Back to Work

Well, today was the day. I finally had to go back to work. It was something I was both looking forward to and dreading for some time now. But it came today whether I liked it or not.

This morning was actually easier than I thought. I had guessed that I would start the water works at Pam's house (the wonderful lady that is keeping Kaitlyn). But I was totally fine there. Maybe it was because I was going over some last minute things...who knows. But I was really okay there. I got in the car to drive to work after that though and was okay for the first few minutes. I called Cody to let him know I had dropped her off and everything was okay, but while I was talking to him I got all choked up. Then, stupid me decides to play the sappy song about a daughter (I'll post the lyrics at the end of this post) over and over until I got to work. So of course my makeup was pretty much running down my face when I walked into my classroom. I composed myself pretty quickly though trying to get everything ready for the day, but lost it again once I went to pick up my students. Other teachers were stopping me asking me how I was holding up and I couldn't even complete a sentence. (I'm still blaming some of my crying on hormones...just because I can!) :)

The day itself went pretty well - much better than I thought it would. I have such great kids this year (just a few little attitudes I'll have to get in check, but nothing I can't handle!) I really forgot just how much I love my job. It just felt...natural to be back, and I get this almost charge from teaching. I was so happy seeing the progress that had already been made and my mind is already working on what I can do for each kid. I know that I am right where I need to be professionally and I am truly thankful for that. Of course there is a lot of work ahead of me. Six weeks of not doing things "my way" in my room has got me a bit stressed, and I'll have to do a lot of reteaching of routines and such. But I'll get there - slowly but surely...well, not too slowly since it's almost November! But I'm ready for the challenge!

And Kaitlyn was just fine, and I knew she would be. God has truly blessed me with our situation. Kaitlyn is in a great home where she will be care for each day I'm working. My mind is so at ease and I am beyond thankful!!!

Speaking of thankful - I have AMAZING friends and family that loved on me so much. Starting last night I got text messages, emails, voicemails, and even an ecard saying they were thinking of me today. Everyone knew today would be hard on me and they just poured out their support. And then there's Cody. I honestly don't know what I would do without him. He left a little later today for work so he could help me out at the house. He helped me relax (as much as he could) while I was driving to work. There was already an email on my school account when I got to work from him telling me to have a great first day back, AND he sent a wonderful edible arrangement to my classroom. (I have a weird thing about getting flowers...I think it's very silly so the fruit was perfect for me!) I thank God each day for having such a wonderful husband. Having him, my awesome family, and amazing friends...does it get any better??

I know I'm going to get sad here and there knowing that Kaitlyn is spending so much time with someone else, but I know in my heart it's the right thing to do. I truly feel like I'm called to my job and I know that some of my kids need me. I'm not trying to say I'm a wonderful teacher or anything along those lines, although that's what I strive for. But some of my kids don't have the greatest of home lives, and if I could only teach them one thing this year it would be that they are loved and that I believe in each and every single one of them!

Here's that song that I just think is great. Cody's really good friend Aaron told him about it first and Cody and I both fell in love with the song as soon as we heard it. If you have a daughter you need to go get it from I-tunes. Even if you have a son - get it. It's great!

It Won't Be Like This For Long By: Darius Rucker

He didn't have to wake up
He'd been up all night
Lay'n there in bed listen'n
To his new born baby cry
He makes a pot of coffee
He splashes water on his face
His wife gives him a kiss and says
It gonna be OK

It wont be like this for long
One day soon we'll look back laugh'n
At the week we brought her home
This phase is gonna fly by
So baby just hold on
It wont be like this for long

Four years later bout four thirty
She's crawling in their bed
And when he drops her off at preschool
She's clinging to his leg
The teacher peels her off of him
He says what can I do
She says now don't you worry
This will only last a week or two

It wont be like this for long
One day soon we'll drop her off
And she wont even know your gone
This phase is gonna fly by
If you can just hold on
It wont be like this for long

One day soon she'll be a teenager
And at times you'll think she hates him
Then he'll walk her down the isle
And he'll raise her vale
But right now she up and cry'n
And the truth is that he don't mind
As he kisses her good night
And she says her prayers
He lays down there beside her
Till her eyes are finally closed
And just watch'n her it breaks his heart
Cause he already knows
It wont be like this for long
One day soon that little girl is gonna be
All grown up and gone
Yeah this phase is gonna fly by
He's try'n to hold on
It wont be like this for long
It wont be like this for long

YAY!!!

Today is a huge day for me!!! (I know this is going to be silly to some people) I am oh so very excited because I pulled a pair of my non maternity jeans out and decided to give them a whirl again and they fit! Now, they were what I considered my "fat jeans" and they are for sure not those anymore, but still - THEY ARE NOT MATERNITY!!! WOOHOO!!!

Now for those of you lucky moms that fit back into your jeans right away...yeah...just don't write any comment please. I'm happy for you but don't want to hear it. :P

I was able to wear some of my other pants and capris for a while now, but the jeans just didn't work - until today. Now, I still have sooo far to go when it comes to baby weight and all. I'm gonna hold on to my oh so favorite jeans and make for darn sure I fit in them eventually. It might not happen soon, but I'll get there...just gotta take baby steps...haha - get it? Okay - I need some sleep. :)

Bow Head

So I saw these oh so cute bows in all the boutique stores, but I never could quite make myself pay what they cost. So I ventured out, bought some ribbon, and tried to make my own. I've made several, but this is the first one she has actually worn. I'm sure I'll add some more pictures later of my other creations...it's actually really fun to make them!

Big Girl Bed..er...Crib :)

Because Kaitlyn was in the NICU and hooked up to so many machines that told us everything was okay, Cody and I were very nervous the first night she was home. We had her sleep in the bassinet right by our bed. I don't think either of us slept too much that night. I was constantly getting up to make sure she was still breathing. The second night was a little better, but we still had her by our bed. On September 23rd we tried the crib and it worked great - actually, I think she slept better in there than the bassinet. We have a sleep positioner that is just wonderful and sets me at ease. Plus we have an awesome monitor that picks up every single sound. She's been in there ever since, but I did take pictures the first night. She looks so tiny in the big crib! :)

One Month Old

Wow - Kaitlyn is already one month old today. It's crazy - time has gone by so quickly!!! She's already a whole other baby since we brought her home. She is starting to eat more, stay awake more, and she's developing this wonderful little personality. :) I cannot even begin to express just how much I love this little girl - it's beyond any kind of happiness I could have ever imagined. So often you hear that, "You never know true love until you have a child." Well, I don't think it's quite that, because I have felt love from my family, friends, and oh so much love from Cody, but this is just a different type of love. And really, no words I put on this screen right now would do it justice.

We took Kaitlyn to the doctor yesterday for another check up and she's doing great. Actually the doctor called her perfect! :) She now weighs 7 pounds and 5 ounces, so she reversed her birth weight of 5 pounds 7 ounces. She's also 20 inches long. It's amazing to see her grow that much after so little time. I am just so very thankful to God that she is healthy and growing the way she is. And we still have 8 more days until her official due date! :)