Back to Work :(

How in the world is it already here?  I swear I blinked and my time at home with the kids, just focusing on our family, has come to an end.  As I wallow in my sadness, which I know I deserve no sympathy for, my heart also swells with happiness and a deep feeling of thanks for the long time I was blessed with at home.  

Six months felt like such a long time to look ahead to when it was those early days... And now that it's over, it feels like it was all too short.  And oh my, have the  tears been flowing tonight :)

Carson, 

We are so lucky, buddy.  We got a ton of snuggle time, a ton of story time, a ton of play time, and we got to spend your first six months together all the time.  There is not a second of it I would trade.  Even the crabby or fussy days were no big deal, because I knew I didn't have to leave you the next day... And now you're such a big boy and so ready to spend some time getting to know Kris and the other kids at daycare.  You're almost sitting up, you're sleeping great for naps, you're eating like a big guy in the high chair, and you always just go with the flow.  It feels so good sending you off with all those things established!!  I have a feeling being apart is going to be harder on me than you!

Izzy,

My girl :). I loved our extra time together, too!  We are so lucky to have had extra days together to play, and read story after story, and learn new things.  Your spunk  is really coming out lately, and I can't believe how much older you seem just in these last six months.  I cannot erase from my memory your crazy morning hair or our special snuggles while your brothers were still asleep.  I am so glad I got to experience those things with you during my extra time at home.  I love you Izzy Ann!

Cooper,

The big brother.  You have become such a little man, and you have certainly taken your role as the big brother seriously.  One of the most special things of spending the last six months together was watching you three become even closer.  You are always finding ways to get Carson's biggest smiles and loudest giggles, and whenever we are away from the house, you take it upon yourself to watch over Izzy and Carson. Whether it's standing up for Izzy at daycare or playdates, or helping her through an obstacle at the park, or 'protecting' or 'keeping an eye on' Carson, you are a shining example of a good big brother.  I love that I got to see that so clearly blossom in you.  You make my heart happy.

We sure had a fun last week, soaking up every last opportunity to have fun together... The big kids and I went to Chutes and Ladders park, DQ for lunch, and where else but the pet store :). Carson and I got one more day alone together and spent it snuggling and playing all day long.

So it's with a bit of a heavy heart that I head to bed tonight... I'm trying not to do the stay-awake-for-hours-because-when-you-wake-up-it's-tomorrow thing, but I am finding more and more to think about :). I love my job as a teacher--I really, truly do.  I feel incredibly lucky for the summers and school breaks we get the luxury of enjoying...  I just love my job as a mom more. 

 I don't care that it sounds cliche, it's so weird to be closing this chapter of our lives.  Praise God for our three healthy, happy babies.  I couldn't ask for more.