Balance

I never thought this day would come. In fact I felt like all summer I was trying to fight time, hoping it would just stand still and the school year would never make an appearance. I was wrong.

Well, the school year did arrive which meant that I would be heading back to work. I knew I wasn't going to be going back full time but it brought a lot of anxiety back into my life. I have never been a mom, wife and teacher all at the same time and I didn't know what to expect. I wanted to give 100% to all areas and thought that once the year started I would fail in something. That frightened me. More than anything I didn't want to be away from Nora. Knowing though that she would be with family, in her own home, peace began to settle in.

The first few days were so hard. Not to say that it is any easier now. It is so hard to leave her chubby cheeks, high pitched squeal, adorable thighs and loving personality. I know that I have to leave and I just have to make the best of it. The good thing is, she is with family and she is at our home. Also, I only work Monday, Tuesday and then every other Wednesday.

So far, it feels good to be out. I know that I will get a shower, teeth brushed, hair and makeup done all before 8 am., so that is a plus. And the best part...I get to have that "coming home" moment. I get to be the one to walk in the door and see her face light up and smile.

It definitely is a balancing act. Kuddos to all the working moms out there. I never thought I would be a working mom, but I am learning to enjoy it and it isn't as bad as what I thought it would be. I definitely savor every moment with her. And...like I said, I get to leave and come home to a happy baby girl.

As you can see, she is doing pretty well. With that double chin, it's apparent she is having no trouble taking a bottle. I seriously could eat her up.

My Little Fish

Today we took Nora to the pool for the first time. I was so excited to get her in the water. I was given/purchased 2 swimsuits and couldn't wait to put her chubby body in one. And of course, I really wanted to dunk her. Kevin wasn't too thrilled about the dunking part. We went to the Courthouse Athletic Club where we workout. The pool was a little cooler than her bath water but she didn't seem to mind. However, she had a very serious expression on her face the entire time. I dunked her twice, Kevin-not once. She didn't even cry. I could tell she wanted to the first time but we distracted her and she was okay. We can't wait to go again!

Beach Trip

This last week Kevin had 2 days off in a row. This is only the second time this has happened since he started working for AT&T. It was so nice! It felt like a vacation to him and to me as well. We decided to go to Lincoln City for the 2 days and relax before I go back to work. We loved it! Nora loved it! And as you can see by the pic of Zeus, he loved it! Yes, he got his very own bed. Spoiled. Rotten. Dog! We walked the beach, ate taffy, enjoyed clam chowder at Mo's, watched a movie, napped, woke up twice in the middle of the night with Nora (this is very unusual), and just enjoyed being together as a family. We are claiming to do this more often. I really hope we do.





She didn't enjoy her sunglasses as much as we enjoyed seeing her in them.

Summer Fun

Two days ago we went up to Portland to spend time with my brother Ty, sister in law Morekka and niece Olive. We had such a great time hanging out outside, entertained by my 14 month old niece. Nora enjoyed herself too...even put herself to sleep laying in the grass! So sweet!








I love my Aunt Mo. We share the same birthday!

Best of Friends (Maybe someday more!)

Every Wednesday Kari, Wyatt, Nora and I get together for lunch or coffee. I work with Kari's husband and she and I got to know each other throughout our pregnancy. Our babies have given us a very special bond.

Our due dates were about 3 weeks apart. Kari was due before me. Poor thing, she went about a week or more overdue and I was 2 weeks early. So, needless to say Nora was born just one day before Wyatt.

It is so great to have her friendship and have this special connection with our babies. It's wonderful to be able to text or call her and ask if Wyatt is doing the same thing and how she handled it. It's been a lot of fun! I always said I wanted twins. With the two of them together, it's like having twins. Let's just say I don't want twins now.

Now that the babies are getting a little older it's been a lot more fun to put them on the floor next to one another. They ALWAYS hold hands. It's so cute. Wyatt would be a great match for Nora...let's just hope he keeps growing! So...here is a pic of their first encounter. They were only about 2 weeks old. Nora put the moves on and tried to do the old yawn and stretch move.






And now here they are at 4 months! Our little lovebirds.

Wyatt, "Mom, she's trying to hold my hand again!"


Wyatt, "Should I let her?"


They are too cute!

Woohoo

Woohoo!

216 diapers=$72, 432 baby wipes=$21, amount I paid with my coupons=$40, Nora content in her carseat while shopping=priceless.

Inspired

Today I was inspired...to cut coupons and try to save more money. One of my best friends Stephanie is a coupon nut. She has inspired me in many ways. She is an amazing mom, wonderful wife and the most positive friend...and she knows how to really save money. All in all-one of the best friends to have around. She can find deals and usually ends up making money off of her purchases. I don't know how she does it. She tries to explain it to me but I just can't wrap my "mommy brain" around it.

Anyways, tonight I decided it was time to start. Kevin and I are so close (financially that is) for me to be a full time momma. But for now I am going back to work 2 1/2 days in the fall. Hopefully this coupon cutting will help. So I went to a blog that she has told me about-frugallivingnw.com. It is a great blog that shows different coupons and deals at a variety of stores and even tells you how to use the coupons and how much money you will spend and save. So I did it. At 7:40 pm. I drove down to Circle K and picked up a Sunday paper in search of my diaper coupons. I ended up buying one paper, but the cashier was so nice and let me take the coupons from 6 papers. So great! He and I will become great friends. I found so many more coupons on products we use...can't wait to use them.



So here's to being frugal and being a full time momma! Get inspired!