Popping In

Hi Everyone,

 

I hope you are all having a great fall!  I can't believe September is almost over--the weeks have been flying by over here.  Quite a change from a few short weeks ago when my days would drag.  I wish I had more time to write on the blog, but I love the reasons I have no time even more :)  It wouldn't kill Harper to take just a little big longer naps, though. Just saying.

 

We have been home for almost 5 weeks (tomorrow), and I am thankful every time I wake up and go to sleep in my own bed.  I put Reese in a 0-3 month outfit this morning for the first time (she's been wearing Newborn stuff since she was born), and I thought about how much she has grown and how far she has come. 

 



One Day Old

 

Six Weeks Old

I know this is cliche to say, but it seems like she has been part of our family for so much longer than 6.5 weeks.  I can't imagine life without her, and I can't wait to see what kind of person she becomes.

I was at school today to lead my small group, and it was so nice to see the students and be back in a "teacher" role for a little while.  I don't know if I've talked about it on the blog or not, but my job at Western will be a little different this year.  I love teaching English, but the paper load is huge, and I was feeling overwhelmed last year.  I couldn't make myself correct all the assignments I knew I should give my students, and I couldn't put in the time I should have.  All I wanted to do when I got home was be with Harper, and then there was cooking, laundry, etc. on top of that.  So when I found out I was pregnant with Reese around New Years, I told Jason I didn't think I could sign a full-time contract in February.  He was very supportive while still politely suggesting that I couldn't really quit working, either.  And I didn't want to completely quit. 

I prayed about the situation a lot and talked about with a few key people.  For awhile, it looked like I wouldn't have the option to go part-time at WC.  I thought I would have to sign a full-time contract, which I dreaded, or not sign one at all, which I wasn't ready for.  But God ended up opening a door none of us had really expected or thought of, allowing me to "downsize" my responsibilities while still staying at the school I love.  Our Library/Media Specialist (librarian) retired, and I asked if I could apply for her job.  The board loved the idea and offered to give it to me part-time, so I will be at school every day from 8-1 or 8-1:30 in the library helping students. I will also have some responsibilities with the yearbook and promoting the school through local papers, and I am teaching one class next semester.  While I will miss the classroom, I am excited about not having the paper load to make me feel behind or inadequate. 

 

Anyways, my point in all of this is that I am starting to feel ready to go back to work.  I am going to miss our cuddly mornings for sure, but it will be good to get back on a schedule and feel like I am using more of my gifts.  I have 2 1/2 weeks left to cherish my cuties full time, and I will enjoy every minute.

 

If I can keep the bigger one from driving away.