Finding time for myself...

As I struggle with juggling all these new responsibilities I've learned that if I give a little I get a little in return. It has always been hard for me to ask for help. I like to try to do everything myself but as I am learning how to run my own business (with my husband) that I can't do it all by myself. I worked a 13 hour day on Weds and I was completely wiped out the next day.  But things are starting to shift for us time wise, Maximilien has started the creche this week and it really has given me a breath of fresh air.  Also, he is absolutely happy at the creche. When we stroll up to the door, he starts kicking his feet and bucking to get out of the stroller. He is so very happy to "go to school" everyday.  He starts his day at 9am and that means I start my day at the tea house at 9am as well. Before I was starting an hour later and always felt rushed. Never had time to have breakfast and was always putting something in the oven right at the last minute.  With this extra hour this morning, I've baked madeleines, had morning coffee and I have even found time to blog! Blogging is not a fundamental need for me but it gives me a break and I take pleasure in these few moments writing down what I'm thinking about. 

Now that our lives are falling into more of a routine I find myself wanting to have another baby. Friends who have just had new little ones oblige me with visits so that I can get my baby fix but I see Max playing at home alone and I feel the urge to give him a brother or sister. I know what it's like growing up with siblings. Being the oldest of 5, I always had someone to play with or talk to. Never a boring moment in the Osbourn household, let me tell you... But then I try to foresee how I will be able to juggle it all. The tea house takes us a huge chunk of my time and I know that I would never be able to accord the second child the same amount of attention I was able to give Max. One of my commenters on Flickr once wrote that I loved Max too much not to have another child.  At the time, I couldn't believe what she had written... but now 18 months later I feel that I could. This is not an announcement that we are expecting another child but it could happen someday soon. I hold my breath as I type this...

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So, 4 days later after I started this entry I am ready to post it. I still love very much what I am doing with my life now. I love being a mother. I love being a wife. I want to be a better friend and a better time manager and I think all will be well.

Comments

[samantha]

Oh my dear, this post just made my heart squeeze. I think you are doing a fabulous job juggling it all and you are indeed a wonderful mother. And the world can always use more beautiful babies with chubby Max-like cheeks! :)

[La Rêveuse]

You do lead a blessed life. A wonderful husband, and fantastic son, a great business, and it's all a reflection of you, my dear. I know you will be a fantastic mother to 2 or 3 or however many you decide (just don't be like the Duggars and go for 18, OK?)

Miss you! Bisous!

[gleek]

you're doing a great job!! it's tough work being a mom and an entrepreneur. i think that by the time you want to have another babe you'll be able to hire someone to help out a little more at the tea house and therefore be able to do it all! no worries. just let it happen when it happens.

[Evolving]

Have more babies! There are those of us in the world who aren't sure they want them. We need to goober on other peoples to get our fill. :)

[mamie]

you amaze me with your dedication, your obvious love for your life and for asking and answering the question of parenting some more. i am one of eight and got the pre-packaged joy of two with my twins. i love seeing them together, it is the most wonderful things. i know it sounds and seems a little crazy, but i think you could make it work...your love is just so big. and max would be the rocking-est big brother out there.

[Sarah]

Your ability to juggle so much is really SO inspirational. It may have taken a little time, but it seems like you've settled into a nice routine with Max. A mon avis, adding another cutie to the mix could only make it better.

[Sarah]

Oh, and if you still need any help at the tea house, I still have a lot of time on my hands!

[Glad]

Where there's a can there's a will....or something like that LOL yeah at first it may be hard to adjust but You can do it :-)

[Libby]

You are doing such a fabulous job and living a dream! I totally understand the juggling and feel like I'm working through a very similar situation right now. I hope that we will get a change to talk soon. Maybe I can swing by the teahouse next week. plein de bisous

[Zhu]

From what yo describe, you seem to have an extra-busy life and I'm sure it's not easy everyday. But seeing rewards, like your business growing and your son happy is sure a great incentive.. to add more challenges! ;-)

[Doc]

Two was no harder than one. And three? Three is easy compared to one! Get bumpin' girl!

[Alice]

What a beautifully honest post, Aimée, as always! I wanted to take a moment to thank you again for the time you spent chatting with us when my parents, Emma and I came by the teahouse... You were truly wonderful, and my parents were so happy to have had a chance to meet you. I'm really proud to know you and to be able to call you a friend -- I know I haven't known you for very long, but I can certainly vouch for the fact that you are a wonderful friend already! You certainly don't need to worry about that.

Thank you again also for all your advice, encouragement and support. Breastfeeding has gotten better and better, and even though I still have loads of doubts and need to improve my confidence in myself, things are getting better day by day. I admire you as a mom, a woman an artist, and now a business owner -- you are overflowing with so many qualities!

Thanks again for being patient with me and for taking time out of such a busy day that day -- if I'm not mistaken that was one of your crazy 13-hour days?! Oh gosh, I just hope we didn't mess up things...

Thinking of you -- and hoping to see you again soon! I still need to get that haircut... (time was just too tight that day -- we needed to head back home before it got too late, especially in the trains...)

I second the notion, you are truly inspirational!