Transitions

It's been hard dealing with Violet's jetlag, mostly because I'm dealing with the same thing and the struggles which have come because of it-getting back into some kind of routine, for example. We've been slowing putting her to bed earlier, and waking her up earlier to try and ease back into it.
It's really easy to become irritated and fed up when she's still crying a half hour, and hour, an hour and a half later. It's been hard for me to not have her sleeping right next to me also. And hearing her wail "mommy" over and over again is really hard on my determination to get her sleeping happily back in her own room. And in a lot of ways it strains all the tender spots in my heart for my girl.
As you can imagine, we're in a hot mess over here.
It's even made me wonder if going to Australia was the right decision. Because when Violet is upset, Cristian tends to get upset also, which makes me upset. And around and around it goes.
But then I start thinking about how one day she might be to prideful to call out to me for help. Or to scared. Or something. And I give in, go pick up my little girl who is struggling so hard to get used to the time change and being back home (which I am also), and appreciate that my kisses on her cheek, or my fingers wiping away the puddles of tears on her cheek and sweat soaked hair have to ability to instantly calm and soothe her.

It may take longer then I imagined to get over the challenges with traveling overseas with my almost 2 year old, but I've decided while she's still crying out to me and needing me to stop the stream of tears at 10pm at night, I'm going to do that for her.
My baby is no longer a baby, and I want to take advantage of every moment she wants to spend with me, as inconvenient as it may feel and seem sometime.
There will undoubtedly be PLENTY of time for growing up later. And I'm happy to slow that down a bit.

I've been thinking a lot about her, and some changes I would like to make within my family. We need less. I want to simplify our life, and really focus on creating experiences in which we are more creative, more resourceful, and more present. I started a few days ago by going through all of Violet's toys. I noticed in Australia she was perfectly content with just a few toys. At home she has TONS of toys and often gets frustrated (in my opinion) by having too many options. This is just one of the things I've done so far to achieve my other goals for a more simple life.

Over the next couple of weeks I plan on continuing to edit our belongings, and concocting ways to keep Violet challenged and learning and content with life. Our lack of sleep, and struggle to get back into a routine has hurt both of us the last couple of days. We haven't been as healthy, we having been as creative or adventurous, and we haven't been as happy. Things need to change, and I will work no putting my plans into action.