Love Big.

Nine days into August, and slowing down is being good to my family.

We are taking time to do the small things.

Kate wrote a sentence that rocked me to my core and inspired my slow down:

You don’t have to pick up your baby every time he cries,

you don’t have to give your toddler a cookie every time he asks for one,

but you can acknowledge how they feel.

I realized, that amidst the rush of getting things done, not only was I not acknowledging Behr's feelings, but there were times I wasn't even recognizing them.

The hardest part of the day for us is arriving home after a long, hot, sweaty commute. Behr is cranky, I am cranky, and often already feel behind on dinner preparations. Behr and I yell at each other as we strip out of our nasty clothes. Often we both cry.

This past week, we have been coming home, rushing to the air conditioning vent, collapsing, and cuddling in front of the cool air. I resist the urge start dinner. Once we both regain our composure, and normal body temperature before moving on to the next task. We are taking time to calm down together. In these moments, I have seen Behr receive my love, and I have received his. He has grabed my face between his hands and delivered a wet sloppy kiss. Instead of screaming we embrace. He is still my baby, and he still needs me, just as much as I need him.  In these five or six minutes after we walk in the door, we are now sharing love.

As August continues, we will be keeping the wise words of Mother Teresa in our hearts.

Perhaps they will help you too.