One week ago, we were on day 2 of our travel extravaganza/nightmare. We spent 2.5 days at the airport and 24 hours either on a plane or waiting for some kind of delayed plane/flight change. Charlotte was a trouper on the long haul, but by the end we had all reached our limit and delirious state, arriving back home in Nice close to midnight on Wednesday night.
Upon arrival, we pretty much spent up until today getting Charlotte back onto a non jetlagged schedule. We visited the local thrift store and my mom unearthed some tarnished silver and french linen sheets that needed a little tlc to brighten up and find new life.
Saturday, we went to Antibes and spent the afternoon wandering the old town, perusing their weekend brocante market, and sipping rose. Sunday, we had to rest and commit to keeping Charlotte asleep in her own bed during naptimes. Then Monday, we went to the antique market along Cours Saleya in Nice, had a lunch of moules frites, and did our last minute runs to the pharmacie, Zara and Mango.
This morning Charlotte and I bid a tearful goodbye to my mom, who we’ll be seeing in six weeks. Which by our standards is very short, but never makes it any easier. We’re back on our own in our big foreign country and Neilson will be home in a little less than a week. Not that we’re counting or anything.
spring cleaning
Since our return, summer is officially here so I’ve been boxing up the sweaters, coats and long sleeves to put in storage, replacing them with tanks and tees and linen shorts. Since we don’t have central ac in our apartment, and Europe in general is less ~air conditioned~, the minute I walk in the door, I take off my dress or pants and slip into linen shorts and a tank top.
I forget that coming back to Nice, I utilize an entirely different type of wardrobe than when I’m in Houston traipsing between 90º and heavily air conditioned cars/buildings. I stocked up on Jenni Kayne summer sweaters while I was in Houston, to the shock of my mom and sister, because carrying around a wool/cotton sweater in May in Texas is a mark of insanity. But as soon as we got back, I remembered the value in light jackets and a sweater over your shoulders. The temps are definitely rising here, but once it passes mid day, the same “temperature” can feel completely different without the sun shining from directly above.
growing babes
We also returned with a very active, mobile eight month old. Charlotte is army crawling at the speed of light and pretty much safe in no room anymore since she loves cords, sockets and anything leaning against the wall. I’ve had to clean out her closet as well, from wintery clothes she’s outgrown to summer bloomers and floral tops.
Pregnancy last summer marked the passing of time via the size of my belly and the little growing bean in there, but this summer that little bean is showing the passing of time in all the little clothes she’s outgrowing and new skills she’s gaining. It’s so magical to watch this bundle of joy grow in front of our eyes. But also bittersweet since time doesn’t stop when Neilson’s away at races, and he has had to witness most of her big milestones through the camera or on Facetime, as he sits on a bus on a winding road somewhere in Europe.
babies on social media
The more of our lives I put out into the public, the more I struggle with the idea of sharing intimate moments with Charlotte for all to see. I received a lengthy, slightly disheartening message about the dangers of putting your baby’s face on social media. And while I don’t want to live a life marked by fear, I also wholeheartedly admit how naive I am to the horrible things people do on the internet with children’s photos apparently(?!). I think this is a question we’ll be dealing with the entirety of our kids’ childhood and I’m not sure there is a “right” answer.
Living abroad, it feels like we need to share photos of Charlotte to our friends and family back home to feel connected. Like I owe it to them because we chose to live far away. Because otherwise how would they see her sweetness and how much she’s growing?! I had many of my mom’s friends back home request that the photos keep on coming. All that being said, since my account will remain public, I have taken some time to lengthen my close friends list on IG, to share personal moments with those who I know on a personal basis. But fear not her chubby legs will never escape your feed. Because really who can resist those.
I’m curious of other people’s thoughts/experiences since I always swore I would never be the person putting emojis over their child’s face in photos.
weekly faves
okay, on a lighter note! sharing some fave saves lately
lf jewels-how did I just discover this fun account
vintage silver baby cups and napkin rings
alabaster mini bird bath from the brocante market in Antibes
peony season
on #4 of this country club murder series-perfect pre bed reading
final note (!!)
I’ve been grappling with the idea of making my newsletter have a paywall for some time now. Mainly because of the time I put in every week during naps or into the late hours after Charlotte’s bedtime. I will keep the main newsletter free, but if you really enjoy reading, it’s $5/month…so the price of a coffee out with friends. I’m so grateful you’re all here and would not be sane without this space keeping my thoughts coherent enough to accomplish something once a week.
If you decide to join the paying audience, I’m going to include some fun extras here and there-city guides, traveling with kids, recipes, and shopping.
Even by just reading every week or sharing or commenting, please know that you are supporting an expat stay at home mom who loves pouring her heart out to strangers because that’s the way I find meaning and make sense of my own deepest inner workings. I’m so grateful you’re all here and can’t wait for more adventures ahead!
xxf
We bought the Aura digital frames for the grandparents and aunts/uncles back in the US and dump all the photos on there. The app is really easy to use to manage multiple frames. It helps us feel connected.