Almost 2

As a teacher, one thing I did not have patience for was whining. Students that constantly turn on the waterworks got no attention from me.
Now, I'm finding myself living with an almost 2-year-old that does just that, and I have patience I didn't know I was capable of. Of course, one reason is that he can't always communicate his frustrations in words. I'm still figuring out how to best handle his meltdowns, but I still can't get over the compassion and understanding God grants me as his mom.

Week 3: Dustin

The highlights of this week were not mommy revelations but the time I spent with Dustin.

This week, Dustin and I went on our first date together in 6 months.  We cuddled up in a booth at Green Valley, ordered dessert and coffee first (his idea), and watched football.  He even took me to see a movie afterward (which happens once a year).  We held hands and alternated eating popcorn and candy.  I'm so glad I'm married to a man who still takes me on dates.

Dustin and I discussed our classrooms each night over dinner.  I've watched him play trumpet at gigs since he was 15, but when I walked into his band room this week, I realized I'd never seen him teach or conduct.  His teaching situation is not easy, and I was so proud to see how his hard work is paying off.  The students show him respect, and his pep band sounds great.

I am married to an amazing man.  We've grown up together.  He is a wonderful father to Miles, and his love for me showed the most when he helped keep our household and family going as I was crumbling and then let me do what I needed to be happy.  I know the pressure on him is greater now than ever, but he doesn't let it show.

I can't believe this is where we are nearly 10 years into our marriage.  I kind of feel like we've finally made it: strange!

Look who got carpet burn from crawling nose to the ground down the hallway...(still cute, though)

 

Week 2 "At Home"

I put at home in quotes, because we don't sit at home. Many acquaintances have asked if I'm going stir crazy yet, but my friends ask what Miles and I have been up to.
We've worked out something fun and small to do most days. I actually love scouring the Internet to see what fun, free events are coming up.
Twitter has become a great resource for mommy ideas, encouragement, and advice.
Having the time to plan and cook meals is so foreign to me, but I've been successful. so far.
I am working 8-10hrs a week for an accountant. It's been a great outlet to challenge my brain and interact with adults who discuss about other topics than mommy stuff.
It's so strange how normal this life feels. I don't even think about my teaching job. I didn't realize how much I wasn't getting done. It takes me nearly 2 hrs while Miles sleeps to keep the everyday things in this house going. No wonder I came home each day and shut down. It was overwhelming.
My favorite thing is to hear Miles tell people, "mama home!"

New Job

I never saw myself as "mommy" material, much less a stay-at-home mom, but that is the direction God led me this year. I cried many mornings at work during car duty, envious of those mothers driving their big SUVs, wearing workout clothes, dropping their beautiful children off at school. Then, I found myself in my own version of that image this week dressed in new workout clothes, walking my beautiful Miles into play school, and heading off in my VW wagon. I actually laughed out loud when I realized it. It's not often our dreams come true. I know this is not an outrageous dream, but it is the only dream I've had for 2 years. I am a whole new person: energized; excited about life; not dreading every morning; planning fun (free) things to do; even cooking meals! I am so grateful for the people God put in my path to make this possible.