Almost a year ago my family and I left home in Connecticut to quarantine in California.

It was a polarizing choice; one that we struggled to make. Some disagreed. Others applauded it. But ultimately it was a legal one, and we travelled in the safest way possible; for the sake of our family.

It didn’t take long before a NYT reporter, and former classmate of mine, blasted me and my choices all over her page.

Dear Lila Lee.

You, my love, turn 18 months old tomorrow. How? Since entering motherhood some five years ago I’ve become all too familiar with the fact that time is a thief. But this past year she’s been especially artful in her craft- the start of the pandemic feeling both like yesterday and a lifetime away; creating a cruel time warp that still has us reeling.

Mother's Day is in just a few days; but there's still enough time to squeeze in some last minute shopping. This year we'll be out of town for the holiday- you guessed it, back to Mickey's House we go- so we'll be forgoing a traditional Mother's Day brunch in exchange for the Magic Kingdom and mouse ears.

Yesterday, I did something foolish- as I do nearly every day.

I desperately tried to enjoy a meal out. At a restaurant. With my toddler.

Just shy of two years ago, I became a mom. It was the greatest day of my life, for sure. And it changed me to my very core.

Some changes were temporary, others more permanent; some physical, many emotional. All of them for the better.

And over the past two years, I've found myself doing, saying, and feeling things I would have never thought I would do, say, or feel before. But if there's one thing I've learned about motherhood, it's to expect the unexpected, and embrace it.

Schedule

Oh, May- where did you go? I feel like this past month flew by.

There was a lot of rain, a lot of wishing for spring to appear. But when it did, it was well worth the wait. The winters are long here in Connecticut. Lasting well beyond their expiration date.

The rainy days are no fun- particularly when you're cooped up with a mini that wants to explore the world. But on that first beach day- the one with the perfect breeze; the one with a cooler of watermelon and a basket of brand new beach toys; the one when your daughter dips her toes in the Sound for the very first time; the one that leaves a grin on her face, from ear to ear, for hours- that day makes it all worth it.