Notes from July

Can we just make charcuterie boards and get enough sleep?

Another month has gone by and with it I feel like I’m ready for summer to be over. There is something very challenging about having a baby when it’s really hot outside. I never really thought about how difficult it would be. She is just about 4 months old which means she still can’t wear sunscreen. I’m also still new to this whole mom thing so I don’t always know what’s best. What should she wear? Is it okay to wear her? Does she need a hat? Why does the hat keep falling off? Is she sweating or did she just spit up all over herself?!

I’ve been staying inside a lot because of that. The other day it was much cooler and a little windy. I took her for a walk in the stroller and it was so enjoyable. Leggings, a sweater, and sandals = my absolute favourite outfit. I can already tell I’m going to love getting a hot coffee (PSL pleaseeee) and walking around with her. I’m so ready to feel the crisp air, watch the leaves fall, watch a spooky movie… it’s calling my name!

July has been mostly good to me. It’s funny because when I sit down to write these posts I can never really think of anything that happened but as soon as I start writing it all comes back. It goes to show how much we forget day to day even when the things we forget are positive. This is your sign to journal, take pictures, and document your life in some way that helps you remember all the good memories you make. All the simple joys. Those fleeting moments that come and go so quickly.

Anywho… let’s chat about July!

---

---

What has worked in July: There has been some progress on house projects this month. The biggest one being we are finally getting a hot tub. This is something we’ve talked about for years so to have it actually happening is so exciting! The cement pad is being poured as we speak and then the hot tub should be delivered soon. I can’t wait to show you the finished project. We have plans for a gazebo and maybe a little outdoor bar too.

What has not worked in July: the major issue this month has been sleeping (more like lack of sleeping). Sophie has decided that her naps will only be like 30 minutes long. Most of the time she has short naps or she will only sleep if I’m holding her. The other issue has been her nighttime sleep… we have regressed 😭 she was sleeping 7ish hours, waking for a bottle, and sleeping for another 2-3 hours. Now she is sleeping for like 3 hours at a time (if that). Send help. Send Red Bull.

---

Reading:

I finally finished the Zodiac Academy series!!! Holy moly that was a while in the making. I started the books at the beginning of the year and it took me until July to finish them. Overall I would rate the series 4/5 ⭐️. It was very fun, exciting, interesting, full of twists and turns, magic, spice… my only real criticism would be the book length towards the end. There was no reason for the last 2 books to be so long.

I am now reading Happy Place by Emily Henry. I’m not usually one for second chance romance but I am enjoying it. EH’s writing is so good. I always forget how she so easily captivates the reader. There is something so addicting about it.

Watching:

A quick update on The Walking Dead… we have kind of stopped watching. I hate to say that because I was so obsessed with the show but we are now on Season 8 and it just lost that feeling. If you’ve watched I think you’ll know why.

I started rewatching Bones. Obsessed. No notes.

Eating:

I have been really into charcuterie boards lately. I got this peach and pepper jelly that I’ve been putting on all my crackers and breads… delicious!!

Doing:

Exciting news!!! I am working on what I will be offering for my paid subscribers. Starting in September I will be opening up the paid option. I wanted it to be something fun and different. Not just another article. It is still a work in progress but I can’t wait to show you. Think of it as a monthly escape.

Loving:

I’ve been reading some books to Sophie lately. There are some really cute baby books out there. I’ve been going to Value Village to browse so you never know what you’ll find! So far my favourites have been: Goodnight Moon, The Belly Button Book, Mr. Brown Can Moo! Can You?, Are You My Mother?

---

There is so much to look forward to these days. I swear every week Sophie is doing something new. New sounds, smiles, giggles, trying to roll over. I can’t wait to see her next milestone/ skill.

I’m also looking forward to cozy season. One small thing to look forward to next month is Starbucks PSL is back!! A little taste of fall in August.

I look forward to continuing my work on my paid subscription here on Substack. I love having a creative project to work on. It gives me a sense of purpose. While I know my life has lots of purpose right now (being a mom), it’s nice to have something else to focus on and that brings me joy.

I hope you all have something fun to look forward to before summer is over. Or maybe you’re like me and you can’t wait for fall! Either way, remember to enjoy the small moments.

Until next time,

Deanna

---

👋🏼 P.S. you can also find me on: Life by Deanna, IG, Threads, + Facebook!

** A small note: some links in this letter may be affiliate links. This means I may earn a small commission if you choose to purchase through them at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!