Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Hallmark Signature through their partnership with POPSUGAR Select. While I was compensated to write a post about Hallmark Signature, all opinions are my own.
When I think about this past year, sometimes I wonder how I’m still a functioning human being. The first half of our year was fairly status-quo, but of course, there was the whole growing a human thing.
Then, on June 10th, everything changed and our worlds were flipped upside down. In some ways, things changed in the best way possible. We had this beautiful little boy to bring home and welcome into our family, and the miracle of life itself is enough to make you cry happy tears (at least, it does for me).
But as beautiful and miraculous as childbirth and babies are, that doesn’t mean that it doesn’t come without its challenges.
I made it no secret that the transition to two kids was not easy for me. Those first couple of months were some of the hardest of my life, without a doubt. By about six weeks in of being home with both boys, I found myself aching to get back to work. Between potty training a toddler who hit the “threenager” stage hard, and a colicky newborn who could hardly be put down for more than a few minutes at a time, it was downright hard. Most days, I found myself searching and relishing in whatever bright, positive, and quiet moments I could find.
And then, suddenly, we were 12 weeks in and it was time for me to head back to work. This meant major transitions for all of us, especially Lucas. Lucas had been home with me for about 3-1/2 months at that point, so he had sort of forgotten about the fact that mommy has to go off to work. On top of that, we were starting him in a new daycare AND preschool.
Then, of course, there was little Alex who would also be starting at this new daycare part time, too. And at that point, I was honestly convinced that our babysitter was going to tell me that he was too difficult to be able to stay since he often spent the majority of his days crying or needing to be held at that point.
But somehow, all of that self-imposed stress and guilt was unfounded.
Anyone who has had to go about finding good childcare for their children, whether you’re a working parent or just need to find someone to allow you to have a night out, knows just how HARD it can be. It’s not easy to think about leaving your kiddos in the care of someone else – and someone you may barely even know, at that! But when you find someone that you know you can not only trust but also feel completely comfortable leaving your kiddos with, then you know you hit the jackpot. And that’s exactly how we feel with the boys’ new daycare.
I’m fairly certain she will never see this blog post, but that’s okay because we make sure to let her know all the time just how grateful we are for her and what she does for our boys. She puts our minds at ease and she provides a safe and loving environment that our boys look forward to going to (well, okay, it’s really just Lucas that can actually look forward to it at this point!).
And this holiday season, we’ll absolutely be letting her know with a little help from Hallmark Signature.
I’ve love sending cards because I feel like it’s just a little something personal in a world that has become so digital and social media focused. And because there are no ordinary people, these are no ordinary cards!
Hallmark Signature holiday cards are one of a kind for the people in your life who are anything but ordinary.
They come in a number of adorable varieties making them stand apart from all the rest. I just love the jingle bells and this little snowman!
When you have someone in your life that makes you feel special, important, safe, inspired…whatever it may be! Be sure to take a few minutes this holiday season to let them know just how special they are. Nobody has ever regretted spreading some joy and positivity, right? <3
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Hallmark Signature cards are available in the card aisle wherever Hallmark cards are sold. Follow @HallmarkSignature on Instagram! Thank you for your continued support surrounding sponsored content on STSL! <3
Amanda Marcus says
Your boys are seriously too cute! I love receiving little holiday cards from family members and am just starting to get in the habit of sending my own cards. I am a new aunt and I want to be that aunt that I had growing up who sent me little notes in the mail. Hope you had a great Thanksgiving! :)
Rachel says
I used to work at Hallmark’s corporate office and this was always my favorite time of year seeing all the fun new Christmas stuff coming out.
Nikki S. says
I love that snowman card! You are right, even by just sending a card to someone, it lets them know how appreciated and special they are. Thank you for that simple reminder!