Pulled

Some working mom's probably feel the same way. In October of 2008, I became a mom. In January of 2009, I became a working mom. Since her birth, I had imagined the day I would hand over Emerson to someone else for 8 hours a day, my heart breaking with each thought. Week after week of my maternity leave slid by peacefully, my inner self refusing to look too closely at the calendar.

I went back to work knowing I had to fulfill my commitment to my principal, not knowing how I would ever be able to last a minute, much less multiple hours without my daughter in my arms. I did what every teacher does--I counted the days until summer. Now summer had such a sweeter meaning.

Tomorrow marks one year of me being a working mom. I wish I could say it's been good. I wish I could say it's been okay. But the truth is, I am still a little weepy each morning when I have to kiss Emerson good-bye. We have been SO fortunate to have found a wonderful woman to care for her. I know Emerson loves playing with the other kids each day. But I wish she were just playing with ME.

To all you other working mom's out there: I feel your pain. To all you lucky stay-at-home mom's: I envy all the extra minutes you get to spend with your kids each day. Please don't take them for granted.

Staying home with Emerson isn't an option for me right now. So, I will just keep on.

Emerson, January 2009. Dressed and ready for an early morning drop off.

The Vintage Pearl

I don't enter many blog contests...just a few here and there. Today though, I found a really cool giveaway. After taking a look at The Vintage Pearl, I may have something to add to my Wish List. All of their jewelry is handmade with personalized touches. So many potentials for their necklaces and bracelets. I Should Be Folding Laundry is giving away $50 to The Vintage Pearl! Gorgeous stuff - go take a look!

Snow Bunny

Emerson received a sled for Christmas from my mom. She loves it! Whenever someone says the word "outside", she repeats "Side?" and goes to grab her sledding blanket from the front hall. We've been trying to take her out every couple nights after dinner to do some sledding in the driveway. Up and down, up and down. Her favorite part is when Daddy pulls her really fast! My mom is convinced that this is just the beginning of her love for outdoor sports. Ice skating lessons here we come?

Loving the cold and the snow. Things that aren't exactly high on her mom's list!

15 months

Emerson Grace, 15 months

Tear,

Wishing we were at Cupcake '10. It would have been so much fun to meet Ivy, Tommy, Eden and their mommies. Maybe next year!

Flying High

Back At It

Tomorrow life returns to "normal". I head back to school, Jeremy's back at work and Emerson will be reunited again with her daycare friends.

For some reason this year, I am not dreading the thought of the break ending. I had a wonderful two weeks--complete with TONS of Emerson time as well as time with friends and family.

This is usually the stretch of the year that is the hardest. Because of the weather, I don't have the opportunity to travel to see my family as much as I would like. The lack of sunshine really does bring me down as well as the winter blah's in general.

This year, I am trying to accept the things I can not change. For right now at least, I have to work. These past months, I have really not enjoyed my job. I know though, going into second semester, that I need a more positive attitude. Part of me is anxious to go back and tackle some things at work. I have some new ideas that I am excited to try!

Every year Jeremy and I come up with a list of 10 things we want to work on or accomplish in the coming year. Our versions of resolutions. This year, as well countless others, one of my goals is to work on my patience. As a younger person, I would not have said this was ever a problem for me, but I know it is now. Sometimes my lack of patience is downright scary.

So, in the new year......

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wisdom to know the difference.

--Reinhold Niebuhr