Its Official {Some News}

Well Its Official.. I am no longer trying to juggle working and a family life.

I am an official Stay at Home Mom, and I couldnt be happier!

I had often thought before I had Andrew, "Gosh, how am I going to do this with two!"

For the last 2.5 years I've kept my job as a recruiter with a fabulous company.

I started back with them waaaaay back when Mathew was in Iraq.

They let me work from home and recruit from NC, flew me to FL for training.. and after Samantha came I went right back to Full Time... ( I was home, in NC, and she was SUCH an amazing baby..that I could manage BOTH successfully, without childcare/nanny)

Then when we moved in Nov 2009... I went part time, just because I had no full time help, and I wasnt crazy about the idea of daycare. Not to say ANYTHING bad about it at ALL.. but it just was a decision we made for our family that worked for us.

August 2010 - we found an amazing Nanny for Samantha. Someone we knew through someone, so it was a personal connection. She was in school for childhood psychology.. PERFECT! So she could babysit/diagnose any problems, ha! Just kidding.

Samantha grew to LOVE her and so did we! It worked out perfectly .. again..

Now adding Mister Andrew would be a change for sure. I wasnt sure how I was going to handle it at all.. I was prepared to go back to work, possibly part time, until I could figure out a solution. Our beloved Nanny is getting ready to enter the real-world workforce and is oddly enough, moving to North Carolina! (Im a little jealous!.. Okay a LOT)

So, I mustered up the courage to have one of those very uncomfortable conversations with my boss, since on Monday 4/24, I was technically due back at work full time.

Since poor Andrew has had a lot of issues and challenges since birth, it really IS harder for me to take care of him, even if there was no 2 year old running around..

My boss was completely understanding and wonderful.

He's a family man, and understands. I've known him for almost 7 years now, and I will truly miss not only working for a great man, but a great office, great co-workers, and great company.

But my family comes first, and that's what is most important.

I am very thankful to God that I have the opportunity to stay at home with my kids.

These years are already flying by WAY TOO FAST for me to miss them.

Its the easiest decision I've ever made, and one I know I will never regret for one second.
These two precious babies are my life, and Im so glad I get to spend this time with them.

Someone wrote on my facebook page, "You'll be working alright.. just not leaving the house to do it"

Yes that is so true. And when I'm ready for the workforce again, I hope and pray I can find a place as wonderful as the one I just left. Maybe even get my old job back! Hey, you never know!

I took all these pictures yesterday 4.20.12

We went for a 1.5 mile walk in the morning, it was sunny and close to 75 degrees.

I felt since I had just spoke with my boss the day before that yesterday was my first real day at home as a SAHM.

Everyday wont be easy, but it is going to be right where I want to be.

Home.

17.5 Months... and a good day!

I have to write a mid-month post before the big 18 month mark. I normally do not do this, but lately .. seems like in the last few days Samantha has been changing.. yes in only a few days..

She has been speaking in small sentences...which I am so glad for her since she seems to have been trying soooo hard to speak. The sentences I can remember are "Fava, Dada" (which translates into watching this video that she loves), and "muk Dada" (which means milk Daddy) hah! Im so proud of her!

Also, at this point, we switched to size 4 diapers... we're just using up the last of the 3's...Its about time!

She is getting her 11th tooth, and by golly it is a painful one! She was up a couple nights with pains (Im assuming)...

You are having imaginary conversations all the time.. so funny, between animals, and on your phones... so cute.

Little Momma ...

You are also grasping the "motherly" role. You love feeding your babies from your sippy cup, and putting them in and out of the stroller... I guess Momma's presents for you this year you will really enjoy.. they include a bottle, cradle, and new baby!! I cannot wait 4 more days till Christmas!


Around here we are just finishing some wrapping, having lots of leftover treats from our appetizer party, and waiting for the mail... Im like a happy puppy waiting for the mailman lately.. I love getting everyone's Christmas cards, and unexpected gifts here and there..

Momma ordered some last minute items that I need to get under the tree pronto!
Plus lately i just love waiting for the mail this time of year! Today.. Momma got a present for herself!



I got a raise! Yeay!!!!
Totally unexpected, and I am so grateful and blessed to have such a WONDERFUL job.. I emailed my boss and thanked him.. I love both my jobs.. Momma and recruiter alike! ha!

Samantha is napping, and Momma made a quick snack - Ham/Cheese and Crescents... yummmmmie..


I topped my little sandwich creation with this..


I confess, I almost ate the whole thing.. next time I think I would use 2 tubes of crescents, one for top and one for the bottom.
i just layered Ham & Provolone .. pinched the edges together and baked for 375 for about 15-20 m till it looked brown/done.




And I made some homemade hot cocoa.. which I got here..

http://wearinggackeysapron.blogspot.com - she has some great recipes!

the other day.. it sounds delish.. Its all mixed, now I just gotta make it.

It was a GOOD DAY!!!!