1year

My littlest one is now one year old today. No more having to put her first to avoid that math confusion I mentioned at the beginning.
In a week, I have to go back to work. Of course I end up going back into the rotation on the night shift. At least it's only for a week.
One year. I can't believe she's that old already. At the same time, I can't remember, really, what the house was like before her. It's the same as the oldest. I have a vague concept of life pre-children, but it feels like they've always been a part of how I live.
Daycare costs are about to go up. Two kids instead of one. And never mind September when the oldest enters full day every day school...That likely means before and after school care. That means no more pay-as-you-go for her. We'll be paying for five days a week, even on the weeks we don't need it. What to do at that point? Pay and not use? Or send her in early, even though I'm home...Decisions will have to be made. It would be great if I could work from home. (Or not have to work at all! Anyone got some money they need to get rid of? I take Traveler's Cheques!)
Oh well, work pays the bills. Bills keep the internet, TV, lights, heating, phone, house all connected.

I hope everyone is doing well. I'm off to woo my daughter for a good long time. (It IS her birthday, after all.) Besides, soon I'll only see her for a few minutes per day. (At least until I'm off nights.)

J

The countdown begins

Yee-ha!
I'm getting off work for a while. My beautiful, kind, hot, smart, lovely, generous wife has granted me a share of the Parental Leave offered here.

In about 3.5 weeks, I'll be off for about 9. Ahhhh...

Now, don't get me wrong. I know that staying home with a baby (I'm never sure what magic age means they're not infants anymore) isn't easy as pie. I know that they require a lot of attention, love, affection, interaction....etc, etc.

You've got to understand though...I work shift work. I do three "different" shifts rotating every three weeks. So...three weeks of "nights." Followed by three weeks of "days." Then finally, three weeks of "splits."

Under that schedule, you're just getting used to one shift, when you're launched into the next. It wreaks you're body. (We all know the research that links shifts in general to poorer health and earlier death.)

So for me, 9weeks of diapers and sing-alongs will be heavenly. I'll get some nice bonding time with both girls. I'll get to walk the oldest to and from school. I'll get to take the youngest for little day outings....I'm going to ROCK this time off.

It might even mean that I get back to posting on a more regular basis again. That, of course will depend on nap times.

I can hardly contain myself at the chance to get two-plus months of better rest and sunlight exposure. (Who cares if it's technically winter? I'm not locked in a dark room!)

My wife won't be a single parent for three weeks at a time! How can we go wrong?

Well, that's enough gloating for today. (Sorry. I'm just really looking forward to spending time with the girls again.)

I'll be back again to share more insights and deep talk.

J

PS- Before I forget, here's a link about eating habits that maybe you changed, but don't need to! Let's discuss it when I get back.