When C and I first dated over ten years ago, we joked about getting married and one day having a baby girl named Violet.
That was all innocent flirting then, but now all of it has actually come to pass. Except that the baby is gone, and I have a toddler instead!
Where did the baby go?!
It all goes as fast as they said it would. First came her first word (“ball”), then she was standing, then turning one, then walking, now running and quite the chatterbox!
She’s obsessed with Moana (like, it’s a problem), and loves Elmo, music, and playing outside. Her favorite word is currently “WOW” (said really, really loudly), and she’ll say it anytime something is surprising.
The first six months were no joke, but it was so worth it & I really love our life now. I eased back into work when she was 7 months and gradually worked my way back up to 35ish hours. I have a new boss who has been so completely understanding of our journey with Violet, and unbelievably supportive. I don’t think I would have stayed back at work if not for him.
She unfortunately is still not the greatest sleeper.
But she is ours and our world has been so irrevocably changed by her.
Now that she’s a little older, I’m excited to get back to myself a tiny bit, which means working out, showering regularly, and most importantly, showing up here more.
The fact that you guys have continued to comment and reach out even during a very long absence is beyond touching! Don’t worry, I haven’t abandoned you.
Hope to see you on the other side of a nap,
Jen
small life, slow life 
Jen,
I’m so glad to see that you’re doing well and enjoying the adventures of motherhood. What’s even more amazing to hear is that you’re ready to give yourself some of the love you’ve given to your family now that things have settled down. You deserve all the love and kindness in the world and I am excited for what’s to come!
I’m so happy to see you back! 🙂 you’re my inspiration. I wish you so much goodness and love ❤️
A
I think one of the posts that really is waiting to happen is the ambivalence. “What happens once you let go ?”
It is so awesome to see that little face filled with joy and wonder! She’s so beautiful.
I’m glad to hear that there may be more posts coming. I do still check back here fairly often, either to see if there’s anything new or to re-read old messages. And there’s even content I haven’t yet read. Although a broken heart led me here, I come because of a deep desire to lead a rich, small, slow, fulfilling life. Recently, I found myself feeling a little more anxious and discontent, so I’ve been seeking ways to calm myself and get back to the sense of gratitude, presence, and joy that I found when I pushed through my heartbreak. (You were right about how precious that time was!)
Anyhow, thank you for all that you have already given through your writing!