Even though I proclaimed Monday a new day, I still felt like I was being pulled in a million little pieces. Around 2:30pm every day, as I think about leaving work, I start to make myself so anxious about all that there is to do that I end up sick to my stomach.
I had evening plans with my friend Rachel to catch up over a smoothie at Caribou, but I quick text her to call it off. I.just.had.too.much.to.do. She wouldn't let me and for that, I'm extremely grateful. Clearing an hour to spend with Rachel basically threw off all of my plans to manically accomplish my goals for the evening and instead, after my girl chat, I came home and enjoyed my time with my family.
And then, yesterday, a day that I thought I would do more photo work, I again, chose family.
So, while I came back to work today to find the checklist I'd prepared for my 36 hours off the corporate clock and was unable to check off more than a few, it was so well worth it.
The best part is, I think it's immediately visible in the photos I took of my boys.
Ever since Isaac got his John Deere gator last fall, he has been asking when he'll be able to take Ezra on a ride. We always said "When he get's bigger." Apparently Isaac took it upon himself to decide that Ezra turning one meant that he was big enough, as he helped Ezra onto the gator and then while I was on the phone with my Mom, with his eyes on me the whole time, I believe just waiting for the "Stop Isaac, no!" he backed the gator up. I was undecided how I felt about it, but felt certain Ezra couldn't fall out, so I told Isaac that he had to put the gator in the slow gear. Without arguing one peep, Isaac slowed the gator and went off on a tour of the backyard. About midway through, Isaac took it upon himself to place his arm across the side like this. It made me tear up, as I wasn't even cautioning that Isaac had to be careful. He just determined that he wanted his brother to be safe [that or he wanted to make sure Ezra couldn't get away from him . . . ;)]
They toured the yard a couple more times and it was awesome to watch Isaac point things out to Ezra and just share with him the whole time.
Tony was downstairs working, but I had to call him up to see, because all of the hopes we had of having sons, who really loved each other as brothers seemed to be embodied in Isaac's realization of giving Ezra a gator ride.
Later that evening, with my carefree attitude, I decided to grab Ezra and take him out for some sunset shots. Little buddy was having a blast until he suddenly grew very tired! It was a less than 5 minute ride home and he fell asleep!

Always dream big sweet boy.
We're here to support you both through anything!