Down On The Farm

Jake had to travel out of town for work this week so the kids and I spent the week down on my parents’ farm. I’m so thankful to have a place with wide open spaces where I can take them. A place where life moves at a slower pace and there’s time to reflect, spread out, and just be.

Another major perk to being here is that I’ve had my parents’ help. I can’t imagine going through this journey without the support they constantly give, jumping in and doing whatever’s needed so that I have a chance to take little breaks from time to time. My mom’s been getting up with me every night to feed the girls, and even let me sleep through the night except to get up and pump. Getting enough sleep is such a game changer!

Baylen’s at an age now where he’s incredibly interested in tractors, trucks, cars, and animals, so he’s been having a hayday exploring the farm with Grandpa and Grandma.The first stop when we got here was to see baby kittens!There was a day when it reached over 100 degrees, so Grandpa’s helper wandered around the farm in nothing but a diaper and his farm boots.A boy and his cattle…with constant “mooing” to his furry friends.My great Uncle Glen has a bunch of ponies and came over and gave Baylen a pony cart ride! He wasn’t so sure about it at first, but warmed up to Rusty as the ride went on.When I come home it’s always so good to see Uncle Glen and Aunt Jan. They are basically another set of grandparents since I grew up only about a half a mile from them. They are great encouragers and my dad just loves when Uncle Glen comes to help on the farm! My dad lost his dad when he was pretty young, so since Uncle Glen was my grandpa’s brother, he fills us in with some great stories about the good old days. Grandma Jody came to help me with the kids one day. It was perfect timing because the girls had gotten their shots the day before and they were CRABBY! We kept rotating Emersyn and Mckinley in Grandma’s arms to keep them happy since they insisted on being held all day. By the end of the day she had mastered holding them both at once…she definitely has a grandma’s touch!Grandma Kiel came to help out too…I just love having her calm positive presence around. My goodness it is so nice having so many grandmas close by when I’m home.The girls spent much of the week inside, but we did take them a stroller ride around the farm to get them some fresh air. They had it made in the shade!Before bedtime each night you’ll find Grandpa and Baylen playing tractors together. It’s pretty hard to convince him to go to bed when he’s having so much fun with the tractor master!It’s been a great week away to just forget about all the normal day to day household things that need to get done back in Minnesota. The change of pace has been refreshing and just what I needed to jump back into real life at home next week, which hopefully means I’ll be more consistent with blogging again too! In the meantime, thanks for your grace as my posts have been hit or miss!

Have a blessed weekend!

Amber

P.S. For more reflections on parenthood and life, follow us on Facebook (Hun Let’s Run) and on Instagram: @ambermariekuiper and @jakekuiper! We’d also love for you to subscribe to our Hun, Let’s Run Podcast! For more info about joining our fitness community as a customer or coach, please email us at amber@mommysmetime.com!