the life we enjoy was put into perspective when I found a lump in my breast. That resulted in a mammogram, ultrasound, and ultimately a biopsy. After a few nerve-racking days where I anxiously waited the results, I found out it was an adenosis, which is a rare mass of enlarged lobules that looks very much like cancer (but is not)! I am so thankful it is not breast cancer and that I get to keep on being a mommy. But it did remind Michael and I that life is short, unpredictable, and fragile. All we can do is love our people now and live life to the fullest because the rest is out of our control.

(here's the picture I sent to my dear friends who checked on me- it's me icing my biopsy spot)

In other news, co-op has been a little slow this month. People have been busy or having babies and the weather has cancelled a few things, so we haven't done a whole lot. We did have a chance to meet at the park to dissect some owl pellets. Isla and I have done this before so we knew what to expect, but it was fun to do it with friends.