New Routines

Last week, one of my co-workers informed all of us that her husband had accepted a job in Texas. They had been hoping for this when he lost his job over the summer due to a mine closure and I'm happy for them that it came true. I know they are excited about this new opportunity - it's like they are newlyweds again, setting out on a new journey.

This opened up a spot in the office, which my manager approached me to see if I'd be interested. So, a week later, my schedule has changed significantly! While there is still paperwork to complete and a formal offer to be made, I'm currently transitioning into my new position as a claims examiner. This means full-time rather than the part-time I'd been used to for nearly a year! I now work until 4:30, which means I don't get to see my angel until 5. Yesterday was the first day, and I think that we both adjusted well. Once I picked her up, she clung to me at home. We had a dinner to attend, then by the time we got home it was time for her to go to bed so I didn't get much time with her at all. Tonight, I can't wait to go home, make "roni and cheese" for her, and then play Little Peoples and baby dolls all night. She seems to understand well when I tell her what's going on, which helps me out. She's such a smart one. :)

I'm still planning on doing the Lia Sophia, too. In fact, I have my first party on Sunday and a catalog party going on right now. My mom is hosting a party when I go back to St. Louis after Christmas, and I'm hopeful to have another party booked the second week of January. This new position with my job is definitely going to make me rethink how much time I put into Lia Sophia, just in that I won't want to do as many parties as I originally had thought I might do. Of course, that was on the assumption that a bunch of people would love the jewelry and book parties. :) I'm still hopeful that it goes well because I am loving the jewelry (and so is Lauren).

In with all this, Troy's working on his MBA and session will start soon! We are going to be a busy family in the upcoming months, but I think that it makes us truly enjoy our time together that much more. Last night, driving to the dinner, we sang "Up on the Rooftop" (one of the two carols Lauren asks me to sing) and she sat in the backseat and just giggled. It was such a sweet moment. Lauren and I always have our mommy-daughter Saturdays since that is when Troy is in class, and I think now that I'm working full time, I will enjoy that time with her so much more. We have a nice little routine, including her soccer which she loves.

I'm fortunate to have the opportunities that I do given the economic state. The job I am going to accept is both interesting and rewarding. I work with a great group of women and for a family-oriented company that understands the familial obligations that arise. If I can't be at home with my baby doll, then I am happy to be working where I am now. Before I had her, I worried that she'd have a stronger bond with her caregivers than me - one of the reasons I really hated the thought of daycare. In fact, we have such a strong bond that I can't imagine it being different. She has bonded with her caregivers - especially two in particular that are sadly going to be leaving within the year. She enjoys playing with her friends and likes to talk with me about them.

Great things await us, I know. With the added income, we will probably be able to seriously look for a house we like with a yard for Lauren. We can continue to save and get into a position we are comfortable with. We can put money into Lauren's college fund. We will spend quality time together as a family. Hard as some days may be - especially the days when Lauren clings to me and tells me 'no school' - I know that our situation works for us. And, I'm going to end this year with a week off with Lauren - a great present!

Happy Holidays to all - who knows if I'll get a chance to blog again before Christmas. Hope everyone has a wonderful week! More snow possibly awaits us here! :)