It Takes a Village

I used to always think that was such a cheesy sentiment, but now that I am a mother, I truly believe it. I am so blessed by the community I have by my side that gets to support my family and especially my daughter.

This past week was “spring break” at Little Nugget’s daycare. Once I learned there was a spring break, I jokingly made a comment to parents about grandparent daycare for the week. Within a few days, they had their tickets book and were fully committed to being here for Little Nugget. I was so incredibly grateful. Especially because they showed up in full support mode! My mom was so excited to play with Little Nugget and Little Nugget was so insanely excited to play with her. My dad and Little Nugget developed a secret greeting of sticking out their tongues. Little Nugget had the best naps curled up in grandma’s arms. However, even more so, they showed up for me. My mom cleaned my guest room, stocked my freezer with my favorite delicious meals, helped me meal prep lunches beyond my standard buttered noodles, and took the night shift with Little Nugget so I could actually sleep for an extended period of time. My dad helped the mechanic plant a bunch of seedlings, rearranged and set up enrichment for my goats, helped the mechanic build me bookshelves, and prepped the garden beds for this upcoming season.

When we travel with my in-laws, it truly is an “all hands-on deck” experience. My sister-in-law helped me secure a bassinet for Little Nugget when she could not fall asleep in the pack-n-play and I was running on fumes. My mother-in-law makes sure Little Nugget is surrounded by fun with her cousins and my father-in-law makes sure there is time for rest for the mechanic and I. Even our great aunt has offered space for the family so I can attend a conference, and she can spend time with the Mechanic and Little Nugget.

And of course, the Gardener. The Gardener loves Little Nugget fiercely and shows up in all the ways. She helps with the logistics, she helps Little Nugget proceed in her developmental milestones (despite Little Nugget’s protest to rolling and trying to crawl), and is invested in every step. Her parents show up for holidays and often try to help with farm projects as well.

I also cannot discount the roles of friends in my life. So many people showed up with meals postpartum (cooking me pasta even if that is not their favorite). Outfits always arrive in the cutest ways as she grows and out-grows different stages. A fellow mom friend has been an unbending ear to my stress and helps cultivate opportunities for our littles like baby swimming. People show up for casual weekends of relaxing and spending time with Little Nugget in her routine, buy her zoo memberships so she has the ultimate childhood experience. 

I will forever be grateful for the village I have. And although much of my village came before our ENM journey, a large portion is all because of the complex, unique and great journey ENM has allowed for us.