"Best Day" Chaser — Stolen By a Bohlen

May 6

May 6 "Best Day" Chaser

I am a "best day" chaser.

This means I try to top my last "best day ever" as often as possible.

Of course, with the exception of marrying Ben and giving birth to my daughter, I have realized that the best days aren't always when something amazing/exciting happens. Rather, they can be the days when I got to feel good about myself and days when I connected with someone and spent time with them. And I think it's important to note that not every day can be the best day. But damnit, I'm going to try! 😂

One of the things that brings me the greatest joy is introducing Waylin to new things/experiences. I am at my happiest when I am spending time with her. She makes me slow down and appreciate things for what they are.

On an average Wednesday night, we're usually finishing up dinner and getting cleaned up for bed time. There was a storm on the horizon, but you couldn't smell the rain just yet. 💧 I decided to take her outside to do some exploring. I don't think there are enough hours in the day that would satisfy this girl's love for being outside!

The picture on the left is from last year when we "stopped to smell the roses" 🌹 during a stroller ride down the street. The picture on the right is her now, actually smelling the flowers on this beautiful tree down the street. Just comparing the two pictures makes me want to tear up. She has grown so much in a year. I feel conflicted sometimes because I want her to grow and learn new things, but I also want us to stay in this moment.

One of the things Waylin enjoys the most when she's outside is picking dandelions.

It's funny how certain themes of childhood continue throughout our generations. I remember being obsessed with picking dandelions (and also rubbing/staining my sister's arm with them any chance I got! 😂).

I read a quote about picking dandelions that really resonated with me:

Remember in elementary school we picked dandelions and gave them to someone like a bouquet of flowers? Back then we didn’t know they are worthless weeds, only that they are vibrant and beautiful. I guess that’s the best part of innocence. You see things for what they are...not what they’re supposed to be

There are so many lessons I have learned since becoming Waylin's mom. One of the most important being that there is goodness in all things. The world can harden even the softest heart. But you know what helps reduce the damage? A bright yellow dandelion.

When the rain started rolling in, we headed back to the house. After she had been cleaned up and put to bed, I closed the door to her room and just smiled. What a great day we had! Before I became a mom, I would roll my eyes at those folks that post numerous statuses, memes, gifs, etc about how much they love their kids ALL THE TIME. My internal monologue was always, "WE GET IT!" But now I know, No one actually gets it until it's YOU with your own kids.

As I was walking down the hallway, I just wanted to burst with love! I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs how much I loved her to anyone that would listen (...at 8 PM on a Wednesday, my only audience would be Ben and the dog 😂). It's this indescribable outburst that you just have to get out! I get it! It's truly sublime. 💕