Becoming in the Busy: A Little Life Update from the Middle of It All

Sometimes I blink and wonder how we got here—how we went from late-night feedings and baby slings to kindergarten enrollment forms and vow renewal plans in the mountains.

Life feels loud and tender all at once these days.

Penelope will began kindergarten. She’s ready, truly. Me? I’m still wrapping my heart around the fact that the little one I used to nurse in the quietest corner of the house now zips around, full of ideas and independence.

Speaking of nursing—we’re weaned our last baby. The very last one. My body has been a safe place, a source of nourishment and comfort, for over a decade now. And I’m proud of that. But oh, the ache of this closing chapter. The quiet midnight snuggles, the soft pulls of sleepy hunger—it’s all starting to fade. In fact, she didn’t sleep through the night until after we stopped breastfeeding, 15-16 months. And that’s its own kind of heartbreak. Beautiful and brutal, as motherhood tends to be.

In the middle of all that softness, I’m starting something bold: Pilates. A few times a week, and eating cleaner foods. I’ve dreamt of this for years, but never quite had the courage or convenience. Now that two studios have opened nearby, I’m claiming this for myself. It feels like a tiny revolution to put my body back on my own calendar.

And because I like to do all the things at once (apparently), I’m started my master’s program a few weeks ago. It’s a dream I shelved for too long, buried under babies and doubt and busy days. But it’s time now. Even if I’m tired. Even if the timing isn’t perfect. It’s time to bet on myself.

So yes—it’s a busy season.

But it’s also beautiful.

And I’m learning that you can be overwhelmed and deeply grateful in the very same breath.

Xx