The loveliest thing about this time of waiting for baby (and waiting for baby in the summer) is that as the days keep going by, our schedules and commitments continue to decrease. Because of how I’m feeling these days, I’m canceling a lot of what was planned in exchange for time at home and the ability to take it slow, and I don’t hate it at all.

In spite of almost no schedule, today filled up plenty with work to-dos and a few other things that I was glad to be able to fit into Monday. There were some unexpected, wonderful parts of the day that made it seem just right to still be waiting, and my heart and mind have been peaceful over that in a way that feels restful and restorative. I’m so grateful.

There’s a summer storm brewing as I write and I Iove it. Soaking up bits of summertime and August are good for the soul. My contractions are less intense tonight, and I’ll embrace the break. Soon enough they’ll be consistent and strong, and baby will be making his or her way here. For now, his or her being tucked away means a little more time to snuggle our other kiddos, pile onto the couch to read a book to them, give everyone haircuts and talk with our eldest until it’s way past his bedtime. Dinners are simple these days (or maybe all days in summertime?), outings are few, and this time we all have together is offering sweet new memories and challenging moments in good measure.

As an aside: Yesterday I had all of the laundry done except for one item that ended up in the wash right after I’d turned on the machine. THAT is worth documenting here because it only happens on a very rare occasion (and did it even happen if no one was there to see it?) It was a small victory on a day when I needed all of the small victories I could claim.

Time and space. They are sweetly available as of late, but on their own terms. Today I’m feeling good about that and wanted to note it, because it’s always fleeting in the end. And now, bedtime. Sleep is also fleeting, and I’m going to soak up as much of it as I can!

MM