Notes For Spring
Oh Spring, I am so glad you are here. I feel like I’m emerging out of baby hibernation. Just as the seasons are shifting, so too it feels are things at home. I noticed a huge shift in Emma between 6 and 7 months old. Emma 2.0 if you will. She’s more attentive, affectionate and silly. She can sit up on her own, eat solid food and, thank god, sleep longer. It feels like a new season of motherhood and I’m so here for it. I’m looking forward to spending more time outside, in the sunshine, under the cherry blossom trees.
Spring may be my favourite season. It’s the reward for getting through Winter, preceding Summer when plans get busy again. It feels like a big deep breath, releasing tension you didn’t realize you were holding all winter long. Aaahhhhh. The streets in our neighbourhood here in Vancouver are lined with cherry blossoms and magnolias right now. Sakura season is magical. Pink confetti sprinkles the sidewalks in celebration of a new season. Buds are just waiting to burst. The morning sunlight creeps its way in a little earlier. So do the sounds of birds. The doors and windows are open and instead of lighting a candle at 5pm, it’s 7pm, maybe 8pm.
I feel a renewed sense of energy and, yes, it most certainly has something to do with getting more sleep these days. But Spring’s welcome dose of vitamin D is surely contributing. Here are some things I’m currently enjoying or looking forward to right now:
Reading: Reading fiction before bed is almost sacred to me. It’s something I loved doing as a kid/teenager but lost the habit of doing in my 20’s. It’s something I’ve started doing again the last couple years (though not always consistently) and it’s the one time of day that I truly feel relaxed. Right now I’m reading First Lie Wins (an easy page turner) but I want to dive into Kristin Hannah’s books after. They’re really having a moment right now and I’m having fomo.
I usually have a non-fiction book going as well, but these are reserved for daytime reading which is few and far between these days. Right now I’m slowly making my way through The Postnatal Depletion Cure. I have lots of thoughts on this and may have to write a separate post on it.
Watching: Just finished The White Lotus S3, duh. And nervously awaiting The Last of Us S2 this weekend lol. Not exactly lighthearted Spring vibes but balance, right? Also watching Your Friends and Neighbours.
Listening: New Bon Iver just dropped and it might just be the perfect backdrop for the season. I listened to For Emma, Forever Ago the night in the hospital I gave birth to Emma and so his voice feels extra special now. Cue the tears.
Buying: I’m trying to limit my spending these days (re: maternity leave, economic uncertainty) but alas there are still some things on my list and sometimes you just need to treat yourself. I’m restocking my favourite setting spray during the Sephora sale. I just switched out our ugly kitchen cabinet hardware for something a little more pleasing to the eye. I picked up this hyaluronic acid from The Den in Tofino, which feels like such a treat. I’m not planning on buying much clothing this Spring and Summer but I would really like a pair of white denim jeans. It’s been a while since I’ve had a pair and it’s time.
Creating: I’m going to write a separate blog post about this. I have been feeling creatively suppressed and I’m in dire need of making something with my hands. I just signed up for a Linocut Printmaking Workshop and I haven’t been so excited about something in a while. I also want to get back into embroidery and beading. More to come.
Eating: All things lemon please. Lemon loaf, lemon pancakes, lemon muffins, lemon tart, lemon bars. And asparagus! Emma has joined the asparagus-loving club so it’s in high rotation right now. Also, can’t forget carrot cake! I’m planning to make Alison Roman’s cold carrot cake next weekend for Easter. Our neighbour is a baker and has been dropping off challah each Friday which we have been enjoying as french toast on the weekends. He suggested adding orange zest and wow, it really takes it to the next level.
Practicing: As I spoke about in this post, I have come to realize just how important self-care is as a mother. Pouring from an empty cup has left me feeling irritable, impatient and just not like myself. I’ve needed to make some changes. I’ve been layering back in moments for myself, which is becoming easier now that Emma is sleeping better. One practice that I have brought back into my life is meditation. I wish I could say I do it every day but the reality is I don’t. But my goal right now is “more often than not”. I’m using the Calm app right now though I’ve used Headspace in the past which I think I prefer.
Just like self-care, connection is also really important to my mental and emotional health these days. My university friends and I have recently started sending each other weekly videos and voice notes (“Waffle Wednesdays” if you will) and it’s been really filling my cup. Of course, spending time with other mums is also really important and something I’m trying to reprioritize.
Sending sunny Spring vibes your way!
- Gillian
