Tag: Parenting

New chapters in life

With both of my girls heading to school full-time this year, it has been difficult for me to stay focused.   No surgeries to schedule, no scans or appointment to get to and no child arriving home after just a few hours of school for lunch.  A few weeks ago I finally settled myself into the reality that my babies were growing.  I decided that although I still need to be home for bus stop and homework duty, I needed to spread my wings a bit.  I spent many nights after the rest of the family was in bed thinking about what my day would look like.

I started to think about jobs and what that would look like. I reached out to some old work colleagues for advice.  One stood out, the person said,  “say what you believe and get your family/work boundaries established early”.  As I looked around I saw part-time work that required weekends or night hours.  The only times I have missed putting my girls to bed was when I was in the hospital after the mastectomy.  My girls play soccer as well as many other things and I love being the proud momma on the sidelines win-lose or draw.  Many headaches, much thinking and the words, “get your family/work boundaries established early.”

I turned to what seemed to be the most logical place available, our local school district employment board.  I sent a few applications for things, went for an interview 2 weeks ago and received final word today.  I am now officially a cafeteria/playground assistant at one of the local elementary schools.  I will work a few hours a day but will have off when my girls do, go in after they are well on the way to school and will be home in plenty of time to get them from the bus.  Sounds perfect!

I have not worked outside of my home for 9 years now….I am still amazed as I think about that.  I will admit that I am a bit nervous and excited about the next chapter in our lives. It is a long way from CEO of IBM, (what I always told my mother I wanted to be when I was young) but for a first grader who can’t open that darn water bottle….pretty important :-).

Thank you to all who provided thoughts and advice.  I appreciated it all!

Shock to the system

It is about 8am in the morning and I sit alone.  My husband is off to work and my girls are still in bed.  In two short weeks school will be back in session and two little girls I know are going to have one huge surprise.  The summer has been very busy with camps and fun and even our first soccer scrimmage game last night. It has also seen many late nights and later and later mornings.

We have not yet received bus passes for the year.  Being in such a large district we rotate every few years between “late” and “early” schools.  The difference is only about 30-60 minutes in pick up and drop off.  Last year the bus picked up at 8:30.  From everything I have seen it will be the same this year.  Before the bus we of course get dressed and ready, consume some breakfast and practice music.  This week I have set a time for bed to start the process of getting them ready.  I should go wake them up for the same reason but honestly I am enjoying the silence.

This is a big year!  Both girls on the same bus heading to the same school.  Madison is so excited to start first grade and Megan admitted the other day she is looking forward to the start of the year.  I guess to make that first day as smooth as possible I should go wake them up.

This could get ugly :-).

Happy Birthday Beautiful Girl!

IMG_4702It seems like just yesterday that my husband and I were blessed with the arrival of our now nine-year old beautiful girl. Her entry into the world was anything but easy.  She was 2 weeks late before the doctor finally agreed to induce labor. I was the size of a small state after putting on over 70 pounds.  Once in the hospital, a not so short 18 hours of labor.  The ultrasound a few weeks before delivery showed a baby roughly 8 pounds.  My little angel arrived fighting all the way at a whopping 9 pound 6 ounces.

2 day old Megan
2 day old Megan

A few short minutes after Megan’s birth the nurses told me I coud hold he for a minute but that they had concerns over her breathing.  They quickly swept her out of my arms then down to the NICU where she stayed until we checked out of the hospital.

Megan hooked to so many monitors in the NICU
Megan hooked to so many monitors in the NICU

Over the last 9 years I have changed so much as person.  Becoming a mommy was the greatest thing I have ever done. Once she was born I knew I had to stay home with her, one of the greatest decision I have ever made.  I resigned from work and became a stay at home mommy and have enjoyed the job for the last 9 years.

I am so proud of Megan.  She is smart and funny, thoughtful and caring.  A great big sister and a wonderful daughter. Talking to her I often have to remind myself that she is still just a child because she speaks like such a young lady.  Meg has already achieved so many wonderful things I am thrilled thinking about what the future holds.

Happy Birthday Megan, I love you!

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