It's only been 5 days

I started this last week, but just like many things these days, it didn't get finished...

This week is officially complete as a SAHM (Stay at home momma) and I really enjoyed it! I will say, it is so much more work than going to work. At work, I could run during lunch to target or the grocery store, but now almost every errand comes with my extra helper. By "helper" I mean not really helpful at all. That is harder, but I also know exactly why he is crabby, if that is the case, at the end of the day, rather than wondering how things went at day care. He is getting longer naps at home and we get to have so much fun together. We went to music class at the library, we went to the botanical gardens and I managed to clean all the window blinds in my house - can't remember the last time that happened! (Has it happened since we bought them?!). I even cooked dinner and went grocery shopping along with my normal house cleaning duties.

I think the biggest change is the role I play in the house. Glenn was always the cook and grocery shopper. I cleaned and helped with the laundry. I have a lot more time during the day now to take care of some of these things and I try to. I'm trying to find my place again as well as have a little time for me.

I went out with a few girlfriends last Thursday and I found myself dragging my feet to get there. Normally I would be rushing out the door, ready to relax after a week at work. Not that my days weren't busy and "work" at times, but I felt less reluctant to enjoy a night with my friends since I hadn't contributed in my normal manner. It's a balance. I still haven't quite found it.

I worry at times that Lincoln isn't in a "learning" environment like he was a day care. I know he's only 18 months, but he was at a place with different topics and units and experiences every day. I'm not a preschool teacher, but it would definitely help at times!

So it's an adjustment, and I'm still figuring it out, but I love being able to lay on the floor in the morning and play with my little man and not have to rush us both out the door to work. I do find myself looking for projects to do so I think there will be more house painting or similar in my future, but I like having a project to do, especially when Glenn is gone. Any one need a piece of furniture painted? Maybe I'll finally get started on my annual scrapbook before the year is complete.

Happy Thursday!

To work or not to work?

Now that I am visibly pregnant (busted out the maternity pants today for the first time! Side note, dang, these things are comfy. Might want to wear them after January) people always seem to ask the same few questions.

1. When are you due?
2. What are you having?
3. Are you going back to work?

Well, our son is due on January 22, 2013 and yes, I plan on going back to work. I PLAN on it. As in, right now, I think I will, but come January/February/March, I may have changed my mind. Glenn and I are very lucky that the Navy is a steady and dependable income that we can live off of. We can pay all our bills with his income, just perhaps, a few less home improvement projects and flights back home.

I like work though. I like making a little extra money and keeping busy. Although, I'm pretty sure a baby will keep me busy enough as well.

We've checked out a few daycare centers in the area. Some we liked, some we didn't. We are on a waiting list for one near the house, but the waiting list is 9-18 months (!). There is a second that I think we like even more that is just down the street from my office. I like the idea of being able to stop by during lunch to feed the baby or being just 2 minutes away if something were to happen. It's not as convenient for Glenn's job, but with him being gone every few months, it makes more sense to be near my office.

I've thought about working less than 40 hours per week as well and I think my office will let me work from home when necessary or a day or two a week.

Or maybe I'll just stay home with my little babe and hang out with several of my Navy spouse friends who are also stay at home moms. That sounds appealing at times too!

Here is a picture we got at our 20 week ultrasound last month. I'm not sure when our next ultrasound will be or if we'll even have another one at the dr's office, but he's looking less gummy bear like and a little more baby like!

A New Record

My semi-weekly tradition of applying for jobs online after Glenn leaves for work, led me to this today.

REALLY?! One thousand, four hundred and twenty three people have also applied?! FMN.