Miniatures

I mentioned in my last post some of the balls I've been juggling COMPLETELY solo. Those were just the major highlights. I didn't mention the smaller ones like weaning, potty training, transitioning into the toddler bed and the millions of other things I do for my toddler.

I'm blogging right now on my phone as I sit next to my toddler sitting on the potty. I'm here for emotional support, I guess. You see my daughter had a lengthy problem with constipation which we finally solved with the new pediatrician. So now, she still gets a little nervous when she feels the urge to push.

I commend all the mothers out there. Motherhood isn't a job that has sick days, vacation or even a pause button. I'd love that last one! We struggle every moment to raise healthy, smart, and adjusted miniature members of society. Okay, pat your backs, you're doing an awesome job!

New Adventures

The first month of 2012 isn't even over yet and our family already has a number of new adventures waiting for us.  I've been neglecting blog land for a lot of real life juggling.  We've been house hunting and found one that we absolutely love.  So now we're jumping through the fire hoops, dotting all the "i's" and crossing all the "t's" in a race to be ready for closing.

I've been job hunting.  That's right after a year and a half of spending one and one time with my little girl as a stay at home mother I'm ready to rejoin the work force.  I've been pleasantly surprised how easy the process has been to receive endorsement here as well as the overwhelming response to my applications. The first two interviews I had were my top two choices and I received offers from both.  I accepted my first choice which is a job that makes me excited at the prospect to grow in my career.  It also comes with day shift so that made the next piece easy to find.

I found an affordable day care at a fraction of the cost I would spend outside of the military and I am extremely impressed with the facility.  It's not just a day care but they treat it as a school with a curriculum.  Izzy also seemed very interested in the classroom and the instructors when we went for the tour and the orientation.

The last ball was formulating a family budget, learning how to save through couponing and tailoring my spending for the best use of my money.  My favorite site is the The Coupon Project for all the local, realistic "how to" advice.  I've learned a lot and I still feel like i have a lot to learn to make changes.

How has your 2012 been treating you so far?  Any big projects you're working on?

Happy Heart

It's been almost a year and a half since I became a stay at home mom.  We've had to sacrifice a few things for us to be able to afford living on one income.  In my opinion, it has all been worth it.  Today for example, was one of those days.  My daughter has been sick since Saturday.  Nothing serious, just a little cold while we're all getting used to the colder weather.  If you have toddlers than you know what I'm going through here.  She started feeling better today and to keep her mind off the coughing and a runny nose I tossed her up in the air, ran around with her on my back, tickled her, helped her do flips while giving her the raspberry on her tummy and watched her LAUGH!  How awesome is that?  If I had to work outside the home who's to say that I would have the freedom to kiss her boo boos or do something like this when she's sick?  I gotta tell you after seeing how miserable she's been for the pass few days it made my heart happy to see her laugh and dance this morning.