back in france
pronounced fraah-nce
We’ve been back in France for almost a week now and wow, has it felt necessary to have that time to get our heads put on straight. There is no description other than arduous to describe traveling across the ocean with two small children. Luckily all our flights were efficient and prompt and we had our sweet Teresa waiting to meet us at home to help unload luggage and passed out children.
After what feels like many middle of the night wakeups and feedings, a few fevers/temper tantrums resulting in mid morning naps and a 10am wakeup, we seem to all have our stomachs in order and forcing ourselves into a normal routine this Monday morning. We’re elated to be reunited with our french community, but I’d say I’m in a bit of family withdrawal from my mom and sister and nieces and nephews.
It’s not just the physical proximity, it’s also just the ability to call someone at any time of the day and they’re awake, available and living on the same circadian rhythms. Seven hours can feel like a big difference!
It always takes a bit of time for us all(me) to settle in, but I’m trying to ride the waves of the feelings without wishing them away. I did dramatically tell someone the other day that I have no plans for the rest of my life. Namely because we have no flights or big travels planned for the foreseeable future.
Alas, I digress.
We’ve returned to signs of spring here. Blossoming trees and sunny days. There’s still quite a breeze in the shade and we’re tucked in for a few rainy days ahead. The unrelentless heat of summer isn’t quite upon us yet, but I’m definitely having a bit of a hard time walking outside in the appropriate attire after visual guess combined with an analysis of the numerical temperature.
I need to switch my wardrobe out to make space for spring attire, maybe not full on summer? But bulky coats and sweaters seem to be consuming a lot of space in my closet. The kids are also in entirely different sizes than six weeks ago, so a proper cleanout is absolutely needed. But I’m still trying to get through the mountains of laundry first.
Creatively, I’m craving a new project. I’m thinking a quilt or something that will age well and be used by us all. I’m so looking forward to afternoon lunch spent outside on a picnic blanket with little Remy. I so fondly remember this season with Charlotte two years ago.
asking for a friend
We’re in need of a double stroller system that would work in tight elevator and doorways around town. I think I’ve come to terms with the fact that we’ll never again be a one stroller family. Depending on the situation, the way we get around town will constantly be changing. Especially since we’re rarely in our car. Anyways, I’m wanting something tandem-style that can hold both kids, and also be used with only one seat at a time if necessary. Any recommendations will be greatly appreciated.
little adjustments
Six weeks really took me out of my french headspace. Maybe it’s the arrival of tourist season and hearing various languages on the street, or perhaps we can blame it on jetlag. I walked in to pick up a sandwich the other day and after one mumbled sentence in French that the waiter deemed incoherent, I switched to full blown American volume English, “I have a sandwich to pick up”.
Perhaps Houston is the humid capitol of the south, and for some reason I’ve never noticed it so much, but it is so dry here compared to the 80% humidity I got used to. My legs feel pale and chalky and my towels feel crunchy. I started using fabric softener at a friends recommendation and have been obsessively putting hand lotion on all day. The adjustment is random, but notable enough for my little rant.
I don’t know if it’s the passing of time in a different place, a looming thirtieth birthday or watching our kids and friends’ kids grow, but something that really struck me this trip was the fragility of time and the brevity of each season with little ones. Watching some of my friends’ kids play and swim independently as 6 and 7 year olds always felt so far away. But it’s starting to feel not so far away all the sudden.
The newborn days can feel endless when you’re in them to be quite honest. But Charlotte is definitely starting to turn a corner with the ability to play with toys on her own and entertain herself.
and a photo journal
Until next time! xxf
I’ve recently taken up quilting and it has been so nice!