Let's not get stuck in the present

Easton turned four months old this past month and it has been around this time with both our babies that Ive started to feel the newborn fog fade away...For me personally and Zach and I as a couple. Newborns are easy, yet hard. They only need to sleep, eat, and be changed, but they need it OFTEN and when they need it they need it NOW. Demanding little things. Not to mention the lack of sleep....newborns can do a number on your life, that's for sure.  

But, our little guy is growing and changing and so are we as a family. 

I just realized that sounds a lot like the announcement of baby #3, but don't be too excited, its not :) 

What I mean is his schedule is a little more predictable and consistent. He doesn't wake as much during the night, and life has gotten back to a new normal for us. 

Working out consistently, eating healthier, and weekly or bi-weekly date nights fell by the wayside since Easton was born. But we're getting back to those things now and it feels SO GOOD.  

As these things integrate back into our lives, I'm reminded that the most important thing as a mom and spouse is to take care of yourself and take care of your marriage. 

Investing time into your health physically and emotionally and investing time and attention into your relationship with your spouse are HAVE to's in order to not just survive but thrive. These things are the most challenging, too, aren't they? They do not happen without a lot of intentionality and planning. Being physically fit takes a lot of work.  Being a stable and balanced person once you bring kids into this world takes a lot of work. Carving out alone time and time in our Word/with Jesus takes a lot of work. Getting quality alone time to have uninterrupted conversation and FUN with Zach takes a lot of work

Sometimes all of these things feel like an uphill battle because the two little people in our home don't quite understand the importance yet :) They aren't fans of us leaving for dates or being strapped in the stroller for a jog. 

But, someday they WILL benefit from it. Someday they WILL be thankful mommy and daddy took the time and money to invest in their marriage. Someday when they meet "the one" they will be grateful they know how to have a healthy relationship. Someday they WILL be thankful mommy and daddy forced them into the stroller because good self care habits will be engraved in them and they'll understand the importance of being healthy.  And the same for all of the other good things that are challenging with little ones around...

So, let's fight for the important things. Lets not get stuck in the present, let's think big picture so we can keep on keeping on and be the best we can be. For ourselves, for our kids, for the Lord.