I’m always curious to see through ordinary moments in other people’s daily lives, so the team asked me to jot down some notes and photos for one such weekend in my life this month. Two. In true Kate style, I left my phone at home during the hectic time of last weekend. I hope my words can paint enough picture for you regardless.
I highly recommend doing a similar kind of weekend doc for yourself! It’s a great way to mark the little moments that often go unnoticed but make sense of what matters most to us.
P.S. If you like articles like this, please consider my last day in post life from August 2021.
Friday evening
The Olympics, takeaway food and a cozy fire are the key ingredients of this weekend’s night. I get to spend some quality time with my son, which often gives way to his sister as she is more adamant about needing to touch me whenever she can. She was watching a show called TOTS in the basement and I couldn’t bear to hear it but would love to hear her sing the theme song. She was happy to have some free time to hang out, but ended up going upstairs to join us. So we skipped bedtime and lingered together until 9 p.m. when the kids started falling asleep on the couch.
I make time for my skin care (constantly moisturizing face mask because of winter), pop a CBD/melatonin gum and fall asleep watching Joe’s “The Greatest Show of All Time” –Downton Abbey.
Saturday
Morning
Joe and the kids were running donuts (Baker’s wife was our weekend spot) and I was hoping they’d get me a cheese and ham croissant even though I said I didn’t want one. one. I was sipping coffee and thinking about what the day would be like. We were busy planning to meet two friends in the afternoon, and then Joe and I were going to have dinner with friends in the evening — an event that hasn’t happened this year.
I wanted some creative time to draw and knew I would feel better if I moved my body. I went down to the basement for a 30-minute Peloton class that had become a ritual for the past four weeks. My butt no longer hurts when I attach that, which is a relief. Once I was hooked, I trusted Cody Rigsby to get me to the thirty-minute mark.
The kids came back (croissants in hand) and we ate in the dig room while working on our sketchbooks. I bought the kids their own pamphlets to fill out in the hopes it would help me in my own practice and I’m amazed it has! August was researching Georgia O’Keeffe and Jackson Pollock at school and told me his work would hang in the Art Institute. Dream big, man!
Don’t turn on
People are coming to our house in an hour and it’s a disaster. The kids offered to help get them organized for the first time in their lives. Joe and I decided we could use help. Bennett instructed her brother to explain exactly how to fold his pants and make the bed. I didn’t know she had strong opinions on these things. August hunted for piles of dog hair with a vacuum cleaner and the house was assembled in less than an hour. It took me a moment to realize how epic this is — we’re past a stage in life where chaos is happening around every corner. Or maybe it’s just one of those days where little things come easy? Either way, I’m not going to let it go unnoticed.
We were all sweating and wearing shorts, combing our hair and saying hello to our friends.
Afternoon
The afternoon is filled with baby hugs and chats with old friends while they get to know our older kids! Bennett and August help me make popcorn for the group, cut fruit, and give a tour of their room and play space. I just had my first glass of wine in a while. I feel pretty loose when it’s time to say goodbye and prepare for the babysitter’s arrival.
Dark
Our friends came to our house while the babysitter was settled. We got some bubbles and got the big news that our kids are going to the same school next year. It feels great to get dressed and walk out the door, even when it’s -1 degrees and it’s snowing outside!
I reached for my phone to document the night and realized that I had left the house without it. Oh well — Joe has his and is our primary babysitter contact! This is your chance to simply check out and show up for the night.
Joe and I come home happy and full and I kiss the faces of our sleeping children as they sweep me away. Joe and I chatted in bed while I fell asleep with both dogs on me.
Night
The evening was filled with cocktails, delicious food (thank you, Estelle!), and even better. I am reminded that having a babysitter is a lifesaver that we should use more often. Joe and I come home happy and full and I kiss the faces of our sleeping children as they sweep me away. Joe and I chatted in bed while I fell asleep with both dogs on me. Obviously, we didn’t anticipate them missing us after a night out!
Sunday
Morning
I woke up with a headache. It’s something that comes from mixing bubbles with cocktails and ending your dessert with a rich glass of cabernet. I immediately drank three tall glasses of water. Then I remember I had an hour baby shower session, presents that needed to be wrapped, and a baby photo to bring. It’s cold and I’m wearing a sweater MORE THAN a sweater and two pairs of socks.
Don’t turn on
I’m stuffing in the best lox bagel and rinsing it all down with a beautiful bloody mixed rice paper made with aquavit and topped with ginger beer. It’s the best I’ve ever had. Baby bath is gorgeous. I leave feeling grateful, happy, and ready to lie under three horizontal blankets in my living room.
Afternoon
I didn’t move for several hours. I noticed the kids found a bunch of Costco snacks and ate half the bag. Does this count as dinner?
Dark
In the middle of the Super Bowl, I realized Birdie hadn’t started her Valentine’s Day, and August wasn’t over for him yet. I laid out all the documents and asked for their concentration. I end up doing all of Bennett’s and hope August comes to his completion. He is not.
I started calling people to bed around 7:30pm and that didn’t happen until…
Night
It’s 9 p.m., I only have one kid to brush my teeth, and Bennett’s hair is a bunch of knots. But I was exhausted and so was Joe. We told August that we would finish the game in the morning and he asked us to turn off the TV. I guess it’s just fair! The kids told me they couldn’t wait to give us Valentine’s Day gifts, which I knew were covered in glitter because it was everywhere. I miss how quickly time flies and one day I will no longer have those little faces with sweet expressions staring at me, cheeks covered with materials and covers.
I went to bed and told Joe I wanted to sleep like the dead. But before turning off the lights, I asked him, “How did we get so lucky?” None of us have the answers, but we go to bed hoping that weekends like this will be long and bountiful for years to come.
Kate is currently learning to play the ukulele, leaving her husband, children and dogs desperate. Follow her on Instagram at @witanddelight_.
