Breakthrough

Is the fog lifting?

Just as San Francisco summer with its wretched fog seems to be giving way to pleasant sunny days, the haze of early parenthood seems to be fading. Over the last week, I have started to feel normal again. Sure I'm still tired and, no, I don't go out as often as I might like. But I'm starting to feel at equilibrium with this new normal. Riley sleeps pretty well and can easily entertain himself for 10-15 minute stretches. I've grown accustomed to our routines and am learning how to find relaxation and productivity where I can. And my marriage feels awesome. 

This refreshed feeling is only a week old, but I'm hoping it's here to stay. It all started last weekend in Napa. We made the very unusual decision to meet friends Christiana, Rob and their daughter Thomasina in wine country for the day. We scooped up the boy and left our house for an entire day. Frankly, it felt revolutionary. What if he wouldn't nap? What if he wouldn't eat? What if he had a meltdown? We were really nervous we couldn't pull it off.

But once we were there, it felt like no biggee. Of course we can leave the house with a baby. Ob la di, ob la da, life goes on!

We have to give major props to the winery staff who did not seem to mind that we turned their tasting room into Romper Room. As we sipped, the kids had the run of the place.

I recognized that life has changed from the days when I would gallivant through wine country entirely unencumbered, but it didn't get me down. 

The kids had a great time. Just like mama, Riley bellied up to the bar.

 

"Another swig of tempranillo, please."

Thomasina was slightly more discerning.

"I've tasted better."

Full of wine and good feelings, we retired to a beautiful picnic spot.

"Mommy, I think Thomasina had too much pinot!"

T later rallied for a game of baby toss. 

And all was right with the world. 

The day before we went to Napa, it was a blustery, dark day in San Francisco (see below the pics of Riley bundled up at the playground). Our trip to Napa ushered in the sun and seemingly with it a new era. All week I've felt free, realizing that I can still enjoy nearly every aspect of my former life (along with many new ones). It took eleven months but it seems that the fog is lifting.