Finding Time | Seattle Photographer
It’s been a busy few weeks in the Bursch household.
Tball season is in full swing for Reiken. Jeffrey was promoted to Foreman for McKinstry which means more responsibility and tasks (praise!). Gwen turned 7 months old 3 days ago and is still needing mama snuggles a few times (like 3-4…) throughout the night. We all got sick with a sinus bug. My shoot schedule is wonderfully full and varied (thanks to all of you!). Spring Break was in there somewhere too and Jeff’s birthday AND our anniversary. The weather warmed up for a few days meaning bike riding and lots out outside play for the boys (which still must be monitored by me). Our weekly church community group wrapped up 8 weeks of a very insightful marriage study. The patriarch of Jeff’s dad’s side of the family graduated to Heaven which necessitated a weekend trip to Spokane and back (5 hours each way!) for his funeral and then an additional PacNW memorial the week after…. Yes. We’ve been running a little ragged. And did I mention TAXES?
So, naturally, I’m behind on editing and replying to emails and messages (and dishes… laundry… paying bills… sigh).
This week, I was diligently trying to play quick catch up. Editing a few images in between diaper changes and meal preparation. Hitting send on a hastily written reply while the baby slept. Brushing my teeth while listening to voice mails. You know, multitasking, to put it kindly.
In all honesty, I was doing the minimal that I could to keep my lovely children off my back so I could GET THIS WORK DONE.
The time spent was not quality. It was chicken nuggets and movies and snappy, impatient replies. It was less than they deserved and much less than I am capable of.
My Quinny… sweet, doe-eyed Quinny had asked me about a million times (or like 5…) to bake banana bread. He loves to cook almost as much as he loves the special mommy attention he receives while we mix, and stir, and mash things together hoping that it is edible after baking. He asked me again and I… maybe.. snapped a little.
Ok. I admit it, I straight up ugly hollered at him that I WAS BUSY and to LEAVE ME BE.
He did.
But I didn’t realize it until 15 minutes later when I hadn’t seen his happy baby face for a while.
Oh… that’s because he was in his room curled in a ball crying. Heartbroken.
He didn’t even really do anything wrong and I crushed his tender little four year old boy heart because I told him to leave me alone. All he wanted was some of my time to be with him… not even a LOT of time, just an hour or so. But. I put my work as the priority.
#mommyfail
As soon as I saw him I knew. I can read that sweet boy’s face like I can read a McDonald’s picture menu. One glance was all it took. It felt like a slap in the face that brought me right back down to reality. This little boy, his brother and his sister, and their father… they are my priority.
So, I scooped that little boy up, gave him a kiss, a snuggle, and an ‘I’m sorry’ softly spoken into his ear. Then, I asked him to fetch the bananas and meet me in the kitchen for some epic banana bread baking. And I gave him the time and attention that he could only get from his mama.
So, if you’re gallery is a few days overdue or there is an email or message you are still waiting to hear back on… don’t worry. I haven’t missed it or forgotten you. I won’t be weeks longer than I should… just a few days. All my tasks are there on the to-do list and I will get to checking them off as completed as soon as I can (I have a new game plan for time management, people!).
Going forward, I will always find the time to say YES! to making banana bread with my little priorities. Might you as well? It is good for the soul… and the taste buds. 🙂
