When Fleet was born in April of 2010, I spent 90% of my time in his nursery trying to figure out breastfeeding and marveling at his tininess and perfection. I would put my IPOD on the Avett Brother’s album, “I and Love and You” and listen to it on repeat. I fell in love with Fleet and motherhood to this soundtrack. He “set my life a whirlin.”

Almost 8 years later, any song from this album instantly transports me back to sitting on that brown and white animal print glider, holding my newborn. I can actually feel the exhaustion and overwhelm and love that defines this time in my life. I can see his tiny, bald head, still scrunchy and red; and the black nursing tank and flowy skirt, that would be my uniform for the next 3 months. I can smell newborns and breastmilk and spit up. I remember what it felt like to hold a fresh miracle.

Their music has given me the gift of remembering what might be the most precious and fleeting time in my life.

Last night we watched their documentary, “May it Last” with our 6 and 7 year old. Big Luke and I watched this weeks ago and it was an inspiring example of people finding a way to live their truth. (They turned down a major record deal because they wanted to write their own songs and the company wanted them to sing other’s songs.) I wasn’t sure that the kids would be as inspired and entertained as we were but I figured it was worth a shot. It definitely beat watching “A Pet’s Life” for movie night again.

They were mesmerized and watched until the end. They even requested that we re-watch a few scenes.

The next morning, they were up early and being very quiet. Silence is suspicious in a house full of children. But when it comes to sleep our motto is: sleep now, ask questions later.

When we walked into the front room, we found them huddled around the coffee table . . .

writing songs.

Hand to God, this happened.

And here’s the deal, I don’t care if they are musicians, painters or writers; doctors, lawyers or real estate agents, I just want them to discover that thing that lights them up and pursue it relentlessly, as a career, as a hobby, wherever they can fit it in their lives.

I don’t always know how to help them discover the things they love or how to relate the value and the possibilities associated with following your dreams and intuitions. I watched my parents pursue their passions. My Dad had a career he loved, surrounded by family and friends. He golfed whenever he could, a sport that his own mother taught him as a child. My mom loved reading, home renovations and gardening. Our yard was always a dream. I grew up in a house where my parents made deliberate choices about quality of life and happiness. I am grateful that they showed me what this looks like.

So, get at it folks. Not only is it good for you but showing your kids your “pursuit of happiness” is good for them too.

Son have fun with your life it’s a drama, just one period and all kinds a coma’s (Listen here)

Here’s a beautiful song from the Avett Brother’s album “True Sadness.” No Hard Feelings

You can watch this documentary on HBO. I tried to find it on iTunes with no success, let me know if you find it anywhere else and I will spread the word.