Hard

Hard. That's what this week will be for me, no doubt. See, in case you haven't heard, I am entering the outside working world again, starting Thursday. In some small ways, I am excited, partially because I knew I would have to do it sometime, and partially because job hunting sucks. Sorry, it just does. So anyways, notice I say "small" ways. Because in every other possible way, I want to stay home with Abbie and raise her and be here with her all the time. But one thing I do know is this - when I am working outside the home, I do not take the time with her for granted. I do not lose patience with her nearly as easily, and I truly do cherish each minute. Please know that I am not saying this about other Mom's, I am speaking of myself here. So in that way, maybe it's not all bad. I still really believe that for me a mix of outside work and being at home is ideal, but as I've said before, we aren't quite there yet. So for now, I will be content with the situation given to me, because as a friend reminded me this morning, God is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him. For now, I will be satisfied.

And on a lighter note, I MUST get some drawer locks today. As I was writing this post, Abbie has retrieved a lighter, some neosporin lip balm, and as I type this she has matches in her hands. (She is in Wes's fishing desk). Gotta run!!

A little bit of this and that

Do you ever write blogs in your head? Like have one planned out, title, pictures, and everything, and then just never get around to it? Well, that's what I've been doing for weeks now, and of course now that I am getting around to it, I don't have anything planned to write! Oh well.

I feel like the past few weeks have flown by. The three of us took a trip to San Antonio to meet up with some friends from Salt Lake City, and then Labor Day Abbie and I flew down to FL to stay with my family. Both trips were wonderful and a nice escape from reality. I'll share some pictures below. As we already knew, Abbie is obsessed w/ water so our FL trip was right up her alley, with the beach, the pool, and the splash park. She absolutely loved it!

It's hard to believe it's been a whole year since we moved back to NC. These friends in the picture above were the ones that got us through some hard times out there, when we felt lonely and homesick (me especially) and we did things with them on a regular basis. If you have been reading my blog for a while, you'll recognize them!

It's been two months today that I have been out of work. I am enjoying being at home w/ Abbie more than I can express. I really truly love it. Of course, it's the hardest thing I've ever done, but I feel like whatever time I get to spend with her is worth it when all is said and done. I promise you that if I thought we could work it out where we wouldn't have to sell everything we own and have me not go back to work, we would!

I don't know if it's her age or not, but I really enjoy my days with her, but the nights are what is hard. She fights going to sleep like crazy sometimes, and the fact that she has TONS of teeth coming in AND a sinus infection right now probably aren't helping. But man, my patience has truly been tested with that lately. Oh, and one last thing, if anyone has any words of advice on weaning a 16-month old, could you leave it in the comments? I really think I am ready. I really don't think Abbie is. It might be tough. Do you think it's worth it? Or should I just wait til she is done? I mean, I don't want to nurse her til she is 4, ya know? I just am not sure what to do right now.