Thankful

Words can barely express how blessed and thankful I feel to have an extended leave of absence.  After going back to work after Cooper was 10 weeks old, Jeremy and I promised each other our next children would have more time at home with mom.  After all, they're only little for so long!!  We didn't exactly anticipate having a second child smack dab in the middle of the school year (we thought we'd have summer as a buffer for more mommy time at home), but nonetheless, we committed to finding a way for me to take extra time off from teaching.  So we both chose to work our summer jobs again, and we avoided the usual summer 'extras' that we never used to think twice about.  The one hitch was whether the school board would accept a longer leave in the middle of the school year.  Fortunately, they approved an 18-week, or 4 month, leave for me.  I'll be returning to work just in time for the third trimester--March 1.

Up until now, Cooper has still been going to daycare full time.  He LOVES going to Kris's house, which we are so happy for.  But starting next week, he's going to have 4-day weekends for a few months.  He's going to stay home with Izzy and me on Mondays and Fridays from here on out.  I am really excited to spend time with both of my kids... I just hope Cooper doesn't get bored with us :) 

Today would be my first day back at work had I only taken the paid 6-week leave.  As I was rocking Izzy back to sleep this morning, I started tearing up, thinking how thankful I am that everything worked out the way it did this time.  I will surely be a hot mess the day I go back to work in March, but I am overjoyed that I have until February 28 to be in tears all day long.

No photos today, just an extra prayer of thankfulness.