Thursday, January 20, 2011

Back to work....what?!

Last week I got an unexpected call from my principal who left a message saying that she had a "proposal" for me. When I called back, she explained that one of the Kindergarten teachers was going to take on more of an administrative role, and they needed someone to take over the morning Kindergarten class! After the shock wore off, I sat down and told Kyle about it. At first we thought, although it would be a great opportunity, we had no idea how we could make it work with Jackson. I mean, I was not even thinking about going back to work for another 6-7 months (maybe). Where would he go? I hadn't even thought about a daycare....plus, was I ready? So I called my Mom because she always gives me perspective and then I prayed about it. Well, I think God was giving me a little shove because Kyle came home the next day and said his boss was willing to work with him so that he could basically make his own schedule! So, after a day or two of going back and forth, I decided that I would take the job! And I start Monday....Ahhhhh!
I think this will be really good for me. I mean, it is only 3 1/2 hours of teaching a day (so easy!) I am home by noon and I have the rest of the day with Jack-man! Plus, it will ease me back into work. I am working with the best Kindergarten team too. They are truly amazing and have made me feel so good about coming back. One of the teachers even said in an e-mail, "You can bring Jackson to meetings anytime you want. He is part of the team now too!" It will also allow Kyle to spend more time with Jack which is awesome! He will have him 4 mornings a week so we don't have to worry about finding and interviewing a daycare last minute.
And even though I am at peace about starting back, I can't help but feel anxious about meeting my new kids and their parents, a little nervous (Kindergarten is a whole new ballgame) and a little bittersweet about leaving my little man (I know, I know, it's only 3 1/2 hours a day!!) But we have been connected at the hip the last 10 months and he is getting so big so fast. I am afraid if I blink, I will miss something. He is truly the light of my life!
So I am enjoying the last few mornings with him and feel so grateful that I was able to stay home with him this long. I am really looking forward to being in a classroom again and seeing all of my wonderful colleagues. I think it will be great and I am so blessed to be given the best of both worlds!

Who could leave this face?






Thursday, January 13, 2011

Jackson's first Christmas!

This Christmas was especially meaningful because this was the first one with our sweet little boy! Celebrating the holidays are always so special, but experiencing the sights and sounds with Jackson made it even more joyful! He is the best "gift" I have ever received!
We spent Christmas in Oregon with Kyle's parents, Kyle's brother and his girlfriend, my Mom, my sister, brother-in-law and precious nephew Bo and Grandma and Grandpa! Lots of family around us! The week was filled with parties and lots and lots of people in the house. Kyle's Mom hosted a Christmas Eve breakfast for 60 people in honor of Jackson!!! All of their closest friends stopped by to meet Jackson and have some yummy food. We also had a dinner/gift exchange one night with another family and their kids. Christmas morning was so fun! Even though Jackson was only 91/2 months, he had a great time "opening" all of his gifts from Santa, Grammy, Nana and Papa. So spoiled! :)
I definitely gained a pound or two from all the eating that always seems to take place when we get together......but, it's the holidays, it's ok to have a second piece of pie right??
It was a great week full of new memories, laughter and joy! And for the cherry on top, we even had a little snow! Jackson was memorized watching the little flakes fall from the sky!
What a special year! We cannot wait to teach Jackson about baby Jesus and the reason for the Christmas season. We are so thankful everyday for our little miracle and we are looking forward to many more Christmas' together.

1st Christmas as a family!

Ready to celebrate!

Christmas Eve with Dad
Nana!
All the girls with their matching necklaces

My sweet boy!
I love my Great-Grandma and Grandpa
Time for Bo to open his presents

With cousin Bo!
All the kids minus Bo-Bo
Christmas morning in my robe!
Look at what Santa brought me!

How are we going to get this back to CA?
The Milligans

Its snowing!!!
Watching it fall...
What a wonderful Christmas we had!!!